Overcoming Hindrances to Humility [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 5:8–17]

What can be a hindrance to humility in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that earthly position and earthly possessions threaten to hinder humility before God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript: Pastor's devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 to expose the humiliation of power and wealth, emphasizing that both kings and the rich are ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty and the impermanence of earthly things. It highlights that oppression and injustice are not signs of divine abandonment but are subject to a divine order where even the highest authorities are accountable, and where true wisdom lies in recognizing one’s creaturely dependence on God. The text warns that the pursuit of wealth brings not satisfaction but anxiety, sleeplessness, and spiritual emptiness, as material abundance increases responsibility and fosters fear, sorrow, and anger, while ultimately yielding nothing at death. Pastor urges us to humility before God—rooted in worship and reinforced by the reality that all come into the world naked and leave the same way—urging believers to live not for status or possessions, but for God’s glory, which endures beyond death. This humility, cultivated in worship, becomes the antidote to pride and greed, transforming life from a pursuit of vanities into a life of lasting meaning and peace.

2025.09.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 5:8–17

Read Ecclesiastes 5:8–17

Questions from the Scripture text: What two things might one see (Ecclesiastes 5:8)? What shouldn’t he do? Why not? What does a wise king know (Ecclesiastes 5:9)? Who will not be satisfied (Ecclesiastes 5:10)? What also increases, when possessions increase (Ecclesiastes 5:11)? Whose sleep is sweet (Ecclesiastes 5:12a)? In what circumstances (verse 12b)? What keeps the rich man from sleep (verse 12c)? What evil do riches sometimes do (Ecclesiastes 5:13)? And what happens to the riches (Ecclesiastes 5:14a)? What is true of his son at birth (verse 14b)? And when is it true again (Ecclesiastes 5:15)? What does he call this (Ecclesiastes 5:13a, Ecclesiastes 5:16a–b)? With what question does he make this point (verse 16c)? What is the answer to that question (Ecclesiastes 5:17)?

What can be a hindrance to humility in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that earthly position and earthly possessions threaten to hinder humility before God.

Humility is the key to proper worship (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7), but two hindrances to that humility are earthly positions and earthly possessions. In order not to be puffed up by earthly position, even a king must remember that the chain of command keeps going beyond him unto God (Ecclesiastes 5:8), and that his own good is bound up in the rest of the people’s good (Ecclesiastes 5:9). And in order no to be puffed up by earthly possessions, even the rich must remember that increased reaches cannot satisfy (Ecclesiastes 5:10), and that they bring increased obligations (Ecclesiastes 5:11), decreased sleep (Ecclesiastes 5:12), and increased miseries (Ecclesiastes 5:13, Ecclesiastes 5:16-17)—even though you can’t take a particle of it with you when you die (Ecclesiastes 5:14-15). So, while possessions have value as from the Lord, and usefulness as for the Lord, they are cause for humility rather than pride. In remembering this, one will not be hindered from humility before God by his earthly position or earthly possessions.

What position are you in danger of coveting? What possessions are you in danger of coveting? What, in your life, most threatens to hinder you from being humble before God? What must you remember about it?

Sample prayer: Lord, we praise You, for the position of Your worshiper is higher than the position of king among men. And, the possession of the blessedness of Your worship is better than the possession of great earthly riches. So, keep us mindful of these truths, we pray, so that we may worship in delighted humility, rather than miserable pride, we ask through the glorious One, Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP72A “God, Give Your Judgments to the King” or TPH212 “Come, Thou Almighty King”

A Son's Grievous Folly [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 17:21–25]

What grieves a parent to death? Proverbs 17:21–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the unchecked folly of a child grieves a parent to death. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional lesson explores the profound connection between parental joy and a child’s spiritual well-being, drawing heavily from Proverbs 17:21-25. It emphasizes the importance of parents providing biblical discipline and instruction, trusting God to remove folly from their children, while simultaneously urging children to seek wisdom and avoid behaviors that bring grief to their parents and ultimately, to themselves. The message underscores that a joyful heart, rooted in obedience to God’s word, is a source of life and healing, contrasting sharply with the grief and death associated with foolishness and disobedience, ultimately calling for a commitment to both parental responsibility and a child’s receptive heart.

