How Union With Christ Puts Our Suffering in Its Place [2023.08.30 Midweek Sermon in Romans 8:18]

Union with Christ is the great factor in properly accounting for believers' suffering

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Teaching-Sanctified Teachers of the Word [Family Worship lesson in Titus 1:8–9]

What must an elder persist in being? Titus 1:8–9 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that an elder must have a Word-formed character for his work in the Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Titus 1:8–9

Titus 1:8–9

Questions from the Scripture text: What six characteristics must an overseer have from Titus 1:8? To what must he hold fast (Titus 1:9)? What sort of word is it? How does he know what to believe about it? What two things must he do to whom? How is he enabled to do so?

What must an elder persist in being? Titus 1:8–9 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that an elder must have a Word-formed character for his work in the Word. 

The elder’s character, Titus 1:8. Titus 1:7 listed several things that an elder must not be. This is because those things prevent a man from being what he ought to be. Now in Titus 1:8, we read what he ought to be. (1) Hospitable: a “lover of strangers.” Someone for whom the image of God in someone else is abundant reason to provide care for body and soul at his own expense. (2) A lover of what is good. It’s just one compound word in the original. Whatever God is, he loves. Whatever God says is good, he loves. Not just approves of. Not just follows. Loves. The first two characteristics are love characteristics. This is a man of love. (3) sober-minded. The word means that he is controlled by wisdom. He learns and grows. He is a theologically principled man, not a pragmatist who changes with the situations, nor an impulsive man who changes with his feelings or inclinations. (4) just. He does what is right toward others; he is fair. (5) holy. He does what is right toward God; he is pious. (6) self-controlled. In possession of himself—particularly enabled to follow what the Word says because he is not manipulated by competing emotions or desires. 

The Word that forms the elder’s character, Titus 1:9a. The participle “holding fast,” at the beginning of Titus 1:9, serves as an explanation of how he came to be the man described in Titus 1:8. The elder is someone who is teachable. He did not come up with his doctrine; he was taught it. He grows, but not through instability; he holds fast to what he has been taught. He considers the Word to be faithful, because God is faithful. It is the Word of a faithful God. It is true, reliable, authoritative, effective and sufficient. And the elder continually gets his life from the Lord by means of His Word.

The work that the elder does in the Word, Titus 1:9b. Just as the man in Matthew 7:5 gains skill in speck-removal by his own plank-removal, the elder gains more than just a godly character by his use of the Word. He gains experience in applying the Word to life. His own holding fast to the Word becomes the foundation for being able to exhort and convict. Others will not have sound doctrine, and he needs to be able to expose them by sound doctrine and apply it to them in whatever way is helpful. 

Whom do you have most difficulty loving and serving? What part of Scripture-defined goodness do you have most difficulty loving? Whom has the Lord given to teach you the Scriptures, and how are you practicing teachability and application? 

Sample prayer:  Lord thank You for working in us by Your Word. And thank You for giving us those who minister Your Word to us. Forgive us for when we do not live by Your word like we ought. Forgive us for when we are not hospitable. Forgive us for when we do not love what is good. Forgive us for when we are not sober-minded. Forgive us for when we are not just. Forgive us for when we are unholy. Forgive us for when we lack self-control. Forgive us for when we are unteachable, or when we do not hold fast to Your faithful Word as it was taught us. Forgive us, and help us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH172 “Speak, O Lord”

August 30, 2023, Midweek Meeting Livestream (6:30p.m.)

Click below for the:

August 30 Prayer Meeting Folder
Midweek Sermon in Romans 8:18

The LORD Who Humbles Egyptians to Heal Them [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 19–20]

What happens to hope in any deliverance other than the Lord? Isaiah 19–20 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord both makes other hopes for deliverance to fail, as well as surprising people from all nations by giving them hope and deliverance in Himself. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 19–20

Read Isaiah 19–20

Questions from the Scripture text: Against whom is this burden (Isaiah 19:1a)? Who is coming (verse 1b–c)? What does this do to Egypt and their idols (verse 1d–e)? What will happen to their unity (Isaiah 19:2)? What will happen to their courage or wisdom (Isaiah 19:3)? What will happen to them as a nation (Isaiah 19:4)? What will happen to them agriculturally/economically (Isaiah 19:5-10)? What will happen to the combined wisdom of their cities (Isaiah 19:11-15)? What will happen to their combined courage (Isaiah 19:16a, Isaiah 19:17a)? Why (Isaiah 19:16b, Isaiah 19:17b)? What sorts of words will Egyptians come to speak in Hebrew (Isaiah 19:18)? Who will worship YHWH where (Isaiah 19:19)? To Whom will Egypt cry about what (Isaiah 19:20)? What will He do about the enemy? What will He do between Himself and them (Isaiah 19:21)? How does Isaiah 19:22 summarize this? What happens to the war (Isaiah 19:23-24)? How is this peace made (Isaiah 19:25)? What happened to the Philistines of Ashdod who had allied themselves with Egypt (Isaiah 20:1)? What had Isaiah been wearing (Isaiah 20:2)? What does the lord tell him to do now? How long does Isaiah do this (Isaiah 20:3)? With whom is Ethiopia allied now? But what will happen to Egyptians and Ethiopians who pass back through Israel (Isaiah 20:4)? What does this do to Israelites’ hopes that Egypt and Ethiopia could save them (Isaiah 20:5)? What does this lead them to conclude about all of their self-made plans (Isaiah 20:6)?

What happens to hope in any deliverance other than the Lord? Isaiah 19–20 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord both makes other hopes for deliverance to fail, as well as surprising people from all nations by giving them hope and deliverance in Himself. 

The book of Isaiah as a whole begins with Israel’s failure to trust in the Lord and be a light to the nations and moves toward the Servant’s successful righteousness and reign, into which the nations come to be gathered. Israel’s own pride to trust in themselves has come from the same Satanic root as Babylon (Isaiah 13:1–14:27), Philistia (Isaiah 14:28–32), Moab (chapters 15–16), Syria (chapters 17–18), and now Egypt (chapters 19–20). In the burden against Egypt, we again see what comes to man’s pride.

Sudden judgment, Isaiah 19:1. Israel was actually hoping that the Egyptian and/or Ethiopian efforts would succeed against Assyria (Isaiah 20:5). But here in Isaiah 19:1, YHWH rides in on a swift cloud and lays Egypt and her idols low.

Powerless idols, Isaiah 19:2-15. Egypt had many “traditional” idols, an entire pantheon of animal gods, nature gods, etc. But these are not the idols that totter and fall in this chapter. Egyptian unity, thousands of years sturdy through many dynasties, crumbles (Isaiah 19:2). Egyptian wisdom, long the envy of much of the world (still the envy of much of the world!), fails (Isaiah 19:3, Isaiah 19:11-15). Egyptian economy, enriched for more than a millennium by Nile-fed agriculture, fails (Isaiah 19:5-10). 

These may not be what people traditionally think of as idols, but they are indeed some of man’s longest standing idols! Do we not, today, worship our own united efforts, our learning/wisdom, and our economy/wealth?! How arrogant! The worshipers of these idols have repeatedly fallen throughout history.

All-powerful deliverer, Isaiah 19:16-21. Egypt’s frightened terror (Isaiah 19:16a, Isaiah 19:17a) comes at the mere waving of YHWH’s hand (Isaiah 19:16b). Whatever He determines against them (Isaiah 19:17b) comes to pass. The amazing thing is that He doesn’t destroy them all. In fact, He brings five cities-full of Egyptians to faith in Himself—even a city that was labeled for destruction (Isaiah 19:18). YHWH brings them to worship Him (Isaiah 19:19), to trust in Him and pray to Him for deliverance (Isaiah 19:20), to know them and be known by them as their covenant God (Isaiah 19:21). 

Worldwide salvation, Isaiah 19:22-25. Isaiah 19:22 summarizes how the Lord brings Egyptians to Himself: He reveals His wrath, He heals from His wrath, and He brings to faith. Indeed, this is the only true peace: when the Lord saves unto Himself people even from such prior enemies as Egypt, Assyria, and Israel (Isaiah 19:23-24). The world becomes one people with one Lord. He says of them, “My people… the work of My hands… My inheritance” (Isaiah 19:25). 

Historical sign, Isaiah 20:1–6. In Isaiah so far, we have seen several instances where what the Lord announces for human history as a whole, He confirms it by giving a short-term example within history. And here the Lord does so again. He names a time period with a definite start date (Isaiah 20:1-3). He gives his prophet a strikingly bizarre way to conduct himself during that time (Isaiah 20:3). And precisely three years later, Israel beholds a trail of Egyptian and Ethiopian exiles “dressed” like the prophet as they are marched off to Assyria (Isaiah 20:4). What is the point? To put their esteem of “world powers” to shame (Isaiah 20:5). He forces them to come to Himself for deliverance by cutting off every other avenue of escape (Isaiah 20:6).

