God's holiness must be satisfied—either in wrath or in mercy.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Holiness Satisfied in Wrath and Mercy [2024.12.29 Evening Sermon in Numbers 31:1–24]
God's holiness must be satisfied—either in wrath or in mercy.
Jesus’s Priceless Treasure [2024.12.29 Morning Sermon in Matthew 13:44–53]
Jesus treasures the church, and so should we.
What/Whom to Pray For [2024.12.29 Sabbath School in Westminster Confession of Faith 21.4—Hopewell 101]
We continue studying through the Scriptural doctrine that our congregation confesses. This week, we continued Westminster Confession chapter 21—considering Article 4, and whom we pray for, when we follow the Bible for the content of our prayers.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
The LORD Who Builds His House and Yours [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 127]
How can we be happy and secure? Psalm 127 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 only the Lord gives happiness and security. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 127
Read Psalm 127
Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? By whom? Who must build what (Psalm 127:1a)? Or else what (verse 1b)? Who must guard what (verse 1c)? Or else what (verse 1d)? What else is vain (Psalm 127:2a–c)? What does YHWH, Who works in all things at all times, do (verse 2d)? What else does He give (Psalm 127:3)? In what two ways is this giving described? What are children like (Psalm 127:4a)? In whose hand? Especially when one has them when (verse 4b)? Who is happy (Psalm 127:5a)? What do these children not do (verse 5b)? What shall they do (verse 5c)?
How can we be happy and secure? Psalm 127 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 only the Lord gives happiness and security.
Laborers build houses (Psalm 127:1b), and watchmen guard cities (verse 1d). These are real and important tasks. But they are only accomplished in dependence upon the working of YHWH in His providence (verse 1a, c).
So, if we think that, by trusting in our effort and extra zeal, we are going to have a better outcome, then it is vain for us to do that also (Psalm 127:2a–c). The believer must see all of God’s providence as coming in love (“His beloved,” verse 2d). Therefore, they must submit to God’s loving design for us: that we would need things like sleep and receive that sleep as a love-gift.
Another thing that we are to receive as a love-gift from the Lord are grace-grown children whose speech the ungodly cannot withstand (Psalm 127:5b–c, cf. Acts 6:10). Begetting, bearing, and (especially) raising children is hard work! But it must not be done by trusting in the things that we do (right and wise, hopefully) as parents. Rather, they are a “heritage” (Psalm 127:3a) or a “reward” (verse 3b)—both words meaning something that cannot be produced by effort but must ultimately be given by God.
Certainly, there is God-given wisdom involved. The parent in v4 is styled as a “warrior.” But it is the Lord Who makes them arrows, by grace, Who also makes parents warriors, by that same grace. We must cling to this if we are going to follow the biblical value of beginning to fill our quiver (Psalm 127:5a) in our youth (Psalm 127:4a). (Compare this to the biblical value of marrying in one’s youth, cf. Proverbs 5:18, Malachi 2:14). If we are depending upon the Lord for wisdom, and trusting His grace to produce the outcomes, it removes a significant obstacle in the hearts and minds of those who wish to have children but are hesitating.
Shall we build our households with godly children, and guard our future gates with godly children? How happy we would then be! Therefore, let us not only be directed by the Lord’s Word, but do so in dependence upon the Lord’s grace.
Over what have you been fretting, as if it depends upon you? What would it look like to trust God for it, even as you obey?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for loving us, and for giving unto us every good thing as a love-gift. For, indeed, You have given us Christ, and therefore will freely give us all things together with Him. Do so, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP127 “Unless the LORD Build Up the House” or TPH127A “Unless the Lord the House Shall Build”
Monday, December 30, 2024
Jesus's Water-Sign [Children's Catechism 126—Theology Simply Explained]
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 126—especially explaining how Jesus uses the washing with water as a sign marking members of His church.
Q126. What sign is used in baptism? The washing with water.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
Q126. What sign is used in baptism? The washing with water.
Seeking and Finding the Fear of the Lord [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 8:12–21]
What does wisdom give? Proverbs 8:12–21 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom gives complete and everlasting wealth and blessedness. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 8:12–21
Read Proverbs 8:12–21
Questions from the Scripture text: Where does wisdom dwell (Proverbs 8:12a)? What does it find out (verse 12b)? What is wisdom called in Proverbs 8:13a? What does it do? What four evils does it specifically mention hating (verse 13b–c)? What are four attributes of wisdom in Proverbs 8:14? Who do what with it (Proverbs 8:15-16)? What is true of those who love wisdom (Proverbs 8:17a)? What will those who, seeking, seek wisdom do (verse 17b)? What does wisdom give (Proverbs 8:18-21)? Where do those who find it end up walking, in order to do so (Proverbs 8:20)?
What does wisdom give? Proverbs 8:12–21 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom gives complete and everlasting wealth and blessedness.
Proverbs 8:13 reminds us that wisdom is the fearing of YHWH. So, with it come prudence, knowledge, and discretion (Proverbs 8:12); together with counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength (Proverbs 8:14); because YHWH gives these things (Proverbs 8:12). And, because YHWH hates pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the distorted/corrupted mouth, growing in true wisdom means growing in hatred of these things (Proverbs 8:13).
Whatever authority, justice, or rule is properly exercised on the earth comes from YHWH—whether or those kings, rulers, princes, and judges recognize it (Proverbs 8:15-16). How much more ought the king-in-waiting, to whom this book is addressed, grow in the fear of YHWH so that he may consciously and conscientiously govern under God. And let us remember that it is that all believers are, ultimately, kings-in-waiting (cf. Revelation 5:10)!
So great and glorious is this true wisdom that loving and seeking Him is found to have come from His having loved us and predestined us to find Him (Proverbs 8:17). Because this has its origin in God, its end is all of the unimaginable blessedness that God has determined for His people (Proverbs 8:18-21). But this (Proverbs 8:21) comes not merely by bare guarantee, but by wisdom’s (Christ’s) effectively working in us to keep us in the way and path to this reward (Proverbs 8:20).
What a personally (i.e., in a Person) good, powerful, and glorious thing it is to live in the fear of YHWH!
How are you hating your own pride, arrogance, evil ways, and distorted talking? How is it apparent that you love wisdom? How is it apparent that you are seeking wisdom diligently? From where did these come? From where can more come?
Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for loving us and destining us to be Your heirs in Christ. And thank You for making Him unto us Your power and Your wisdom. Your foolishness is wiser than men, and Your weakness is stronger than men, so grant that we would live in the true fear of You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!Suggested songs: ARP26 “LORD, Vindicate Me” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
Sunday, December 29, 2024
2024.12.29 Lord's Day Livestreams
Click below for the:
December 29 Lord's Day Worship Booklet
Matthew 13:44–53 sermon outline
3p song selections & Numbers 31:1–24 sermon outline
We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.
IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.
Saturday, December 28, 2024
The Lord's Great Treasure [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 13:44–53]
How much does Jesus love the visible church? Matthew 13:44–53 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus has hidden His elect in the visible church, for which reason He love her so much that He gave all that He had for her. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 13:44–53
Read Matthew 13:44–53
Questions from the Scripture text: How does Matthew 13:44 begin? What is it talking about? What is the kingdom of heaven like? Where is this treasure hidden? Who finds it? What does He do with it? With what affection does He go? What does He sell? To do what? How does Matthew 13:45 begin? What is it talking about? What is the kingdom of heaven like? What does this Merchant seek? What does He find in Matthew 13:46? What does He do? How does Matthew 13:47 begin? What is it about? What is the kingdom of heaven like? Where is the dragnet cast? What does it gather? What happens to it (Matthew 13:48)? Then where do they drag it? What do they do with the good fish? What do they do with the bad? When will it be like this (Matthew 13:49)? Who will come forth? To separate whom? What will they do with the wicked (Matthew 13:50)? What will be in the place into which they are cast? Who speaks to whom in Matthew 13:51? What does He ask them? How do they answer? About whom does He speak in Matthew 13:52? In what are these scribes instructed? Whom are they like? What does he bring out? What sorts of treasure? What does Matthew 13:53 say Jesus had finished? Then what did He do?
How much does Jesus love the visible church? Matthew 13:44–53 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus has hidden His elect in the visible church, for which reason He love her so much that He gave all that He had for her.
When Jesus had identified “whoever does the will of [His] Father in heaven [as His] brother and sister and mother” (cf. Matthew 12:50), He began, on the same day, to tell all these parables (cf. Matthew 13:1, Matthew 13:3). And the point of the parables has been that, although many among them are false (cf. Matthew 13:25-26), and although they are rather imperfect (cf. Matthew 13:29), and although they don’t seem like much (Matthew 13:32), and although not much seems to be happening (Matthew 13:33), Jesus is surely bringing them all to the place where they shine like the Sun (Matthew 13:43)—just as He does (cf. Revelation 1:16), and together with Him (cf. Romans 8:17, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30)—in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43).
Our passage is a rapid-fire conclusion to these parables. “Again” and “again” and “again,” our Lord Jesus teaches us the preciousness to Him of the visible church on earth, even though the elect treasure within her is mixed with much that is undesirable.
Notice that the Man in Matthew 13:44 rejoices over the treasure of the field so much that He is willing to sell all in order to buy the field. Just so, our Lord Jesus became a man and gave Himself up to the death of the cross (cf. Philippians 2:7–8); He gave up everything. And He obtained for Himself not just the elect from within the visible church, but the visible church itself. She is precious to Him, and so she should be precious to all who are His. We mustn’t think that we can love and devote ourselves only to the “real” Christians (as if we could even tell which those were). Our Lord has rejoiced over His church for our sakes; and, we should rejoice over her and give all for her—both for His sake and for the sake of the elect within her.
Again, in Matthew 13:45, the Merchant seeks beautiful pearls. The creation is full of wonders. But the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46), to Him, is His elect. Those whom He has loved from before the world began, and into the saving of whom He has invested His very self!
Again, in Matthew 13:47-50, the focus shifts just a little to the workers. Christ likens the ministry of the apostles to pulling a dragnet through the world. But not every fish in the church will end up being a good one. Though the church is precious, and the good fish are prized, there are those in the church who remain wicked. They remain wicked in their standing before God, not having Christ’s righteousness counted for them or His sacrifice atoning for them. And they remain wicked in their character. These, though they were in Christ’s precious church in this age, are cast into the furnace of fire at the end of the age. It is no worse than they deserve, especially since these in particular were given the great privilege of being part of Christ’s precious church.
Finally, the Lord asks them if they had understood these things (Matthew 13:51). With no more comment from the Spirit, we are left to conclude that they did. And they alone can be considered the “scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven” (cf. Matthew 13:11). Now they may begin to understand what a glorious ministry He has called them to! They are like house-masters who bring out before their King His favorite treasure as tribute. Treasure new and treasure old may refer to the church from the nations of the world and the church from ethnic Israel. Or else, it may also be those who are newly His through the preaching of the gospel and initial faith, together with those who are being more and more displayed as His, as His Spirit uses the Word to polish them more and more for the enjoyment and honor of the King.
What a wonderful thing it is that God has given to us, to participate in His visible church. She is precious and bought with His blood, even though she is a mixed bag (a mixed net!) in this age, and even the believers are not yet what they will be. And we ought to be willing to devote our prayers and our labors, our tears and our joys, to her who is so precious to the King!
How does what you put into the church of which you are a member reflect her preciousness to Christ, and the price that He paid for her? What impact does it make upon you to know how the Lord treasures you? How are you responding to Him?
Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for loving and treasuring and redeeming Your elect. And we thank You for loving and treasuring and purchasing the church with Your own blood. Give us to love You, and to love Your church, and to pour out our lives for her, even as You have done. So, carry us by Your Spirit to do so, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH405 “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
Friday, December 27, 2024
Holy Wrath and Holy Mercy [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 31:1–24]
What is required against all sin? Numbers 31:1–24 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s vengeance is required against all sin.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 31:1–24
Read Numbers 31:1–24
Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (Numbers 31:1)? What did He tell him to take (Numbers 31:2)? Upon whom? For whom? Then what will happen? Who spoke to whom in Numbers 31:3? What did he tell them to do to themselves? In order to take what? For Whom? Upon whom? How many does he say to send from each tribe (Numbers 31:4)? What was the result (Numbers 31:5)? Who sent these 12,000 to war (Numbers 31:6)? With what else with them? What did they do (Numbers 31:7)? In exact accordance with what? Whom did they kill? Especially which five men (Numbers 31:8)? And especially which man? Whom did they take as captive (Numbers 31:9)? What did they take as spoil? What did they do to the cities (Numbers 31:10)? And to what else? What does Numbers 31:11 repeat? To whom do they bring what in Numbers 31:12? Where? Across from where? Who mee them, where (Numbers 31:13)? How does Moses respond with regard to whom (Numbers 31:14)? Why (Numbers 31:15)? What the women done (Numbers 31:16)? Who had counseled this? Against Whom? With what result? Whom does he say to execute (Numbers 31:17)? And whom to keep alive (Numbers 31:18)? Who else must do what, for how long (Numbers 31:19)? Why? What else must be purified (Numbers 31:20)? Who, then, speaks to whom in Numbers 31:21? Whose ordinance does he give them? To whom was it originally commanded? What items of the unclean must be cleansed in what ways (Numbers 31:22-24)?
