2025.08.31 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

To tune in for today's services, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Whose Image Is This? [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 22:15–22]

Whose glory and authority should we honor? Matthew 22:15–22 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should honor all glory and authority, and therefore especially Christ’s glory and authority as God Himself. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional explores the Pharisees' attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, revealing a deeper theological challenge regarding allegiance and identity. Jesus, recognizing their hypocrisy, redirects the inquiry, asserting that while earthly authorities like Caesar deserve what is due them, ultimate devotion belongs to God, Who communicates Himself supremely in Jesus Christ. The message transcends a simple political answer, urging listeners to consider their own creation in God's image, to heed God's inscription through Scripture, and ultimately to worship and obey Jesus as the definitive revelation of God Himself.

2025.08.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 22:15–22

Read Matthew 22:15–22

Questions from the Scripture text: Who plotted to do what (Matthew 22:15)? Whom did they send to Jesus (Matthew 22:16)? With whom? What do they say about Him? What do they ask Him (Matthew 22:17)? What does Jesus perceive (Matthew 22:18)? What does He ask them? What does He tell them to do (Matthew 22:19)? Then what does He ask them (Matthew 22:20)? What do they answer (Matthew 22:21)? And what, then, is His answer? How do they respond to this (Matthew 22:22)?

Whose glory and authority should we honor? Matthew 22:15–22 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we honor all glory and authority, and therefore especially Christ’s glory and authority as God Himself.

The Pharisees are too afraid even to do their own entrapping (v15), so they send their disciples (v16). The Herodians are there, so that Jesus can be charged with sedition or treason, when He says that they should not pay taxes to Caesar (v17). But this is not what He says. He knows their wickedness, and that they are pretending to have a genuine question for a Teacher, when they instead have a trap for a target (v18). 

Jesus makes a curious request, for the coin in v19, and holding it, asks the question about the image and inscription (v20). This enables His answer (v21) to work on three levels. 

First, the fact that Caesar has risen to such prominence is under the sovereign providence of God (cf. Rom 13:1), so they should pay taxes to whom taxes are due (cf. Rom 13:7). 

Second, they themselves are made in the image of God, and subject to His “inscription” (the Scriptures). They have been hypocrites who pretend to care what God sees and does, but they are not giving due weight to being made in His image or subject to His Word. 

Third, and most important, Jesus Himself is the image of God (cf. Heb 1:3) and the inscription/Word of God to us (cf. Heb 1:1; Jn 1:14). If they were really concerned to respond rightly to glory and authority, they would be falling on their faces to worship Him, and governing their lives by obedience to Him and His Word.

Dear reader, pay your taxes, offer your self and obedience to God in worship, and worship and obey Jesus Christ!

What authority do you have difficulty submitting to? How are you applying being made in God’s image? Whom do you know Jesus to be, and how are you responding to Him, and to this reality about Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us to behold Your glory in Your Son. And thank You for speaking to us by Your Son. Please give us to worship You, worshipping Him, with our whole selves and whole lives, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH270 “At the Name of Jesus”

The Gospel Context of the Law [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 6:20–25]

How are we to teach our children God’s law? Deuteronomy 6:20–25 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should teach our children the law in the context of the gospel. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional emphasizes the importance of Christian families understanding and conveying God's law within the framework of the gospel. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:20-25, it argues that answering children's questions about commandments should begin with acknowledging God's redemption, power, and faithfulness to His promises. Obedience to God's law isn't presented as a means of earning favor, but as a vital component of a covenant relationship, a means by which God faithfully brings about His promises and preserves life, ultimately fostering a vibrant fellowship between believers and their Creator.

2025.08.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 6:20–25

Read Deuteronomy 6:20–25

Questions from the Scripture text: Who will ask something, when (Deuteronomy 6:20)? What will he ask about? What will they tell their children that they had been (Deuteronomy 6:21)? What else will they tell them that the Lord did in Egypt (Deuteronomy 6:22)? What else will they tell them that the Lord did after that (Deuteronomy 6:23)? What will they say that the Lord told them to do (Deuteronomy 6:24)? Through which the Lord would do what? What would obedience be for them (Deuteronomy 6:25)? 

How are we to teach our children God’s law? Deuteronomy 6:20–25 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should teach our children the law in the context of the gospel.

This passage implies important duties of future generations of Israelites. 

Would they read and speak God’s “testimonies, statutes, and judgments” (v20) enough that their children would wonder and ask about them? 

Would they be so intent upon “doing” the statutes (v24, more literal than NKJ) and “doing” the commandments (v25) that their earnestness to put God’s Word into practice in life would demand an explanation from their children? 

Reading the rest of the Old Testament, it is apparent that this passage would condemn most of those generations. 

We would do well to ask those questions of our own home, church, and generation, lest this passage also testify against us.

If, by God’s grace, we do read and speak and live out the testimonies, statutes, and judgments of our God, then our job is not done. If our children do not ask, we need to prompt them to ask. And we need to answer.

The Lord has redeemed us! For Israel, it was especially the Exodus (v21), although certainly a godly Israelite would also want to answer with the greater redemption such as described in Psalm 32 or Psalm 130. 

The Lord has shown His almighty arm (v22)! Again, this has been true in wonderful ways throughout history, and all the more so spiritually. 

The Lord is keeping His promises to us (v23)! 

It is in this context of the Lord’s redemption, the Lord’s power, and the Lord’s faithfulness that we then tell our children about His commandments (v24–25). 

These commandments are the way by which He brings us into what He has promised (v24). 

And these commandments are the right way of relating to our God, before Whom (“before YHWH our God,” v25) we live. 

Dear reader, let us not only tell our children God’s commandments. In order that we might not enslave them in a soul-destroying, God-dishonoring legalism, let us make sure to tell them in the context and manner in which He has instructed us!

How are you living in such a way that children would wonder why God’s law is so important? How does your instruction to them put the law into the context of the gospel?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Your good law to live by, as You faithfully bring us into what You have promised, by way of Your almighty power. Grant unto us not only to live this way, but to communicate this to the next generation of Your church, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People to My Law” or TPH550 “Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds”

The Bride in Christ's Glory [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 21:1–8]

What will glory be like? Revelation 21:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory will be free, full, and forever fellowship with God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This devotional explores the promise of a restored creation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive work in Christ, drawing heavily from Revelation 21. It emphasizes that Jesus's completed work, signified by the phrase “it is done,” anticipates a future where God dwells with His people in a new heaven and a new earth, a glorious city descending from heaven. The message underscores the individual and profound relationship believers will have with God as son, contrasting this with the stark reality of eternal judgment for those who reject Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to embrace the transformative power of grace, to overcome sin, and to eagerly anticipate the day when all things are made new and the promise of eternal life is fully realized.

2025.08.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 21:1–8

Read Revelation 21:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What does John see in Revelation 21:1? What happened to the first ones? What is eliminated? What does he see in Revelation 21:2? Out of where is it coming down (verse 2)? From Whom? Prepared as what? For Whom? What did he hear (Revelation 21:3)? From where? Announcing what? What else will God do (Revelation 21:4)? What four things will be eliminated? How/why? Who speaks in Revelation 21:5? What does He do? What does He tell John to do? Why? What does He announce in Revelation 21:6? What does He call Himself? What will He give to whom? Who will inherit what (Revelation 21:7)? What will he enjoy? What eight groups does Revelation 21:8 mention? In what will they have a part (cf. Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:14)?

What will glory be like? Revelation 21:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory will be free, full, and forever fellowship with God.

John sees a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1) because God makes all things new, and this is the great message that John is to record (Revelation 21:5). Jerusalem herself, the bride, is new (Revelation 21:2)—renewed so as to be fitted for intimate, eternal, fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3). The glories are so great that we have no point of reference for them, so the description consists largely of what will not be there (Revelation 21:4). Everyone who comes freely for life and adoption receives it (Revelation 21:6-7). Otherwise, we are discovered to be the wicked ones that we are and end up in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). How free, full, and forever is the blessedness that awaits the believer in Christ!

What are you most looking forward to in glory? From what are you most looking forward to being freed?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our cowardice, unbelief, detestableness, murderousness, impurity, false religion, idolatry, and lying. We deserve a place in the lake of fire, but You have freely given us to drink of the water of the fountain of life, and to be Your adopted children. Make us to be those who overcome, we ask through Christ, the Alpha and Omega, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” 

2025.08.27 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the midweek prayer meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

How God Gave Us the Bible [Children's Catechism 15—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 15—especially explaining how God used men to write His exact words.