What do you tend to trust in for safety, comfort, or happiness? Who ultimately gives all of these to you? What is it called when you trust in something else, or even in the means that He uses? What would it be merciful of Him to do to all other hopes? What means has He given us by which He may turn our hopes back to Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving men intelligence, diligence, and resources in Your common grace. Forgive us for when we are like Egypt. We do so often proudly think and feel as if our use of the means is what does us good. And so it is just and merciful of You to make us to fail. Grant that whenever we are ashamed of what we have thought and done, Your Spirit would drive us back to You. For You are the God Who saves even from Egypt and Assyria and Israel. And we look to You to save us, too, through Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

Joyously Knowing and Praising the God Who Made Us His Own [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 100]

When all earth finally comes to YHWH, what shall they do? Psalm 100 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all earth must come and worship YHWH in a manner appropriate to their relationship to Him and to the character that He has displayed in bringing us into that relationship. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 100

Read Psalm 100

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of Psalm does the superscript call this? What does Psalm 100:1 command to be made? What sort of shout? To Whom? Who are to make it? What command does Psalm 100:2a give? Serve Whom? In what manner? What command does verse 2b give? Come where? With what? What does Psalm 100:3a command? Know Whom? That He is Whom? That He has made what (verse 3b)? Who didn’t make them? Into what relation with God does His making bring us (verse 3c)? What other relation do we have with Him? What command does Psalm 100:4a give? Enter where? Whose gates? With what? Enter where else (verse 4b)? Whose courts? With what? What command does verse 4c give? Thankful to Whom? By blessing what? Why—for which attribute of His in Psalm 100:5a? And which attribute in verse 5b? What about His covenant love (“mercy”)? And which attribute in verse 5c? What about His faithfulness (“truth”)?

When all earth finally comes to YHWH, what shall they do? Psalm 100 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all earth must come and worship YHWH in a manner appropriate to their relationship to Him and to the character that He has displayed in bringing us into that relationship.  

In the Holy Spirit’s arrangement of the Psalms into the order in which He brought them to us, this Psalm follows several Psalms that look forward to the praise of the last day, when redeemed from all the nations praise the Lord upon His coming to judge the world. It is the conclusion to a section of worship Psalms (Psalms 93–100). What are the redeemed to do, when He comes? We are to worship! Indeed, all worship assemblies of God’s people are dress-rehearsals for this. So, let us pay good attention to the instruction given here.

Worship Him in a particular manner, Psalm 100:1–3a. Shout joyously. Serve. Come. Know. These are the actions of worship commanded here. The verb for the shouting is one that includes the idea of joy. The next two verbs have a manner added to them “with gladness” and “with singing.” 

But how are we to summon such intense joy? Some of us perhaps have been in situations where this was attempted by lighting, or greeting, or melody, or a collective effort of the people gathered to summon joy from within, but the final command in this section gives the key to true worship-joy: “Know!” Know YHWH. Know that He is God. 

The proper manner of worship is not man-induced joy but God-induced joy. Joy that is springs from knowledge of the object of our worship. Joy that that springs from knowing the Person Whom we worship. Don’t just come to think about Him. Don’t just come to address Him. Come to know Him; come to interact with Him.

Worship Him as a particular people, Psalm 100:3-4. The joy of our worship comes not only from knowing YHWH as God but from knowing Him as our Maker and Redeemer. Our failure to praise and thank Him (cf. Romans 1:21) is so foolish. It is as if we think that we have made ourselves. So the Psalm reminds us of something that should be obvious: we did not make ourselves! He made us.

But He has done more than make us. The singers of this Psalm, the offerers of this worship, are His covenant people. Not just “His people” as those made by Him but “His people” as those pastured by Him, those pastored by Him. Oh, there is joy in knowing YHWH as God, but how great is that joy when we do this “knowing Him” as those who are His sheep! There’s a double image in Psalm 100:4 for the worshipers as they gather to God: not just the sheep of verse 4 being brought into the fold by the hand of the shepherd, but also subjects entering the gate/court of a King.

In Hebrew, as in English, the last word of Psalm 100:4 is “His Name.” He has given these sheep, these subjects, to know Him by Name. He has brought them near and divulged Himself to them. Do you see what a great thing it is to worship God in the assembly of His people? He brings us near and makes Himself known to us! This is what fuels the thanksgiving, praise, and blessing.

Worship Him for particular attributes, Psalm 100:5. The three lines in the conclusion to this Psalm highlight three attributes: goodness, covenant love, and faithfulness. To know the Lord and draw near to Him as He makes Himself known to us is to know His attributes, His perfections, His glories. In particular, His goodness, love, and faithfulness have displayed themselves in His redeeming us and gathering us. So, every time we are gathered to worship Him, these three are on spectacular display. An entire devotional, indeed an entire book or a world of books, could be given to each attribute. Such is the character of the God to Whom we gather, the character of the God Who gathers us to Himself. And He is worthy of this worship!

Where should your joy be coming from, when you gather for public worship on the Lord’s Day? So, what will you set your mind and heart upon? What is happening in the worship service? What three attributes of God are always on particular and spectacular display? How is He presenting them to you? How will you receive and respond?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we rejoice to worship You. Thank You for gathering us to Yourself for that worship now. You made us. You redeemed us for Yourself. You shepherd us. And when You gather us to Yourself, You show Yourself abounding in goodness and steadfast love and faithfulness that are from everlasting to everlasting. So grant us thankfulness from Your Spirit, by which we may praise You through Your Son, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP100 “All Earth, With Joy” or TPH100B “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” 

Treasuring Him Who Draws Us Near: Learning from God to Treasure Christ as Our Priest [2023.08.27 Evening Sermon in Leviticus 7:22–38]

The Lord, to Whom we belong entirely, teaches us to treasure Christ, our Priest Who brings us near.

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

Jesus Christ, the Perfect Perfection—True Adam, True Abraham, and True David [2023.08.27 Morning Sermon in Matthew 1:1–17]

Jesus is the true Adam of a new, serpent-defeating humanity; the true Abraham, in Whom all the families of the earth are blessed; the true David, Who rules righteously over all the earth.

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

Officer Qualifications 3: A Deacon's Doctrinally Produced Character and Conduct [Biblical Theology of the Diaconate #48, 2023.08.27 Sabbath School]

Deacons must be examples of doctrinally-produced godliness and spiritual maturity—particularly in ways that are critical for oversight of the service of the church in earthly things.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Praying for the Kingdom of Grace and Glory [Theology Simply Explained: Westminster Shorter Catechism 102]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 102—especially explaining how we pray for Christ’s kingdom against Satan’s kingdom, that grace would advance in every way in this age, and that glory would come in Christ’s return.

Q102. What do we pray for in the second petition? In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come, we pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Our Sufferings Dwarfed by Our Fellowship in Christ's Suffering and Glory [Family Worship lesson in Romans 8:18]

What can make our present suffering "light and momentary" to us? Romans 8:18 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our present sufferings become light and momentary by consideration of Christ's own suffering for us and coming glory in us. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Romans 8:18

Read Romans 8:18

Questions from the Scripture text: What two things from Romans 8:17 does Romans 8:18 now set against each other? To what time does suffering belong? To what time does believers’ glory belong? Where (in whom!) will this glory be revealed? 

What can make our present suffering "light and momentary" to us? Romans 8:18 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our present sufferings become light and momentary by consideration of Christ's own suffering for us and coming glory in us. 

Infinite suffering at the cross. Our own experienced suffering (Romans 8:18a) is not the infinite suffering. The Lord Jesus endured that suffering on the cross, a suffering as great as God’s glory (cf. Romans 1:18, Romans 1:23; Romans 3:23, Romans 3:25). It is His giving Himself to be united to us through our faith in Him that makes His suffering the propitiation of the glory-sized wrath that was against us. And it is our union with Him that means that He continues to suffer with us (cf. Romans 8:17).

Dear Christian, let the phrase “of this present time” (Romans 8:18a) take your thoughts back to the precious suffering of a former time. It was the glory of God that you had despised (cf. Romans 1:23) and of which you had fallen short (cf. Romans 3:23). Only one as great as God’s glory could suffer as greatly as your sin required (cf. Romans 3:25). How great was Jesus’s suffering! How great is His glory! Your sufferings are too great for you, but bring them and stand them next to His suffering, that you may enjoy the encouragement of seeing them dwarfed.

