Social Teachings of the Church
God instructs his people to relate in particular ways to their friends, neighbors, family, governmental structures, and even the structured rhythm of our days. He cares about how we treat our bodies, what we consume, and how we use our time. This quarter contemplates a kingdom perspective regarding our responsibilities, relationships, and commitments
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).
Obligations to Family and Community
The second unit examines the scope of the Christian life from its foundations in Jesus’ resurrection to its application in the household. We belong to God through faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Therefore, God’s way of doing things shapes our households, allegiances, and submission to authority (Mark 12:17; Romans 13:6–8; 1 Peter 2:13–17; see lesson 6).
God values children. They model Christian values and perspective (Mark 9:36–37, 42; 10:16; see lesson 7). Jesus asks us to learn from them and diligently instruct them in God’s ways (Deuteronomy 6:3–9; see lesson 8). Our households are strong when we love God with the whole of our lives and honor the marriage covenant (Matthew 19:3–9). God calls his people to implement his commandments and values, which alter our attitudes toward children, our spouses, and governmental structures’ power, authority, and prestige.
Obligations to God and Society
The final unit studies the mission of God’s people in life and society. The unit launches with the story of the prophet Jonah, whose reluctant evangelism to the people of Nineveh prompts a conversation with God about who is worthy of receiving the good news (Jonah 3:1–5, 4:6–11; see lesson 9). Learners are encouraged to consider how to reach out to neighbors from various cultural backgrounds.
God created humans as social beings who carry out his work (Genesis 2:15). Work is good and necessary for a fulfilled life in God. The unit discusses work-rest balance through the topic of Sabbath-keeping. This study also weighs our call to work for and support our communities rather than parasitizing them for individual gain (Exodus 20:9; Mark 2:18–28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; see lesson 10).
God calls his followers to provide for the needy, assist the widow and orphan, and encourage one another as we gather for worship and fellowship (Deuteronomy 24:14–21; Hebrews 10:22–25; see lessons 11 and 13). The Christian life is neither boundlessly relaxed ease nor endless labor (Mark 2:27; see lesson 12). God urges us toward mission, labor, justice, service, rest, worship, and community as healthy rhythms of life.
by Brenner S. Carlson
Unit 1: Fulfilling Our Obligations to Neighbors
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| March 8 | Watching Our Consumption | Daniel 1:8–17; 1 Timothy 4:7–8 |
| March 15 | Giving to the Community | Deuteronomy 15:4–11; Matthew 25:42–45 |
| March 22 | Welcoming Others in Christ | Acts 10:9–15, 30–35; Galatians 3:28–29 |
| March 29 | Waiting for God’s Peace | Isaiah 2:2–4; Acts 17:26–28 |
Unit 2: Fulfilling Our Obligations to Family and Community
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| April 5 | Resurrection: The Future Hope | 1 Corinthians 15:13–20, 51–58 |
| April 12 | Authority: Belonging to God | Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1, 6–8; 1 Peter 2:13–17 |
| April 19 | Children: Gift and Model | Mark 9:36–37, 42; 10:13–16 |
| April 26 | Family: Distinct and Obedient | Deuteronomy 6:3–9; Matthew 19:3–9 |
Unit 3: Fulfilling Our Obligations to God and Society
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| May 3 | Christian Expectation of Grace | Jonah 3:1–5; 4:6–11 |
| May 10 | Work as Christian Duty | Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9; John 5:17; 9:4; Acts 20:33–35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12 |
| May 17 | Christian Manner of Justice | Deuteronomy 24:14–21; Ephesians 6:5–9; 1 Timothy 6:17–19 |
| May 24 | Christian Rhythms of Life | Mark 2:18–28 |
| May 31 | Living in Christian Community | Matthew 28:18–20; Hebrews 10:22–25 |