What is required against all sin? Numbers 31:1–24 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s vengeance is required against all sin.
When the Midianites had turned the Israelites against the Lord in harlotry and idolatry, the Lord had commanded them to attack and strike them (cf. Numbers 25:17–18). Now, it is the one loose end left in Moses’s life’s work (Numbers 31:2, cf. Numbers 27:13). God’s justice may come slowly, but it surely comes. The Lord does this both for His people’s sake (Numbers 31:2) and for His own holiness’s sake (Numbers 31:3). So shall it be with His judgment in the last day.
It is interesting that the number of men required is one thousand from each tribe (Numbers 31:4-5). First, this number seems small on the whole. But in a war of the Lord’s vengeance, it is not the size of the contingent that determines the outcome. Second, this number is a greater proportion of some tribes than of others. This has been a book of numbers, and the largest tribes were more than double the size of the smallest. This is a covenantal sharing of vengeance. The representation is not according to census, but identification as the people of God; no tribe will be more identified as such than the other.
The fact that this is a “holy war” is indicated by the accompaniment of the high priest and the tabernacle furnishings (Numbers 31:6). This is not a superstitious use, like that which will cause Israel to be chastened in 1 Samuel 4. In this case, it is a recognition that the Lord Himself has commanded this action—and that, although He has required their participation, it will be the Lord Himself that completes this action.
The people execute the soldiers (Numbers 31:7), the kings (Numbers 31:8), and even Balaam, whose counsel had led to this dreadful condition. But they stop short at the women (Numbers 31:9). It seems that the people do not understand the judicial nature of the military action that God has commanded. Or, worse, they don’t care. After all, it was desire for these women that had caused them to stumble in the first place. By lumping the women in with the spoil, the implication seems to be that they wished to be able to have the women for themselves to marry (or, worse, otherwise enjoy). So Moses is furious (Numbers 31:15), because the women were Balaam’s chief agents in turning Israel against the Lord, in order to obtain the reward from Balak (Numbers 31:16, cf. chapters 22–25).
There is much ritual purification that must take place (Numbers 31:19-20), but repentance (moral purity) must proceed religious rites (ceremonial purity). They must first repent of the failure to carry out the Lord’s vengeance (Numbers 31:3). If we understand the punishment on the adulteresses who ensnared Israel by harlotry, but balk at the instruction concerning the male children (Numbers 31:17), that is because we are a generation that does not think covenantally. There must be no household in Israel that arises from the sin of Peor, and each male child among them presents just such a possibility. This is the repentance. The ritual purification is according to God’s law from chapter 19 and Leviticus 11.
The repentance and ritual purification are important for remembering that the offense that we take to such a passage is not due to modern sensibilities or genuine love. Rather, it is because we do not understand the greatness of the holiness of God. If we take His holiness and our sinfulness into account, the shock of the passage is not the execution of Midianite women and boys. Rather, the shock of the passage is that the sinful, Israelite men may be ritually purified instead of summarily executed. Of course, this is not something that has actual atoning effect. It is faith in the promised Christ—indeed, it is the promised Christ Himself—that accomplishes this miracle of God’s-holiness-defiling, and God’s-vengeance-deserving, sinners being granted repentance (cf. Acts 11:18) and holiness (cf. Revelation 5:9–10)!
When you have difficulty with the truth about God’s wrath, what must you remember about God? What must you remember about men, generally? How must you take this to heart, regarding your own desserts, personally? How must you take this to heart, regarding your own salvation? How should you respond to God? What should you pray for others and do for others?
Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your mercy to us. For, we have deserved the full outpouring of Your hot wrath. But, You have expended that wrath upon Your Son for those whom You are saving. Forgive us from shrinking from this true doctrine of Your holiness and the wrath that it requires and expresses. Grant that we might not only affirm Your wrath, but that by doing so, we might rejoice all the more over Your redemption in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Harnessing Wisdom's Worth [2024.12.25 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 8:1–11]
We all need wisdom and especially for men and boys to obtain it.
Jesus Himself Our Comfort in Suffering [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 2:8–10]
What comfort is there for suffering Christians? Revelation 2:8–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord’s fellowship with us and knowledge of us is the sweet, sustaining comfort for suffering Christians.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 2:8–11
Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does Revelation 2:8 address? How does Jesus identify Himself to them? What three things does He know about them (Revelation 2:9)? But what is their ultimate condition? What does He know about whom else? What do they call themselves? What does Jesus call them? What does He tell them not to do (Revelation 2:10)? What are they about to do? Who is about to do what to them? So that what may be done to them? For how long? What must they do? Until what happens? And who will give them what? Whom does Revelation 2:11 address? What is he to do? Who is speaking? To whom? About whom? By what will he not be hurt?
What comfort is there for suffering Christians? Revelation 2:8-11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord’s fellowship with us and knowledge of us is the sweet, sustaining comfort for suffering Christians.
The Lord Himself has suffered. Smyrna was a hotbed of the cult of the
emperor. Jews were exempt from having to worship him, so it was profoundly harmful
when they disowned the Christians, and believers lost that protection. But the
Lord Jesus knew what it was to be turned upon by the Jews and betrayed unto the
Romans. He is not only the Living God (“the First and the Last,” Revelation 2:8). He is also
a true man “who was dead and came to life.” This is important, because of the
saints in Smyrna are about to die for the faith: “be faithful until death, and
I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). He is both the God Who can give them
this life and the Man Who has been there before.
The Lord knows their suffering. It is important that He also knows their
works. Believers who suffer may wrongly conclude that they have brought their
suffering upon themselves. It is possible that these faithful believers were
being shamed as overzealous or foolhardy by those who saw offering a pinch of
incense as a small, wise compromise. By coming and speaking pure comfort to
them and noting that He know their works (Revelation 2:9), the Lord affirms that they have
not brought their suffering upon themselves.
The Lord knows their true condition. Jesus says to them, “but you are rich.” This
is their true condition in the Lord. Often, we ourselves do not know our true riches,
our true blessedness, our true peace. We can be overwhelmed by visible,
palpable circumstances. We forget our riches. We need to be told by Christ.