Finite, present suffering. By comparison to Christ’s suffering at the cross, the suffering that we experience is finite/light and momentary (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17a). And it is further lightened and sweetened by the fact that we do it together with Him (Romans 8:17). 

There was a time when you did not believe in the Lord Jesus. Even then, He helped you. Even then, He sustained you. But the sufferings of that time did not have the sweetness of knowing His sharing in the suffering by virtue of your union with Him. Now, the sufferings “of the present time” come with the sweetness of a present life that is shared with Christ. This has lightened the sufferings that belong to the “present time” (Romans 8:18a) for believers. And in "the future time," there is no suffering at all for us!

But there is one more thing that makes us see it as small: comparing it to the glory that will be revealed in us.

Eternal, weighty glory. Christ’s glory will be revealed to all of the creation on the last day. But Romans 8:17 has just said an amazing thing: we will be glorified together with Him! His glory will be revealed not only in Himself, but also in us (Romans 8:18b). In us, who had been made like Him in our souls at death. In us, who will then have been made like Him in our bodies at the resurrection. In us, who share this glory not just for a moment, but for unending ages. 

What a glory will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18b)! How very worth it are the momentary sufferings, which are themselves even sweetened by going through them together with Him!

What are you suffering right now? To Whose suffering is your suffering incomparably small? How can you make use of the greatness of Christ’s suffering in the past, and Christ’s sharing His life with you in the present, to help you see your suffering in a better light? How are you using your future glory with Him to help think this way?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for so joining us to Christ that we suffer together with Him and will be glorified together with Him. Grant unto us the ministry of Your Spirit to convince us of the lightness of our suffering and the eternal weightiness of our glory to come in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP130 “LORD, From the Depths to You I Cried” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

Lord's Day Live Streams, August 27, 2023

August 27 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Morning Sermon in Matthew 1:1–17
p.m. Songs & Sermon Leviticus 7:22–38

The Christ Who Is the Perfect Perfection [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 1:1–17]

How and why did God bring Jesus Christ into the world? Matthew 1:1–17 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Son of promise and authority, Who accomplishes God’s mission in the world. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 1:1–17

Read Matthew 1:1–17

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Matthew 1:1 call this book (cf. Genesis 5:1)? Whose genealogy—what is His Name, and what is His title? From which two fathers is He highlighted to have originated? Which four patriarchs are named in Matthew 1:2? Who else are added at the end? Which three more male ancestors are named in Matthew 1:3? Which seven more are named in Matthew 1:4-6? Which four female ancestors are identified? What do they have in common? Who are the ancestors named in Matthew 1:6-11? What event interrupts the line of David? Through whom does Jeconiah connect to Jesus (Matthew 1:12-16)? Why would He be traced through His earthly father (Matthew 1:16)? What is His mother’s name? What is He called? What does Matthew 1:17 point out about these generations?

How and why did God bring Jesus Christ into the world? Matthew 1:1–17 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Son of promise and authority, Who accomplishes God’s mission in the world. 

The Son of Adam. Psalm 24 famously asks, “Who is this King of glory?” The gospel of Matthew is all about the Lord Jesus as the King. So, the introduction introduces us to the King. And it ties Him back to Abraham and David, but further than that. The opening of the book is a direct quote of Genesis 5:1 (one of the ten “generations” statements that punctuate the book of Genesis). In that case, it was what was generated from Adam, but in this case it is from where the incarnate Jesus Christ was generated. 

The genealogy in Genesis 5 is looking for the Seed Who will crush the serpent’s head. It doesn’t mention Cain. It doesn’t mention Abel. It only mentions that they were created and blessed in the image of God (cf. Genesis 5:1–2) and then jumps straight to Seth (cf. Genesis 5:3). The question is: how will man return to that likeness and blessedness? Who will be the promised Seed? It is this thread that Matthew now picks up with Jesus Christ. In Greek, Matthew 1:1 here literally reads, “The book of the genesis of Jesus Christ.”

The Son of Abraham. Genesis 5 really concludes with Noah, but after Noah was spared by God (Genesis 6–9:17), his line again fell very quickly into sin (Genesis 9:18–28). Many nations descended from him (Genesis 10), but they all end up united in Satanic self-exaltation, and the Lord mercifully un-unites them (Genesis 11:1–9). The nations that came from Shem had been listed in Genesis 10:21–31 as part of the “families, generations, and nations” of the earth (cf. Genesis 10:32). But the Holy Spirit follows the merciful scattering from Babel with a more focused genealogy: more focused, that is, upon Abram (cf. Genesis 11:10–32). For, it was to Abram that YHWH now said, “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3c).

So, when Matthew  writes, “the Son of Abraham,” the Holy Spirit is making the point that Jesus Christ is the Son in Whom that promise would come true. Not because Abraham was good. Indeed, he and Terah had been idolators (cf. Joshua 24:2). Only because God was gracious. The line from Abraham to David really brings this out. God chooses to use the younger (Isaac, Jacob, Judah) to show that blessedness comes not by right but by promise. God chooses to use sinners, especially highlighted by Tamar (and Judah, who was more wicked than she in that incident, cf. Genesis 38:26), Rahab the prostitute, and David (whose sin, rather than his righteousness, is emphasized by the statement in Matthew 1:6b), to show that blessing comes not by merit but by mercy. God chooses to use outsiders, especially highlighted again by Tamar and Rahab, to whom we may add Ruth, to show that blessedness is not by descent but by sovereign election. Matthew writes of the One Who will bring blessedness to all nations (cf. Matthew 28:19). Jesus Christ is the Son of Abraham, the Son of promise.

The Son of David. In addition to being the Son of promise, Jesus is the Son of authority. This too belongs to the triumphant conclusion of the book (cf. Matthew 28:18). In this case, He is not only the Son of Abraham, but especially the Son of David, from whom the forever-King was to descend (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12–16). From David to Jesus, we have not one 14-generation span, but two. There is an interruption in Matthew 1:11-12, where the promise seems to hang by a thread. This is, in part, to show God’s grace that is His blessing for those who deserve only curse. The kingly line declines more and more, and there are some truly wicked men in the lineage. And it is like king, like nation, for they persist in the very sins for which the Lord had warned them in Deuteronomy that He would expel them from the land. 

But there is also, here, the point that the kingdom comes by God’s grace in that His strength is made perfect in weakness. There were men of little renown in the previous list (we know quite little about Hezron or Ram, for instance), but there are now quite a few of them from Babylon to Joseph. Jesus comes from a royal line, but He is born into a time in that line in which it has come into a very low condition. Blessing through those who deserved only curse; strength through those who had only weakness. Truly, the genesis of Jesus Christ, the origin of Jesus Christ is all of grace—even humanly speaking, with reference to the line from which He came.

The Christ. All of this brings us to the summary statement in Matthew 1:17—one that may strike us odd for a couple of reasons. First, if we examine various genealogies closely, we know that not all the generations are listed here. Second, even if they were all listed, we might not know what to make out of three fourteens. The answer is that these are not intended to convey exact number of chronology, but making the point that the reason the Spirit gives us these exact names is to communicate something theological. From Abraham to Christ are three fourteens, which is six sevens. Now, the Christ comes to be, by Himself, the seventh seven. He is the fulfillment of the promises, the fulfillment of all redemptive history. In Jesus, the promise and kingdom have come!

Dear reader, all of human history finds its goal in Jesus Christ. All promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus Christ. Through the families of Abraham and David, blessing and kingdom were to come. And now, in Jesus Christ, they have! He is the King of glory. Hope in Him for all your blessing, and rejoice to have Him as your King!

