Hopewell ARP Church is a Biblical, Reformed, Presbyterian church, serving the Lord in Culleoka, TN, since 1820. Lord's Day Morning, set your gps to arrive by 11a.m. at 3886 Hopewell Road, Culleoka, TN 38451
Read Matthew 9:27–34
Questions from the Scripture text: Where was Jesus going (Matthew 9:27)? Who followed Him? What were they crying out and saying? Where did He enter (Matthew 9:28)? Who came to Him? What does Jesus ask them? How do they answer? What does Jesus do them in Matthew 9:29? What does He say to them? What happens to their eyes (Matthew 9:30)? What does Jesus now say? But what do they do (Matthew 9:31)? When does Matthew 9:32 occur? Whom do they bring to Him? What happens in Matthew 9:33, with what result? How do the multitudes respond? How do the Pharisees respond (Matthew 9:34)?
What are we to see about Jesus? Matthew 9:27–34 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faith sees Jesus’s Kingship, mercy, power, and devil-defeating glory.
The blind men cannot see with their eyes, but they can see Jesus well enough to call Him the Christ, the Son of David. They can see that He is King. They can see that He is merciful, as they cry out to Him to have mercy. They can see that He is powerful, as they confess Him to have power. Jesus refers to all of this as faith.
Their faith was for their own worship of Him; it was when He was lifted up on the cross that He would draw all people to Himself (cf. John 12:32). But still, they spread the report of Him in all the earth (Matthew 9:31). The satanic/demonic effects of the fall (blindness, muteness) crumble before Him, and the multitudes marvel (Matthew 9:33b), even if they don’t understand exactly what they are seeing. But those who should understand better than the multitudes turn out to be the blindest of all (Matthew 9:34). Don’t you be blind, too, dear reader. With the Lord, there is forgiveness and deliverance from all our sins, so that we might fear Him rightly and worship Him.
What do you see about Jesus? How are you responding to Him throughout each day? With your life as a whole?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving to us the faith to see You as our God, our King, our Savior, Who loves us, has mercy upon us, and delivers us. Give us to marvel at You and worship You, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH130A “Lord, from the Depths”
Read Numbers 15:32–41
Questions from the Scripture text: In what context does Numbers 15:32 occur? What did the children of Israel find? What did those who found him do—to whom did they bring him (Numbers 15:33)? What did they do in Numbers 15:34 and why? What did YHWH command (Numbers 15:35)? By whom? How? Where? How does Numbers 15:36 begin? What did they do? What new command do Numbers 15:37-38 now give? What are they to do with these tassels (Numbers 15:39)? What were they supposed to remember? To what are their heart and eyes inclined instead? What is the point of doing all the commandments (Numbers 15:40)? And why is being holy for God so important (Numbers 15:41)?
Why is Sabbath breaking so bad? Numbers 15:32–41 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must be holy because we belong to our Creator and Redeemer.
The Sabbath is so important because it is a commandment given to us, a day and a pattern of life given to us, especially to know and show that we belong to God, our Creator. And it was all the more important for Israel, for in their covenant with Him, they would also be knowing and showing that they belong to God, their Redeemer. Sabbath breaking is not just a refusal of God’s good gift. It is a rejection of identifying with Him, a rejection of being His, a denouncing of Him as Creator or Redeemer. It says something about us that Israel is so clear that something horrible has been done (Numbers 15:33), but many professing Christians in our place and time just don’t see what the big deal is.
It says something about us that we would think or feel of the living and good and merciful God that He is overreacting in Numbers 15:35. This is how our flesh responds, but by the Spirit we ought to condemn the response of our flesh and seek instead to remember His commandments, and be holy for Him, because He is ours, and we are His. This is how Numbers 15:32-36 are tied to Numbers 15:37-41. We get so accustomed to the “harlotry of our heart and our eyes” that God actually commanded the tassels as a continual reminder—not only upon oneself, but upon everyone else. We don’t have prescribed obedience clothing; instead, we have the continual wearing of the Name of the Lord Jesus (cf. Colossians 3:17)—both upon ourselves and upon each other. What a glorious thing that YHWH has given Himself to us! If He is ours, then let us be holy for Him—completely and always. What a serious, glorious delight the Sabbath will be, then.
How do you keep the Lord’s Day? How do you stay continually mindful of belonging to Christ?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for creating us and redeeming us to be Yours. Grant to us to continually remember that we are Yours and live as those who are holy to You, especially on Your day, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119N “Your Word’s a Lamp” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”
Read 1 John 5:12–13
Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does the first one in 1 John 5:12 have? What else does he have? But Whom does the second one not have? And what else does he not have? To whom has the apostle written (1 John 5:13)? For what purpose has he selected these specific things to write—that they might know what? And what is this knowledge intended keep them continuing to do?
What does faith get for us? 1 John 5:12–13 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that faith in Christ gets us life in Christ Himself, God Himself.
If we have the Son of God, we have life so fully that nothing can take it away from us. If we do not have the Son of God, then we have death so fully that nothing at all can give us life. Continuing to believe in His Name, continuing to have our identity in Him, our life in Him, is the way of the Christian life in this world and through to the next. One of the great helps to this abiding in Him is assurance of faith. He uses our knowing that we have Him, He uses our knowing that we have eternal life, to encourage us and keep us believing in Him. By His grace, dear reader, pursue the evidences of being in a state of grace, that you may be assured that the Son Himself has given you life. And by that assurance, keep clinging to the Son Himself.
What are some of the evidences of having the Son that you have learned about in this letter? What, of those evidences, can you see in your own life? What should you do if you do not see the evidence you hoped for—Who can produce it in you? Since God wants you to have assurance, what should you do about that?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us life in Yourself. Stir up our faith in You, and make us to know that we believe, so that we may continue to believe in Christ, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP110B “The LORD Has Spoken to My Lord” or TPH459 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”
Read Isaiah 61:10–62:7
Questions from the Scripture text: In Whom does the Servant greatly rejoice (Isaiah 61:10a–b)? What has God done for Him (v10c–d)? With what beauty and festivity (verse 10e–f)? What two things are the beauty of the Servant (Isaiah 61:11c)? To what extent does it flourish, before whom (Isaiah 61:11)? What will the Servant not do (Isaiah 62:1)? For whose sake? Until when? What will the nations and kings see about Zion (Isaiah 62:2)? What new thing will she have at that time? Where/what is her greatest beauty (Isaiah 62:3)? What names will they lose, and which will they gain (Isaiah 62:4)? How/why? Who will be committed to her like young husbands (Isaiah 62:5a–b)? In what way will God Himself rejoice over her (verse 5c–d)? How will the Lord protect them (Isaiah 62:6a–b)? What do these “watchmen” do (verse 6c–7)?