Q15. Who wrote the Bible? Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The lesson explores the origin of the Bible, asserting that it is not authored by human will but is a product of divine inspiration. Drawing on passages from 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and 2 Timothy, it emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding holy men as they recorded scripture, highlighting that every word is breathed out by God. The message underscores the authority and immutability of scripture, affirming that even the smallest details are part of God's intended message and are therefore of utmost importance.

2025.08.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 4:11–13

Read Micah 4:11–13

Questions from the Scripture text: What will many nations do to Jerusalem (Micah 4:11a)? What do they desire (verse 11c)  to be done to it (verse 11b)? But what don’t they know (Micah 4:12a)? Or understand (verse 12b)? What will He do (verse 12c)? Where will He gather them? Who will be doing the threshing (Micah 4:13a)? What will God do for them (verse 13b–c)? What will Zion do to whom (verse 13d)? What will the Lord do to their gain and substance (verse 13e–f)?

What happens to the enemies of God’s people? Micah 4:11–13 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the enemies of God’s people are gathered by God to be destroyed and plundered by His people.

Throughout history, and especially at the end of history, nations gather themselves against God’s people (Micah 4:11). But in all of their intentions of evil against her, they don’t realize that the controlling intention are God’s intentions for good (Micah 4:12a–b, cf. Genesis 50:20). They think they have gathered against Zion, but the Lord has actually gathered them to be threshed by Zion (Micah 4:12–Micah 4:13a). By God’s almighty enabling (Micah 4:13b–c), His people will pulverize (verse 13d) and plunder (verse 13e–f) all of their and His enemies. And thy will glorify God with the spoils. God intends all for good, unto His glory!

Why shouldn’t you be dismayed or discouraged by kings and peoples plotting against God and His Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being intimidated by people’s gathering against God or His church, and even against us. Forgive us for failing to remember or believe that You intend all things for good and work all things according to the counsel of Your will. Give us everything that we need, iron horns and bronze hooves as it were, in order to be victorious. Make us to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of His testimony, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH2B “Why Do Heathen Nations Rage”

The Problem of Oppression [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 4:1–3]

What do the powerful do? Ecclesiastes 4:1–3 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, under the sun, the powerful oppress. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional grapples with the painful reality of oppression and injustice observed under the sun, acknowledging the seemingly unanswered suffering of the oppressed and the power wielded by their oppressors. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4 and Psalm 73, it emphasizes that true comfort and resolution to this difficulty are found not in earthly circumstances, but in a relationship with God through worship. The speaker ultimately offers hope, asserting that while oppression is a grievous evil, it is not the final word because God is a comforter and redeemer, offering a solution that transcends the limitations of this world and urging listeners to hate oppression without despairing, knowing that God reigns and will ultimately destroy wickedness.

2025.08.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 4:1–3

Read Ecclesiastes 4:1–3

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Solomon now consider (Ecclesiastes 4:1a)? What does he especially see (verse )? What do the oppressed not have (verse 1c, e)? What is on the side of their oppressors (verse 1d)? Whom does he praise in Ecclesiastes 4:2a? More than whom (verse 2b)? And who had it best (Ecclesiastes 4:3a)? Why (verse 3b)?

What do the powerful do? Ecclesiastes 4:1–3 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, under the sun, the powerful oppress.

Without the worship of God (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:1-6), one is left only with what is under the sun (Ecclesiastes 4:1, Ecclesiastes 4:3). But, without the almighty power of God, the comparatively greater power of oppressors rules, and there is no comforter for the oppressed (Ecclesiastes 4:1). In such a case, it would be better to be dead (Ecclesiastes 4:2) or even to have never lived (Ecclesiastes 4:3a). Under the sun, there is no answer for evil (verse 3b). 

What oppression is there? What solution is there for it? How do you keep mindful of what is above the sun?

Sample prayer:  Lord God, You are Almighty. Your might, power, and goodness is the answer for all of the ill that is under the sun. With You, we have an almighty Comforter in every circumstance. So, we rejoice to draw near to You in worship. Even in the midst of the darkest valley, we fear no evil, for You are with us in Christ, through Whom we praise You, AMEN! 

 Suggested Songs: ARP23B “The Lord’s My Shepherd” or TPH257 “Children of the Heavenly Father”

2025.08.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 16:25–30

Read Proverbs 16:25–30

Questions from the Scripture text: How does the way in Proverbs 16:25a seem? How does it end? For whom does the laborer labor (Proverbs 16:26a)? Why (verse 26b)? What does the godly man dig up (Proverbs 16:27a)? In order to do what (verse 27b)? Who sows strife (Proverbs 16:28a)? Who separates best friends (verse 28b)? What two things does a violent man do to his neighbor (Proverbs 16:29)? How does he do this enticing (Proverbs 16:30)?

What is harmful speech? Proverbs 16:25–30 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that harmful speech comes from corrupt hearts and corrupts others.

From the beneficial speech of the previous section (Proverbs 16:20-24), this section now turns to harmful speech. Proverbs 16:25 portends this evil, because the lips in the following verses are not taught by God’s Word. Instead, they do what seems right to them), and as we have previously heard, this is the route to death (cf. Proverbs 14:12). Rather than being in control of his mouth, such a person is controlled by his mouth (Proverbs 16:26). In the Hebrew, Proverbs 16:27, Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 16:29 each begin with the word “man.” What comes out of their mouth proceeds from the corruption of their hearts. This harmful speech may take many forms: spreading evil like raging fire (Proverbs 16:27), or planting discord by gossip that can separate anyone (Proverbs 16:28), or saying the subtle word that lures someone into the wickedness that will destroy him (Proverbs 16:29-39). The problem is the man himself.

Are you in control of your mouth, or is it in control of you? What are you aiming at with your words?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the gift of speech. By Your grace, make us to use it for Your glory and others’ good, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.08.24 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

 To tune in for today's services, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2025.08.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 22:1–14

Read Matthew 22:1–14

Questions from the Scripture text: How does v1 relate this passage to what precedes? How is He speaking to them? What is this parable about (v2)? To whom does it compare the kingdom? What does this king do for his son? Whom does he send out (v3)? To call whom? Why didn’t many of those who were invited come? What does He do again in v4? What details does He add to the message? How do they respond to these details (v5)? What do they go to instead? What do other invitees do (v6)? How does the king do to them (v7)? And to whom else? What does the king say to whom in v8? Where does he command them to go (v9)? Whom does he command them to invite? Where do the servants go (v10)? What sorts of people do they gather? With what result for the wedding? Whom does the king come to see (v11)? What does he find? What does he call the man (v12)? But what does he ask him? And how does the man answer? What is the response of the king (v13)? What is the explanation for the difference between the invited and the blessed (v14)?

How do people come to be saved? Matthew 22:1–14 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that people come to be saved by God’s electing love and transforming power.

Jesus continues to teach about why the chief priests and Pharisees are rejecting Him (v1). Why? Certainly, these particular ones are hardened (cf. 21:45–46). But their spiritual condition is a danger to every church member. And it is especially to the called (the invited, those who hear the gospel) for whose sake the Lord Jesus now teaches—especially those particular called whom He has chosen, and whom He is saving from responding like a Pharisee.

The whole plan of salvation is presented here as an arranged marriage. The King has arranged a marriage for His Son (v2). What love there is between the Father and the Son! What glorious grace that, in the gospel, the elect are brought into that family of love!

The metaphor isn’t exact, because in this case, the bride consists of those invitees who both respond to the call and are outfitted for the wedding. Ultimately, justification and sanctification trace back to election, to the arrangement of the marriage.

God, the King Who has arranged the marriage, has a way by which He gathers the members of the bride: the message of His servants (v3a). Preachers are God’s servants, extending God’s invitation. It is a great good and privilege to hear the gospel, but by itself, it is not a saving good or privilege. The great obstacle is our willingness. Not everyone who is invited is willing (v3b). Apart from grace, dear reader, you are not a willing hearer of the gospel. Let us always be seeking from Him not only the good of having His Word proclaimed to us, but the grace to make us willing hearers of that proclamation! When we love someone, and desire that they be saved, let us do what we can to see them brought under the invitation, while looking to God for His grace to give them willing ears.