From where has your cursedness come? From whom can come your blessedness? Under whose reign did you come into this world? What King can deliver you and take you as His? What is the point of all that God is doing in the nations?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving Your Son to be the Seed Who crushed the serpent’s head, the Son of Abraham in Whom we are blessed, and the Son of David Who delivers us and reigns over us. Give us to live in Him, we ask through His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72B “Nomads Will Bow” or TPH24B “The Earth and Its Riches”

Desiring That Our God and Priest Would Get His Portion [Family Worship lesson in Leviticus 7:22–38]

How does YHWH honor His priests and teach the people to? Leviticus 7:22–38 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH not only reserves His own portions, but leads His people in designating for the priests a specific portion from what is the people’s. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Leviticus 7:22–38

Read Leviticus 7:22–38

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in Leviticus 7:22? To whom is he now to speak again (Leviticus 7:23)? What mustn’t they eat of which animals? Even if what happens to it (Leviticus 7:24)? Why, what are these animals used for (Leviticus 7:25a)? And what must be done to the one who eats the fat parts of it (verse 25b)? What else mustn’t they eat (Leviticus 7:26)? From which animals (cf. Genesis 9:4)? Upon what penalty (Leviticus 7:27)? Again, Who speaks to whom for whom (Leviticus 7:28-29)? What does the one offering the peace bring to Whom, from the peace (Leviticus 7:29)? In what manner (Leviticus 7:30)? What does he bring with the fat? In order to do what with the breast before Whom? What will the priest do with the fat (Leviticus 7:31)? And with the breast? What else do the priests receive from the peace (Leviticus 7:32)? Which priest gets the right thigh (Leviticus 7:33)? How does Leviticus 7:34 summarize this assignment? How will the assignees be recognized (Leviticus 7:35)? Upon what authority (Leviticus 7:36)? For how long (end of Leviticus 7:34, Leviticus 7:36)? How does Leviticus 7:37 summarize Leviticus 6:8–7:36? Where and when does Leviticus 7:38 remind us that all this took place?

How does YHWH honor His priests and teach the people to? Leviticus 7:22–38 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH not only reserves His own portions, but leads His people in designating for the priests a specific portion from what is the people’s. 

Concluding another section. When the Lord gave instructions to the children of Israel for their sacrifices (Leviticus 1:3–3:17), He concluded with a warning not to eat the fat or the blood (Leviticus 3:16–17). Then, when He supplied the sin offering (Leviticus 4:1–6:7), one of the main points was that the Lord had supplied priests who would make atonement, and the Lord Himself would do the forgiving. Then, the Lord turned to address the priests in Leviticus 6:8–7:21, including especially the Lord’s own provision for the priests. Now, the conclusion to this section matches the conclusion to chapter 3, but expands upon it with these themes of what is reserved for the Lord and what is reserved for His priests.

What is reserved for the Lord. The fat of the ox, sheep, and goats was reserved for the Lord (Leviticus 7:23) not just from the sacrifices but from all of those animals (Leviticus 7:24). How important is this? The one who does otherwise must be excommunicated. So every time they ate meat from one of these animals, they would remember that the Lord has brought them near, just by not eating the fat. And every time they ate meat from one of these animals, they would learn to value their membership in the covenant people, which was sustained to them in part by following these directions.

What is reserved for the priests. Now, there was one offering from which the meat belonged to the worshiper. But here we learn that the breast is reserved for the priests generally and the right thigh is reserved for the officiating priest. What’s important is how the breast, in particular, is presented. It is actually lifted up before YHWH alongside the fat! And the Lord emphasizes that this is done with the worshiper’s own hand (Leviticus 7:30). 

As the worshiper raises the fat parts that are so intensely, exclusively YHWH’s, he raises the priests’ breast part alongside. It is a physical expression of honoring and gratitude in which the provision of the priest to the worshiper and the consecration of the priest unto God is properly respected. 

The “heave offering” (Leviticus 7:32, Leviticus 7:34) is actually just a “contribution”—another translation difficulty that we must overcome as English speakers in the book of Leviticus. It is important to note that this contribution is only to be made to the officiating priest after he has offered the fat parts (Eli’s sons would later be condemned for violating this sequence). 

Not just meat but anointing. Leviticus 7:34, Leviticus 7:35, and Leviticus 7:36 each have the feel of a summary statement. Each emphasizes that portion for Aaron and his sons. The “statute forever” of Leviticus 7:34 is matched in Leviticus 7:36. For whatever ages Aaron’s sons serve as priests, these portions belong to them. And there is a definite start point in view in verse 36: “the day that He anointed them.” The honor paid to the priest was a recognition that they were the Lord’s anointed for the people. The word ‘anointed’ is the one from which we get “Messiah” or “Christ.” 

Here at Sinai (Leviticus 7:38), YHWH had provided a consummation of His salvation; YHWH had provided His law; YHWH had provided a tabernacle; YHWH had provided their drawing near by ascension, tribute, and peace; YHWH had provided atonement and forgiveness; and, YHWH had provided anointed priests! It is to these last that the narrative now turns in chapter 8. And, this side of Pentecost, we see that the great provision is, of course, our Lord Jesus. In Him, we are gathered unto God. He is our redemption, our tabernacle, our drawing near, our ascension, our tribute, our peace, our atonement, our forgiveness, and our Priest! And indeed, His portion throughout His generations is everything. And His generation is forever!

What should we be remembering about ourselves and Christ not only whenever we eat, but also whenever we drink, and whenever we do anything? How do we give Him His portion? With what sort of heart should we?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for giving us Jesus Christ to be our forever-priest. Grant unto us that we would remember our belonging to Him whether we eat or drink or whatever we do. Make us to do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, even as we pray now in that Name to You, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23 “The LORD’s My Shepherd” or TPH274 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”

Our Blessedness in God's Own Triune Blessedness [2023.08.23 Midweek Sermon in Romans 8:16–17]

All three Persons of the Godhead minister believers' adoption to them in divine love and power.

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What a Man Mustn't Be in His Own House if He Is to Govern Well in God's House [Family Worship lesson in Titus 1:6–7]

How do we know whom Christ has called to be an elder? Titus 1:6–7 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we may recognize Christ-selected elders by the Christ-supplied grace of being Christ-obsessed. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Titus 1:6–7

Read Titus 1:6–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the first qualification of an elder (Titus 1:6)? What is the second thing he must be? How many wives may this man have? What type of children should he have? Into what categories mustn’t they fall? What is the elder called in Titus 1:7? What qualification from Titus 1:6 must continue in his ministry? What relation does his office have toward God? Not living according to whose pleasure/will? What must he not become quickly/easily? What must he not be constantly alongside/given to? Also not what? And not characterized by what? 

How do we know whom Christ has called to be an elder? Titus 1:6–7 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we may recognize Christ-selected elders by the Christ-supplied grace of being Christ-obsessed. 

The apostle had opened the letter by pressing upon Titus how as God did what He had promised from eternity, He was using His slaves, in His order for the church, to accomplish His purposes by His grace. So, the natural question is: how do we know which ones are His slaves for the eldership? And the answer, which seems obvious after hearing it, is: by His giving them by His grace (cf. Titus 1:4) the qualities they must have in order to be a good bishop/overseer (n.b. “must be” in Titus 1:7). What are these qualities?

Blameless, Titus 1:6, Titus 1:7. Above reproach. No ungodliness in his manner or conduct gives accusers something to latch onto. Even his family knows him to be godly enough that accusations are untrue before God. He is of a deservedly high reputation of character. This is repeated both in front of the man’s conduct in the home (Titus 1:6) and what he mustn’t (Titus 1:7) and must (Titus 1:8) be.

Husband of one wife, Titus 1:6. A “man of one woman.” Committed to monogamous marriage, and especially his own, if he is married. He is faithful, honors marriage, and is committed to the purity of the marriage bed (cp. Hebrews 13:4 as part of the Hebrews 13:1–6 character of the Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17 elder).

Having faithful children, Titus 1:6. The children share the faith of their father. They are not categorized by those who know them as unsaved (more literal than NKJ’s “dissipation”) or ungovernable (“insubordination”). He is a graced man, whose use of the means of that grace the Lord Himself has blessed to his children.

Steward of God, Titus 1:7. One who acts in another One’s house. And this “other One” is God! Behind this word, then, is humility, carefulness, diligence, zeal, responsibility, accountability, service, treasuring.

Not self-willed, Titus 1:7. Literally not self-pleasing. He lives to please Another. This dovetails with “steward of God” to give the picture of a man who is Christ-obsessed: Christ-serving, Christ-pleasing.

Not quick-tempered, Titus 1:7. He is not someone in whom the heat of anger appears easily, nor does it rise quickly once it is there.  This indicates a man whose instability comes from trust and pleasure in himself rather than in the Lord.

Not given to wine, Titus 1:7. Literally “not alongside wine” or “not attended by wine.” He employs wine in the right way, as a gift from God for various specific uses and benefits. It is not his constant companion. We should apply this principle to any self-indulgence. That would indicate a man living by his own impulses.

Not violent, Titus 1:7. Not controlled by “force.” The word describes a man who brute-forces things. He interacts with those over whom he has some controlling advantage, and he unhesitatingly uses it. It could be literal strength, in which he is physically violent. Or, it could be a position of authority or wealth. It could even just be skill in manipulating others. Such a man is a bully and unfit to do the work of shepherding. He probably thinks it’s best for everyone if he is in charge. He may indeed desire to be an overseer (cf. 1 Timothy 3:1), but the church must avoid having him as one.