How is Zion’s desolation turned to delight? Isaiah 61:10–62:7 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Christ rejoices in the Lord, Who clothes Him with righteousness and joy for Christ’s Zion.
There is wonderful marriage language in this passage (Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 62:4-5). The Servant’s joy in the Lord becomes His people’s joy in the Lord. His beauty (Isaiah 61:10) is displayed as He produces righteousness and praise in all the nations (Isaiah 61:11), a righteousness that blazes in the Servant’s Zion (Isaiah 62:1). She is made to be so beautiful with Christ’s righteousness that she is called a crown of glory in YHWH’s hand (Isaiah 62:2). Isaiah 62:6-7 describe a determined, unresting intercession for the beauty of Zion is not just of plural watchmen (Isaiah 62:6-7) but of Christ Himself as the great Watchman (Isaiah 62:1), Who intercedes for His people. Christ’s joy, Christ’s righteousness, and Christ’s beauty come to Christ’s people through Christ’s almighty and persistent intercession!
How can your sin and alienation from God be remedied? What do you have from Christ instead? How?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive our discouragement and despair, and give us to hope in our glad, glorious Christ, in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH403 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
Read Psalm 119:49–56
Questions from the Scripture text: What does Psalm 119:49 ask God to do with His Word? What has the psalmist done with it (verse 49b)? What does Psalm 119:50a talk about? What has been his comfort (verse 50b)? What was this affliction (Psalm 119:51a)? For what has he been derided (verse 51b)? What has he remembered (Psalm 119:52a)? In order to do what to himself (verse 52b)? But what does he feel (Psalm 119:53a)? Because of what (verse 53b)? What have the Lord’s statutes been to him (Psalm 119:54a)? How does he describe his life in this world (verse 54b)? What else does he do, when (Psalm 119:55a)? With what outcome (verse 55b)? How does he view this walk with the Lord (Psalm 119:56a)? How did he come into such a possession (verse 56b)?
What is it like to hope in God’s Word? Psalm 119:49–56 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that hoping in God’s Word gives us God Himself as our constant companion.
The blessed life. Two of the most common Hebrew words that begin with this letter are the word for “remember” (Psalm 119:49, Psalm 119:52, Psalm 119:55) and the demonstrative pronoun (“this”/”that”/etc; Psalm 119:50, Psalm 119:56). Between asking God to remember His own Word (i.e., promise, Psalm 119:49) and remembering God Himself (Psalm 119:55) and His judgments (Psalm 119:52), together with two declarations in Psalm 119:50 and Psalm 119:56, five of the eight verses of this stanza are taken up. So the stanza, as a whole, puts forward the life of the one who is remembering God because he has been remembered by God. The stanza is a portrait of the blessed life.
Comfort and joy. What does the one who is living the blessed life do with God’s Word? He hopes in it (Psalm 119:49), sticks to it (Psalm 119:51), keeps it (Psalm 119:56) remembers it (Psalm 119:52), and even sings it (Psalm 119:54) and meditates upon it in the night (Psalm 119:55). The result is comfort (Psalm 119:50) even when others mock (Psalm 119:51): comfort from the Word giving him life (Psalm 119:50), comfort that he can strengthen himself in by meditating upon YHWH’s Word and works (His judgments, Psalm 119:52). And the result is also joy: a song to sing (Psalm 119:54a) that reminds him that this life is a brief sojourn in a foreign land (verse 54b). He has a forever-life with the Lord Whose songs they sing.
Grief. The blessed life, in this world, comes with grief. So long as there are “the wicked who forsake Yor law” (Psalm 119:53b), believers ought to be indignant and grieved. Jesus was grieved with unbelief and sin. So also ought His people to be.
How is the Word your companion day and night? How is the Lord your companion? What effect does this have?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us a life of the comfort, joy, and even grief that comes from being yours. Give us to be remembering You, and meditating on Your Word, day and night. And bring us home from our pilgrimage, through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119G “Keep Your Promise to Your Servant” or TPH119G “Your Word Remember to Your Needy Servant”
Read Romans 15:29–33
Questions from the Scripture text: To whom is the apostle coming (Romans 15:29)? What does he know about it—with how much blessing will he come? What sort of blessing? What kind of speech is Romans 15:30? What does he call them? Through Whom does he beg them? Through what does he beg them? What does he beg them to do? With whom? To Whom? For whom? From whom does he ask them to pray that he might be delivered (Romans 15:31)? What does he ask them to pray about his service? What does he pray that he would be able to do in what way (Romans 15:32)? What does he pray will happen when he gets there? What does he pray for them (Romans 15:33)?
What should believers do with their desire for one another’s fruit? Romans 15:29–33 prepares us for the midweek sermon in the prayer meeting. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers ought to turn their desires for one another’s fruit into prayer for it.
The faith of ministry, Romans 15:29. Christ’s ministry, done Christ’s way from Scripture, comes “in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Though we might not see the specific results that we want at the specific times or in the specific ways that we want them, that’s a good reminder that ministry is not about us. But Christ is God, Who came to save us, and He uses His appointed means to accomplish all His holy will. When we do the things that He has appointed in His Word, we may do them with our confidence resting squarely and securely upon Him.
The foundation of ministry: God Himself, Romans 15:30. In the next three verses, the apostle “begs” them as his brethren. This is a powerful appeal—that believers are family to one another. But there is something even stronger here than our relation to one another: our relation to God. He begs them “through the Lord Jesus Christ.” Believers are in union with God the Son. He begs them “through the love of the Spirit.” Believers are helped by God the Holy Spirit, Who pours out His love in our hearts (cf. Romans 5:5). And believers pray to God the Father—both “striving with” one another and “for” one another, as the apostle asks them to do. So even as Paul trusts that Christ will accomplish His gospel work (Romans 15:29) and prays to be able to come to do that ministering (Romans 15:32), so now he asks them to pray. And he forms the request in a way that reminds them that God Himself is the foundation of both the apostle’s own ministry and the Roman church’s ministry of praying for him.