When He Who tells us this is Himself more riches than all creatures taken
together, it rings true. They were truly rich. If you are a believer, you are
truly rich!
The Lord knows what the wicked are doing. Jesus’s denunciation
of the Smyrnian Jews is scathing. By disavowing the Christians, they have
rejected Christ. This is not just treachery against man but blasphemy against
God. Like all churches that abandon the truth about Christ, they “are synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9)—making them the
equivalent of some Jews whom Jesus encountered in His earthly ministry (cf. John
8:44). What comfort to know that, even
if the whole world sees nothing wrong in their behavior, the Lord Himself knows
it and condemns it.
The Lord knows what the wicked will do. He tells them
not to fear. But it’s not because there isn’t anything fearful in front of
them. Indeed, it’s not just the Jews or the people of Smyrna who are against
them; it is the devil himself (Revelation 2:10). Some of them will be imprisoned, but
others will have to be faithful unto the death. But in either case, the devil’s
purpose is secondary to Christ’s superintending purpose. Those who are
imprisoned are being tested—having their genuineness proven and displayed.
Those who die are receiving the crown of life. And “ten” being one of the
numbers of completion, the implication is that this suffering is for a
predetermined, set, limited time. We don’t know what the wicked will do. But
the Lord knows. In fact, they will do whatever He has intended for good.
Live twice, so that you may die only once. Having told them
all of these things, the Lord puts all of this into an eternal context for
them. If they are born again, if they have “ears to hear” (Revelation 2:11), the new ears
of the new life, then they will be those who overcome by virtue of the life of
Christ in them. We must live twice; we must have this new life, because there
is a second death coming in which those who have suffered the first death
outside of Christ are cast into the lake of fire (cf. Revelation 20:14). It would be eternally,
infinitely foolish of us to try to escape the harm of persecution in this life,
or even of death, only to suffer the harm of the second death.
So Jesus, by His Spirit, through His ministers, speaks these things to
the churches. He speaks these things to you. Dear suffering Christian, the Lord
knows all about it, and He sends you this word of comfort. And if you are not
currently suffering, note that Your Savior still sends you this word. Take it
to heart, so that if the day should come in His good and wise providence, you
will be prepared to suffer well: not fearing, being faithful until death, and
overcoming by faith.
What have you suffered? What are you suffering? How have you coped with it in the past? How are you doing so now? What can you do to bring this passage to bear upon that suffering? How can you be praying for other Christians who are suffering?
Sample Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding us that You Yourself have suffered and overcome. Forgive us, for we have sometimes been unwilling to suffer. And we have been forgetful of Your sympathy, fellowship, and compassion. So, we have been fearful, or we have wavered in our faithfulness. But You have come, in Your Word, and comforted us by Your intimate, personal knowledge of our circumstances. Forgive us our sin, and strengthen us in Yourself we pray, in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP59A “Free Me, My God” or TPH509 “Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me?”
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
2024.12.25 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)
Click below for the:
December 25 Prayer Meeting Folder
Proverbs 8:1–11 sermon outline
We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.
IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.
Delivered by a Guilt-Bearing Husband [2024.12.22 Evening Sermon in Numbers 30]
The authority and protection of fathers and husbands should properly display the benefits of adoption by the Father and union with Christ.
Inappreciable, Invisible, Invincible Kingdom [2024.12.22 Morning Sermon in Matthew 13:31–43]
In this marvelously encouraging passage, the Lord Jesus holds Himself before us, in His love, His wisdom, and His power, which is surely bringing His people to the gloriously blessed end which He has determined for them.
How to Pray the Right Way [2024.12.22 Sabbath School in Westminster Confession 21.3b—Hopewell 101]
We continue studying through the Scriptural doctrine that our congregation confesses. This week, we continued Westminster Confession chapter 21—considering the second half of Article 3, and the manner in which we must pray, since prayer is worship.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
Self-Destructive Response to Preaching [Family Worship lesson in Amos 7:10–17]
What responses to God’s judgment should we watch against? Amos 7:10–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should watch against any murmuring or complaining against God’s judgment or those who preach it.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Amos 7:10–17
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 ▫ Read Amos 7:10–17
Questions from the Scripture text: Who speaks
in Amos 7:10? What office does he hold? To whom does he speak? What office does he
hold? About whom does he speak? Of what does he accuse him? What does he say
about his words? What had Amos said about Jeroboam (Amos 7:11a–b)? and about Israel
(verse 11c–d)? To whom does Amaziah speak in Amos 7:12a? What does he tell him to do
(verse 12b)? What does he call him? Where does he tell him to go (verse 12c)? What does
he imply about Amos’s motive (verse 12d–e)? Where does he tell him to stop (Amos 7:13a)? What
does he call that place (verse 13b)? Who speaks in Amos 7:14a? To whom? What does he say
was not his vocation (verse 14b–c)? What was (verse 14d)? And what else (verse 14e)? But Who
made the change (Amos 7:15a)? And what did He tell him to do (verse 15b–c)? Whose people
are they? With what formula does Amos begin his speech in Amos 7:16–17? What does he
say that Amaziah has said (verse 16b–c)? But what does he now specifically prophesy
about Amaziah’s wife (Amos 7:17b)? And what does he prophesy about whom else (verse 17c)?
And what does he prophesy about what else (verse 17d)? And what does he prophesy
about Amaziah himself (verse 17e)? And what does he prophesy about the nation as a
whole?
What responses to God’s judgment should we watch
against? Amos 7:10–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read,
in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy
Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should watch against any
murmuring or complaining against God’s judgment or those who preach it.
Don’t
shoot the messenger (Amos 7:10). It’s a common enough saying, but when it comes to faithful
preachers of the Word, that’s all that the offended can do. Truly, it is YHWH
Who has said that Jeroboam shall die by the sword and all Israel surely be led
away captive from their own land (Amos 7:11). But men cannot attack the living God.
He is untouchable. We see all of the mediatorial offices in Amos 7:10: a priest, a
king, and a prophet. And it is the priest who is indignant with the faithful
prophet. Let men be careful not to bristle or lash out against the man who
speaks God’s words to them; this will not end well for Amaziah.
Common
accusations (Amos 7:11–12). Amaziah doesn’t deal at all with any of the substance of
Amos’s preaching. Remember, the Lord began by painstakingly established His
justness (chapters 1–2) and presenting His case (chapters 3–5). Only then did He pronounce
the sentence/woes of Amos 6:1–7:9. The Lord did not owe this to Israel, Jeroboam, or
Amaziah. But in presenting His case so clearly, He has left them even more
without excuse.