Not greedy for money, Titus 1:7. The word is a combination of the word for “shameful” and “gain.” It is not actually specific to money, although money is a good example. The idea is that he does not see personal gain of any kind as an end in itself. Whether it’s money, pleasure, praise, or comfort, it must not be the thing that a man is always looking for. Someone who is always seeking how to profit from a situation is self-interested, not Christ-interested and others-serving.

The church is Christ’s flock to be shepherded, God’s house to be overseen. There is no room in her eldership for the self-obsessed. Only for the Christ-obsessed. And we must always pray and labor that by the Lord’s using them, every member would become Christ-obsessed as well.

In which of the areas above do you most need to grow? Try asking your spouse/parents the same question about yourself. If you are a male, why may it be especially important for you to grow in it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for giving Your Son to be our Chief Elder and our King, Who is the Son over Your household. Forgive us, O Lord, and help us, for we are not like He is. We are often ungodly so that others might rightly blame us. We do not honor marriage like we should. We forget that our household is Christ’s and that the church is His household. So, we often live to indulge our wills, our passions, our pleasures, our power, or our property. It is dreadful, O Lord, how quickly we slide back into serving created things, rather than You, the Creator, Who are blessed forever. So, we cling to You through Christ, asking that You would forgive us, and that You would use Your means to grow us in likeness to Him, which we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly I Am with You” or TPH446 “Be Thou My Vision”

Worldwide Word of Rebuke and Worldwide Plan of Mercy [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 17–18]

Why must all self-made, self-sustained plans ultimately fail? Isaiah 17–18 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that any plan made apart from dependence upon God and obedience to God will fail because the Lord will wait until the ripe time, then devastate man with but a word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 17–18

Read Isaiah 17–18

Questions from the Scripture text: Against whom is this new burden stated (Isaiah 17:1a)? What will happen to the city (verse 1b–c)? And to what other Syrian cities (Isaiah 17:2)? Who is joined with them in their judgment (Isaiah 17:3)? Says Who (verse 3e)? What will wane (Isaiah 17:4b) and grow lean (verse 4c)? How bare will it be (Isaiah 17:5)? How much will remain (Isaiah 17:6)? Says Who (verse 6e)? What result will this have in Israel (Isaiah 17:7-8)? But what will have happened to their strong cities (Isaiah 17:9)? Why, what had their idolatry revealed that they had done (Isaiah 17:10a–b)? What fruit will such a people have from their best efforts (Isaiah 17:10-11d)? What will occur to bring this judgment about (Isaiah 17:12-13a)? But for all this international bluster, Who will do what with just a word of rebuke (Isaiah 17:13b–c)? What, specifically, will happen to whom, specifically (Isaiah 17:14)? Unto whom does Isaiah 18:1 pronounce woe? To whom are they sending ambassadors (Isaiah 18:2)? But how does Isaiah answer this false hope (Isaiah 18:3)? Who has spoken to him such an answer (Isaiah 18:4a)? How does He explain the period of time when men are permitted to think they may prevail (Isaiah 18:3-4)? But what happens when YHWH is ready to act (Isaiah 18:5)? And in what condition are the warring nations left (Isaiah 18:6)? What else will happen in that season—who will be bringing tribute to YHWH (Isaiah 18:7, cf. Isaiah 18:2)?

Why must all self-made, self-sustained plans ultimately fail? Isaiah 17–18 looks forward to the first serial reading in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that any plan made apart from dependence upon God and obedience to God will fail because the Lord will wait until the ripe time, then devastate man with but a word. 

The folly of Israel, Isaiah 17:1–4. The section is titled “the burden against Damascus” (Aram/Syria, Isaiah 17:1), but what is hidden within is the woe that is coming upon Ephraim/Jacob (Isaiah 17:2-4). Israel threw its lot in with Syria, and now the two are under woe together.

The mercy of God, Isaiah 17:5-8. What is even more amazing than the stupidity and wickedness of Israel is the mercy of God! First, God leaves them a remnant (Isaiah 17:6). The destruction is exhaustive like reaping (Isaiah 17:5), but God leaves a remnant like in gleaning (Isaiah 17:6). Second, and even more mercifully, God uses the affliction to turn Israel from idols back to “the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 17:7-8). 

The powerlessness of self, Isaiah 17:9-11. Isaiah 17:9 details the greatness of the devastation, and Isaiah 17:10-11 explain it. Isaiah 17:10a–b tell why. God is a constant salvation and refuge, but they are the opposite of His constancy; they have forgotten Him and not been mindful of Him. Why? Because they are living not by His grace but by their own plans, and trusting in their own power. 

You plant (Isaiah 17:10c), you set out (Isaiah 17:10d), you make grow (Isaiah 17:11a), your plant (verse 11a), you make to flourish (verse 11b), your seed (verse 11b). A self-driven life is the express train to forgetfulness of God. And it is a mercy when He makes it fail (“the harvest will be a heap of ruins,” verse 11c).

The omnipotence of God over a world coalition, Isaiah 17:12-14. God, in these three verses, is a strong (literally) contrast to Israel in the previous three verses. Look how strong the nations are in Isaiah 17:12-13a! A multitude of peoples who roar and rush like oceans! But even all of them together are nothing by comparison to God. One word from Him sends them flying like a tumbleweed in a tornado (Isaiah 17:13b–c). To attack God’s people is to sign up for overnight destruction (Isaiah 17:14). 

The mercy of God to His coalition from the world, Isaiah 18:1–7.  The parallel between the unnamed nation in Isaiah 18:1 and the multitude of nations in Isaiah 17:12 is underscored by the opening “Woe” in each verse. Now, we see how that coalition came to be. They looked for the best. “tall and smooth” is more literally “long and polished.” The word “skin” is supplied by the English version and doesn’t belong. The sense is “of long standing” and “polished skill.” 

But the Lord takes over the coalition. Now it is He addressing them in Isaiah 18:3, telling them that His part will be to lift the banner and blow the trumpet, but their part is merely to “see” and to “hear.” For His part, YHWH has not had to exert Himself (Isaiah 18:4); devastating a world coalition is like a quiet afternoon on the veranda for Him.

God’s timing is exact (Isaiah 18:5) and His judgment complete (Isaiah 18:6). But in the last day, there will be a people of long-standing and polished skill who aren’t fighting anymore. The description of the people in Isaiah 18:7 is the same as in Isaiah 18:2, but now they are bringing tribute to Zion, where they have come under the Kingship of YHWH of hosts. How merciful is the Lord; He is the God of salvation!

What have you been hoping will make the difference in your life for the better? How do you intend to pursue that? If you’re not hoping in the Lord by use of the Lord’s means, how can you expect that to end up? How do His power and mercy encourage you to navigate this life and eternity?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for how foolishly we have trusted in our own plans and our own power. Truly, in doing so we forget the God of our salvation, and we are not mindful of the Rock of our stronghold. It is in mercy that You afflict us and cause such plans and efforts to fail. Grant that our hearts would not be hard but turn to You. Truly, one word from You is stronger than all the nations put together. How merciful You are that rather than destroying them all, You are saving a multitude that You are gathering from among them. Grant us humility by Your Spirit to rest upon You alone in Jesus Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

The Holy God Displays His Holiness Among His Holy People [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 99]

How has the holy LORD ordained to obtain praise? Psalm 99 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the holy LORD has ordained to obtain praise by dwelling among His people, ruling His people, and hearing His people’s prayers in mercy. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 99

Read Psalm 99

Questions from the Scripture text: With what declaration does the Psalm begin (Psalm 99:1a)? Who, then, should do what (verse 1b)? Where, specifically, does He do this (verse 1c)? What, then, responds in what way (verse 1d)? Among whom is YHWH great (Psalm 99:2a)? What relation does He have to whom else (verse 2b)? What must these do to what (Psalm 99:3a)? With what declaration does section of the Psalm conclude (verse 3b)? What does Psalm 99:4 now call YHWH (verse 4a)? What attribute does it praise? How does this attribute relate to what other attribute? What has He established (verse 4b)? What has He executed (verse 4c)? Among whom? What is Jacob to do to Him (Psalm 99:5a)? Owning Him to be Whom/what to them? What are they to do and where (verse 5b)? With what declaration does this section of the Psalm conclude (verse 5c)? Who were among which office (Psalm 99:6a)? And who was among which (verse 6b)? What did these all do (verse 6c)? And what did YHWH do? How did He answer Moses and Aaron, specifically (Psalm 99:7a)? And by this sustaining Word, what did they keep (verse 7b)? Again (Psalm 99:6c), what did YHWH do (Psalm 99:8a)? Showing that He bears what relation to His people? In order to be “our” God, what else did He have to be (verse 8b)? Even though He forgave the guilt of their sin, what did YHWH do (verse 8c)? What ought we to do in response (Psalm 99:9a)? By doing what, specifically (verse 9b)? Where? How does verse 9c conclude this section like Psalm 99:3b and Psalm 99:5c, but emphasizing the covenantal relation throughout the Psalm? 