The fight of ministry, Romans 15:31a. We must remember that we have multiple enemies. Our greatest enemy is our own remaining sin, followed also by our enemy the devil. But there are those who will oppose and attack the gospel and those who attempt to spread it. The apostle was anticipating the opposition of “the ones being disobedient in Judea.” He prays to be delivered from them. We must be delivered from opposition if we are going to serve the Lord well; and, when we pray for others’ ministry, we ought to pray also for them to be delivered from opposition.
The favor of ministry, Romans 15:31-32. The apostle desires not just that the ministry would be effective, but that it would be delightful. He asks them to pray that his service for Jerusalem would delight the saints there (Romans 15:31b). He asks them to pray that he himself might then come with delight to them (Romans 15:32a). He asks them to pray that his time with them will be refreshing to both of them (verse 32b). We should have cheerful, optimistic attitudes toward true ministry, responding to it with joy, and praying that this is how it would go.
The fellowship of ministry, Romans 15:33. Again, there is the sweet fellowship of believers, that itself comes from a greater fellowship. Paul desires and prays to come be with them. But the God of peace is already with them. We enjoy one another’s fellowship in ministry, but the existence of the ministry itself reminds us that, truly, our fellowship is with God (cf. 1 John 1:3)!
What is your part, right now, in your church and in your family? What might it be in the future? How can you know that your part will be effective and fruitful? For what things should you be praying about your ministry? How should you be feeling about it/responding to it? With whom do you have fellowship in it?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for securing our salvation in Christ and applying it by Your Spirit. Grant that we would each do the part that You have assigned to us, and that You would deliver us from all opposition and give us joy in ministering. Give us fellowship not only with other believers, but especially with You Yourself, by Your Spirit, in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH406 “Jesus, with Thy Church Abide”
Read Matthew 9:18–26
Questions from the Scripture text: What did the ruler come do and ask (Matthew 9:18)? Who does what to Him on the way (Matthew 9:19-21)? What does He say, with what effect (Matthew 9:22)? What happens when He gets to the ruler’s house (Matthew 9:23-24)? But what does Jesus do, with what effect (Matthew 9:25-26)?
What does Jesus do to believers? Matthew 9:18–26 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus saves believers from death in divine power and Fatherly love.
The ruler in Matthew 9:18 worships Jesus first, and asks for help (the resurrection of his daughter) later. Jesus kindly accommodates his request even for the manner of doing so (Matthew 9:19). The woman hopes in Him for salvation (Matthew 9:20-21); Jesus affirms that it was not the garment but the faith (Him Himself, in Whom she believed!) that saved her (Matthew 9:22). He calls her “daughter,” showing that this is not only divine power but Fatherly love. His power is so great, even over death, that it is literally ridiculous (Matthew 9:24)!
What does Christ’s saving power mean to you? What does His love mean to you? How do you think of/come to Him?
Sample prayer: Lord Jesus, we worship You and ask You to save us from death and unbelief. Love us as Your children, AMEN!
Read Numbers 15:22–31
Questions from the Scripture text: What might the whole congregation do, without meaning to or knowing it, and what must be done in that case (Numbers 15:22-25)? With what result (Numbers 15:26)? Who else might do this (Numbers 15:27, Numbers 15:29)? What must be done, with what result (Numbers 15:28)? But what is done in the case of high-handed sins (Numbers 15:30, Numbers 15:31b)? What three things has he done (Numbers 15:30-31a)?
What must God’s people do about sin? Numbers 15:22–31 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God gives His people procedures by which to take sin, atonement, and forgiveness seriously.
For unintentional sin, whether by all the people or one, atonement was necessary. And, praise God, He provided it! A Christian doesn’t even need to offer a sacrifice; he has immediate recourse to the blood of Christ. But the one who sins “with an exalted hand” (Numbers 15:30) blasphemes YHWH, despises His Word, and breaks His commandment. Then, as now, such open defiance and unrepentant sin calls for excommunication. Thus, sinners would feel the weight of their guilt upon them. By implication, if Israel (or your church) permitted unrepentant sinning, the church as a whole would blaspheme the Lord.
How do you come to realize your sin? How ought you to respond? What can be (has been!) done about it?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for testifying about Your Son, by Your Spirit, that He is our life and sacrifice. Amen!
Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”
Read 1 John 5:6–11
Questions from the Scripture text: In what two ways did Jesus Come (1 John 5:6)? Who bore witness to this? Why? How many bear witness (1 John 5:7)? Which are these three (1 John 5:8)? Whose witness do we tend to receive (1 John 5:9)? Whose witness is greater? Of Whom has He testified? What does the believer in the Son have in himself (1 John 5:10)? What does the unbeliever make God out to be? How/why? To what two things has God witnessed (1 John 5:11)?
What has God testified? 1 John 5:6–11 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has testified that God has given us eternal life in His Son, Jesus.
There were two great events at which God has announced to the world that Jesus is God the Son, by Whom God has given believers eternal life: His baptism and His crucifixion. In the first, water was applied, and God Himself announced from heaven that this is His beloved Son in Whom He is well-pleased (cf. Matthew 3:17). There, Jesus said that “we” were fulfilling all righteousness by His identifying with us and our need for repentance (cf. Matthew 3:15). The second was preceded by the transfiguration, where Jesus talked about His “Exodus” (Luke 9:31) and at which God testimony (cf. Luke 9:35). Romans 3:25 tells us that, on the cross, Jesus was exhibited as a propitiation by His blood. Both in descending upon Him as a dove (cf. Matthew 3:16), and in sustaining Him at the cross and raising Him from the dead, the Spirit bore particular witness to Christ at both events. By water, blood, and Spirit, God attests that Jesus is the Son, Who gives life. And if you believe, it is by the witness of the Spirit, even within you. If you don’t, you’re calling God a liar, and you will receive as you deserve. Jesus is God the Son, Who gives life!
What do you believe about Jesus? Upon Whose testimony? How does this assure you that this is the truth about Him?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for testifying about Your Son, by Your Spirit, that He is our life and sacrifice. Amen!
Suggested songs: ARP110B “The LORD Has Spoken to My Lord” or TPH265 “In Christ Alone”
Read Isaiah 61:4–9
Questions from the Scripture text: What will those who hear the Servant do (Isaiah 61:4)? By whom will they be served (Isaiah 61:5)? And what will they be, enjoy, and obtain (Isaiah 61:6-7)? What does YHWH love, and what will He make His people to be like (Isaiah 61:8)? Who will see what about His people (Isaiah 61:9)?
