Don't Fear or Envy Wealthy Conglomerates [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 23]

How does the Lord judge those who trust in riches? Isaiah 23 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord judges those who trust in riches by drying up their wealth, by bringing disaster that wealth cannot escape, and even by allowing them to stockpile wealth that will serve the Lord’s own people. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.09.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 23

Read Isaiah 23

Questions from the Scripture text: Against whom is this burden (Isaiah 23:1a)? Who are weeping over Tyre in Isaiah 23:1-2, Isaiah 23:5? How have Tyre and Sidon been filled with wealth (Isaiah 23:2-3)? What will be made unproductive for Sidon (Isaiah 23:4)? Of what had Tyre and her allies been proud (Isaiah 23:6-7)? Why would they wonder at who would conspire against them (Isaiah 23:8)? But Who has done it (Isaiah 23:9a)? Why (verse 9b–c)? Why is Tyre out of strength (Isaiah 23:10-11)? For whom had they been a stronghold? Where does He suggest they flee, though to no avail (Isaiah 23:12)? Whom else had Assyria devastated up to this point (Isaiah 23:13)? With what effect on even the best of ships (Isaiah 23:14)? What will the result of Tyre’s economic hardship be (Isaiah 23:15)? How is she pictured advertising herself at the end of this period (Isaiah 23:16)? How successful will she be (Isaiah 23:17)? But to whom will all of these riches ultimately belong (Isaiah 23:18)?

How does the Lord judge those who trust in riches? Isaiah 23 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord judges those who trust in riches by drying up their wealth, by bringing disaster that wealth cannot escape, and even by allowing them to stockpile wealth that will serve the Lord’s own people.

Reversal of “fortune,” Isaiah 23:1–7. Tyre was an extremely wealthy merchant city. From as far as Tarshish (Spain, Isaiah 23:1), and as powerful and wealthy as Egypt (Isaiah 23:5), the wealth of the nations passed through Tyre, and much of that wealth stayed there. But now the bustle of business has come to an abrupt end. Cyprus is the last stop before Tyre, and there Tarshish hears the news that sets them wailing (Isaiah 23:1). Tyre’s partner port, Sidon, is suddenly silenced (Isaiah 23:2)—her revenue left out at a sea (Isaiah 23:3) that refuses to produce for it now (Isaiah 23:4). Egypt also suffers economically (Isaiah 23:5). The pride and joy of all of their prosperity has been silenced (Isaiah 23:6-7).

Retribution for pride, Isaiah 23:8-14. Tyre seemed to powerful to fall: able to crown kings, and whose businessmen were as highest royalty in every nation (Isaiah 23:8). So the big question is who could have conspired to bring her down? Isaiah 23:9 gives the answer. The LORD purposed this to bring down not the pride not only of Tyre but of the entire wealthy world that honored her (verse 9). There’s nothing Tarshish could do (Isaiah 23:10, Isaiah 23:14), nowhere Sidon could go (Isaiah 23:12), to escape the judgment the LORD had commanded (Isaiah 23:11). He has given Assyria power even to destroy Babylon (“the Chaldeans,’ Isaiah 23:13). Tyre had flown high in pride, and the Lord would lay them low with devastation.

Recovery for the righteous, Isaiah 23:15-18. Tyre’s downfall is given a duration of 70 years (Isaiah 23:15), but when it’s over she gets right back to advertising herself (Isaiah 23:16) and is soon right back where she was (Isaiah 23:17). Why would the Lord permit this? Why do the wealthy and wicked seem to prosper and recover? Ultimately, for the sake of the LORD’s glory and His people’s good (Isaiah 23:18). The inheritance of the whole earth is for the Lord’s meek ones (cf. Matthew 5:5, Romans 4:13).

Who are the people of great “fortune” in the eyes of the world? What sorts of things are they able to control? Who is powerful enough to be able to bring them down? In what ways are you in danger of delighting in riches and influence? What could you expect if that’s what you lived for? To whom do all the riches of creation ultimately belong? For whom is the Lord constantly acting in history?

Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You for Your justice to oppose the proud and give grace to the humble. But we are ashamed to confess that we are often proud ourselves—delighting worldly wealth and influence, as Tyre did. Forgive us! And grant unto us humility and heavenly-mindedness by Your Spirit. We confess, also, that we are often anxious about what the wealthy may do. Forgive us for forgetting that You are overruling all that they do for Your glory and our good. Grant unto us to trust comfortably in Your sovereign rule, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP11 “My Trust Is in the LORD” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

Reverent, Gospel Worship [2023.09.24 Evening Sermon in Leviticus 10:1–7]

God glorifies Himself in His Son, and those who come near hallow Him by coming only as He has commanded, by which obedience they come through His Son

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

The Necessity of Conversion [2023.09.24 Morning Sermon in Matthew 3:1–12]

For the kingdom to be good news to us, we must be transformed into its subjects. And to all who receive Him, King Jesus does just that by His Spirit.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

How God Sanctifies Women (and the vital role of the Diaconate in that) [Biblical Theology of the Diaconate #51, 2023.09.24 Sabbath School]

In those whom God has called to wifehood and motherhood, He does a special part of HIs sanctifying work through the decades of filling their lives with the service of husband, children, guests, and saints.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Praying for Continual Deliverance from Indwelling Sin [Theology Simply Explained: Westminster Shorter Catechism 106]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 106—especially explaining how we need continual deliverance from the evil of our sin, including providential assistance to keep it as weak as possible.

Q106. What do we pray for in the sixth petition? In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

God's Day/Worship/People [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 92]

What is the Sabbath for? Psalm 92 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Sabbath is for public, glad, triumphant, life-giving worship. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.09.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 92

Read Psalm 92

Questions from the Scripture text: For what day was this Psalm written (superscript)? What two things is it good to do (Psalm 92:1)? Declaring what two things, especially (Psalm 92:2)? At what two times, especially? What instruments remind that God has ordained His public worship (Psalm 92:3, cf. 1 Chronicles 23:5)? Who makes the believer glad (Psalm 92:4)? Through what? What responses do His works incite (Psalm 92:5)? What does it say about us if we don’t respond this way (Psalm 92:6)? Why do the wicked exist (Psalm 92:7, Psalm 92:9)? Especially in contrast to Whom (Psalm 92:8)? What has the Lord done to believers (Psalm 92:10)? Especially over-against whom (Psalm 92:11)? Who flourish like what (Psalm 92:12)? Where, particularly (Psalm 92:13)? For how long (Psalm 92:14)? In order to declare what (Psalm 92:15)?

What is the Sabbath for? Psalm 92 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Sabbath is for public, glad, triumphant, life-giving worship.

The Sabbath is for public worship, morning and evening, Psalm 92:1–3. The Sabbath Day (superscript) is all about attending to the Creator Himself, finding our very purpose in worship—and doing so according to the rhythm that He has established not only for the Sabbath Day but for all our days: evening and morning (Psalm 92:2). That this is especially corporate worship can be seen in Psalm 92:3, which refers to instruments provided by David and a priesthood designated by David in connection with the temple (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:16, 1 Chronicles 23:5). It is not melody-making machines that is valued here but God’s priests leading God’s people in their holy assembly. This is the great thing of Sabbath assemblies still, and a great reason they are called the Lord’s Day: the only ordained Priest in the church, leading the holy assembly from glory (cf. Hebrews 12:18–24).

The Sabbath is for glad worship, Psalm 92:4-5. The thanksgivings and songs of praise that ring out on the Sabbath (Psalm 92:1) proceed from glad hearts (Psalm 92:4a) over the greatness of God’s works (Psalm 92:4-5a), as those works reveal God’s thoughts to us. Always, we should be considering His works and marveling at His goodness, wisdom, and power. But the Sabbath is an entire day for expressing this praise together in the midst of His assembly. Is your heart glad? Sing psalms (cf. James 5:13)! And channel that gladness into the Lord’s Day and singing that praise together under the leadership of the Great High Priest!

The Sabbath is for triumphant worship, Psalm 92:6-11. The senseless, the fool, and the wicked set themselves against God as enemies whom He will destroy (Psalm 92:6-9). And the believer counts this enmity as enmity against himself, which will also be defeated (Psalm 92:10-11). We live in a world where the wicked seem to have the upper hand, but worship reminds us of God’s glory, the wicked’s end, and our own end (cf. Psalm 73).

