Christian Education
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Spring 2026: Social Teachings of the Church
Unit 1: Fulfilling Our Obligations to Neighbors
Obligations to Neighbors
The first unit of lessons explores the relationship between God’s people and their neighbors inside and outside the church. This unit begins by studying the Israelites’ exile in Babylon and looking at Daniel’s exercise of faith in a hostile environment (Daniel 1:8–17; see lesson 1). The lesson also considers mental and spiritual health alongside care for our physical bodies (1 Timothy 4:7–8).
Other lessons in this unit teach that Christian love is not simply an intellectual exercise but an intentional action. For example, God’s people love others when they care for the poor, welcome others in Christ, and look forward to days of peace (Deuteronomy 15:4–11; Acts 10:9–15, 30–35; Isaiah 2:2–4; see lessons 2–4). Jesus’ teaching breaks social expectations as he invites his followers to extend their hands to all people, not flinching at anyone who might grasp them in return (Matthew 25:42–45, lesson 2).
Lesson 1 Loving God, Loving Others. Mark 12:28–34; James 2:14–17
The setting of Mark 12:28–34 is the temple in Jerusalem during Jesus’ final week. He spends much of that week teaching in the temple environs (Mark 11:15–17, 27; 12:35; etc.). Earlier, Jesus expressed his opposition to the economics of temple practices when he drove out the money changers who had turned the temple into a commercial center rather than a place of prayer (11:15–17). This, along with his teaching, enraged the temple authorities (11:18).
Consequently, those authorities sought to undermine Jesus’ credibility with the people by questioning his allegiances and debating him publicly. Should his popularity wane by being discredited, the authorities could act against Jesus without incurring the people’s anger. If his answers questioned the authority of Rome, he could be handed over to the Romans for execution. Either way, the
authorities wanted to undermine Jesus’ credibility because they perceived him as a threat to their own powerful positions (compare John 11:48).
Lesson 2 Watching Our Consumption. Daniel 1:8–17; 1 Timothy 4:7–8
The book of Daniel is divided into two parts: chapters 1–6 consist of narratives about Daniel and his companions in service to various kings, while chapters 7–12 consist of Daniel’s visions. Because of these visions, the book is found in the “prophecy” section of the Bible. Today’s lesson comes from the first half of the book.
The epistle of 1 Timothy was written more than 500 years after Daniel’s time. Timothy was a traveling companion and coworker of Paul’s. In this letter, Paul gives Timothy instructions regarding the situation in the church at Ephesus, particularly in countering false teachings that threaten to muddy the good news of the gospel and cause distress within the church.
Lesson 3 Giving to the Community. Deuteronomy 15:4–11; Matthew 25:42–45
Lesson Context: Deuteronomy
The title Deuteronomy is a combination of two Greek words meaning “second law.” Moses spoke
and wrote the words in this book after the Israelites served their 40-year sentence in the wilderness (Numbers 32:13; Deuteronomy 2:7; 8:2). A new generation replaced the previous one, and that new generation needed to hear the Law of Moses for themselves. Thus Deuteronomy refers to the second giving of the law (compare the Ten Commandments in both Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5).
Law codes directly shape (and are shaped by) culture. They articulate societal norms and expectations. Throughout the ancient Near East, law codes included common themes such as repayment of debts, release of enslaved people, and establishing land rights. The Law of Moses speaks to similar themes. It also calls for the release of debts, people, and land, although on a different timeline (Leviticus 25:10; Deuteronomy 15:1–2).
Lesson Context: Matthew
Roughly fourteen centuries pass before the nation that received the Law of Moses receives the Gospel of Matthew. In that long interval, the Law of Moses received various “creative” reinterpretations (compare Matthew 23:13–26; Mark 7:8–13). Matthew and other New Testament writers document the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. These events transitioned God’s people from the rules of the old covenant to the expectations of the new. Does this transition mean that the Law of Moses is without value today? Do practitioners of the new covenant need to uphold the expectations of the old? Today’s lesson explores one aspect of these questions.