What effect does Christ’s preaching have? Isaiah 61:4–9 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that His preaching brings His own into eternal joy.
Christ’s effectual Word (Isaiah 61:1-3) causes Zion to be rebuilt (Isaiah 61:4) beyond anything it had previously been. Everything on earth serves the interests of His church (Isaiah 61:5, Isaiah 61:6c–d); but, God’s people all become priests who attend to Him (Isaiah 61:6a–b, cf. 1 Peter 2:9). The outcome of being helpless in sin and having to be saved by Christ Himself is everlasting and infinite honor, inheritance, and joy (Isaiah 61:7) as those whom Christ has made righteous/glorious (Isaiah 61:8), which He also does for their children (Isaiah 61:9)
What are you hoping for as you come to Christ in His Word? What is He doing, as He brings it to You by His Spirit?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for Christ’s saving, sanctifying, and glorifying. Minister it to us by His Word and Spirit, AMEN!
Read Psalm 119:41–48
Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Psalmist ask for (Psalm 119:41a)? In what form (verse 41b)? Why (Psalm 119:42a)? How (verse 42b)? What does he ask in Psalm 119:43a? Why (verse 43b)? To do what with (Psalm 119:44a)? How long (verse 44b)? With what result (Psalm 119:45a)? By what means (verse 45b)? What will he do before whom (Psalm 119:46a)? With what result (verse 46b)? How will he relate to the Lord’s commandments (Psalm 119:47-48)? What will he do with them (Psalm 119:48c)?
By what means does the Lord bring His love and salvation into our lives? Psalm 119:41–48 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord brings His love and salvation into our lives especially by means of His Word.
This section of Psalm 119 begins with the Hebrew letter that starts more verses in the Old Testament than any other letter. It is usually a prefix on a verb, meaning “and” or “and then” (depending upon usage, as indicated by the vowel pointing). In other words, this stanza lends itself to summarizing the theme of the Psalm as a whole, because the subject matter isn’t narrowed down by the letter of the alphabet. And what it does is ask God for His covenant-lovings (ḳesseds, plural!, Psalm 119:41a) to come savingly (verse 41b) before discussing how His Word is the means by which the Lord does this. His Word trusted (Psalm 119:42b), spoken (Psalm 119:43a), Hoped in (verse 43b), kept (Psalm 119:44a), sought (Psalm 119:45b), attested (v46a) and meditated upon (Psalm 119:48c). For this reason, with his own delight in God, love for God, and praise for God, the psalmist delights in God’s law (Psalm 119:47a), loves God’s law (verse 47b, Psalm 119:48b), and even praises God’s law (verse 48a). Watch out for those who warn against “idolizing the Bible,” as I have sometimes heard done. Scripture here teaches us to pray and sing as those who enjoy, love, and worship God’s Word! Indeed, the love of God was made know, and the salvation of God accomplished, by the Word Who was made flesh.
How do you relate to God’s Word? What are you doing with it? What is He using it to do in your life?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for loving and saving us by Your Word. Make us enjoy, love, and worship it, in Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119F “O Let Your Lovingkindnesses Now Come” or TPH119F “Let Your Mercy and Love”
Read Romans 15:23–28
Questions from the Scripture text: What doesn’t Paul have left (Romans 15:23)? What does he have? How long has he had it? What is he planning to do (Romans 15:24)? What will he do then? What will he do there? What will they do for him? After what? Where is he headed, as he writes this letter (Romans 15:25)? To do what? Who had been pleased (Romans 15:26)? To do what? For whom? Why did it please them—of what had the Gentiles been partakers (Romans 15:27)? Now what was their duty? How does Paul see the task of making sure the gift gets there (Romans 15:28)? What will he do next?
Why does Paul want to come to Rome? Romans 15:23–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon text. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Paul wants to go to Rome in order to bear spiritual fruit.
Paul’s love for Christ means that he wishes for Christ’s labor to bear fruit in all for whom He died. This was the point of his ministry, bearing Christ’s own fruit (cf. Romans 15:21; cp. Isaiah 52:15) as an apostle. So the Jewish Christians had borne spiritual fruit unto the nations through him (Romans 15:27, cf. Romans 11:11–36). And now the Macedonian and Achaian Christians had borne spiritual fruit in a material gift to their Jewish brethren (Romans 15:26, Romans 15:28a). And Paul hopes that the Roman Christians will bear spiritual fruit unto him, and unto Spain through him (Romans 15:24, Romans 15:28), just as he hopes to bear spiritual fruit among them (cf. Romans 15:29). Those who truly love Christ love for Christians (both themselves and others) to bear fruit unto Christ’s glory!
In what ways are you showing a love for bearing fruit unto Christ’s glory, and for others to bear fruit unto His glory?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us Christ. By His Spirit, grant that we would bear fruit unto His glory, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH406 “Jesus, with Thy Church Abide”
Read Matthew 9:14–17
Questions from the Scripture text: Who come to Jesus in Matthew 9:14? Whom do they say fast? How much? For what do they want to know the reason—who do not fast? What illustration does Jesus give in the form of a question in Matthew 9:15? When does He say that His disciples will fast? With what illustration does He answer in Matthew 9:16? What happens when they try to match an old garment with a new patch? And with what illustration in Matthew 9:17? What happens if they try to use the old container with the new wine? But what happens if they use the new container with the new wine?
Why didn’t Jesus’s disciples fast? Matthew 9:14–17 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s disciples didn’t fast, because Jesus was with them.
The only required fast day under the law of Moses as the Day of Atonement. But by the close of the Old Testament, the people were already keeping at least four regular fasts. Zechariah 8:19 taught that, when the Lord came to Zion, these would be set aside for joyous feasts. Jesus’s answer in Matthew 9:15 is especially suited to the disciples of John, who had asked the question. Their own teacher used this illustration to describe how Jesus is the Christ, the Bridegroom (cf. John 3:29–30). If fasting is a longing for the Lord, then when the Lord is with you is a time for feasting, not fasting. It would be the equivalent of someone saying that they are “fasting from the Lord’s Supper.” That is the time to take nourishment upon Him. That is the time to rejoice over Him and in fellowship with Him. It is not the time to abstain.
What Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 9:16-17 is that His arrival has changed everything. Like shrinking cloth or expanding skins/ wine, things could not be expected to continue the same, now that Jesus had come. God Himself had come and become a man in order to save us. God Himself had come as our new and forever High Priest. And when there is a change in priest-hood, there must also be a change in law (cf. Hebrews 7:12). It was no longer the “waiting” time. It was the rejoicing time!
Now, we wait for Him again. When we fast, in longing for God and dependence upon God, we do so in a way that is different than all prior fasting. We do so as those who long for Jesus and depend upon Jesus! Fasting is an act of worship, and Christians rightly worship the Lord Jesus.
When have you fasted in longing for Jesus and dependence upon Him? When have you fed upon Him?
Sample prayer: Lord Jesus, we rejoice over you. We rejoice to be led in worship by You, as our Great High Priest. Grant unto us to enjoy how You have changed how we come to God and worship, we ask in Your own Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH45B “My Heart Does Overflow”
Read Numbers 15:1–21
Questions from the Scripture text: What is the Lord still doing for the people (Numbers 15:1-2, Numbers 15:17-18)? From what types of animals are they to make what types of offerings (Numbers 15:3-10, Numbers 15:19-21; cf. Leviticus 1–7)? What do these offerings make unto YHWH (Numbers 15:3, Numbers 15:10, Numbers 15:13, Numbers 15:14)? In addition to the animal and the grain, what does this chapter add is to be offered, that they will especially have in the land? What do Numbers 15:13-16 emphasize three times?
What do these sacrificial laws mean? Numbers 15:1–21 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord is keeping His covenant with Israel.
This is a merciful and encouraging response, by the Lord, to the events in chapter 14.
He assures them that they will come into the land. Numbers 15:2 and Numbers 15:17 both emphasize that this is for when thy come into the land. Specifically, the addition now of the measures of the drink offerings are new regulation, tied to the produce of the land which the Lord will give them. Truly, He has heard Moses’s prayer that they be forgiven (cf. Numbers 14:17–20).
He assures them that He will continue to be pleased with them, through sacrifice. In Numbers 15:3, Numbers 15:10, Numbers 15:13, Numbers 15:14, the Lord repeats the refrain that these sacrifices will be “a sweet aroma to YHWH.” We remember from our Leviticus studies that this is not because the Lord enjoys roasted meat, but because the smoke and the aroma that rise are identified with the worshiper coming near to God in the substitute. It is His Son in Whom we ascend/draw near, and it is His Son with Whom He is well-pleased, and it is in His Son that we are also well-pleasing to Him! Even after al that Israel has done, the Lord has not gone back on this. Truly, He is patient and merciful and forgiving, just as He said!
He continues to give them an evangelistic purpose. From the promise to Abraham, to the mixed multitude of Exodus 12, to Moses’s prayer just last chapter, there has been this repeated theme of Israel being a means by which God comes to be glorified in all the nations. That again takes center stage in Numbers 15:13-16. Military slaying is not the only way that Israel will conquer. Strangers, foreigners, will be brought into and under Israel and become worshipers who are also pleasing to the Lord in Christ!
When do you most need reminded that the Lord keeps His promises because He is faithful, not because you are?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to us in Your faithfulness, and for being pleased with us for Jesus’s sake. Gather to Yourself, in Him, worshippers with whom You are pleased from all the nations, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Read 1 John 5:4–5
Questions from the Scripture text: Of Whom are the people in 1 John 5:4 born? What/whom do they overcome? What overcomes the world? What is this victory? What rhetorical question does 1 John 5:5 ask? What is its implied answer?
What does it mean to overcome the world? 1 John 5:4–5 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that to overcome the world is to come to the point, by faith in Christ, that you are a keeper of God’s commandments.
Overcoming by regeneration. The keeping of God’s commandments (1 John 5:3) is now described as overcoming the world. This does not mean to overcome the created order, but rather to overcome the condition into which the whole world of humanity was plunged by the fall. As long as someone belongs to this world, how can he overcome it?
So he has to be born of God. In making us His children, God not only adopts us but actually gives us a new birth. These are they who overcome the world. If you do not have the new birth, then you cannot overcome the world; you cannot genuinely keep His commandments.
Overcoming by faith. Even after we are born again, we do not have ability in us to overcome the world. But, praise God, the born again person is no longer in himself. By bringing them to faith in Christ, God brings born again believers out of themselves and into the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith is not just the beginning point of Christianity; it is the beginning, the middle, and even the end. Faith gets the victory because it hopes upon Jesus as the Son of God. It finds divine power in a divine Person. Now, is it still so surprising to you that you find it difficult to keep God’s commandments? Indeed, it must be impossible to you, except by faith in Jesus, the Son of God! The Christian life is impossible. Which is why it must be the Christ-ian life.
Where can you get the status or ability that enables you, genuinely, to keep God’s law?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for not making it our aim to overcome the world. Forgive us for thinking that we could somehow live as worldlings on the one hand, but be true commandment-keepers on the other. And forgive us for thinking or acting as if there was some other way of keeping your commandments than by the life, power, and goodness of Christ alone. Through Him, make us to overcome the world, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH466 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
Read Isaiah 61:1–3
Questions from the Scripture text: Who is upon the Speaker ( Isaiah 61:1a, cf. Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 59:21)? Why—what has YHWH done to Him (Isaiah 61:1b)? What seven things has He been anointed to do to what six groups (Isaiah 61:1-3a)? With what two types of comings will He come (Isaiah 61:2)? What three exchanges will He make for them (Isaiah 61:3b–d)? What will they be called (Isaiah 61:3e–f, cf. Isaiah 60:21c)? Why?
What did Christ come to do? Isaiah 61:1–3 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus came as the Christ, the Mediator, to make us joyful and holy priests unto God.
As the Lord Jesus Himself taught in the synagogue of Nazareth (cf. Luke 4:16–22), this passage is about Christ Himself. Isaiah 61:1 picks back up the thought of Isaiah 59:21, where God makes a covenant with those whom He is saving. Jesus, Himself, is His covenant with them. Jesus would have YHWH’s Spirit upon Him (Isaiah 61:1a, cf. Isaiah 59:21, Matthew 3:16), and He would pour His Spirit upon those who are His spiritual offspring, and upon their offspring (cf. Isaiah 59:21; Matthew 3:11). Isaiah 61:1b characterizes the Spirit descending upon Christ as an anointing, an ordination. This ordination is to all three of His offices: Prophet, Priest, and King.