2025.09.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:21–25

Read Proverbs 17:21–25

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom has the man in v21 begotten? With what effect? What sort of heart has what effect (v22a)? And what other sort has what other effect (v22b)? What does the wicked man do (v23)? Where is wisdom (v24a)? Bu where does the fool look instead (v24b)? Whom does the foolish son affect in what way (v25)?

What grieves a parent to death? Proverbs 17:21–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the unchecked folly of a child grieves a parent to death.

The bookends (v21, 25) of this section both mark it off and give its theme: the deadly grief of children who remain fools because left to themselves. 

These verses teach children that part of honoring father and mother is to desire to bring them joy rather than grief. 

One of the greatest sources of grief for the parent of a fool is the part played in the child’s folly by the parent’s own failure to apply v10–15. 

Holy joy is life-giving (v22a), but the grief of sin brings the death of the curse (v22b). 

How harmful is it for the child’s folly to go unchecked? He develops into the wicked, who accepts bribes that put him in exact opposition to the Lod (v23, cf. Dt 10:17). 

For the child’s part, how does he come to be such a hardened fool? Although the Lord has brought wisdom near him in the form of his parents (v24a), the child’s focus is anywhere else but the good that the Lord has provided for him (v24b). 

This makes the same point as v16. A parent, who doesn’t apply the Lord’s discipline and instruction; or, a child, who doesn’t heed the Lord’s discipline and instruction; is a great grief (v25).

Whom have you been assigned to give the Lord’s discipline and instruction? Whom has the Lord assigned to give you discipline and instruction? How receptive are you to it? What joy do you take in holiness?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for providing us discipline and instruction that You use to bring us out of folly and into wisdom. Give us the joy of holiness, and spare us the grief of wickedness, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

2025.09.28 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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2025.09.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 23:1–12

Read Matthew 23:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (v1)? And to whom else? About whom (v2)? Where do they “sit”? What should people do with what they say (v3)? What should people do with the scribes’ and Pharisees’ works? Why not? What do they do to men (v4)? What do they not do? Why, then, do they do all of their works (v5)? What “style” choices coincide with this? What do they love for others to give them (v6) and to do to them (v7)? By comparison, how should we think/feel about receiving these things (v8a)? To Whom should we be seeking to give them (v8b)? And Whom should we give which other honor (v9)? And Whom which else (v10)? About which of them does He speak in v11? What must they be? What will happen to the one who exalts himself (v12a)? What will happen to the one who humbles himself (v12b)?

What are we to do with Pharisaical teachers? Matthew 23:1–12 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are to sit under the soundest preaching available, but to avoid doing and desiring like the Pharisees.

In the disputes between the Sadducees, Herodians, and Pharisees, Jesus takes the Pharisees’ “side” (v2) even though there is much in their teaching that He has criticized, and that He also here criticizes. This implies to us that the sound preaching of the Word is so important that we are to listen receptively to the best preaching that we can get (v3a), even if the men is flawed, and even if there are deficiencies with the message.

But Jesus proceeds to warn against following the Pharisees in what they do, and what they desire. In their preaching, they lay heavy burdens upon others (not only the law of God that we cannot keep, but even additional laws that they mistakenly add). But in their living, they rationalized whatever behavior they wished so that they would not have to lift a finger (hence their “corban” doctrine, and others like it, by which they indubitably excused themselves). So, as we listen to the opening of Scripture, we must be careful not to make what is from the man our standard—whether anything that might be merely from him in the preaching, and certainly not what he himself does, when it is not according to Scripture.

And Jesus warns against following the Pharisees in what they desire. For, what they desire most of all is to be seen by men and exalted as men. God Himself calls those whom Christ appoints over us teachers and leaders. But He does not teach us to exalt them. In the three titles in v7–10 is the exaltation against which v11–12 warn. This desire is not only morally sinful, but it is factually misguided. For, the truly great do not exalt themselves to the rank of master/father/teacher in their own eyes; rather, they humble themselves to the rank of servant in their own eyes (v11). And the exaltation belongs, ultimately to God alone (v9b) and Christ alone (v8b, 10b).