The Sabbath is for life-giving worship, Psalm 92:12-15. There is a flourishing for the godly in the public worship of God that is independent of circumstances or ability. Lebanon had the best circumstances for cedars (Psalm 92:12). But the righteous grows like one of those cedars in Yahweh’s house, in God’s courts (Psalm 92:13). Ordinarily, youth is the time of fruiting, freshness, and flourishing (Psalm 92:14). But even in old age, the righteous experience all of these things in Yahweh’s house, in God’s courts (Psalm 92:13). And His praise is not only the source of their vigor but its purpose. The declarations of His covenant love and faithfulness at the beginning of the Psalm (Psalm 92:2) are now joined by declarations of His uprightness, covenant strengthening of His people (“MY Rock”), and perfect righteousness (Psalm 92:15).

What is the centerpiece of the evenings and mornings in your home/heart the other six days of the week? What is the centerpiece of your congregation’s evening and morning on the Lord’s Day? For each of the attributes of God in Psalm 92:2 and Psalm 92:15, list one work that shows it, and give God thanks for it!

Sample prayer: Lord, it is good to give thanks to You, morning and evening every day, but especially on Your day and in the assembly of Your people. Thank You for the weekly reminder of the end of the wicked and the end of the righteous—and the knowledge that You have given Yourself to us already. So, help us by Your Spirit to worship You with gladness of heart as those who have heavenliness of heaven already in You, in Jesus Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP92“It’s Good to Thank the Lord” or TPH92A “It’s Good to Thank the Lord”

All Things Working for Glory [Family Worship lesson in Romans 8:28–30]

What does God know about the mind with which the Spirit intercedes for the saints? Romans 8:28–30 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to God’s plan to glorify them in and with His Son. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.09.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Romans 8:28–30

 Read Romans 8:28–30

Questions from the Scripture text: Which things do we know work together for good (Romans 8:28)? To whom do they work together for good? What did God also do to those whom He foreknew (Romans 8:29a)? To what did He predestine them (verse 29b)? For what reason (verse 29c)? What did He do for those whom He predestined (Romans 8:30a)? What did He do for those whom He called (verse 30b)? What did He do for those whom He justified (verse 30c)?

What does God know about the mind with which the Spirit intercedes for the saints? Romans 8:28–30 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to God’s plan to glorify them in and with His Son. 

We know, Romans 8:28. All things working together for good isn’t even the main idea of verse 28. The main idea is that we know. How do we know? We know that the Spirit helps us to pray for it (Romans 8:26a), because He Himself prays for it (verse 26b), because He Himself has purposed it (Romans 8:27). What evidence is there that He purposed it? Because He called us according to that purpose (Romans 8:28c). 

That’s the only way that sinners such as we are could ever come to love Him (Romans 8:28b). Here the love of God summarizes the keeping of the whole law (cf. Matthew 22:37–40). The one who was a slave under sin is now a lover of God? How did THAT happen?! God purposed it. God called him. God turned him into a lover of God.

God foreknew, Romans 8:29a. Why would God do this for someone who was going to be such a sinner? God did foreknow that we would be sinners. But that’s not the foreknowing that this verse is talking about. Some have thought that it’s talking about God foreknowing that we would choose Him, but that’s a rubbish idea. Apart from converting grace there would only be sin. But this is not foreknowing about a person; this is foreknowing the person himself. Predestination unto glory is the consequence of God determining to have an eternal relationship with a person. 

God knows, Romans 8:29-30. What is the mind of the Spirit as He prays for us in Romans 8:27? It is the mind that belongs to God from all eternity. The mind that treasures the glory of the Son. The mind that predestined those whom God foreknow to be conformed to that glory (Romans 8:29b). The mind that has shaped the history of every foreknown saint from predestination, through calling, to justification (Romans 8:30). And this glorification, that was determined from all eternity, is so sure to come (and to last into all eternity) that the apostle puts it in the past tense. For, it was determined in the knowledge of God—determined in that knowledge which is not a reactive knowledge, but the knowledge that has decreed whatsoever comes to pass (cf. Ephesians 1:11). 

The saint can know that all things are working together for his good, because the way that he came to be a lover of God is because God has determined to work all things together for that saint’s glory with Jesus Christ.

What’s the only way a sinner like you can become a lover of God? When would that have been determined? What had God unstoppably planned to do to such as love God? Why did He predestine them to that?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving us and planning a relationship with us from all eternity. Grant unto us to know the fellowship of Your Spirit, Who works in us and prays for us, that we may be sure that all things are working together for our good—working together to conform us to Christ, which we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH469 “Who Are These Like Stars Appearing”