Bible Study for June 28.2026

Opening Prayer:

Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 10:40-42 Does the superiority of others prevent us from fully living out our call to discipleship?

An act as simple as offering a cup of cold water to “one of these little ones” in the name of a disciple is subject to God’s notice and reward. “Little ones” is understood by some scholars to mean “children of God,” a term of intimacy between Jesus and his followers; others translate “little ones” as the “most insignificant.” Either understanding points to the overriding truth that the disciple’s power and status come from the message—and Messenger—they bear. The disciple in this sense is literally offering the world Jesus. The word reward, though undefined, occurs three times here. Reward means there are consequences for our choices. Those who reject the disciples reject the one they serve. For those who receive them, promises Jesus, they will be blessed beyond their own imagining.

Romans 6:12-23 What is the difference between this political freedom and the freedom Paul is talking about?

Continuing the discussion of freedom from sin in and for obedience, this week’s lection explores the very nature of sin in Pauline theology. He is speaking not of “sins”—a series of wrongs committed by the individual, but of “sin”—a locus of power that stands against righteousness. In Chapter 6, Paul outlines three sets of opposing realities—sin and righteousness, freedom and slavery, wages and gift—to prove his points. Through this epistle, Paul has repeatedly asserted that righteousness is the result of faith; faith made possible only through God’s grace. That grace cannot be earned. Righteousness is not the “reward” or the “wages” of faithful living. This passage reminds us, too, that eternal life cannot be earned; it can only be given.

Closing Prayer