But perhaps you have heard before and not responded. Is all lost? Not yet! In the parable, the king sends more servants (v4). We cannot presume upon this. Not all who have rejected God’s Word are guaranteed to hear it again. And if we keep hearing it apart from grace, we get worse rather than better (v6–7). Behold the graciousness of God’s persistence with you in the continued preaching of the gospel! God shouldn’t need to entice you, but He entices you anyway (v4). He has planned and prepared the blessedness (“prepared my dinner”). He has done all of the hard work to produce it (“my oxen and fatted cattle are killed”). He does all (“all things are ready”), bears the entire load Himself. 

These unwilling hearts had the problem of being busy with other things (farm and business in v5). They are too busy. Any activity, occupation, or responsibility can become a busyness issue. For the chief priests and Pharisees, it was religious positions, duties, and activities. What might it be for you? How do you know that you have a busyness problem? When it gets in the way of giving the King’s message an audience. When it gets in the way of doing those things that the invitation calls you to do.

For what sorts of response to the Word should we watch out? Two lethal responses are making light of it (v5), and being spiteful of both the Word and its preachers (v6). These men didn’t despise all preaching; they were nearly professional sermon-hearers. The responses in v6 are from those who are invited, those who are within the church. They receive the outward, external call, but they are not chosen. One can willingly hear many other sorts of preaching but still expose an unwilling heart by spiting the plain speaking of God’s truth (cf. 2Co 4:2–3). 

The threat against Israel implied in v7 is severe, and it comes to fruition in a.d. 70. Though this will never happen to Christ’s church as a whole, it is similar to what Jesus threatens against the churches in Rev 2–3. Every congregation should take seriously the danger of treating God’s Word and servants spitefully. 

Gloriously, however, this is not a parable about those who fail to attend. Let us not forget its first line: “a certain king arranged a marriage for his son.” This is ultimately a parable about the determined, sure success of the gospel. God invites the bad (v10); none are disqualified from being called by the gospel. God invites the good; none are so qualified that they don’t need the call (ultimately, all are bad!). 

But the election of God is identified by more than just an initial response to the gospel. The chosen are identified not only by their response to the call, but by their being outfitted for the wedding (v11–12). If there is no sanctification, there was no justification. Oh, dear reader, there can be no partial credit with God. Either you have Christ (and, therefore, all of Christ), or you don’t. Being a church member does you no good without Christ. An external/superficial response to the gospel does you no good without Christ. Dear reader, God give you a willing hearing of His Word, a believing response to His Word, and holy living according to His Word. God give you Christ!

What busyness in your life competes with hearing the Word and responding to it? Between avoiding listening altogether, taking the Word lightly, and spiting the Word when it tells you to do what you don’t want to do, which are you most in danger of doing? How are you being made fit for heaven?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for arranging a marrige for Your Son. Give us to hear the Word willingly, to respond in faith, and to be conformed to Christ. Give us life from Him, and union with Him, so we can be made like Him. Grant that we would not only receive the external call of the preaching of the gospel, but the effectual and inward call that belongs only to those whom You have chosen, we ask through Chirst, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH425 “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”

Living in Remembrance of YHWH [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 6:10–19]

What danger does prosperity pose? Deuteronomy 6:10–19 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that prosperity poses the danger of being forgetful of God.

(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This family worship devotional warns against the danger of forgetting God, particularly when experiencing comfort, security, and prosperity, urging intentional gratitude and habitual worship as safeguards. Remembering God involves fearing Him, serving Him, swearing oaths in His name, diligently keeping His commandments and testimonies, and ultimately, doing what is right and good in His sight. The devotional emphasizes that while God promises blessings—possessing the land, casting out enemies—these are received through obedience to His Word, not as a means of earning them, and serves as a reminder of God's zeal for His own glory and love.

2025.08.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 6:10–19

Read Deuteronomy 6:10–19

Questions from the Scripture text: Who will bring them where (v10)? What things will He give them there (v10–11)? What will they not have done? What will they have done? Of what must they beware (v12)? What has He done for them? Instead of forgetting Him, what three things must they do (v13)? What must they not go after (v14)? Which “gods” will be a temptation for them? What, about God, would make forgetting Him particularly bad (v15)? What might be aroused against them? What would He do to them? What must they not do to Him (v16)? Where had they done this? What must they do (v17)? What three things must they keep? In order to do what two things (v18)? In Whose sight? In order that what four things may happen (v18–19)? In accordance with what?

What danger does prosperity pose? Deuteronomy 6:10–19 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 prosperity poses the danger of being forgetful of God.

“Forgetting” YHWH (v12) is a great danger to God’s people. In this passage, we see the circumstance that endangers them of forgetting Him (v10–12), His own definition of how they should remember Him (v13, 17), a warning of what will happen if they forget Him (v14–16), and a promise of what will happen if they remember Him (v18–19). 

Circumstances that endanger us of forgetting the Lord (v10–12). Surely, our sinful hearts are the great problem; we are capable of forgetting the Lord in any circumstance. But it is in the midst of prosperity that we are especially to “beware” (v12) of doing so. For Israel the danger was heightened. They didn’t build the cities, fill the houses, dig the wells, or plant the vineyards and olive trees. How quickly and easily they could come to find their satisfaction in those things (v11) rather than in the Lord Who gave them. If we have worked hard to obtain things, then we are in danger not only of finding satisfaction, but even in danger of self-satisfaction (forgetting that God sustained and enabled us, and acting as if we have done so for ourselves, cf. 8:17–18). Most who read these devotionals have been richly and securely provided for by the Lord in earthly things. Beware, lest you forget the Lord Who has provided for you!

What it looks like to remember the Lord (v13, 17, 18a). In vv1–9, we learned what loving the Lord looks like: a Word-saturated, Word-driven, Word-defined life. Now, we learn what remembering the Lord looks like: fearing YHWH, serving Him, and taking oaths in His Name (worship! v13); and “keeping to keep” His commandments, testimonies, and statutes (obedience! v17). Oh, dear reader, when it is the Lord that you remember, you worship Him. When it is the Lord that you remember, you obey Him. How is your life full of the worship of the Lord and the obedience of the Lord? If it isn’t, then you are forgetting Him!

What will happen if we forget the Lord (v14–16). Going after other gods (v14), or putting the Lord to the test (v16) provokes the Lord to holy wrath in which He destroys (v15). Going after other gods is exactly the opposite of worship; and, putting God to the test is exactly the opposite of obedience. These were the very things that Jesus rejected in His final two temptations in the wilderness. Where He succeeded, Israel would fail, and provoke God’s wrath. This wrath is “jealous,” which means that it comes from the zeal that God has for His own glory. Because we are not so zealous for God’s glory as He is, we don’t appreciate how offensive and wrath-provoking our sin is. How much we should hate our sin!

What will happen if we remember the Lord (v18b–19). Finally, we hear about the good that the Lord intends to do them through their worship and obedience. It will be well with them (v18b), they will enjoy the full receipt of all that God has promised hem (v18c), and the Lord will give them victory over their enemies (19). All of these things are “as YHWH swore” and “as YWHH has spoken.” They are not earned by worship and obedience. Still, the passage describes the worship and obedience as being necessary. This is because the Lord, Who has promised and accomplishes the good that He does to us, has ordained the means through which He brings that good. What blessedness He gives us through worship and obedience! We should worship and obey in full expectation of that blessedness.

How are you battling against the danger of forgetting the Lord? How is your life full of the worship and obedience of the Lord? Why do you hate your sin? How much do you hate your sin? What are you expecting the Lord to give you through worshiping and obeying Him?

Sample prayer:  Lord, grant that by Your Spirit’s grace, we would not forget You, but live lives of worship and obedience unto You, in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP128 “How Blessed Are All Who Fear the Lord” or TPH548 “Oh, Blest the House”

Living and Standing before Christ [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 20:11–15]

What will happen in the last day? Revelation 20:11–15 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that each one of us will be resurrected in the last day to stand before Christ and be judged according to whether the book of our own life is cross-referenced with His Book of Life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This family worship devotional explores the sobering reality of final judgment, drawing from Revelation 20 and connecting it to Ecclesiastes' reflection on the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. It emphasizes that Christ sits on the throne, and individuals will stand before Him naked and exposed, their lives represented as books of deeds. The central message underscores the comfort for believers, who are interceded for by Christ and whose names are written in the Book of Life, contrasted with the dreadful fate of the unbeliever facing eternal condemnation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for immediate faith in Christ and a life dedicated to deeds done in union with Him, looking forward to a future of blessing and glory rather than eternal fire.