So
what does Amaziah do? He attacks Amos’s motives. He accuses him of being
personal/political. “Flee to the land of Judah” (Amos 7:12c) isn’t just a recommended
change of venue. It implies that Amos is a southern man, with southern
leanings, and he belongs down there in the south. And “there eat bread” (Amos 7:12d)
isn’t counsel to take nourishment. It implies that Amos’s words are mercenary
not ministry, that he’s in it for the money. When people attack the Word of
God, they often attack the motives of the one speaking those words. And their
attacks often include these two types. Let us not be surprised if they are
levied against us. And if ever we catch ourselves thinking such things about a
preacher of the Word, let us make certain that we are not actually trying to
evade biblical truth in what he says (whatever the mixture of motives may be).
Religious
Pride (Amos 7:13). The king’s residence was actually at Samaria (cf. Amos 6:2). So, when Amos 7:13c uses the word “house,” it most likely means “temple,” as that word is also
often used that way. This corresponds well to the “holy place of the king” in Amos 7:13b. It has been several hundred years since Jeroboam I set up his manmade
YHWH worship in Bethel, with its own priesthood and religious calendar. Amaziah
doesn’t just fail to see that this worship is offensive and provoking to God.
He actually thinks that these manmade religious traditions are too sacrosanct
to be subjected to Amos’s denunciations. Men reveal how ingrained their
idolatry is, when they actually think that it is holy and defend it with such
zeal.
The
Innocence of the Preacher (Amos 7:14–15). Not every sound preacher is a faithful man. Sin and sinners
are complex. Many a sound preacher has been justly liable to such accusations
as Amaziah has made about Amos. That still doesn’t negate their sound words,
but Amos is not one of them. He is not financially motivated at all. This
wasn’t his business (Amos 7:14b) or the family business (verse 14c). And, he made a much
better living before he became a preacher. The word for “sheepbreeder” (verse 14d)
is different than that for “shepherd,” and implies a higher position above the
shepherds. Indeed, his agricultural employments were diversified verse 14e),
implying that Amos was actually fairly well off before YHWH called him out of
that. Furthermore, Amos 7:15 answers the arrogance of Amos 7:13 by reminding Amaziah that
Israel are YHWH’s own people, and He has the right to prophesy against them.
Judgment
against the Murmurer (Amos 7:16–17). It is not surprising that a priest would take a
holier-than-thou attitude, or even any member of the holy people (cf. Numbers 16:3). In all likelihood, Amaziah felt that he was merely serving the greater
interests of “Israel” and “the house of Isaac” (Amos 7:16). But the truth is that one
who does this is often also venting his own spirit, and the prophesying was
about to get personal. The “Your,” “Your,” “Your,” and “You” in Amos 7:17 are all
singular. It was Amaziah’s own wife who would become a harlot (verse 17b), his own
children who would be slaughtered before him (verse 17c), his own land which would
be distributed to others (verse 17d), and his own death that would be in a land as
pagan in name as the Bethel worship was in substance (verse 17e). We must remember
that God’s judgment is not just macro and corporate. It is also (and,
eternally, all-the-more) individual and personal. We must each deal with Him.
And how will we do so apart from Christ? Oh, do not resist His righteous
judgment, but repent and fly to Christ!
When
have you spoken Bible truth to someone and received a response in the same vein
as Amaziah’s? What Bible truths have been hard for you to hear, and how did you
respond to that truth? To the servant of the Lord who proclaimed it? Since you
deserve the same judgment as Amaziah, what is your hope for escaping it?
Sample prayer: Lord, You are just when You speak, and
blameless when You judge (Ps 51:4b–c). The sin is ours, and we have even shown that
wickedness by our responses to being corrected by Your truth. Do not let us
respond like Amaziah any longer, lest we come under judgment like his, or
worse. Give us, instead, soft hearts that admit sin and repent, looking to
Jesus Christ alone to be our righteousness and atonement, which He surely will
be. For His sake, forgive us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested
Songs: ARP51A “God, Be Merciful to Me” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Honoring Others Under God [Westminster Shorter Catechism 64—Theology Simply Explained]
Pastor walks his children through Westminster Shorter Catechism question 64—especially explaining how because authority is from God, it must be employed for others’ good and treated with respect, whatever side of it you may be on.
Q64. What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors or equals.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
Q64. What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors or equals.
How Jesus Uses Sacraments [Children's Catechism 125—Theology Simply Explained]
Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 125—especially explaining how Jesus uses baptism and the Lord’s Supper to mark His people off from the world and to comfort and strengthen them in Himself and their covenant with God in Him.
Q125. Why did Christ appoint these sacraments? To distinguish His disciples from the world, and to comfort and strengthen them.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
Q125. Why did Christ appoint these sacraments? To distinguish His disciples from the world, and to comfort and strengthen them.
Sure Salvation's Pleasure, Praise, Prayer, and Perseverance [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 126]
What sustains believers’ diligence in seasons of sorrow? Psalm 126 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord sustains believers in their seasons of sorrow by the greatness and certainty of the joy into which He will deliver them. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 126
Read Psalm 126
Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of song is this (superscript)? Who had done what (Psalm 126:1a)? With what effect upon the singers (verse 1b)? With what were their mouths filled (Psalm 126:2a)? And their tongues (verse 2b)? Who (verse 2c) said what (verse 2d)? Who else said this (Psalm 126:3a)? With what result (verse 3b)? What prayer does Psalm 126:4 make? In what condition do believers sow (Psalm 126:5a)? In what condition do they reap (verse 5b)? How much do they do this sort of sowing (Psalm 126:6a–b)? How surely will they do this sort of reaping (verse 6c–d)?
What sustains believers’ diligence in seasons of sorrow? Psalm 126 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord sustains believers in their seasons of sorrow by the greatness and certainty of the joy into which He will deliver them.
The Pleasure of Salvation, Psalm 126:1–2b. YHWH saves His people in order to give them joy. The Lord Jesus spoke so that His joy might be in us (cf. John 15:11, John 17:13). He gave us to pray in His Name (cf. John 16:24), and to receive His inspired Scriptures (cf. 1 John 1:4) that our joy might be full. For His Zion, who are His by election and redemption, their captivity (Psalm 126:1a) was a prelude to overwhelming joy (Psalm 126:1-2b).
The Praise of Salvation, Psalm 126:2-3. The Lord shows forth His greatness in the great work of creation. So also, He shows forth that greatness in the great works of His providence. But the greatest work of His providence is the work of redemption. It is this work that causes the whole world (Psalm 126:2c–d), and especially His people (Psalm 126:3), to praise the greatness of His work.