In what ways might you be adding to the law of God? In what ways might you be excusing yourself out of obeying the law of God? Whose admiration are you tempted to desire? How are you most tempted to exalt yourself? How are you directing all exaltation to God? Of whom are you making yourself the servant?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Yourself as Father, and Christ as Master and Teacher. We pray that You would be exalted by biblical obedience and service in our lives. Grant that we would be truly great and humble ourselves, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH131B “Not Haughty Is My Heart” 

Remembering the God We Obey [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 8:1–10]

What are believers to remember about God as they obey His commandments? Deuteronomy 8:1–10 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, as they obey God’s commandments, believers are to remember His purposes toward them in those commandments, His preparation of them by bringing them through that obedience, and His praise from them which that obedience will produce. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past actions and purposes as a foundation for obedience and blessing, drawing from Deuteronomy 8. It highlights that remembering God’s provision in the wilderness, including both miraculous care and challenging trials, prepares individuals to trust Him and understand His fatherly discipline. Ultimately, the message encourages a life of grateful praise and faithful obedience, recognizing that true blessing stems not from personal achievement but from God’s gracious promises and the steadfast pursuit of His will, mirroring the example of Jesus.

2025.09.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 8:1–10

Read Deuteronomy 8:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: How many of the commandments must they do what with (v1)? Unto what three ends? How does Moses refer to the land? What is the primary command in v2? What are they to remember YHWH doing? For how far and how long? To do what two things to them? What, specifically, was He testing? What determined whether they would keep His commandments? By what circumstances did He test them (v3)? What were they to learn from the manna? By what, especially, does a man live? What did God not permit to happen (v4)? For how long? What should they know (v5)? How (unto what end) does YHWH chasten His people? What three things, therefore, must they do (v6)? Into what was He bringing them (v7–9)? And how would they respond to this, if they had been following v6 (v10)?

What are believers to remember about God as they obey His commandments? Deuteronomy 8:1–10 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, as they obey God’s commandments, believers are to remember His purposes toward them in those commandments, His preparation of them by bringing them through that obedience, and His praise from them which that obedience will produce.

Chapter eight can be summarized in two halves: “remember” (v1–10) and “do not forget” (v11–20). There are three things that are highlighted about obedience to God’s commandments by remembering the Lord’s dealings with them in the wilderness: purpose, preparation, and praise. 

First, the purpose of God’s commandments and obedience to them: “that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess” (v1). The Lord, Who has sworn to give them all of this is the One Who has given them the commandments, and Who has prescribed their obedience as the means by which He brings them into what He has promised. You must remember God’s purposes for you, so that you will trust Him that keeping His commandments is His way of bringing you into the blessedness He has promised you in Christ. 

Second, remember the preparation that God gives you for tomorrow by obedience to His commandments today (v2–5). They were to remember how the Lord intentionally brought them through difficulty to test them (v2a). He brought out what was in their hearts (v2b), while showing them what was “His heart” toward them: as a wise and loving Father, training His son (v5). Even if it takes miraculous bread, clothing, and sandals, the Father will take care of His son (v3–4)! In every trouble, He is training us to trust and obey Him. 

Third, remember the praise into which obedience to His commandments brings you (v6–10). There is a danger of forgetting God, when we are prospering (cf. 6:10–12), but He gives obedience to Him (v6) as a means by which, when He prospers them (v7–9), and they are content (v10a), they will bless Him (v10b). Living a life of keeping His commandments, walking in His ways, and fearing Him (v6b) maintains and strengthens a relationship with Him so that every blessing moves us to His praise. 

Remember your God in your obedience, dear Christian! Remember His purpose toward you in His good commandments, the preparation that obedience gives you for future walking with Him, and the praise to which a life of obedience will move you. 

In doing so, you will be imitating Christ, to Whom the Spirit conforms you. Where Israel failed, He succeeded in the wilderness (cf. Mt 4:1–11), knowing God’s purpose of bringing Him into His kingdom, and the preparation that the temptations gave Him for His cross, and the praise of His Father, which would redound unto Him forever!