2025.08.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 20:11–15

Read Revelation 20:11–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What two things does John see in v11? How do earth and heaven respond to the One Who sits on that throne? With what result? Whom does John see in v12? Doing what? Before Whom? What is done while they are standing there? What other book is opened? What is done to the dead? According to what? From where are these dead supplied/given up (v13)? What is done to these dead? What, then is done, to death and hades (v14)? What is this casting into the lake of fire called? Who else are cast into the lake of fire?

What will happen in the last day? Revelation 20:11–15 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that each one of us will be resurrected in the last day to stand before Christ and be judged according to whether the book of our own life is cross-referenced with His Book of Life.

This account of the judgment begins with just how fleeting this world is (v11). Since we have been in Ecclesiastes recently, we are prepared to hear that our best, most God-honoring, most generation-blessing works still produce results that, in an ultimate sense, are vapor that will quickly vanish. The great thing about them is that they are done as assignments from God, in dependence upon God, in relationship with God, and as participation in His ultimate works, which are exactly opposite in nature: they are determined from eternity and endure unto eternity.

So, we should be prepared for this teaching, in Revelation 20, that when each of us stands before the tribunal of Christ, earth and heaven themselves will be so far into the background that there is no place for them before the face of Christ (v11). He is the One Who sits upon this great white throne (cf. Mt 25:31–32, Ac 17:31). And this verse emphasizes to us just how naked and open our eyes are to Him (cf. Heb 4:13). This is why, when you read your Bible, and especially when you sit under the preaching of His Word, you need to know yourself to be exposed and examined by His Word (cf. Heb 4:12, Jam 1:23–24). On the last day, everything else will recede into the background, as you stand before Jesus. And, there is a very real sense in which, if you have the faith-eyes to see it, that is already true today.

It is a great comfort to the believer that, when he stands for tribunal to examine the book of his life, it will be before his Redeemer. As Rom 8:34 says, “Who is He Who condemns? It is Christ Who died, and furthermore is also risen, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us.” Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (cf. Rom 8:35), or the love of God which is in Christ (cf. Rom 8:39). Most explicitly, the judgment does not.

This is because there are two sets of books, ours (v12a) and God’s (v12b). As you live your life, you are writing a book. There are two sorts of things that you may write in that book: those things that are evil (cf. Jn 3:19) and those things that have been done in God (cf. Jn 3:21). But God has also written a book, the book of life. And each one’s book will be cross-referenced with His book. If, in your book, there are written deeds that were done in God, this can only have been through union with Christ by grace-given faith. If so, you will find that prior to any of your entries in your book, there is an entry written in God’s book from before the world began, the Book of life (v12b), where He has written down all of those whom He creates and redeems unto eternal life. Being written into this book is the only way that one escapes being cast into the lake of fire (v15).

It is a wonderful comfort for the Christian to know that, at his death, he is not done with his body yet. It will be resurrected like unto Christ’s glory body (cf. Php 3:21, 1Co 15:42–49). But it should be a stupefying horror to the unbeliever to know that, at his death, he is not done with his body yet. He will be raised to stand before Christ in that body (cf. Jn 5:28–29), and he will be cast into the lake of fire in that body (v15). Death and hades wait in that lake of fire (v14), which is the second death, for those who refused to know God, or to trust in Christ as He is offered in the gospel. There, the glorious presence and power of Christ will be unto them, body and soul, a burning that is forever (cf. 2Th 1:9). 

O dear reader, come now to love the presence and power of Christ as the presence and power of your Redeemer, so that when you stand before Him as King and Judge, you will know yourself to be standing before the One Who has loved you without beginning, and will love you without end! And, thus, write the book of your days as a book of deeds done in God.

Before Whom will you stand in the last day? Who is He, to you, to your heart? What sorts of things did you write in your book today? What sorts of things will you write in your book tomorrow? How can you come to know that your name is written in God’s book of life? What will it be like for you when these books are both opened?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we write the books of our lives with too little thought for whether the deeds written in them have been done in God. And forgive us for forgetting that our great hope is to be written down in Your book of life. And, forgive us for taking so little comfort from the fact that the One Who will sit on that throne is the One Who has redeemed us and is interceding for us. Give us to live in that comfort and hope, and to fill the book of our own days with deeds that have been done in union with Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32 “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.20 Midweek Prayer Meeting Stream (live at 6:30p)

 To tune in for tonight's prayer meeting, we recommend that you head on over to the livestream page.

There the LORD Will Redeem You [Family Worship lesson in Micah 4:9–10]

What hope is there for those in intense or justly deserved pain? Micah 4:9–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God is pleased to redeem sinners right from the midst of the pain that they deserve. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This devotional explores the prophetic message of Micah 4, highlighting Israel's desperate cries amidst impending judgment and exile to Babylon. It challenges the nation's reliance on earthly kings and self-serving prophets, exposing the futility of seeking deliverance through human power and manipulated counsel. Ultimately, the passage reveals that God's plan, even through affliction and painful circumstances, is to redeem His elect remnant, demonstrating His grace and shattering false dependencies, offering a parallel application for individual believers to find redemption through trusting solely in Him.

2025.08.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 16:20–24

Read Proverbs 16:20–24

Questions from the Scripture text: Who will find good (v20a)? Who will be happy (v20b)? Who will be called prudent (v21a)? What increases learning (v21b)? What is a wellspring of life (v22a)? To whom? How do fools think of their correction (v22b)? What teaches the mouth of the wise (v23a)? What else does his heart do (v23b)? What are like  honeycomb (v24a)? What do they give the soul and the bones (v24b)?  

What do wise words do? Proverbs 16:20–24 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wise words supply joy and health to the hearer.

Godly speech is referred to explicitly in every verse of this section, except v22. Godly speech is the theme of the section.

Scripture in, sweetness out, v20–21. v16–19 introduced this section by describing the heart from which godly speech comes. Now, in the section on godly speech itself, we hear the mechanism by which such a heart is produced. Before someone can be a purveyor of the Word (v21b), he must first be a procurer of the Word. We will not be a good speaker to others until we have been a good listener to God. 

If we wish for others to call us prudent (v21a), because they have enjoyed the sweetness of the wisdom that proceeds from our hearts to our lips (v21b), then we must first heed the Word in order to find that good (v20a). Of course the object of this listening is not just anyone’s Word; the object of this listening is YHWH’s Word. We listen to Him, because we find ourselves happy in trusting Him (v20b). And from out of our own happiness in Him, proceeds the sweetness from our lips as our speech to others is according to His Word.

Healthy heart, healthy speech, v22–23. What does the man of understanding think of that understanding? He finds that His understanding is not a static reservoir but an active stream that continual supplies his life. How very opposite the fool is, whose own folly becomes a rod of correction that falls upon his back. v23 elaborates that the life that the wise draw from the wellspring of understanding is not only for themselves. They learn how to employ that wisdom on the mouth and the lips for the benefit of others.

Healthy speech, healthy hearer, v24. This little section draws to a close by describing how the speech of the wise makes their health infectious. The sweetness of v21b is not “empty calories” but nutritious, like honeycomb (v24a), prospering those who receive and heed it in body and soul. It is the privilege of the wise to be instruments of such joy and health for others. 

How healthy is your appetite for wise words? How healthful are the words that you listen to?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for granting unto us to be benefited by wise words and to benefit others with words. Grant that by Your Spirit, we would be made like Your Son, Jesus, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

2025.08.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 4:9–10

Read Micah 4:9–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What does v9a ask? What does the rhetorical question in v9b imply as an answer? What does the rhetorical question in v9c imply as an answer? How does v9d describe the intensity and helplessness of their pain? What command/curse immediately follows (v10a, c)? Upon whom (v10b)? From where will they depart (v10d)? To where will they go to dwell (v10e)? And where else (v10f)? But what will happen there (v10g)? Who will do this (v10h)? Redeeming them from what/whom (v10i)?

What hope is there for those in intense or justly deserved pain? Micah 4:9–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God is pleased to redeem sinners right from the midst of the pain that they deserve.

