Bible Readings - Aug. 26, 2025

Reading 1

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

For you yourselves know, brothers,

that our reception among you was not without effect.

Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated,

as you know, in Philippi,

we drew courage through our God

to speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle.

Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives,

nor did it work through deception.

But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel,

that is how we speak,

not as trying to please men,

but rather God, who judges our hearts.

Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know,

or with a pretext for greed–God is witness–

nor did we seek praise from men,

either from you or from others,

although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ.

Rather, we were gentle among you,

as a nursing mother cares for her children.

With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you

not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well,

so dearly beloved had you become to us.

Psalm 139:1-6

O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;

you know when I sit and when I stand;

you understand my thoughts from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,

with all my ways you are familiar.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.

Behind me and before, you hem me in

and rest your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

too lofty for me to attain.

Hebrews 4:12

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective,

sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating

even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,

and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Gospel

Matthew 23:23-26

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,

and have neglected the weightier things of the law:

judgment and mercy and fidelity.

But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.

Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,

but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.

Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,

so that the outside also may be clean.”