Lesson 4 Welcoming Others in Christ. Acts 10:9–15, 30–35; Galatians 3:28–29
Lesson Context: Acts
The Christian church birthed on the day of Pentecost stemmed from a core of believers with Jewish backgrounds (Acts 2:5). The 12 apostles, seven deacons in Jerusalem (6:5–6), Paul and Barnabas (14:1), and Jesus himself were all ethnically Jewish or converts to Judaism. Most Jews in the Roman Empire kept themselves apart from Gentiles, forming distinct communities in their cities. Observant Jews saw Gentiles as unclean pagans who endangered Jewish religious and moral purity. They would not eat with Gentiles
nor visit their homes (10:28).
Jewish faith drew a significant number of non-Jewish people. Some of these Gentiles became proselytes, devout converts to Judaism
who were circumcised and followed the Law of Moses (Acts 2:10; 6:5; 13:43). Other Gentiles worshiped God but did not become total converts. These people were considered faithfully devoted and were referred to as “God-fearing Gentiles” (13:16, 26; 17:4, 17).
Lesson Context: Galatians
The book of Galatians is a fiery letter from the apostle Paul to the church at Galatia. Paul wrote it to clarify the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Arguments arose debating whether Gentiles must follow the Law of Moses and be circumcised into the Jewish faith to be faithful Christians. Paul posits that Jesus fulfilled the law and Gentiles were not bound to follow it. Paul’s knowledge of Hebrew law and tradition, paired with his sincere love for Gentile believers, created the necessary opening for God to bring unity to a diverse community.
Lesson 5 Waiting for God’s Peace. Isaiah 2:2–4; Acts 17:26–28
Lesson Context: Isaiah in Judah
Isaiah began prophesying at the end of the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah, in about 740 BC (Isaiah 1:1; 6:1). During Isaiah’s lifetime, the kingdom of Judah faced threats from within and without. Whether the danger came from war with the massive Assyrian Empire (7:17) or injustice and violence within Judah itself (1:21–23), the future of its capital, Jerusalem, was uncertain.
The beginning of the book of Isaiah warns Judah against an even deeper conflict: a war of rebellion that the people were waging against God. The people of Jerusalem led lives filled with unrighteousness, idolatry, and oppression; the once “faithful city” had become a “prostitute” (Isaiah 1:21). Isaiah explains that the Judeans will have no peace with other nations or among their own people until they first accept God’s terms of peace. Thus, Isaiah calls Judah to repent (1:16–17). Amid promises of fearsome judgment, however, Isaiah also announces a message of hope: Jerusalem would once again become a “City of Righteousness” through God’s redeeming work (1:26–27). The first of today’s texts (which has a parallel in Micah 4:1–3) picks up on this theme.
Lesson Context: Paul in Athens
On his second missionary journey (AD 52–54), Paul traveled through the region of Macedonia (modern-day northern Greece). During this journey, he planted churches in the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica (Acts 16:6–15; 17:1–9). Due to persecution in Thessalonica, Paul fled to Athens, some 300 miles to the south (17:14–15).
As Paul walked around Athens, he became distressed by all the city’s idolatry (Acts 17:16). He responded by engaging fellow Jews, God-fearing Gentiles, and others in conversation about Jesus. Paul’s teaching drew the attention of local philosophers, who invited him to speak at the Areopagus, the space in which the city’s political council met (17:19). The Areopagus council likely had authority over which religious teachings were allowed into the city. These men had a rich knowledge of Greek philosophy but almost no familiarity with Hebrew Scripture. Today’s passage comes as Paul addresses this new, highly educated audience with the gospel.
BIBLE STUDY
Adult Bible Study | Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. To join virtual Bible Study please visit Zoom.us and enter Meeting ID: 802 973 031 To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 802-973-031
We all long for a full, rich, satisfying life. But how do we fill up the empty places in our souls? How can we quench our thirst for something deeper, more lasting, more meaningful?
This 13-week study on the second half of John urges you to take a fresh look at Jesus. Here is the opportunity to establish (or renew) your faith in the One who offers true meaning, true belonging, and true life.
This bible study is January 7th – April 1, 2026.
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