The next three mini-prophecies each announce a judgment that is coming, pressing the urgency of the announcement with the word “now” (v9a, cf. 11a, 5:1a). And each announces God’s glorious, gracious intentions.

God’s gracious intentions for the future do not, however, minimize the intensity of the pain that one endures in the present. Jerusalem (“daughter Zion,” v10b) is going to be crying out in pain. Indeed, Jerusalem is going to be crying out in such intense pain that it will be “like a woman in birth pangs” (v10c).

Like so much of the latter prophets, the great effect of this particular crying out is to make us hungry for the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. The anointed ones of Israel, at the time of Micah, are so far from helping that they have actually been part of the problem (cf. 3:1–3). The Word of God confronts them: “are you not finding deliverance from your king” (v9b)? Half a millennium after they rejected YHWH as king, in order to be delivered by human kings (1Sam 8:7, 19–20), it has not gone well. Also, they have amassed for them prophets who tell them what they want to hear (cf. 3:5–7), but when the real trouble arrives, these false counselors aren’t any more helpful than corpses (v9c). What a warning for preachers, who think little of people-pleasing in our sermons, over-against carefully communicating what the text itself says—that would make our congregations about as well off as if we were dead! And it should be a strong caution to the person in the pew who wishes sermons were more to his or her liking. 

As Micah looks into Jerusalem’s future, and sees them in agony like a woman in labor, he affirms that this is exactly the right response for what they will come to endure (v10a). Being driven into the country side will not be like a camping holiday (v10d–e), and the journey to Babylon is not going to be like a vacation to another country (v10f). It will be painful!

BUT, it will also be the very place in which God’s grace seeks them out and finds them. “There” they will be delivered (v10g). What a glorious, gracious God! The timing and location of their redemption is intentional. Precisely for such a people, in such a condition, entirely through their own fault and justly brought upon them, He redeems them by His grace.

It is good for us that we feel the pain of what we deserve, and however the Lord justly and wisely chastens us. But, let us seek Him all the more in such circumstances. He is the God Who redeems such sinners and restores such backsliders. It is especially into the darkest night that He shines the light of His redemption!

What are you suffering that is painful? What are you suffering that you have brought upon yourself? Why might your suffering be justly inflicted? How does this passage encourage you all the more, precisely in such circumstances, to turn to the Lord and hope in Him?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for hoping in earthly government to be our help. And, forgive us for desiring preaching that is according to our own preferences rather than being whatever Your Word actually says. We praise You that You are the God Who saves the helpless from the midst of their most painful and deserved judgments. Redeem us, we pray, to the praise of Your glorious grace in Christ, through Whom we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH180 “Kind and Merciful God”

Responding to God's Self-Disclosure [Children's Catechism 14—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 14—especially explaining how we respond with love to God’s communication of Himself, and with obedience to God’s communication of His will.

Q14. Where do you learn how to love and obey God? In the Bible alone.
The lesson emphasizes that the primary source for learning to love and obey God is the Bible alone. It explores how God reveals Himself through His Word, not merely as a collection of mental concepts but as a communication of His very being, drawing a connection between the divine name, the teachings of Scripture, and ultimately, the person of Jesus Christ as the definitive Word of God. The sermon highlights that through this verbal communication of truth, instruction, and promises, God communicates both Himself and His will, fostering love and obedience in those who receive and respond to His message.
(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Living as Those Who Will Die [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 3:16–22]

How should we make application of the reality of our death? Ecclesiastes 3:16–22 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should live as those who will be judged by God, and as those who receive our life as a portion from God. This family worship devotional grapples with the apparent injustices of the world, particularly the presence of wickedness in positions of authority, and explores the comfort found in God's ultimate judgment and sovereignty. Drawing from Ecclesiastes and Psalm 11, it asserts that while earthly suffering and death may seem to level humanity with animals, they ultimately serve to humble individuals and remind them of their dependence on God. The central message emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in one’s work as a divinely appointed portion, finding joy not in the lasting impact of actions but in the knowledge of God’s purpose and the promise of eternal union with Him, ultimately offering solace and direction in a world marked by suffering and impermanence.
(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.08.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 3:16–22

Read Ecclesiastes 3:16–22

Questions from the Scripture text: Where has Solomon looked in v16a? What place, under the sun, does he see (v16b)? And what is there (v16c)? And what place in v16d? And what is there (v16e)? Where does he speak in v17a? What will God do to whom (v17b)? Why (v17c, cf. v1a, 15c)? About whom does Solomon speak in v18? What does God do to them? So that they can know that they are comparable to whom? How are they comparable (v19–20)? But where/when does the difference become apparent (v21)? What is the implied answer to the question about who knows their spirits? What does Solomon perceive that men should do in v22? As what, from God, does he receive his enjoyment? What does he not know about, that he should not make the source of his joy? 

How should we make application of the reality of our death? Ecclesiastes 3:16–22 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should live as those who will be judged by God, and as those who receive our life as a portion from God.

Death as solution. Thinking about the judgment that God renders (v15c) reminds Solomon that there are men who are supposed to render judgment (v16). Sadly, many of these men are wicked. This is a problem that continues in our own nation and day. The solution to the wicked judgments of men is the righteous judgment of God. God is both sovereign over the wicked actions of wicked creatures (v17c, 1a), and will judge those very actions (v17b, 15c).  When we see injustice in this world, let us remember that the wages of sin is death, and the Lord justly pays out those wages.

Death as a problem. Death is a problem for the pride of man (v18), because it reduces him to the level of the animal (v19): dust that is returning to dust (v20). We need to remember that we are but creatures, not Creator. We need to remember that we are sinners, deserving of death (cf. Gen 3:19). We need to remember that death has even come to the animals because of our sin. 

The solution to death. Because of a translation error, many versions make I sound like v21 is wondering whether it is actually the case that the spirit of the sons of Adam (singular in v19, 21) go upward. v21 is asserting a certainty: although man dies, like animals do, man’s death is not like the animal’s death. His soul returns to the One Who made it. It is appointed to man to die once, then after that the judgment (cf. Heb 9:27). We must live mindfully of what will happen when we meet our Maker.

The one who lives by faith in the Lord is able to rejoice in the works that God gives him to do, because those works, and that joy, are a portion given him by God (v22a). It is a mistake to find purpose or pleasure in the lasting effect of our works, because we can’t know what that effect will be (v22b, cf. 2:18–21). Rather, our purpose and pleasure must be in the God to Whom we must return, and Who gives us our life and our joy. 

How often do you think about your death? Whom will you see? What do you think that will be like for you? Why do you think it will be like that for you? Why should you enjoy your own works?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your righteous judgment. Please give us righteous judges. And forgive us for when we are unjust with others. We thank You for reminding us that You are our Creator, and that we must die once and then after that the judgment. Forgive us for living as if we exist for ourselves. Make us to receive our life, and our works, and our enjoyment of them, as a portion from You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH222 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

2025.08.17 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

Click below for the:

August 17 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 21:23–46 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 6:1–9 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.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

2025.08.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 21:23–46

Read Matthew 21:23–46

Questions from the Scripture text: Into where did Jesus come (v23)? Who confronted Him? What two things do they ask? What condition does Jesus give for an answer (v24)? What question does He ask (v25)? What is their concern with each possible answer (v25–26)? What do they answer (v27a)? So, what does Jesus answer them (v27b)? How does He continue to answer (v28)? What did the man in the parable have? What does he tell the first son to do? What does the son say, but what does the son do (v29)? What does he tell the second son (v30)? What does the second son say, but what does he do? What question does Jesus now ask (v31)? What do they answer? How does Jesus apply the parable to them? How did John come to them (v32)? How did they respond to John? Who responded properly? What impact did this fail to have? What does He proceed to tell them in v33? About whom? What did this landowner do? To whom does he lease the vineyard? What time drew near (v34)? What did the landowner do? But what do the vinedressers do (v35)? Then what does he do, and what do they do (v36)? What does he do last of all (v37)? And what do they do with the son, and why (v38–39)? With what question does Jesus conclude the parable (v40)? What do they answer (v41)? What does Jesus ask them in v42? To what does He compare the vinedressers? What did they reject (analogously to the son of the landowner)? But what happened to this stone? But Whom does Jesus say has done his? And how do the people respond? To whom does Jesus now apply both the parable and Ps 118:22 (v43)? What will be taken from whom? To whom will it be given? What will happen to whom (v44)? Who heard these parables (v45)? What did they perceive? What did they seek to do to Him (v46)? Why didn’t they?