How has the holy LORD ordained to obtain praise? Psalm 99 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the holy LORD has ordained to obtain praise by dwelling among His people, ruling His people, and hearing His people’s prayers in mercy.  

The main point of the Psalm isn’t difficult to find: He is holy (Psalm 99:3b) … He is holy (Psalm 99:5c) … YHWH our God is holy (Psalm 99:9c). He is the thrice holy God—an obvious embellishment upon the terser version of that glorious announcement in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8. The main command is tied directly to it: let them praise (Psalm 99:3a) … Exalt (Psalm 99:5a) and worship (verse 5b) … Exalt (Psalm 99:9a) and worship (verse 9b)! The amazing thing through the Psalm is how this holy God has presented Himself for praise: by drawing near to His people on earth. Even as Isaiah continued to hear, “The whole earth is full of His glory.”

Dwelling among His people. YHWH sits enthroned, where He dwells upon the cherubim (Psalm 99:1). This is not unexpected. Even the earth quaking at Him is not a surprise (verse 1d). The surprise comes in Psalm 99:2a where the location of YHWH’s greatness is identified as Zion, David’s hill in Jerusalem. Those are the cherubim described in Psalm 99:1—the ones upon the ark?! Indeed, His dwelling among His people elevates them far more than geologic altitude ever could. For He is “high above all the peoples.” He turns Zion into the high mountain that fills the earth, and all the peoples “praise Your great and awesome Name” (Psalm 99:3a) when they see Who He is in Zion. The Holy One dwelling among His people. This has come to be all the more true in the Word Who became flesh and tabernacled among us. Jesus truly is “Immanuel,” God-with-us.

Ruling His people. When we learn that the Christ is the God-man, any question of to whom “King” refers is answered. It’s Jesus. In Psalm 99:4a (and again in Psalm 99:8a–b) YHWH exalts His simplicity: the fact that He is all of His attributes in perfect infinitude, and none of them ever contradict. His strength, love, and justice are all one in the fact that “the King’s strength loves the judgment.” The phrase is difficult to translate from the Hebrew into English because of the way the words are put together, but the message is clear: His power, love, and justice are all of a single, whole, perfect piece. 

Every time He deals uprightly with His people (Psalm 99:4b–c), which is all the time, He is displaying this glorious reality about Himself: His power loves justice. Indeed, the King in Zion is not so much in the palace as in the holy of holies. That is where His throne is, which means that His people could gather all the way to the footstool of the King to worship (Psalm 99:5b)! 

Hearing His people. The repeated “He answered them” of Psalm 99:6c and “You answered them” of v8a gives the sub-theme of the unit in Psalm 99:6-9. How amazing that earth-shaking, reigning Creator-God listens to the voices of men! Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are heroic figures, but what they brought to the table was neediness. They called upon YHWH, and He answered them. It is by His answering (Psalm 99:6c) and speaking (Psalm 99:7a) that all testimony-keeping and ordinance-keeping came. 

Not only does He answer the prayers of creatures; He answers the prayers of sinners! The disciplining care and providence of the Lord to His people are expressions of love. There is no tension within God! Every time He has answered His people then, or answers you now dear Christian, He is presenting Himself to us as “God-Who-Forgives.”

Indeed, He declares this in that refrain throughout the Psalm: “YHWH our God.” This wonderful phrase appears four times in the Psalm, but three of them are in the final two verses, as the praise of the Psalm crescendos in wonder. YHWH has joined Himself to us as our own covenant God! He is infinitely worthy of praise in Himself, but here is how He has most provoked us to exalt Hm and worship Him: He has given us to know the Holy, Holy, Holy God as “YHWH our God”! 

How has YHWH come to dwell with you? What does He show about Himself as He rules you? Who gets to call on His Name now like Moses did? What is He showing when He lets you call Him your own covenant God?

Sample prayer:  Lord, indeed You reign over all. But, You display that reign especially in the assembly of Your people. You have come into our midst in Christ, and now by Your Spirit. And You gather us up into the midst of glory by our union with Christ. How righteously You rule us! How forgivingly You hear and answer our prayers! So, grant unto us the help of Your Spirit, so that we may praise Your great and awesome Name, and worship at Your footstool, and call upon Your Name, and exalt and worship You at Your holy hill. Receive us there, through Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP99A “Let the Nations Tremble” or TPH99A “The LORD God Reigns on High”

Holy Portions for Him Who Kept Open the Way to the Holy God [2023.08.20 Evening Sermon in Leviticus 6:8–7:21]

The Lord made holy provision for those whom He had provided to His people

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

To the End of the Earth [2023.08.20 Morning Sermon in Acts 28:11–31]

Jesus is applying His redemption to all for whom He accomplished it.

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Officer Qualifications 2: What an Elder Mustn't Be and Where He Must Prove It [Biblical Theology of the Diaconate #47, 2023.08.20 Sabbath School]

Part of the reformation in Ephesus, which also included properly ordaining and installing a diaconate, was the ordination and installation of elders who weren't fleshly, and who were proven in the home, in the church, and in the community.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Triune Blessedness of Our Adoption [2023.08.16 Midweek Sermon in Romans 8:14–15]

The sons of God are led triumphantly by the Spirit in Christ-given confidence in the Father.

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

The Triune Administration of Our Adoption[Family Worship lesson in Romans 8:16–17]

How does the Holy Spirit minister our adoption to us? Romans 8:16–17 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Holy Spirit agrees with us as we cry Abba, convincing us of our status as God’s heirs and of our union with Christ by which we came into that status. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Romans 8:16–17

Read Romans 8:16–17

Questions from the Scripture text: Who is acting in Romans 8:16? How does the text emphasize this? What is He doing? With what? What is He bearing witness that we are? Of Whom is He bearing witness that we are children? What does being children mean that we are (Romans 8:17)? Of Whom are we heirs? With Whom do we jointly do this? What else do we jointly do with Him? Then what will we jointly do with Him?

How does the Holy Spirit minister our adoption to us? Romans 8:16–17 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Holy Spirit agrees with us as we cry Abba, convincing us of our status as God’s heirs and of our union with Christ by which we came into that status. 

The Spirit Who bears witness. In Romans 8:15, we learned that all believers come to cry out, “Abba, Father.” Why? Because all believers are led along by the Spirit, and this is a necessary part of what He leads us to do. But then the Spirit adds His own voice (“The Spirit Himself””) to ours (“with our spirit) that we are children of God. As He makes these agreements with our own spirit, the Holy Spirit makes fresh communications to us of the love of God that He pours out in our hearts like a drink offering (cf. Romans 5:5).

The Father Who adopts and bequeaths. Our relationship to the Father was asserted in Romans 8:14 (“these are the sons of God”) and affirmed in Romans 8:15 as His own Spirit teaches us to call Him Father. But how “full” is this sonship? How entire is our adoption? Entirely! We are not only children but heirs. Not only does God bestow upon us the status of children, but He bequeaths to us His estate! Pause for a moment, dear Christian reader, and consider this: “God is so truly and entirely my Father that He has bequeathed to me His estate.” Of course the great thing in God’s estate is… God Himself! And, together with Him, He bequeaths to us all things (cf. Romans 8:32, 1 Corinthians 3:21–23).

The Son Who suffers and inherits. But how can God bequeath His estate to His adopted children, when it belongs already to His only-begotten Son? Because His Son has welcomed us to be united to Him. We do not (indeed, we cannot) inherit by ourselves, but only as a joint action with Christ. And in order to welcome us into union with Himself, Christ Himself had to become a Sufferer. Now, He has suffered once for all through His union with us—a suffering in which He atoned for our sins. And, He continues to join with us, by virtue of His union with us, in our suffering. How this sweetens all sufferings to us to know that it is an area of Christ’s particular focus in His union with us. 

This jointly being heirs and jointly suffering is joined by one more joint endeavor: being glorified. Now here is something marvelous: Christ is inalterably glorious forever in His person as the divine Son. And He has already been resurrected with a glorious body and seated upon the throne of glory. But He reserves the final crowning glory to share with us: when He is glorified in His bride as He presents Her to Himself glorious in the last day. Then, glorified as her Savior, Who has completed her salvation, He seats her with Himself to judge men and angels in glory. The church, indeed, is a marvel; and, how marvelous her Redeemer Who makes her so!