What has God promised you? How are you remembering these purposes of His in all that He commands you to do? What difficulty is He bringing you through now, in preparation for future faith and obedience? How has your intimacy with Him brought forth His praise from your heart, when you have prospered?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your good commandments. Grant us grace to remember You as we obey them, so that we will come into that blessedness which You have purposed, and for which we will praise You forever, with and in our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we ask this, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP119I “According to Your Word, O LORD” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

The Jesus Who's Coming Quickly [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:12–17]

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus, portraying Him as the eternal, rewarding, redeeming, sanctifying, returning, and welcoming God. Drawing from Revelation 22, the message highlights the promise of reward for those who obey His commandments, entering into a holy union with Him and gaining access to eternal life. It underscores the importance of personal holiness, urging listeners to come to Chris for forgiveness and escape from practices and ideologies that oppose God, and to actively participate in welcoming others to Christ, ultimately joining the chorus of the Spirit and the Bride in anticipating His return and freely receiving the water of life.

2025.09.17.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:12–17

Read Revelation 22:12–17

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does v12 begin? What are they to behold that Jesus is in the process of doing? What is with Him? To do what with it? What two things does He call Himself in v13? In what three ways? Who are the blessed (v14)? To what do they have a right? Through what may they enter? What six groups are named as being outside (v15)? Who has sent whom (v16)? To do what? Where? What does He call Himself in relation to David? What else does He call Himself? What three say what to Him (v17)? Whom else do they urge to come? For what are they urged to come?

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life.

This (v12–17) is the second of three (v6–11, v18–21) “I am coming quickly” passages. Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary to bring His people into His blessedness. 

He is returning to bring reward (v12). And the reward is His, personally, because everything is about Him. Three times, here, He says that He is the first and the last, indicating that He is the triune God’s communication of Himself to us. All things are from Him and to Him, and our reward will exactly correspond to our works. 

If, by His grace, we have been both counted righteous and made righteous, we will be blessed forever (v14). If, remaining in ourselves, we are made abhorrent (“dogs,” v15) by our wickedness (the other five in the list), we will be put out of this blessedness (cf. 21:8). 

In this declaration to the churches (v16a), the emphasis is on the union of Jesus with His bride. He is both the Source of all redemption (the root of David, v16b), and the One Who has come to accomplish it (the Offspring of David). From the beginning of time to its end, He has been focused upon union with His bride. And now both sides of that union are represented in the Spirit’s eagerness, and the bride’s eagerness, for Him to come (v17). The true hearer of this book joins this call as a member of the bride, also “Come!” to Him. 

And the Lord Himself gives a similar call to each one who has a thirst or desire for life from Him. Even more than a warning against unpreparedness, this book is His appeal to be prepared by coming to Him for life!

How is your belonging to Christ evidenced in your life? When do you feel/express your desire for Him to come?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have been forgetful of You, Who are the Alpha and the Omega. All things are from You and to You, and we rejoice at Your purpose of bringing Your bride into eternal blessedness and life with You. Forgive us for that sinful that remains, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.09.24 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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Hearing That Helps Against Sin [Family Worship lesson in Micah 6:9–16]

Why is wickedness dangerous for God’s people? Micah 6:9–16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wickedness is dangerous for God’s people because God is faithful to Himself and His covenant warnings. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from transcript: Pastor's devotional centers on God's unwavering holiness and faithfulness, particularly as demonstrated through Micah's warning to Judah regarding their persistent wickedness. It emphasizes that God's judgment, symbolized by the “rod,” is not arbitrary but a consequence of covenant violations and a reflection of His righteous character, refusing to overlook deceit and injustice. The message underscores the heightened danger of sin for God’s people, who are in a special covenant relationship with Him, and calls for repentance, faith, and a recognition of God’s attributes to avoid the devastating consequences of covenant curses and ultimately, to experience peace by His grace.

2025.09.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 6:9–16

Read Micah 6:9–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What cries unto what (Micah 6:9a)? What will wisdom see (verse 9b)? What will it listen to (verse 9c)? Why (as implied by the rhetorical question in verse 9d)? What sorts of treasure are where (Micah 6:10a–b)? And what else is there (verse 10c)? What does the Lord think of it? What rhetorical question does YHWH ask about Himself in Micah 6:11? What assessment does He make of them in Micah 6:12? How will He respond (Micah 6:13)? What are the details of how this judgment will be applied (Micah 6:14-15)? How do Micah 6:16a–c summarize their offenses? How do verse 16d–f summarize the Lord’s response?