From where does questioning Jesus come? Matthew 21:23–46 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 questioning Jesus comes from a heart that is in danger of being destroyed.

The chief priests and the elders challenge Jesus (v23) concerning His authority to cleanse the temple. Jesus’s answer isn’t a dodge of the question but an explanation of why they cannot have the answer. John has already proclaimed Jesus’s authority (v24–25). But he came in the way of righteousness (v32), and even tax collectors and prostitutes were more responsive to him. Because the chief priests and elders care more about appearances (v25–26) than righteousness, they would not be able to receive Jesus’s testimony any more than John’s (v27). 

If we care about righteousness, we must receive the witness of Christ’s prophets in the Scriptures, which is to receive His own witness.

These priests and elders have made a display about willingness to obey God, like the second son (v30), but when God sent His own Son into the world, they did not give the obedience of receiving Him. Yet, tax collectors and prostitutes, who had initially rejected the will of God (v29a) repented (v29b) at the preaching of John (v32).

There is a lesson here about pretended religion vs the true work of God that produces righteousness from the heart.

And there is a lesson here about the sheer grace at work, when God gives this repentance. He is pleased to give it to the “worst” sorts of sinners. He will be pleased to give it to you! 

Finally, Jesus finishes this encounter by teaching a parable about God’s forthcoming response to them. Their self-interest was on the verge of breeding murder of God’s Son, just as it had previously bred murder of His servants the prophets (v33–v39). 

But as these hired builders/vinedressers reject the stone/Son, it is all under the sovereign and gracious providence of God. Not only is the Lord’s graciously making Him the chief cornerstone “the Lord’s Doing,” but even His sovereignly doing so by means of the builders’ rejecting Him is also the Lord’s doing! For, it is His intention to build a covenant nation out of Christ (v43).

And it is not just the Father Who will “destroy them miserably” (v41). They harm themselves by their assault upon Christ (v44a), and He will add to that His own devastating retribution (v44b). 

Sadly, our sin makes us completely blind. Those who knew the obvious answer in v41 fail to see how their own response in v45–46 demonstrated exactly what Jesus was saying about them. To others, it was being granted to take Jesus for a prophet. Others were ahead of them for entering the kingdom! God give us, dear reader, to realize the truth about ourselves, so that we might turn from ourselves unto Jesus. Otherwise, we might find ourselves blind to the fact that resistance to Jesus is both harming ourselves provoking Him to righteous wrath against us.

How have you responded to God’s offer of repentance? In what ways are you taking shape and direction from Jesus as your cornerstone?

Sample prayer:  Lord, give us to kiss the Son before His wrath is kindled even a little. By Your Spirit, make us to be those blessed who put our trust in Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH404 “The Church’s One Foundation”

2025.08.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 6:1–9

Deuteronomy 6:1–9

Questions from the Scripture text: What had Who commanded Moses to teach (Deuteronomy 6:1)? To whom? So that they may do what? Where? What would they do to Yahweh (Deuteronomy 6:2)? Who is He to them? What would they keep? Who would keep it? How long? With what result? And what other results (Deuteronomy 6:3)? How can they know this would happen? What is the command in Deuteronomy 6:4? To whom? What is the declaration in verse 4? What are they commanded to do in Deuteronomy 6:5? With how much of their heart? With how much of their soul? With how much of their strength? What shall be where (Deuteronomy 6:6)? What shall they do with the commandments in their heart (Deuteronomy 6:7)? In what manner? To whom? In what four situations shall they talk about them? What does that leave? What two other things are they to do with the Lord’s words (Deuteronomy 6:8)? And on what two places to write them (Deuteronomy 6:9)?

How are God’s people as a whole prospered? Deuteronomy 6:1–9 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Scripture-saturated religious habits in the heart and the home are the means by which God prospers His people as a whole. 

In this passage, the prospering of the entire nation of God’s people (Deuteronomy 6:1, Deuteronomy 6:3), and of generations of God’s people (Deuteronomy 6:2), is connected directly to the day-by-day, moment-by-moment living of each particular household among that people (Deuteronomy 6:6).

Yahweh Himself is the point of all things’ existence (Deuteronomy 6:4). And this is true, in a special way, of those to whom He has given Himself as their very own covenant God in order that they would love Him with every part and aspect of who they are and what they have (Deuteronomy 6:5). 

Surely, you who have been redeemed by Christ and His blood, you whom God has taken to Himself as His very own covenant people, you to whom God has given Himself as your very own covenant God… surely You wish to make all of your living into a loving of Him with all that you are!

But what does it look like? Is it an emotional ecstasy that you experience as you go about doing whatever you otherwise would have done? Is it a volitional exercise, in which you do those things but offer your will in them unto the Lord? Is it merely measured by doing the right things with as much effort as possible? It is all of these things, but Deuteronomy 6:6-9  teach us that He Himself has made it all about His words: His words in the heart, His words in the hearing (and speaking), His words on the hand, His words in the head, and His words on the house.

Heart. “These words shall be in your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:6). The “heart” was used of the control center for the intellect, emotions, and will. God’s word must control the basic instruction set at the center of who we are, determining everything else about us. God’s word must be the non-negotiable, inalterable architecture of our “CPU.” However accurately we think about Him, mushily we feel about who we think He is, or diligently we obey His words, it isn’t love unto Him unless these things are in control of our identity, our being, our life. So when we read on our own, or consider His Word in family worship or public worship, we ourselves must be formed and shaped by His Word. It’s not enough to have that Word direct various other things about us. It must be in our hearts.

Hearing. The fundamental command in Deuteronomy 6:4 was to “hear” … “these words which I command you today” (Deuteronomy 6:6). How can the words get to the heart unless they are first received? God’s primary method for our receiving them is hearing. Yes, there is benefit to reading God’s Word, and we are commanded to do so in Scripture (cf. 1 Timothy 4:13, Revelation 1:3). But God especially uses the hearing (cf. Romans 10:14–15). So here, the command is “hear” in Deuteronomy 6:4 and then “you shall teach them diligently” (Deuteronomy 6:7a) and “you shall talk of them” (verse 7b). God’s plan for getting His words into our hearts is that we hear His words from a preacher. And God’s plan for getting His words into our children’s hearts is that they hear His words not only from a preacher but also from their parents.

Where should our children hear the Scriptures from us? Everywhere. “When you sit in your house” (Deuteronomy 6:7c), we should not “relax” from being “on” with God’s Word. That’s specifically where we should be verbalizing it. Where we make it auditorily available to our children. And when we go out—"when you walk by the way” (verse 7d)—we are not to “tone it down” because we’re “in public.” No, that also is a specific place that we should talk of God’s words. We mustn’t deprive our children based upon location (and who knows who else might get to hear those words as they eavesdrop upon us?).

When should our children hear the Scriptures from us? All the time. But especially “when you lie down” (Deuteronomy 6:7e). Speaking to them from Scripture isn’t just something that we are to do throughout the day, but we should have a special time of it at the end of the day. And especially “when you rise up” (verse 7f). We should have a special time of speaking God’s words to our children at the beginning of the day. This habit of stated times of discussing God’s Word with them is what facilitates saturating the rest of the day with that Word. The bookends of the day determine the manner in which we live through all the time in between.

Hand. “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand” (Deuteronomy 6:8a). God’s words should determine what we are going to do and the way in which we are going to do it. But that needs to be evident to more than just ourselves. The words are to be “as a sign on your hand”—there should be a clearly evident connection that someone who hears those words and then sees what your hand does. Our children should be able to tell that the things that we are always talking about with them from the Scripture are the very things that determine what we do and how we do it. In this way, not only do you tell them the role that God’s words should have in their lives, but by observation of this “sign on your hand” they are also able to see what that looked like in your life, so that they can apply it to theirs.

Head. “They shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8b). Put your finger upon the bridge of your nose. Because you have binocular vision, the way that you see anything else will be affected, shaped by the presence of your finger. God’s words should be like that to us: affecting how we see anything and everything. But again, for our children, that should be evident to them. It’s strange to see someone who has always worn glasses around you without them, or who has always had a beard with it shaved off. And our seeing things according to God’s words should be so normal to our children, that they would find us strange-looking indeed if this ever were not the case.