Dear believer, what wonders there are in your adoption! May you know the ministry of the Spirit Who communicates them to you.

What is going on when you call God “Father”? When you suffer? What will happen in the last day? With Whom?

Sample prayer:  Father, we thank You for adopting us; and, Lord Jesus, we thank You for uniting us to Yourself. And we thank You for Your Spirit. Grant that He would minister to us our adoption and our union with Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

Reverencing the God Who Reveals Himself [Westminster Shorter Catechism 101—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 101—especially explaining how the holy God created us to know and praise His holiness like He does.

Q101. What do we pray for in the first petition? In the first petition, which is, Hallowed be Thy Name, we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify Him in all that whereby He maketh Himself known; and that He would dispose all things to His own glory.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

The Savior-King Who Has Kept His Promise [Family Worship lesson in Acts 28:11–31]

What promise does the book of Acts emphasize that God has kept? Acts 28:11–31 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the conclusion to the book of Acts demonstrates that God has kept His promise to send the gospel to the nations. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Acts 28:11–31

Read Acts 28:11–31

Questions from the Scripture text: How long had they been on Malta (Acts 28:11)? In what did they sail? Where were they three days (Acts 28:12)? Then where and where (Acts 28:13)? What did they find in Puteoli (v14Acts 28:14)? What were they invited to do? Then toward where did they go (on foot)? Who came to them from Rome (Acts 28:15)? How far did they come? What effect did these believers from the church at Rome have upon Paul? When they finally arrived, what special treatment did the centurion give Paul (Acts 28:16)? How long did Paul take to settle in (Acts 28:17)? Whom did he then call? What does he call them? What does he tell them about his charges? And the Romans’ conclusion (Acts 28:18)? How did he explain the appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:19)? What is he careful to note? What does he explain to them as the reason for calling them (Acts 28:20)? But what do they report (Acts 28:21)? Then for what do they ask (Acts 28:22)? What do they appoint for him (Acts 28:23)? Who comes on that day? What does he explain and solemnly witness to them? What, especially, does he seek to persuade them? With what results (Acts 28:24)? Whose speaking does Paul employ as a parting word (Acts 28:25)? What does he say, with respect to those who did not believe (Acts 28:26-27)? What has been sent to whom, and how will they respond (Acts 28:28)? What do the Jews do when they depart (Acts 28:29)? How much time is covered in Acts 28:30? Where is Paul dwelling? Whom is he receiving? And what does he preach to them (Acts 28:31)? And what does he teach them? With what demeanor? And what hindrance? 

What promise does the book of Acts emphasize that God has kept? Acts 28:11–31 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the conclusion to the book of Acts demonstrates that God has kept His promise to send the gospel to the nations. 

Brethren everywhere. The trip to Rome is lined with brethren. They land at the port of Puteoli (Acts 28:13, 120 miles from Rome), and what do they find there? Brethren! Indeed, Brethren who delay them seven days in order to enjoy showing them hospitality (Acts 28:14). They make it 2/3 of the way from Puteoli to Rome, and brethren meet them at the Appii Forum. Another ten miles, and brethren meet them at the Three Inns. The implication in Acts 28:15 is that brethren keep coming out to meet them. The closer they get to Rome, the more brethren. Jesus has kept His promise to get him to Rome. And Jesus has been keeping His promise to build His church. So Paul thanked God and took courage (verse 15).

Dear reader, I hope you see your brethren in the Lord as the fruit of His faithfulness. They are kept promises from Him! Indeed, He is continually fulfilling in our lives things that He has promised to do. So let us continually give Him thanks and continually take courage.

Liberty for the gospel. Paul’s liberty for the gospel is a theme throughout the text. He is the only prisoner who is not handed over to the captain of the guard. The last four months together have left an impression upon the centurion, as must have the continual greeting parties coming from Rome. However He did it, the Lord put it in the centurion’s heart to live in his own rented house (Acts 28:30), with just a soldier guarding him (Acts 28:16). But the point of this is that the Lord gave him this liberty for the purpose of preaching the kingdom and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 28:31).

There are many sorts of liberty that we may have. I write in the USA in 2023, and I have a tremendous amount of liberty. As a pastor, shall I not use it to preach the kingdom of God and teach the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ? And as a Christian, shall you not use it to serve God as King and learn and follow all the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ? 

God keeps His promises. Paul is keenly aware that “for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain” (Acts 28:20). So, he calls the Jewish leaders to himself (Acts 28:17), even though we know that there is already a church established at Rome. His introduction sparks their interest, and they appoint a day upon which his rental home gets filled with Jews. He persuades about Christ from their whole Bible, and some refuse to believe (Acts 28:24), enough that after they leave they have a great dispute among themselves (Acts 28:29). 

But what does Paul see? Paul sees the Lord keeping His Word. This was what the Lord had said in Isaiah 6:9–10. In the same prophecy, the Holy Spirit had emphasized that the salvation of the Servant would go to the Gentiles (cf. Isaiah 42:1–9; Isaiah 49:5–6). Paul tells them so (Acts 28:29). God keeps His promises.

The Lord is with him always. He has brought him to the center of “all the nations.” For two years, the Lord brings him those whom He is making into disciples. And confidently, unhinderedly, Paul teaches them all things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. The Great Commission is being fulfilled by the authority that Jesus has in heaven and on earth. Surely He is with us always. He keeps His promises.

I don’t know what the current details of your life are, dear reader. But I do know that the Lord is keeping His promises. And I know that He is doing so especially with regard to gathering in His elect and building them up into Himself. Trust and worship and serve Him!

How long has Jesus been keeping His promise to build His church? How sure are you that He will continue to do so? How does this give you confidence to serve Him? To speak for Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, for two thousand years, You have kept Your promise to build Your church. You kept that promise until You proclaimed peace to us, who had been very far off indeed. We thank You and praise You, Who are still keeping Your promises, and Who are still surely with us always, even to the end of the age. Grant that we would have confidence in You to trust You and worship You and serve You, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH424 “All Authority and Power” 

God's Provision for the Priests that He Provides to Keep the Way Open [Family Worship lesson in Leviticus 6:8–7:21]

What does YHWH especially reserve for His priests? Leviticus 6:8–7:21 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH reserves for His priests that which is made most holy. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Leviticus 6:8–7:21

Read Leviticus 6:8–7:21

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Leviticus 6:8 begin the section? What is he to do to Aaron (Leviticus 6:9)? And to whom else? What was he about to give them? How long was the ascension to be where? What was to be kept going? What must the priest wear (Leviticus 6:10, cf. Exodus 28:39–43)? What was he to take up? And put them where? What does he then change (Leviticus 6:11)? To do what? What was still to be kept going (Leviticus 6:12-13)? How? Who was to offer the Tribute, where, before Whom (Leviticus 6:14)? What procedure is repeated (Leviticus 6:15-16, cf. Leviticus 2:2–3)? What can’t the tribute be baked with (Leviticus 6:17)? To whom has God given it? Whose is it originally? Why can only the priests eat it? Like what else? Who from the priestly family can eat it (Leviticus 6:18)? For how many of their generations as priest? What stipulation does verse 18 end with? How does Leviticus 6:19 begin a new subsection? Concerning whom (Leviticus 6:20)? What is the high priest to offer to Whom? Starting when? How much? How often? Split into what portions? How is it to be prepared (Leviticus 6:21)? Which priest (Leviticus 6:22)? How much is to be burned? How does Leviticus 6:23 emphasize this? How does Leviticus 6:24 introduce a new subsection? Concerning whom (Leviticus 6:25)? What does this law govern? What is killed where, and takes on most-holiness? Who shall eat it (Leviticus 6:26)? Where? Why (Leviticus 6:27)? What might happen, and then what must happen? How is it to be prepared, then with what clean-up (Leviticus 6:28)? Who, only, may eat it (Leviticus 6:29)? Why? Which sin offerings cannot be eaten (Leviticus 6:30)? What subclass of sin offering does Leviticus 7:1 begin treating? What procedure does Leviticus 7:2-5 repeat? Who, only, may eat it (Leviticus 7:6)? Why? Of what is it a subclass (Leviticus 7:7)? Governed by what law? What alone can a priest have from the ascension (Leviticus 7:8)? What may he have of the tribute (Leviticus 7:9)? But what is the difference in dividing it (Leviticus 7:10, cf. Leviticus 7:7)? What does the law in Leviticus 7:11 govern? What are the circumstances under which it may be offered (Leviticus 7:12, Leviticus 7:16)? If it’s thanksgiving, what must be offered with it (Leviticus 7:12)? Including what sort of bread (Leviticus 7:13)? How shall it be brought near to YHWH (Leviticus 7:14)? So that it will then belong to Whom? When must it be eaten (Leviticus 7:15)? What is the difference if it is peace with a vow instead of peace from thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:16-17)? What happens if this is not followed (Leviticus 7:18)? What cannot be done with unclean flesh (Leviticus 7:19)? But what if the clean food is eaten by an unclean person (Leviticus 7:20-21)? 