Why is wickedness dangerous for God's people? Micah 6:9–16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wickedness is dangerous for God's people because God is faithful to Himself and His covenant warnings.

Why does the Lord repeat His case here? The key is in Micah 6:9: “Hear the rod!” He is explaining His actions so that the reader and hearer will be warned against committing similar offenses. They thought they would accumulate “treasures” (Micah 6:10a–b), but all they are accumulating is wickedness. Their “inadequate ephah” (verse 10c) was intended to obtain wealth for them, but it just made them abominable to the Lord. The rhetorical question in Micah 6:11 is making the point that He would have to be denying Himself to bless them in their wickedness. They may have obtained wealth, but at the cost of iniquity (Micah 6:12). So, the Lord faithfully kept to the covenant curses that He had threatened in Deuteronomy 28:30–33, Deuteronomy 28:38–41 (Micah 6:14-15). Micah 6:16a–c summarize the sins of Micah 6:10-12 as a repeat of the offenses of the northern kingdom dynasty of Omri and Ahab. The Lord has been faithful to His covenant curses with respect to the northern kingdom, and He will be faithful to them now with the southern kingdom (Micah 6:16d–e), precisely because they are His people (verse 16f). 

When have you been tempted to cut corners or take advantage of others in order to accumulate wealth? What do your sins do to you before God? How/when can God’s faithfulness be dangerous to you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have thought so much about material prosperity that we have been forgetful about offending You. We have been like Omri and Ahab, and then like Judah after them. Forgive us, we pray. Make us to remember that You will always be faithful to Yourself, and that You have warned and chastened Your people throughout the ages. Thus, bring us to repentance, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH1A “That Man Is Blest”

Worship That Truly Fears God [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7]

How should we worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 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 worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of transcript: Pastor's devotional emphasizes the importance of approaching worship with reverence and intentionality, highlighting that true worship involves not only the right actions and attitudes but also a commitment to follow through on vows and promises made to God. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, the message cautions against rash words and hasty commitments, asserting that genuine worship involves mindful engagement with God's Word, a reserved and receptive heart, and a willingness to apply spiritual truths to daily life, ultimately fearing God and recognizing that His works endure while fleeting pursuits prove vain.

2025.09.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 5:1–7

Read Ecclesiastes 5:1–17

Questions from the Scripture text: How should one walk (Ecclesiastes 5:1)? When he goes where? What should one draw near to do? Instead of to give what? What do fools not know that they are doing in the public worship? What mustn’t the worshiper be with his mouth (Ecclesiastes 5:2a)? What else must he keep from being hasty (verse 2b)? Before Whom? Why—where is God, and where are you (verse 2c)? What does this mean about who should do the talking? What style of worship should result (verse 2d)? What should worship not be like (Ecclesiastes 5:3a)? And what would many words identify you as (verse 3b)? What should one make unto God in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:4a)? But then what must he not do with reference to that vow? What would it make you, to vow to God but then delay to pay it (verse 4b)? And what is His view of fools in His worship? So, what must you do (verse 4c)? Even though the vow is an act of worship, what does Ecclesiastes 5:5 say about doing it, if you don’t pay? What must you control in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:6)? Otherwise, what might your mouth do? Before whom might you make what foolish statement? How would God respond to your voice, and your worship? What type of worship is vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:7)? What must be the substance of worship instead?

How should we worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 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 worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application.

Throughout the book, and especially in chapter 4, we’ve been seeing how the knowledge and experience of God is so necessary for life to have lasting purpose and goodness. It is in the worship of God, and especially the public worship, that we are renewed in our knowledge and experience of Him. 

But it is not merely attendance at public worship that is necessary, but proper conduct. If we go to public worship and make it all about what we are offering, we do not treat Him as truly God or the speaking God. And those who worship thus must inevitably go astray. This passage, then, teaches us how we should worship.