As Prophet, Jesus is the Great Evangelist. He “preaches good tidings” to the poor. This was the crowing proof that He is the Messiah, when John wavered and sent messengers to ask (cf. Matthew 11:2–5). And indeed, He begins His most prominent sermon proclaiming blessing to the poor and the mourning (Isaiah 61:1b–c, Isaiah 61:2c, cf. Matthew 5:3–4).
As Priest, Jesus sounds the Jubilee, proclaiming liberty to the captives in the year of the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61:2a, cf. Leviticus 25:9). This was the rarest regular day in the Jewish calendar, coming once every 50 years, and therefore it was in some ways one of the highest days. But this, and all other days belonging to the Aaronic priesthood would culminate in Christ’s coming and be superseded by His priesthood and His day.
As King, Jesus comes not only to secure the proclaimed liberty but to execute vengeance in behalf of His people (Isaiah 61:2c).
If you are a believer in Christ, then you have Him as your Mediator. He is your Prophet, Who declares to you the will of God for your salvation. He is your Priest, Who has offered Himself for you and intercedes for you. He is your King, Who reigns over you and conquers all of your and His enemies.
Christians’ priesthood. And thus, He takes away your ashes, mourning, and heaviness, and in their place gives you beauty (turban!, Isaiah 61:3b), oil of joy (verse 3c), and garment of praise (verse 3d). All three of these are priestly images. He removes from us the bereavement and shame of our guilt, and consecrates us to come near to God in confidence and joy. Jesus exercises His three offices to bring you into the office of the priesthood of all believers. He brings you near to God, for the worship of God, in the joy of God!
Again, Isaiah 61:3e–f recalls Isaiah 60:21c–e. There, in the new creation, with all mourning ended and YHWH Himself as the light of His people, they are “the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified.” Here, the finished work of Christ in His three offices produces the result: “that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of YHWH, that He may be glorified.” This will be no disappointing vineyard like back in chapter five. The work of Christ, producing the priesthood of Christians, will be perfectly fruitful and pleasing and glorifying to God!
What do you need Christ to do for/to you as Prophet? When/how do you especially experience this? What do you need Christ to do for/to you as Priest? When/how does He especially do this? What do you need Christ to do to/for you as King? When/how does He especially do this?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for giving Your Son to be our Mediator: Prophet, Priest, and King. Forgive us for how we have not listened to Him as our Prophet. Forgive us for how we have not come to You through Him as our Priest. Forgive us for how we have not submitted to His reign as our King or trusted His deliverance and vengeance as our King. Forgive us for how we have failed to rejoice in Him with holy gladness. Grant that we might not only be forgiven, but sanctified, so that as righteous trees of Your planting, You might be glorified in us, which we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP72B “Nomads Will Bow” or TPH259 “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?”
Read Psalm 119:33–40
Questions from the Scripture text: What does Psalm 119:33a ask YHWH to do to the psalmist? What does he wish to be taught? In order to do what with it (verse 33b)? What does Psalm 119:34a ask Him to do to him? In order to be able to do what? To what extent does he hope to keep it (verse 34b)? What does Psalm 119:35a ask Him to do to him? In what path? Why this one (Psalm 119:35b)? What does Psalm 119:36a ask Him to do to his heart? Incline it to what? To what would it be inclined otherwise (verse 36b)? What does Psalm 119:37a ask Him to do to his eyes? From what do his eyes need to be turned away? In order to give the psalmist life how (verse 37b)? What does Psalm 119:38a ask Him to do to His Word? Unto whom? How can this servant be identified (verse 38b)? What does Psalm 119:39a ask Him to do? What needs to be turned away? How does the psalmist feel about this reproach? Why would the Lord do this with his reproach (verse 39b)? How does Psalm 119:40a begin? At what is he asking the Lord to look? How is he asking the Lord to give him life?
How can sinners come to live righteously? Psalm 119:33–40 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that sinners can only come to live righteously by being revived by sovereign grace.
The Lord Who is in sovereign control. The lines of the fifth eight-verse stanza of this acrostic all begin with the letter that we would transliterate “H.”
This is easy to do in the Hebrew language, because the causative verb stem (i.e., “cause [object] to [action]”) includes a prefix that begins with this letter. So, the first seven verses all begin with a causative verb, and Psalm 119:40 begins with the interjection that means “look!”
The result is a stanza that is primarily pleading for the Lord to exercise His sovereign power over the psalmist, his circumstances, and even the Lord’s own words.
Sovereign grace for righteous living, Psalm 119:33-36. The first half of the stanza focuses especially upon keeping YHWH’s way (Psalm 119:33), observing His law (Psalm 119:34), walking in His commandments (Psalm 119:35). These are different ways of describing the same thing.
The difficulty with coming to delight in His commandments (Psalm 119:35b) and give our whole heart to obeying them (Psalm 119:34b) is that, apart from sovereign grace, we are inclined exactly opposite. We need the Lord doesn’t give spiritual, moral understanding to our minds (Psalm 119:35a). And if He does not incline our hearts to His own testimonies, then our hearts will default to inclining toward covetousness! Apart from God’s sustaining, sanctifying grace, covetousness is what we will always revert to.
Sovereign grace for restored life, Psalm 119:37-40. The second half of the stanza is bookended with requests to be revived (Psalm 119:37, Psalm 119:40)—to be brought back to life. In our flesh, we foolishly think that getting our way would be reviving, but it is God’s way that is reviving (Psalm 119:37b).
In His righteousness, God revives us into His righteousness (Psalm 119:40b). It is His righteousness that turns our eyes away from worthless things (Psalm 119:37a) and makes us to long for His precepts instead. By His Word, He makes us to fear Him (Psalm 119:38), and by His good judgments, He turns away our reproach (Psalm 119:39).
Left to ourselves, we are dead. But His Word is the means by which He revives us in righteousness.
Revival and righteousness require sovereign grace. That is what He gives, and that is what He teaches us to pray for.
What do you default to, apart from grace? How is God’s rule over your heart a comfort to you?