House. “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9). The Scripture-saturation of our lives should be evident to all who come onto the property or enter our home. These signposts in verse 9 are like fair warning that you won’t be toning anything down for outsiders. I had friends growing up whose parents liked to say, “my house, my rules.” But the believer should be someone who could consistently say, “my house, God’s rules.”

In some circles these days, someone who lives as described above may be accused of “bibliolatry.” But here in Deuteronomy 6:1–9, we can see that this is God’s own description of what it looks like to love Him with all that we are. A divorcing of God from His Word could certainly make someone what might rightly be called a “bibliolater.” But there is no level of intensity or frequency of discussing and following that word that is too much, any more than there is any level of loving the Lord that is too much. The Scripture-saturated life is simply how we love the Lord.

What is your thought life like? What are your days like? What might those who live with you conclude about the place of God’s words in your life? Based upon an honest answer to those questions, how might you better love the Lord?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Your own words by which to love You. Forgive us for when we let something else be at the center of our heart or life, and grant that Your Spirit would make us so full of Your words, that our children would hear and see that, as also would anyone else who enters our house. For we ask this in Him Whose Name is itself the Word, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP128 “How Blessed Are All Who Fear the Lord” or TPH548 “Oh, Blest the House”

2025.08.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 20:1–10

Read Revelation 20:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did John see (v1)? Coming down from where? What two things did He have in His hand? Of whom did He lay hold (v2)? Who is this dragon (cf. 12:9)? What did He do to him? For how long? Into what did He cast him (v3)? And do what two other things to him? So that he would no longer do what? Until when? What must happen then? What else did John see (v4)? And whom else? What was committed to them? What part of whom did John also see? What had happened to them? What two things had they not worshiped? What had they not received? But what two things do these souls now do with Christ? for how long? But what happens to whom else (v5)? Until when? What does v5 call the “coming to life” of v4? What two things does v6 call the one who has part in this resurrection? What has no power over them? What shall they be unto Whom, and what shall they do with Christ (cf. 5:10)? When will what happen in v7? What will Satan go out to do to whom, where (v8)? What name does v8 use for these attacking enemies (cf. Ezk 38–39). How many will this army be? Whom will they surround (v9)? What came from Whom and did what? And what happened to whom else (v10)? Who else was there already? What will happen with all of them?

What is the millennium? Revelation 20:1–10 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the millennium is Christ’s reign in the age of the gospel, looking forward to the fuller and forever reign when He destroys His and our enemies.

Satan bound. Jesus has had this key, and used this chain, ever since His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement. Certainly, Satan is still very active in the earth, but he is no longer given free reign to deceive the nations as a whole (v3). v2 ties us back to 12:9, indicating that all of Satan’s raging is the fury of a defeated devil. He cannot stop the advance of the gospel. He cannot defeat the church. He cannot defeat a single believer (cf. 12:11). We must be encouraged and confident about the progress of the gospel, despite all that the church currently suffers. The remnant that is being saved out of every nation amounts to an innumerable multitude of a glorious assembly.

Saints reigning. We know that the beheaded saints (v4) overcome by this (cf. 12:11), and now we learn that their souls, which lived and conquered on earth, proceed to live and reign with Christ in heaven (v4). The new birth (cf. Jn 3:3) is called, here, “the first resurrection” (v5). Just as the day that God set apart to Himself was blessed and holy (cf. Gen 2:3), so also, those who have part in the first resurrection are blessed and holy (v6a). The language describing them as kings and priests unto God identifies them as the same group as sing to God during their reign in heaven (v6b, cf. 5:10), looking forward to the time when this reign will be on the earth. Taken together with that passage, it is plain that the “millennium” is referring to the same period of time as covered by the other vision cycles in Revelation: namely the entire time between the two comings of Christ. 

If you are a Christian, you have already been resurrected once! Either you have two resurrections and only one death; or else, when you die, you will be resurrected unto a second death. But being alive is just the beginning of the happiness and holiness of the saints. For, they are priests unto God. They have the nearest fellowship with Him, and the leading role in all the creatures’ bringing Him glory. And, they are kings unto God. Kings with Christ, who reign with Him already in His heavenly reign in glory and spiritual reign on earth—and will reign with Him, physically and entirely, in the new heavens and the new earth. The “thousand years” of the current reign is, of course, a literary number of great length (long is the age of the gospel!). But it is not the duration of the reign of the saints on the earth from 5:10b. No! They, with Christ, shall reign on earth forever, and ever, and ever!

Enemies crushed. How long does the heavenly enthronement of Christ last, until His coming again? One Scripture answer, from 1Cor 15 and Heb 1–2, among others, follows Ps 110 in saying that this reign is “until all His enemies are put under His feet.” This is what is happening during the “thousand years.” But the end of this is not the end of the reign of Christ. Rather, it marks the arrival of the fuller and climactic and eternal reign of Christ! The release of the devil for a little while (v3) is only for the purpose of gathering the nations against the church (v7–9a). 

Ezek 36–39 provides very important background to this passage. Ezek 36–37 describe a spiritual resurrection of God’s Israel into an army. And then Ezek 38–39 describe a war by the nations, led by “Gog and Magog,” against the army of God’s people. Just as the army in Ezek 37 is a spiritual army, what v9 is describing is a spiritual war. This is not something that happens outside of the thousand years, but during the end of it, bringing it to a fulfillment. It implies a time when Satan is given more leash for persecution. But it is a very brief time, and it is anticlimactically concluded when God devours with fire the enemies of the church (v10). And, just as with the rest of the time of the thousand years, even while the church is being persecuted, it continues to be victorious! 

The conclusion of this battle describes (from another perspective) the same event as described in 19:19–21, under the image of the casting of the beast and false prophet, and the unleashing of the sword from Christ’s mouth. Here, the fire from God is described as sending the dragon into the same location as the other two members of the false trinity. Christians always win, though they die, for Christ’s victory is complete and instantaneous!

How are you encouraged by all that Satan is now no longer permitted to do? How are you reigning with Christ on earth? How are you reigning with Him in heaven? What is the explanation for your already having spiritual life? How does participation in the first resurrection encourage and help you? Why shouldn’t you be afraid of persecution, or even the much intensified persecution that comes at the end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being intimidated by a chained devil. Give us to rejoice at Christ’s reign, both in our hearts and on the throne of heaven! And forgive us for fearing persecution, whether now, or more intensely when the current part of Christ’s reign is fulfilled. Grant that we would rejoice in the fuller, forever reign that the end brings, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.13 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

August 13 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 16:16–19 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.

Each week we livestream the Lord's Day (Sabbath School, Morning Public Worship, and p.m. Singing and Sermon) and Midweek Meeting (sermon and prayer). For notifications when Hopewell is streaming live, install the CHURCHONE APP on your [Apple], [Android], or [Kindle] device, and enter hopewellarp for your broadcaster.

2025.08.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 4:6–8

Read Micah 4:6–8

Questions from the Scripture text: On what day does this occur (v6a, cf. v1–5)? Whom will YHWH also assemble with the nations (v6b–d)? Into what will He make them (v7a-b)? What will He do with them (v7c)? Where? For how long (v7d)? Whom does He address in v8e? What other two things does He call them (v8a, b)? What will come to them (v8c, d)?

What else will happen in the last day? Micah 4:6–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in the last day, YHWH will bring the Jews whom He has brought to faith in Christ, into a place of leadership in Christ’s church.

In v1–4, Micah described a “last days” in which the Gentiles would be gathered (grafted!) into Zion and Jerusalem. In the wake of the apostolic ministry into Samaria, and then with Peter and Cornelius, and finally the missionary journeys of Paul, every Bible-believing, Christ-worshiping, true Jew would have known what this means: this is the end of the ages (cf. 1Cor 10:11)!

Now, the Lord divulges some more information about “that day” (v6). He’s not done with Israel. Surely, we see them (and much of the “Gentile” church, to be honest) now as He describes them: lame (v6b) and scattered (v6c—probably better than NKJ “outcast,” with the rest of the sheep vocabulary in the passage). 

But let us not forget how they came to be this way: YHWH has afflicted them (v6d). And this means that there is a sure hope that the same Lord will gather them. 

Though they may be a remnant of what they were before numerically (v7a), this remnant will be a strong nation (v7b). And not only will YHWH have reconciled them to Himself for Him to rule over (v7c–d), but He will restore them to a place of leadership among His flock (v8).