Worship with obedient actions. So, we must especially worship “at the house of God.” And, we must walk prudently—literally “keep your steps”—when we worship. It is in hearing that one draws near to God. If we think we are bringing something to enrich Him in some way, then we will be fools. When we worship God in the way that He has said, we draw near to Him by the means that He has provided. But, when we worship in the way that we invent we “do evil” without even realizing it.

Worship with a humble attitude. There are many pitfalls when we come to worship with the idea that we are going to be the primary actors or givers. Again, since God is truly God, it follows that He would be the primary Actor and Giver in worship. He is not like the idols that have mouths and do not speak; therefore, we must come “to hear” (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means that we shouldn’t be rash with our mouth (Ecclesiastes 5:2a), or hasty with our heart (verse 2b). It is a natural reflex of the flesh to be overly forward in worship, but it honors God as in heaven, and infinitely above us who are on earth (verse 2c), for our words to be few (v2d). We should desire for our worship to be reality, not dream (Ecclesiastes 5:3a), so our worship should be full of His activity, rather than ours. And, we should desire our worship to be wise, not foolish (verse 3b), so our worship should be full of His words, rather than ours.

Worship with life-application. Finally, a significant part of worship is the commitments that we make to God within it. It is expected that we will make vows to God, but it would be worse to make them and not pay them than if the vows were failed to be made at all (Ecclesiastes 5:5). So, we must be sincere in what we promise, and faithful to follow up (Ecclesiastes 5:4), rather than protesting to God’s messenger (Ecclesiastes 5:6). 

Worship is not a neutral thing. If it is done wrongly, noy only does God take no pleasure in it (Ecclesiastes 5:4), but He is positively angry at it. “Angry at your voice,” Ecclesiastes 5:6 literally says. Rather than receive such worship, or even ignore such worship, He responds to it by destroying what we have produced (verse 6b). Thus, we would find ourselves in the grievous position of discovering that even our worship was vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:7a), despite its frenzy of activity or words. 

Worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application can be summarized in two words: fear God. Treat God as God, and remember that you are a mere man.

Where do you attend public worship? Who has invented the actions that take place in the worship there? How does the amount of man’s words and activity in that worship compare to the amount of God’s words and activity in that worship? How does your heart’s engagement in that worship reflect humility and quietness before God? What is your habit for making vows to God in the worship? What is your habit for quick, faithful fulfillment of those vows?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for gathering us to Your house for worship. By Your Spirit, grant that we would draw near to hear. Give us to worship You according to Your commands, rather than our creativity, lest we offer evil worship without even realizing it. Make us slow to speak before You, with our mouths and even with our hearts. For, You are in heaven, and we are on earth. So, let this worship be about Your activity and Your words, rather than about our activity or our words. Stir us up to make proper vows to You from our hearts, and to keep those vows faithfully in our lives. Thus, grant unto us to worship in the fear of God, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH212 “Come, Thou Almighty King”

You Have a Soul Like Adam's [Children's Catechism 19—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 19—especially explaining how we have eternal souls because of our relation to the first Adam, and the state of those souls is determined by our relation to the last Adam.

Q19. Have you a soul as well as a body? Yes; I have a soul that can never die. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The catechism lesson emphasizes the profound significance of the human soul, asserting its eternal and indestructible nature, and connects it directly to the theological concept of federal representation. Drawing from the creation narrative of Adam, it explains that humanity shares a unified relationship with Adam, inheriting his status and consequences through covenantal ties. This understanding is then contrasted with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the 'last Adam,' who offers a path to conformity with his resurrected body and holy soul. Ultimately, the message underscores the critical choice facing every individual: to remain in the first Adam, facing eternal suffering, or to embrace the grace of the last Adam, in Whom there is everlasting favor and blessing from God.

A Truly Loving Heart? [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 17:16–20]

Why isn’t love enough? Proverbs 17:16–20 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that love, without wisdom, isn’t even loving. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional explores the critical importance of a teachable heart, contrasting it with the folly of those who possess an unteachable, incompetent, and crooked heart. Drawing from Proverbs 17, it argues that true love and genuine help stem from a heart shaped by wisdom and fear of the Lord, rather than self-proclaimed understanding or prideful attempts to elevate oneself. The message cautions against defining love through personal desires or offering assistance that enables sin, emphasizing that a righteous character, humility, and adherence to God’s law are essential for fostering genuine love and avoiding strife and destruction.