Sample prayer: Lord, grant that Your Spirit would give us understanding to worship, in Your way, with our whole heart. Incline our hearts to delight in You and Your commandments, and turn our eyes away from worthless things unto You. Give us Your own life, through Christ, and satisfy our longing for You and Your precepts, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119E “That I May Keep Your Statutes” or TPH119E “Teach Me, O LORD, Your Way of Truth”
Read Romans 1:24–32
Questions from the Scripture text: Who did what to men (Romans 1:24)? To what did He give them up? In what? To do what to what? Among whom? What did these given-up men do (Romans 1:25)? What two things were exchanged? In what worship did this result? Rather than worshiping Whom? And what is the glory of this Creator? How does the end of the verse add solemnity and certainty to this statement? To what did God further give them up in response (Romans 1:26)? Upon whom did this further judgment of vile passions especially fall? What did they exchange for what? Against what is their behavior? Who else gave up what natural use (Romans 1:27)? In what did they burn? For whom? Committing what, together? Receiving what? Where? For what was this penalty due? For what does Romans 1:28 say that God is still punishing them (cf. Romans 1:18-21)? To what does He further (thirdly!) give them up? What do they end up doing in this debased mind? With what are they thus filled (Romans 1:29)? What twenty-two examples does the apostle give of this unrighteousness that fills them (Romans 1:29-31)? What do all men know (Romans 1:32)? Whose righteous judgment do they know? What does He righteously judge about those who practice such things? But how do they respond to knowing that these things deserve death? And even what to others who practice them?
Why is perversion of marriage so abominable and alarming? Romans 1:24–32 is an important passage for our current cultural moment. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that perversion of marriage is abominable and alarming because being given over to this sin, and its celebration, is a display of being under God’s righteous wrath for refusing to know Him.
The mayor of the nearby town has declared it pride month, joining the masses in our nation and its churches who “not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” It is a fulfillment of God’s Word, an expression of His righteous wrath (Romans 1:18) upon a nation, and even churches, who refuse to know Him, thank Him or glorify Him (Romans 1:19-23). It is also a providentially provided opportunity to see the riches of His glory in His gospel mercy.
The whole discussion of the revelation of His wrath (Romans 1:18) comes in the context of unashamedly preaching the gospel, because in it the saving righteousness of God is revealed (Romans 1:16-17) over-against this revelation of God’s wrath. So how has God’s wrath been revealed? Especially in three “givings up” that show what all sin deserves, and how the practice and approval (!) of sin is the sure and horrible demonstration that men are indeed under God’s wrath.
Uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts, Romans 1:24-25. The first “giving up” shows how dreadful our sin is. It brings us into uncleanness, making us unfit to draw near to God in worship. As those whose hearts have chosen desires other than God (and apart from Him), every bodily expression of what’s in a man’s heart dishonors himself. The great truth about man is that he was created in God’s image, for God’s glory, according to God’s law. But man exchanged that for the devil’s lie: that man could create himself in his own image, for his own glory, according to his own ways. The uncleanness of living this way displays that man is under wrath for refusing to know, thank, or worship God.
Vile passions, Romans 1:26-27. The second “giving up” shows how irrational our sin is. “vile passions” in Romans 1:26 means “disgraceful emotions.” Not only is man’s will evil, choosing creatures over the Creator, but his affections are evil too. The perversion of women with women, or men with men (instead of one man and one woman), displays God’s wrath. Adultery and fornication are not marriage either, but when God gives men over to such perversions as in these verses, the very irrationality displays how deep-seated is man’s God-rejecting wickedness. Our evil is so great that it not only misuses nature but even goes contrary to nature itself.
Debased mind, Romans 1:28-31. The third “giving up” goes to our very root. God has designed our intellect to inform our affections, which move our wills. In the display of His wrath, God gives them over to themselves in their will, their affections, and their minds. In this case, the “debased mind” (Romans 1:28), the non-functional mind, exposes them to being filled with all unrighteousness. This is what ungodliness and unrighteousness deserve: to fill up one’s sin (Romans 1:29). The perversions in Romans 1:26-27 are emblematic of all sin. By being “against nature” (Romans 1:26), they are the extreme case of what is “not fitting” (Romans 1:28). All sin is irrational. All sin is abominable to God. All sin is destructive to man and to creation. Consider, from the twenty-two examples listed in Romans 1:29-31, those which especially beset you. Do you easily recognize your sin as God-rejecting, self-destruction to which His wrath would rightly give you over? The perversions that are being celebrated by so many this month are so abominable, precisely to show us the abominable nature of all of our sin.
Approving those who do, Romans 1:32. And all of this brings us to “pride month.” This is end-stage spiritual cancer that displays God’s wrath upon a person or a nation. The conscience becomes so seared that they do not feel the need either to be alarmed or to be ashamed at their sin. Those who do such things know that they deserve death (versev32), but they suppress this to the point that they do them without alarm. And they are so far from being ashamed of sin that they approve of it. Indeed, they make their sin their very identity. Some protest that by “pride” they mean not arrogant boastfulness (though all affirming of sin is arrogance against God!) but self-approval of their “identity.” Yet, self-approval is exactly that to which the Lord has given sinners up. For those whom the Lord gives over to their sin, it has been “pride month” for some six thousand years.
Vessels of mercy. In Romans 1, this display of wrath is the backdrop for the gospel’s display of God’s saving righteousness. God gives—even to such sinners as this!—His own righteousness through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21–24)! He patiently bears with vessels of wrath prepared for destruction precisely to “make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory” (Romans 9:22–23).
How dreadful is our sin! There is nothing more hateful than to tell ourselves that our sin is permissible or excusable. To celebrate “pride month” is to perpetrate “hate month.” Those who celebrate sinners’ perversions hate sinners by doing so. But God loves and saves sinners. He reveals not just His wrath against sinners, but His righteousness, offered to them. How grateful we should be for His mercy! How eager to be found in Christ! And loving our neighbor means calling him to repentance and inviting him to God’s righteousness revealed in Christ—inviting him to rejoice in God’s mercy as a vessel of mercy.