What does YHWH especially reserve for His priests? Leviticus 6:8–7:21 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these forty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that YHWH reserves for His priests that which is made most holy. 

We can see the bookends of this unit of the instruction because in Leviticus 6:8-9, YHWH now begins giving Moses instructions for “Aaron and his sons.” In Leviticus 7:22–23, he will get back to instructions for “the children of Israel.” So, that marks off our section as Leviticus 6:8–7:21. As YHWH gives Moses laws (instruction) for the priests, He gives them an important duty, but primarily emphasizes their special provision.

Priestly Duty: keep a channel open. The fire by which that which is to ascend goes up must burn always. YHWH “keeps a channel open” to Himself from His people. The Ascension (“burnt offering”) itself goes up all night (Leviticus 6:9), and the priest wears holy garments to tend to the altar (Leviticus 6:10), before changing again to carry the ashes outside the camp (Leviticus 6:11). New wood is then prepared, the Ascension (and fat from the other offerings) are presented upon it all day (Leviticus 6:12), and then the procedure is repeated. Leviticus 6:13 summarizes the point of the section: “a fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out." 

They are also to offer half an ephah of flour in the morning and half in the evening that is wholly burned and belongs entirely to YHWH (Leviticus 6:19-23). It is different from the Tribute, which is addressed in Leviticus 6:14-18. It seems to imply a portion for YHWH, perhaps indicating a fellowship like in the Peace.

Priestly Provision. No one may eat of the Ascension, though the priest may have the skin (cf. Leviticus 7:8). The males among Aaron’s sons may eat the remainder of the Tribute, in a holy place. It is a holy of holies (Leviticus 6:17). The priest who offers the Sin (or Trespass) is given the meat, to boil and eat in the court of the tabernacle (Leviticus 6:26), because it is also a holy of holies (Leviticus 6:25). If the garment gets blood on it, it has to be washed, and the pot either broken for recycling or scoured clean (Leviticus 6:28). The only exception is if the priest himself had been polluted by sin, in which cases the blood was taken into the tabernacle (cf. Leviticus 4:3–21), and he is disqualified from eating it (Leviticus 6:30). 

We learn now that the Peace had an attendant offering of cakes and leavened bread (Leviticus 7:12–13) to be enjoyed by the worshiper with his portion of the meat. This offering was called a Contribution (“heave offering” in NKJ), and one of the cakes would belong to the priest (Leviticus 7:14). If it is a Peace of thanksgiving, the worshiper must eat in the same day, and if it is a Peace of a vow or free-will they may eat on the second day. 

After that, trying to eat from it makes it an abomination (a foul thing, Leviticus 7:18). This leads into several warnings and censures against anyone who eats meat that has been defiled (Leviticus 7:19) or eats holy meat while he himself is defiled (Leviticus 7:20-21). The latter is to be cut off from his people YHWH’s special provision must be eaten only in YHWH’s way.

So, in His instructions to the priests, the Lord shows how He has provided for them to be the servants who keep the way open and bring the Lord’s people to Him. And, the Lord shows how He has made special provision for these men of special calling.

Who keeps the way open for you now? What is the Lord giving Him? Who are His family now? Whom else does the Lord use to help you come to Him? How does He provide for them?

Sample prayer:  Father, we thank You for giving us Your Son to be our Great High Priest. Grant that He may have His full portion: a new heaven and new earth that are filled with a multitude of the redeemed. We ask it in His Name, even Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP23 “The LORD’s My Shepherd” or TPH274 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”

God's Order in the Church for God's Salvation of God's Elect [Family Worship lesson in Titus 1:1–5]

Why is ordering the church God’s way so important? Titus 1:1–5 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must order the church God’s way, because she depends entirely upon God’s eternal election, God’s eternal promise, and God’s ordering to bring about what He purposed from eternity. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2023.08.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Titus 1:1–5

Read Titus 1:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: Who wrote this letter (Titus 1:1)? What is his relation to God? To Jesus Christ? For whose faith? And for them to acknowledge what? What does this truth correspond to? In what hope does he speak, and do they believe (Titus 1:2)? Who promised it? What can’t He do? When did He promise it? But when was it manifested (Titus 1:3)? Through what? To whom was some of this preaching committed? Who decreed this? To whom is the letter written (Titus 1:4)? What does Paul call him? In what way is he a true son? What three things does Paul wish him? From which two persons? Where did Paul leave Titus (Titus 1:5)? For what reason? What was he to set in order? What, especially, were lacking? In what places is Titus to appoint them?

Why is ordering the church God’s way so important? Titus 1:1–5 looks forward to the second serial reading of in morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must order the church God’s way, because she depends entirely upon God’s eternal election, God’s eternal promise, and God’s ordering to bring about what He purposed from eternity. 

God’s slave. Paul is not writing on his own accord. He is bound as a slave to whatever God commands (“bondservant of God,” Titus 1:1), and he is sent as a representative of Jesus Christ (“an apostle of Jesus Christ”). Therefore, it is not Paul’s purpose for which he writes, but God’s purpose. And what is that purpose? That God would bring His elect to faith (“according to the faith of God’s elect”). That God would bring His elect to know the truth (“the acknowledgment of the truth”). That God would bring His elect into godliness (“which accords with godliness”). Paul’s life, Paul’s ministry, is devoted to these things: the elect growing in faith, growing in knowing truth, and growing in godliness.

God’s promise. Even faith, knowledge of truth, and godliness are not ultimate ends for God’s people. These are “in hope of eternal life” (Titus 1:2).  There is an eternal promise, an eternal determination of God, that is behind the mission of His slave. The un-lying God promised this eternal life before time began. To whom, then, did He promise it? He promised it to Himself. He promised it within Himself. This verse by itself proves that the one God exists in multiple persons. Eternal life is not just a blessing for the elect, it is the fulfillment in time of the love and the joy and the devotion that exists within the Godhead from all eternity.

God’s ordering. This promise, though hidden at first in God, has now been revealed in its own time through preaching (Titus 1:3a). God has ordered, by His authority, how He will bring salvation (“the commandment of God our Savior”). And He has decided to do this through preaching. And He has decided to whom He will entrust this preaching. He has entrusted some of it to Paul (verse 3). 

But there is work for Titus, and there is work for other elders. Titus’s task is to “put into order” (Titus 1:5a) the things that are lacking, to bring the churches in Crete into conformity with God’s ordering in the church. God’s ordering in the church is that there would be a plurality of elders in every congregation. God’s slave, Christ’s apostle, has commanded this (“as I commanded you,” verse 5b). 

God’s supply. Titus is a true son to Paul, not only because his work resembles Paul’s work, but especially because His faith resembles Paul’s faith (Titus 1:4a). God’s servants depend upon God Himself, even as they do the work that depends upon God Himself (it’s ordered by God). 

Titus needs grace from God: God’s blessedness in place of the curse that he deserves and God’s strength in the place of his weakness. Titus needs mercy from God: the compassionate ordering of things in a gentleness and kindness that are the opposite of what he deserves. Titus needs peace from God: the sure knowledge that God has so reconciled Titus to Himself that all of Who God is has come to be devoted to all that Titus needs. 

In all of this, Titus needs to know God as “the Father.” And God has given this supply in Jesus Christ, our Savior. The grace, mercy, and peace come from both Him and the Father—yet another proof that Jesus is God! And the text affirms this by calling Him “the Lord.”

God our Savior in Christ, God our supply in Christ, has given us His order for how He brings us into salvation and grows us. Elders are His plan and His way. Whether elders or eldered, we will want to pay careful attention to the upcoming verses so that we may rest in the Lord doing things His way to save us!

When was salvation determined? How was it accomplished? How is it announced? How is it applied? Whom must we trust about the ordering of the church? In Whom must we trust as we follow that order?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for determining within Yourself to save us from before time began. Thank You for Christ’s accomplishing that salvation, and applying it to us by announcing it to us. Forgive us for when, even though we know that our salvation depends entirely upon You, we are reluctant to submit to Your ordering of the church. Forgive us, and give us the grace, mercy, and peace by which we may rightly follow You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH425 “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”