Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday | Daily Devotions | The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025-2026 |

 May 31

Lesson 13 (KJV)

Living in Christian Community

Devotional Reading: Hebrews 1:1–6

Background Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1–12; Psalm 122:1–9; Hebrews 10:19–25

Matthew 28:18–20

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Hebrews 10:22–25

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Key Text

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).—Hebrews 10:23

Social Teachings of the Church

Unit 3: Fulfilling Our Obligations to God and Society

Lessons 9–13

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Identify the facets of worship in these Scripture passages.

2. Evaluate whether these facets are present in the learner’s life.

3. Make a plan to encourage fellow believers to live out their faith.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Privileges and Responsibilities

B. Lesson Context

I. Building the Church (Matthew 28:18–20)

A. Jesus’ Authority (v. 18)

B. Jesus’ Command (vv. 19–20a)

Go and Teach … All Neighbors?

C. Jesus’ Presence (v. 20b)

II. Living as the Church (Hebrews 10:22–25)

A. Approaching Rightly (v. 22)

B. Holding to Faith (v. 23)

C. Encouraging One Another (v. 24)

D. Gathering Together (v. 25)

The Monastic Life

Conclusion

A. Life in the Kingdom

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It

Amos	Ay-mus.
Galatians	Guh-lay-shunz.
Gentiles	Jen-tiles.
Jeremiah	Jair-uh-my-uh.
Zechariah	Zek-uh-rye-uh.
Zephaniah	Zef-uh-nye-uh.

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.

I. Building the Church

(Matthew 28:18–20)

A. Jesus’ Authority (v. 18)

 

What Do You Think? In what ways can your choices in the coming week demonstrate that Christ is the ultimate authority and power? Digging Deeper How can those choices also challenge popular alternative “authorities”?

B. Jesus’ Command (vv. 19–20a)

What Do You Think? What is one step you can take in the coming week to help share the gospel with a nation other than your own? Digging Deeper What distractions might divert your attention from this goal, and how will you address these distractions?

Go and Teach … All Neighbors?

                                                                                     C. Jesus’ Presence (v. 20b)

II. Living as the Church

(Hebrews 10:22–25)

                                                                                     A. Approaching Rightly (v. 22)

                                                                                     B. Holding to Faith (v. 23)

What Do You Think? How does trusting in God’s faithfulness help you remain steadfast in your faith? Digging Deeper Can you share a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness?

         C. Encouraging One Another (v. 24)

What Do You Think? In what practical ways can you encourage others in your community to live out love and good works? Digging Deeper What challenges might you face in this process, and how can you overcome them?

D. Gathering Together (v. 25)

thfully teach what Jesus taught, support one another, and urge each other toward actionable love. The people of God need one another as we follow King Jesus—the one who will one day return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). Is there a facet of worship outlined in these texts that is missing from your personal practice? Have you taken an active role in both faithful discipleship and disciple-making?

B. Prayer

All-powerful God, through Your Son, you invite us to participate in building Your kingdom. Empower us through Your Spirit to make disciples. Strengthen us to live faithfully in light of Your promises. Show us how to love and serve one another as we wait for Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

Christian community obeys God, loves others, and gathers faithfully.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).

 Seth M. Ehorn, Becki Rogers, and Connie Chandler, “Living in Christian Community,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025–2026, ed. Taylor Z. Stamps et al., vol. 73, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2026), 335–336.