The old ceremonial law, and the civil state that was enmeshed with it, are never coming back. There is a new priesthood and new law (cf. the bulk of the book of Hebrews!). This is no “replacement theology,” but the remnant theology and ingrafting theology that are taught throughout Scripture. There are 24 sub-thrones, not twelve, in Christ’s kingdom in the last day. And the Lord will show Himself to be the God of reconciliation, restoration, and revival when He brings Jewish leadership to the fore under Christ. 

This is especially encouraging when we are the lame and the scattered. For the God of Israel is our God of grace, and this is exactly what we need Him to be, and what we trust Him to be, and what we worship Him for being!

In what way are you maybe “lame” or “wandering” spiritually, right now? How does the view of God here give you hope?

Sample prayer:  Lord, if You abandoned the lame and the wanderer, then we would perish. For, we have all been lame and wandering from You. But we rejoice to see that You are the God Who restores a remnant, and makes them strong and noble. Do this for us by Your Spirit, we ask through Your Son, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2025.08.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 3:1–15

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What has God assigned to everything (v1a)? What purposes/things are subject to time, and assigned a time (v1b)? What is the first pair of these things (v2a–b)? What is the second (v2c–d)? What is the third (v3a–b)? What is the fourth (v3c–d)? What are the fifth and sixth, related, pairs (v4)? What is he seventh (v5a–b)? What is the eighth (v5c–d)? What is the ninth pair of things to which a time is appointed (v6a–b)? What is the tenth (v6c–d)? What is the eleventh (v7a–b)? What is the twelfth (v7c–d)? What are the thirteenth and fourteenth, related, pairs (v8)? What question does v9 repeat from 1:3 and 2:22? What does v10 assert about these tasks? What has God done to the tasks (v11a)? And to the hearts of men (v11b)? But what has He put out of man’s reach (v11c, cf. Deut 29:29)? 

What makes life fulfilling and joyous? Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that embracing the sovereign providence of God makes life fulfilling and joyous.

Due to an American folk rock song from the 60s, this is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible—and one of the most incorrectly (indeed, oppositely!) understood. It is NOT about us figuring the right time to do things. That should have been obvious from the very beginning of the list (v2a–b). We most certainly do not pick the time to be born, and it is great wickedness for a man to attempt to select the time of his own death.

This passage is rather about the absolute sovereignty of God. Even those things that seem to be under our control (planting, sowing, killing, healing, breaking down, building up; v2c–3), and those emotional things that feel like they are both controlled from within us and themselves control us (weeping, laughing, mourning, dancing; v4). Even those have their season, time, and purpose assigned by God (v1). How much more those events that come upon us in v5–8 (though, the times for silence and speech in v7c–d are often misunderstood or misapplied by men).

The song famously says, “a time of peace… I swear it’s not too late.” Besides blaspheming, in flippantly using the oath and goading hundreds of millions into doing the same, this line misses what is being said about peace, and about everything else in the list. It is entirely under the sovereign providence of God. As such, if God is plucking up, tearing down, casting down stones, and throwing away (all language that Scripture uses for when the Lord brings war to destroy a nation)…the hope still remains of repentance. This was repeatedly offered to Israel (and famously accepted by Ninevah!). But that is the only “not too late” for peace that a nation may ultimately have.

It is uncomfortable for unregenerate man that he is not God. But, for the believer it is the key to purpose and joy. When v9 restates the introductory question from 1:3, it leaves off the “under the sun” this time and instead provides the solution to every problem in v10: the children of Adam (it’s singular) are to receive every moment and every part of their life as God-given, within the whole of His perfect, sovereign plan.

Why is every part of life beautiful? Because God has made it so (v11a). We trust the One behind the purpose, seasons, and times. We are temporary, and so are all of our labors and pleasures. But He is eternal, and our hearts were made for Him (v11b). Still, we must trust and love Him in humility, because we cannot comprehend His work (v11c). Those are secret things that belong to God (cf. Deut 29:29), and the key to purpose and joy is to leave the overall plan exclusively in His hands, where alone they are safe.

Our part is to rejoice and do good (v12), in every task, receiving the task as a gift from God. And also to enjoy the fruit of that labor as a gift, and to enjoy the enjoyment itself as its own separate gift (v13).  

Our works may be fleeting as vapor, but God’s is exactly the opposite (v14), so that we are brought not to despair of our works, but to worship of Him and His. His works are determined from eternity, and perfect (v15a–b). So, we worship the perfection of the plan that we do not even know, and we do our part in it with obedience and joy. Even under God’s sovereign lordship, He has granted unto men to be free and accountable agents; He will require an account of all that we have done (v15c).

What, in your life, seems least fulfilling and enjoyable? How can this be remedied by the knowledge of God’s sovereign providence in/over it?

Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You for sovereignly ruling and overruling every part of our lives. Grant that we would rejoice to be under Your sovereign rule as part of Your sovereign plan. Fill our lives with the purpose and pleasure that comes from knowing that You assign to everything its season. And grant, especially, that we would delight in those seasons and times that You have especially consecrated unto Your worship. Most especially, grant that Your Spirit would help us to worship You on Your holy day, in Your holy assembly, we ask through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH222 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

God Does All His Holy Will [Children's Catechism 13—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 13—especially explaining how God isn’t only able to, but actually does, do all His holy will.

Q13. Can God do all things? Yes; God can do all His holy will. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Getting a Good Heart [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 16:16–19]

What are the prerequisites for godly speech? Proverbs 16:16–19 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom, uprightness, and humility are the prerequisites for godly speech.

The devotional emphasizes that godly, beneficial speech stems from a heart cultivated through wisdom, uprightness, and humility, rather than material wealth or association with the proud. Drawing from Proverbs 16, the message clarifies that true wisdom and understanding, gained through fellowship with God, are far more valuable than gold or silver, while departing from evil requires a steadfast commitment to righteousness and a humble spirit content in God's provision. Ultimately, the speaker underscores that conforming to the example of Christ—who embodies wisdom, righteousness, and humility—is the path to cultivating a heart that overflows with good and godly speech.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.08.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 16:16–19

Read Proverbs 16:16–19

Questions from the Scripture text: What is better than getting gold (Proverbs 16:16a)? What is better to choose than getting silver (verse 16b)? What safe route do the upright take (Proverbs 16:17a)? How does one preserve his soul (verse 17b)? What leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18a)? What goes before a fall (verse 18b)? What sort of spirit is it better to have, with whom (Proverbs 16:19a)? What is it worse to do, with whom (verse 19b)? 

What are the prerequisites for godly speech? Proverbs 16:16–19 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom, uprightness, and humility are the prerequisites for godly speech.

This passage serves as an introduction to sections on good speech (Proverbs 16:20-24) and bad speech (Proverbs 16:25-30). Wisdom, uprightness, and humility are what produce good speech. 

Wisdom. Gold (Proverbs 16:16a) and silver (verse 16b) cannot purchase godliness or the skill of edifying speech. Producing such speech is, however, just one of the many blessings that wisdom and understanding can obtain. One may only come into proper use of his mouth by the fear of God, by the knowledge of the One Who made his mouth, and for Whom his mouth was made.

Uprightness. The highway was the level, straight, safe way. The upright always knows the path to take, because it is the path that is according to God’s character, God’s law, thus departing from evil (Proverbs 16:17a). In our sinfulness, it often seems to us like we might preserve ourselves through some deception, some manipulation, some wickedness. But this is not how to preserve our soul; the way to preserve our soul is to keep our way according to God’s Word (verse 17b). 

Humility. The lowliness here is both of heart and habit. One must have a humble spirit (Proverbs 16:19a), not a haughty one (Proverbs 16:18b). But this is more than just an inward disposition. It is expressed in the company that one keeps—with the lowly (Proverbs 16:19a), rather than with the proud (verse 19b). The world loves to be groupies of the proud. The wise, upright, godly ones prefer the company of the lowly. Thus, the godly escape the destruction that awaits the proud (Proverbs 16:18). 

Which do you work harder to obtain—financial wealth or the knowledge of God? When calculating what to do, do you focus on what’s right more than what seems like it might get results? How is it evident that you value a humble spirit, over those who seem to be better than others?

Sample prayer:  Lord, grant to us to know You, to live according to Your Word, and to Humble ourselves both before You and in our interactions with others, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”