For further consideration: “Righteously Given Up to Godless Feelings, Choices, and Thoughts”—available at hpwl.org/sa220615mws
Of the 22 sins listed in Romans 1:29-31, to which are you most prone? What do you deserve? What does the Lord offer you instead? How?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us, for we have so often been unmindful of You and unthankful toward You. But even to such sinners as we are, You offer Your own righteousness through faith in Christ. So give to us, by Your Spirit, to believe in Christ, to be forgiven of our sin, and to be righteous with His righteousness, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”
Hopewell
Herald – June 8, 2024
God’s love for sinners is counter-intuitive to people who are addicted to this world and to our sin. It’s quite literally insane that people think that the hatefulness of “pride month” is loving, when what is loving is to point out that the irrationality and self-destruction of our sin is a clue that we are under the wrath of God. God lovingly announces His wrath against our sin, because He is lovingly announcing that, in Christ, He offers His own righteousness to those who are under wrath! That’s true love.
“Seeker-friendly” worship is, of course, worship as God has commanded—because sinners do not seek Him apart from Him seeking them! But even “sinner-friendly” worship is counter-intuitive. It is not friendly to sinners to give them worship that feels comfortable and familiar. Truly sinner-friendly worship is worship that makes them uncomfortable on account of its unfamiliarity and other-worldliness.
Read Matthew 9:9–13
Questions from the Scripture text: From where was Jesus going (Matthew 9:9, cf. Matthew 9:1-8)? Whom did He see? Doing what? What did Jesus say to him? What did Matthew do? How does the beginning of Matthew 9:10 change the time/scene? What was Jesus doing? Who came to Him? What quantity? What did they do? Who saw it (Matthew 9:11)? To whom did they speak? What did they ask? Who heard it (Matthew 9:12)? About whom does He speak? What do these well people not need? Who do need a physician? What does He tell them to do (Matthew 9:13)? What, especially, does He tell them to study (cf. Hosea 6:6)? Whom did He not come to call? Whom did He come to call? To what did He come to call them?
Whom does Jesus call? Matthew 9:9–13 prepares us for the morning sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus calls sinners to repentance.
Christ’s priority upon forgiving and power to give it by His Word, Matthew 9:9. Putting the timeline of Christ’s ministry together from all the gospels, it is likely that Matthew 9:2-9 are actually from an earlier time, but are included here because it is upon returning from the Gentile side of the lake that Matthew gives the feast for Christ in his house (cf. Mark 2:15, Luke 5:29). All three “synoptic” gospels connect the call of Matthew to the feast with the other tax collectors and sins, and it is evident that Matthew had been called as Jesus was passing on from forgiving the paralytic. What a blessed portrait of our Lord—going from forgiving to forgiving!
In Matthew’s call (Matthew 9:9), we behold in one short verse the gracious power of our Lord’s words. Would a tax collector give up even his lucrative employment to follow One Who has nowhere to lay his head? Will one whose associates are other tax collectors—almost certainly skimmers and cheats, even if Matthew was not—as well as other notorious sinners… will this one now attach himself to the One Whose very presence forbids all sin? But Christ’s two words have in them the power to give life and faith and repentance.
We can look to Him for the same for ourselves. When we do not have in us the ability to believe or repent, let us come to His Word, and let us ask that He, by His Spirit, would use His Word similarly with us. Surely, He created by His Word, He upholds all things by His Word, He gives faith by His Word, and He sanctifies by His Word. The leopard cannot change his spots, but Christ by His Word changes sinners in divine power!
How experience of Christ’s grace to us produces expectation of His grace to others, Matthew 9:10. It is presumably from his own experience of this that Matthew is bold to invite “many tax collectors and sinners” to follow Jesus and eat with Him and His disciples (verse 10). Those who have genuinely experienced grace are better able to understand Christ’s extending it to others. If you tend to have the Pharisees’ response to one whose reputation was one way, but who has come to follow and fellowship with Jesus, then you might ask yourself whether you have genuinely experienced grace. And you ought to ask Christ that He would increase your experience of His grace. Indeed, go ahead and ask Him for it anyway!
No one is good enough company for Jesus, except by the grace of Jesus, Matthew 9:11. It is interesting that the Pharisees ask the disciples (verse 11). It is almost a tacit admission that they are really accusing Jesus of something, but are either too cowardly to ask Him directly or are trying to be “polite.” In either case, the question does imply that they just don’t understand Christ. Indeed, the question by itself demonstrates that they don’t understand themselves, either. Why does Jesus eat with sinners? Because that is the only sort of other person there is to eat with on the earth! Did the Pharisees think that they were not sinners? Surely they meant “why doesn’t Jesus keep better company?” But, again, this means that they have failed to grasp Who Jesus is. Better company? No one on earth is good company for Jesus!
The healing and forgiveness that we all need—and that only Jesus can give, Matthew 9:12-13. But that is why Jesus has come. To take those who are unworthy to eat with Him, and make them joint heirs with Him of His kingdom! We need both justification and sanctification, forgiveness and cleansing. We are too sick (dead!) with sin to be able to repent. And we are too guilty of sin to be permitted to repent. Jesus did not come for those who were most able to be saved, or nearest to being saved, because there are no such people as either of those things. Rather, He came precisely because we are not able.
We must be careful not to be too superficial with the quote in Matthew 9:13. Jesus Himself tells the Pharisees to go and study. He is saying more than just that their religion is worthless because they’re not merciful enough to the tax collectors.
When the Pharisees go back and study Hosea 6:6, they should find that it is in the context of the people finally (!) repenting in. That was a longtime coming in the context of that book, and Hosea 6:1–3 is full of right words and sentiments. But immediately, the Lord’s response in Hosea 6:4 is that their repentance as the substance and staying power of a morning mist that burns off almost immediately. That is why He desires covenanted love (ḳessed, NKJ “mercy”) rather than sacrifice. Only the one whose nature has been changed by the Lord to correspond to that of the Lord Himself will be acceptable. In Hosea, it will be another five chapters before the Lord Himself becomes the solution (cf. Hosea 11:8–11) to those whose “repentances” just won’t stick (cf. Hosea 11:7).
Back to our passage, we see Jesus’s point. There are no righteous to call. And those who are called are not called because of what they were; they are called to repentance, to have the very nature of their mind changed. This is the only way that it can be. Jesus saves only sinners, and only and entirely by grace!
If you are following Christ, how did you come to do so? If not, how can you? Whom have you not invited to follow Jesus because you did not expect that they could/would?
Sample prayer: Lord, we know that our religion is worth nothing, unless You have changed us from the inside out, entirely by Your power—and forgiven us, entirely by Christ’s work. Grant that we would more poignantly experience Your grace, and that we would act as those who expect that others will as well, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH130A “LORD, from the Depths to You I Cry!”