May 31, 2026, 8:30 am | Living in Christian Community | Sunday Morning Bible Study

Download the full lesson HERE

Devotional Reading: Hebrews 1:1–6

Background Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1–12; Psalm 122:1–9;

Hebrews 10:19–25

Introduction

A. Privileges and Responsibilities

My teenage children have household chores assigned to them. It is a way they contribute to our family responsibilities. Some days, my kids exceed all expectations for their tasks. On other days, however, I must remind them to complete their chores. Often, they ask, “Do we have to?”

My children’s response creates the opportunity to talk about reliability, trustworthiness, and the importance of family. These chores are not just busywork. Each task, when completed, supports and strengthens the entire family. Each person’s contribution is vital to the health of the whole.

Belonging to God’s family also includes specific responsibilities to God and other believers. Today’s lesson illustrates examples of these obligations. As we fulfill our commitments in obedience to God and our Christian brothers and sisters, we discover that life in God’s family is full of challenge, meaningful work, and relationship-building. Life in community offers fulfillment and eternal hope.

B. Lesson Context

Today’s lesson comes from two New Testament texts. The first is Matthew 28, which describes events following Jesus’ resurrection. Mary discovers the empty tomb, brings the news to the disciples, and Jesus appears to them (Matthew 28:1–10). Religious officials pay off Roman soldiers to tell a different story (28:11–15). These events take place in and around Jerusalem. When we pick up with our text, however, the disciples are on a mountaintop in Galilee (28:16). Jesus gives them instructions for continuing ministry (28:18–20).

The second text comes from the book of Hebrews. Its unnamed author draws significantly from the Old Testament, quoting or referencing it nearly 30 times. The book’s use of Old Testament passages strengthens its claims regarding Jesus and the new covenant. In particular, the author emphasizes Jesus’ superiority (Hebrews 1:5–2:18), priestly status (4:14–5:10), and eternal sacrifice (9:1–10:18).

The verses just prior to today’s lesson establish that believers have access to the presence of God. Because of the work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19–20), Jesus serves as the “high priest over the house of God” (10:21). Through Jesus, believers may approach the very throne of God (see 4:16).

Hebrews describes God’s house in new, spiritual terms (3:6). Jesus is not the priest of a physical building, such as the temple in Jerusalem. Instead, He is the priest over the very people of God (Ephesians 2:21–22).

As members of God’s family, “lively stones” that make up His house (1 Peter 2:5), we host the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). God calls believers to live faithfully in community, to respond to Him, and to serve each other.