The Prayer of Salvation, Psalm 126:4. This Psalm may have been entirely prophetic, relating the gladness, while yet in the midst of the sorrow. Or, it may be taking a previous, already laughed-over, deliverance as an encouragement to pray for a new deliverance from a new captivity. In either case, it applies to believers throughout all generations, who have experienced much captivity and tears. We know how His work in/for them ends.
The Perseverance of Salvation, Psalm 126:5-6. Psalm 126:5 establishes a principle, and then Psalm 126:6 drives it home. In verse 6, there is a doubling of the verb for going (verse 6a) and for coming (verse 6c). The first doubling lays a heavy emphasis upon the determination and perseverance of the one who serves the Lord and walks with Him, despite the current sorrow. The second doubling lays a heavy emphasis upon the certainty of the rejoicing and the fruitfulness that they shall have at last. For believers, it is this certainty by which the Lord sustains their determination. And He does so, in part, by giving them songs like this to sing.
What sorts of sorrows do you have that hinder you in serving the Lord well in set times of worship and in the whole of your life? What is the greatness of the joy that the worship times set before you? What is the certainty of the joy that the worship times set before you? How does this help you in this age of labor and sorrow?
Sample prayer: Lord, how great are Your works in all of creation and history! But greatest of all is Your work of redeeming us. For, You have brought us out of captivity by the blood and righteousness of Your own Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, You have saved us by Him Himself, Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. And now You set His own joy before us. Surely, we already laugh and sing and say, “The Lord has done great things for us!” But, how much more shall we do so on that day when all weeping has ceased, and the full harvest has been brought in. So, grant unto us to know You and Your salvation in Christ as we worship You, by the help of Your Spirit, which we ask in the Name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP126 “All, Like Mount Zion” or TPH126A “When Zion’s Fortunes God Restored”
Monday, December 23, 2024
Training Wisdom-Warriors [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 8:1–11]
What does the world need now? Proverbs 8:1–11 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the world needs now (and tomorrow) is wisdom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 8:1–11
Read Proverbs 8:1–11
Questions from the Scripture text: Who cries out (Proverbs 8:1)? What else does she do? Where does she take her stand to cry out (Proverbs 8:2a)? Where else (verse 2b)? Where else (Proverbs 8:3)? To whom does she call (Proverbs 8:4a)? And to whom, especially (verse 4b)? What does she call these (Proverbs 8:5)? What do they urgently need? How can they obtain it (Proverbs 8:6a)? To what (Whom!) are they to listen (verse 6)? To what sort of things? To what do Proverbs 8:7-8 contrast these things? Who will be able to understand (Proverbs 8:9)? How much should they value this instruction/knowledge (Proverbs 8:10-11)?
What does the world need now? Proverbs 8:1–11 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the world needs now (and tomorrow) is wisdom.
The “way” of wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-3). Foolish and sinful logic hides in the dark. Part of the folly of the young man in Proverbs 7:7–9 was that he put himself in a position in which he was operating under cover of darkness. But biblical wisdom can stand the light of day. The “crying out” and “top of the hill” and the main intersections and city gates and entrances of doors are all ways of saying that true wisdom appeals out in the open. It is also humbling to see that, while wisdom is openly obvious; yet, apart from grace blessing the Word to us, we will not receive it.
The warriors of wisdom. So much depends upon men, in the economy of God (Proverbs 8:4a). And therefore so much depends upon the sons who are the future men (verse 4b). God created fatherhood to communicate something about Himself toward believers, and even within the persons of the Godhead! And God created marriage, which will not continue in the next world (cf. Matthew 22:30), to communicate something about Himself toward the church. It is no wonder that He designed fatherhood and husbandhood to be so critical to families, nations, and churches. But this makes it all the more devastating when husbands and fathers are fools.
The weakest in wisdom. Boys, left to themselves, and one another, are simple ones and fools (cf. Proverbs 7:6–7). The “sons of men” in v4b are now addressed that way in Proverbs 8:5. Proverbs repeatedly addresses all of us as “children,” but it is boys and young men, especially, who need this remedy.
The Word of wisdom. Wisdom speaks of things opposite (more literal than NKJ’s “excellent,” Proverbs 8:6) our folly. Wisdom, an attribute of the Son, is personified as female. But just as God is identified with love as an attribute (cf. 1 John 4:8), so also the Son is identified with wisdom as an attribute. God is more than love, but we can think of Him as love personified. So, too, with wisdom. The Son is wisdom (one of His attributes), but He is more than wisdom. We will think about that more, when we come to Proverbs 8:22-36. It is important, here, to see that wisdom is personal. We are not merely listening to instruction; we are listening to a Person in the greatness of His wisdom. And that Person is completely opposed to wickedness (Proverbs 8:7) and crookedness (Proverbs 8:8). So, from wisdom’s mouth we can expect only to hear what is upright (Proverbs 8:6), true (Proverbs 8:7), and righteous (Proverbs 8:8).
This Word itself gives light and ability. Apart from knowing this important truth from Scripture as a whole, we might miss that it is implied here. Except, if it isn’t the Word itself, by which God Himself gives the ability to understand His own Word, Proverbs 8:9 would make no sense. By the Word itself, God makes His Word plain (verse 9a). By the Word itself, God gives men to see that the Word is right (verse 9b).
The wealth of wisdom. Wealth seems like it will give pleasure, but wisdom gives true joy. Wealth seems like it will give prosperity, but wisdom gives true flourishing. Wealth seems like it will give secure circumstances , but wisdom makes a man secure in every circumstance. Wealth may be a good gift from God, but truly biblical wisdom gives us God Himself as the gift! So, we ought to desire and pursue it more than silver (Proverbs 8:10a), gold (verse 10b), rubies (Proverbs 8:11a) or any material thing (verse 11b).
How are you getting wisdom and helping others, especially men/boys, to? Who is wisdom? How do you value Him?
Sample prayer: Lord, give us wisdom. Yes, give us Yourself, by Your Spirit’s use of the Word, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119B “How Can a Young Man Cleanse His Way?” or TPH119M “O How I Love Your Holy Law”
Sunday, December 22, 2024
2024.12.22 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11a, 3p)
Click below for the:
December 22 Lord's Day Worship Booklet
Matthew 13:31–43 sermon outline
3p song selections & Numbers 30 sermon outline
We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.
IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Jesus's Encouragement to Members and Ministers [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 13:24–43]
What is the Lord waiting for? Matthew 13:24–43 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord is patient, even with imperfections in the church, because He is determined to gather in and perfect all of the sons of His kingdom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 13:24–43
Read Matthew 13:24–43
Questions from the Scripture text: What story does Jesus now tell in Matthew 13:24-30? Where did the tares come from (Matthew 13:28a)? But who are the owner’s primary concern (Matthew 13:29)? But what is the appropriate end of the tares when that is fulfilled (Matthew 13:30)? What story does Jesus tell in Matthew 13:31-32? What is the seed like, but what is the outcome like? What story does Jesus tell in Matthew 13:33? What does the woman do to the leaven, but what is the end result? How did Jesus speak to whom (Matthew 13:34)? Why (Matthew 13:35)? Bu to whom did He speak plainly (Matthew 13:36)? Who is the Sower (Matthew 13:37)? What is the field (Matthew 13:38)? Whom does the Son of Man sow into it? Who else sows whom into it (Matthew 13:39)? What is the harvest? Who are the reapers? Whom will the Son of Man send (Matthew 13:41)? To gather what two things out of His kingdom? Where will those who practice lawlessness be cast (Matthew 13:42)? What will be the resulting effect upon those who remain (Matthew 13:43)?
What is the Lord waiting for? Matthew 13:24–43 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord is patient, even with imperfections in the church, because He is determined to gather in and perfect all of the sons of His kingdom.
Christians can be disappointing. And the church can be disappointing. The church certainly isn’t yet what it ought to be! The true church is often small, and apparently insignificant (Matthew 13:31-32). The visible church throughout the world is certainly full of the sons of the wicked one (Matthew 13:38). But it’s very difficult to tell them apart from the sons of the kingdom (verse 38), or to pull the one without harming the other (Matthew 13:29). But God hasn’t lost track, and things aren’t going awry. The Son of Man’s angels are at the ready, and when the growing/leavening is complete, they will do their work, leaving behind not only a 100% converted church (Matthew 13:41-42), but a 100% sanctified and glorified church (Matthew 13:43)!
Though we may be grieved over the condition of the church, we must not be discouraged. And, let each of us take heed that we do not turn out to have been a son of the wicked one that was indistinguishable from the true wheat. To that end, may the Lord by His Spirit, give us ears to hear; and, may He give us to use them!
When have you been discouraged about the condition of the visible church? But what is the Lord doing right now? And what is the Lord waiting for? And what will He have done, when the end comes?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for how You are planting Your church throughout the world. Help us not to be false sons within the kingdom, and grant that we would not be discouraged by how many of them there are. Instead, grant that we would joyously anticipate the day when the whole church will shine forth as the sun, and make us to pursue that in our own lives, with all our hearts, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH552 “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
Friday, December 20, 2024
The Husband Who Delivers His Bride [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 30]
How much weight does God give to fatherhood and a husband’s authority in marriage? Numbers 30 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s statutes about vows and oaths display the great weightiness of the authority of fathers and husbands.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 30
Read Numbers 30
Questions from the Scripture text: To whom does Moses speak (Numbers 30:1)? Whom does he say has commanded this? What situation is He addressing (Numbers 30:2)? What must the man who makes a vow or oath not do (verse 2)? What must he do? Who else might make one (Numbers 30:3)? At what time? Who might hear it (Numbers 30:4)? What might he do? And what happens with her vows then? But what else might he do (Numbers 30:5)? And what happens to her vows? Who releases her? Why? What new circumstance does Numbers 30:6 consider? What might she have made? But who now hears it (Numbers 30:7)? What might he not do? And what happens to the vows then? But what else might her husband do (Numbers 30:8)? What happens to the vow then? Who releases her? What other circumstances might there be (Numbers 30:9)? And what happens to a woman’s vows then? What new situation does Numbers 30:10 now address? What might her husband not do (Numbers 30:11)? What happens to her vow then? But what might her husband do (Numbers 30:12)? What happens to her vow then? Why? Who releases her? How does Numbers 30:13 summarize this? How do Numbers 30:14-15 restate it? And what title does Numbers 30:16 give these statutes?
How much weight does God give to fatherhood and a husband’s authority in marriage? Numbers 30 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s statutes about vows and oaths display the great weightiness of the authority of fathers and husbands.
Vows and oaths. It is common now to use “vow” and “oath” interchangeably, but the language in WCF 22.1, 5 comes from the Scripture. A vow is “unto YHWH” (Numbers 30:2a), and an oath is sworn “to bind himself by some agreement” (i.e. between two or more people, verse 2b). The principle, in both cases, is that YHWH is the ultimate enforcer of these promises, whether to Him or others. From the rest of the passage, we see a vow is something to which YHWH binds, or from which YHWH may release (Numbers 30:5, Numbers 30:8, Numbers 30:12).
Honoring fathers. Considering the language of being bound (in twelve out of the sixteen verses!), and the language of “standing against” (Numbers 30:9), “afflict her soul” (Numbers 30:13), and “bear her guilt” (Numbers 30:15), we see just how seriously the Lord takes a sworn vow (even if it is made rashly, Numbers 30:6). So, it is against this backdrop that we can see how much weight God gives the authority of fathers over daughters. A father can overrule his daughter’s vow or oath (Numbers 30:5), and YHWH Himself will release her! A binding word that was an act of worship, the Lord permits to be taken back for the sake of a father’s honor from his daughter. How very opposite this is from the view of the honor of a father taken by the religious leaders of Jesus’s day (cf. Matthew 15:3–9)!
Honoring husbands. Now, considering the honor given to a father, we are prepared to see the even greater (!) honor given to a husband. For, Numbers 30:10 relates to vows while made in her husband’s house, making it even clearer that Numbers 30:6 is addressing vows that had been made in her father’s house. And, despite the great weightiness of a father’s authority that Numbers 30:4-5 establish, if she marries (Numbers 30:6), her husband can now override even the former authority of her father (Numbers 30:8). Your author’s culture, and indeed church culture, has certainly strayed far from Holy Scripture’s own view of the weightiness of a husband’s authority.
Widowed, divorced, single. Numbers 30:9 shows what a great loss is the widowhood of a woman who had a godly husband. She no longer has the spiritual protection that his authority offered from vows that were foolish or wrong. And it shows what a dreadful circumstance divorce is, bringing a woman into a sort of widowhood. Interestingly, this Scripture has no category for a woman who leaves her father’s house but not to become a wife in another house. Following the logic of the passage, such would be voluntary orphanhood. One wonders how biblical is the worldview of a society in which many young ladies choose this, and many fathers even encourage it.
Passive husbands. Finally, something must be said about the dim view that Numbers 30:14 takes of the passive husband. The Hebrew doubling of the verb for being silent, and the added effect of “from day unto day” in verse 14, draws a picture of a man who knows that his wife’s action will bring her soul low (Numbers 30:13); but, he lacks either the courage or the diligence to say something about it, and eventually as time passes, it becomes too late for him to do anything about it. A passive (or wicked) husband makes his wife a widow in his own home! Such is not the husband that Christ is to the church, having the affection and strength and zeal to speak and do what is right, even (and especially) when He must cross our wills to do so. He is the husband who, when we had sinned away our souls in our first father’s house, He betrothed us to Himself, bearing the brunt of what we had done to ourselves, to restore us as His bride. What a Husband Christ is to the church! And He has brought us into the Father’s house, that we might also enjoy adoption as God’s children.
What vows have you made to God? What oaths have you promised to men? How are you living out and acting upon these commitments? What is your role in your family? How do the responsibilities and duties of this passage apply to you? How has God been both perfect Father and perfect husband to you?
Sample prayer: Our Father in heaven, thank You for adopting us as Your children, and bringing us into the blessedness of being under Your authority. Lord Jesus, thank You for betrothing us to Yourself as members of Your bride, Your body. Holy Spirit, thank You for ministering to us our adoption and our union with Christ. Grant that we would honor and take seriously fatherhood and marriage in our own households. And make us keepers of our vows and oaths, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Lifesaving Instruction [2024.12.18 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 7]
To keep from self-destruction, we must internalize and apply biblical instruction
Jesus's Urgent Message to Every Church [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 1:19–2:7]
What is Jesus looking for in a church? Revelation 1:19–2:7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus knows our works, and wants us to persist in loving Him by them. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)
2024.12.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 1:19–2:7
Read Revelation 1:19–2:7
Questions from the Scripture text: What things does the Lord first tell John to write about (Revelation 1:19)? And what other things? And what other things? What mystery does the Lord then explain to John (Revelation 1:120)? What are the seven stars? What are the seven lampstands? To whom is John to do what (Revelation 2:1)? By what two things is he to identify Jesus? What ten good things does the Lord know about them (Revelation 2:2-3, Revelation 2:6)? Against the backdrop of all of these things, how many does He have against them (Revelation 2:4)? Which one? What must they now do (Revelation 2:5)? And do what works? Upon threat of what discipline? And to which individuals does He say to do what (Revelation 2:7)? Whom does Jesus say is speaking, as He dictates to John what to write? What type of individual will be rewarded? With what reward? From where?
What is Jesus looking for in a church? Revelation 1:19–2:7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus knows our works, and wants us to persist in loving Him by them.
There are three things that the Lord tells John to write about: things he had already seen, things that were at the time, and things that were still future at the time. Two of these are most certainly in the past now, and the third category includes things also that are now past. Taken together, past events have a large “part” in Revelation’s own partial preterist view of itself (the view that many events in Revelation are from the past). But this does not make Revelation less applicable today. Although the letter in our passage was written to the church at Ephesus at the time, it is just as applicable to every church in every age as all of the other letters to specific churches in the New Testament. When Jesus gives His apostle to write to one church, it is “the Spirit” speaking “to the churches” (Revelation 2:7)—all of the churches. And it is especially for those to whom the Spirit has given hearing ears.
But, more importantly than when it is that John is seeing, we must remember Whom it is that John is seeing, even as these instructions are received: the Lord Jesus. What he sees among the “things that are” is the One Who is among the seven churches/lampstands (Revelation 1:20), even as He begins to dictate letters to those very churches/lampstands (Revelation 2:1). This is how He is identified to the church at Ephesus: Jesus, Who has been revealed as divinely glorious is now revealed as personally, vigorously active in the churches on earth.
What an incentive this is to faithfulness in the church! Jesus knows every good quality of every church (He produced them by His grace!). Indeed, even though He is about to confront and warn them about a severe flaw, He combines that confrontation with a slew of commendations. Would you like for your church to be commendable? Don’t shoot for the things that appear in online reviews, or that disgruntled members say they are looking for as they move on to the next congregation. Pursue things that Jesus commends: good works (Revelation 2:2), labor/hard work (verse 2), endurance (verse 2), intolerance of the unrepentant (verse 2), rejection of false teaching (verse 2), perseverance (Revelation 2:3), patience (verse 3), laboring for Christ’s Name (verse 3), refusing to grow weary (verse 3, cf. Galatians 6:9), and hating the works that Jesus hates (Revelation 2:6; the Nicolaitans taught that Christians’ immorality and idolatry were no longer sinful!).
But despite all of these things to commend about the church at Ephesus, the Lord is warning them that He’s about to take away their lampstand (Revelation 2:5b)—to remove His high-priestly presence from them, making them no true church at all! What could be so bad as to negate all of those other qualities? They have left their first love (Revelation 2:4)! Revelation 2:5 clarifies what this means: they have left their first works. We know what those were: three years of night-and-day attendance upon the ministry of the Word in public and from house to house (cf. Acts 19:8–10, Acts 20:17, Acts 20:20, Acts 20:31). Those who love the Lord Jesus love the ministry of the Word of the Lord Jesus, Who has the seven stars (the preachers) in His hands.
What should the church do if its love has grown cold? What should we do, if we are no longer zealous for attending upon Christ in the ministry of the Word? Repent (twice in Revelation 2:5), and do those works again. This is exactly opposite the mind that scuttles the evening worship for small groups, because the service is poorly attended.
But even if a church is not repenting, individuals may yet be spared. Revelation 2:7 urges these individuals to overcome, to endure. Even if the church corporately displays lack of appetite, the faithful believer’s appetite will soon be satisfied in the Paradise of God. Dear reader, may the Lord give your church, and your own heart and life, to repent of any love the grows cold.
How would your love be evaluated by comparison to that which the Ephesians had at first? In which of the ten commendations would the Lord commend your church? In which would it need to repent? How are you an example of an individual that is overcoming/enduring in your own first love?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for Your glorious ministry as our Prophet, Priest, and King. We marvel that You are pleased with us for those things that Your own grace has produced. But we are convicted by Your warning to the church at Ephesus. Where they had fallen from the works that they did at first, we are not sure whether we have ever done those works in the first place. Forgive us this sin, and continue unto us the lampstand of Your priestly presence and the ministry of the messenger in Your right hand. Grant that, out of sincere and affectionate love for You, we would love Your Word and devote ourselves to hearing it, heeding, and doing it. For Your own glory, restore us, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH413 “Revive Thy Work, O Lord”
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