2025.09.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:16–20

Read Proverbs 17:16–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the fool have the opportunity to obtain (Proverbs 17:16a)? Then why doesn’t he (verse 16b)? When does a friend love (Proverbs 17:17a)? For what times is a brother particularly born (verse 17b)? What does it show about a man if he pledges himself as another’s surety (Proverbs 17:18)? What does a man who loves transgression actually love (Proverbs 17:19a)? What is a man seeking if he exalts his gate (verse 19b)? What can’t the crooked-hearted one find (Proverbs 17:20a)? Into what does the crooked-tongued one fall (verse 20b)?

Why isn’t love enough? Proverbs 17:16–20 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that love, without wisdom, isn’t even loving.

This section is the second of three that are introduced by a “fool” saying (Proverbs 17:10, Proverbs 17:16, Proverbs 17:21). In this case, the section diagnoses the various problems with the heart of a fool. He has an unteachable heart (Proverbs 17:16), an incompetent heart (Proverbs 17:17-18), and a crooked heart (Proverbs 17:19-20).

The unteachable heart has the opportunity to learn wisdom, represented in the “purchase price” of Proverbs 17:16a. But he has no heart to receive, accept, submit to, or apply the teaching. The defect is not in his access but in his attitude.

The incompetent heart wishes to be that loving friend, who helps in affliction (Proverbs 17:17), but he is literally “lacking heart” (Proverbs 17:18a, where NKJ says ‘understanding,’ the word is ‘heart.’). He doesn’t understand that it is not loving to become surety for someone who is not able to be surety for himself. If it is foolish to give him what he needs, then it is foolish to become guarantor for him to borrow it. But many hearts that are easily moved are unlovingly incompetent.

Finally, the crooked heart may think that it “loves,” but what it actually loves is transgression, which means that strife is its inevitable outcome. He exalts his own door over his neighbor’s (Proverbs 17:19b), which is a path not to strength in adversity but destruction in peacetime. His is that crooked (more literal than NKJ’s ‘deceitful’ in Proverbs 17:20a) heart which flatters itself that it is seeking good, but it doesn’t find that good. What it is actually seeking is destruction (Proverbs 17:19b), and it falls into evil (Proverbs 17:20b)—not just immorality, but harm.

We live in a world where people say things like “love is enough,” and “why can’t we all just love?” But love is not enough. Without wisdom, without the fear of the Lord, love isn’t even love.

What is a situation where you have been tempted to “love” in a way that this passage says isn’t loving?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You both for loving us, and for teaching us the pitfalls of “loving” foolishly. Please give us the fear of You that is the beginning of wisdom, and make our hearts to be teachable, skilled, and sincere, so that our love will be genuinely loving, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

2025.09.21 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2025.09.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 22:41–46

Read Matthew 22:41–46

Questions from the Scripture text: Who were still gathered together (v41, cf. v34b)? What did Jesus do? About Whom did He ask them (v42)? What, specifically, did He ask about the Christ? What did they answer? But, then, about whose words does Jesus ask them (v43)? What point does He make about the conditions in which Jesus asked them this? What does it imply about the quality of David’s words that he spoke “in the Spirit”? What did David call the Christ, when he spoke this way? To Whom does David say that YHWH spoke (v44a, cf. Ps 110:1)? What did He tell David’s Lord, to do (v44b)? Where? What did He say that He would do for David (v44c)? What does Jesus then ask about the Christ (v45)? Who could answer (v46)? What did they no longer do?

For what should we come to Jesus? Matthew 22:41–46 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 come to Jesus to, among other things, learn from Jesus about Jesus.

These Pharisees hated hearing Jesus called “Son of David” (cf. 12:23–24; 21:15–16), but He had been called that by many (cf. 9:27ff; 15:22; 20:30–31). 

So, while it is obvious that Jesus is asking about Himself (v42), He asks it in a way that invites them to act like the experts that they thought that they were—and which expertise, they thought, precluded the idea that Jesus is the Son of David.

But they don’t know as much about the Christ as they thought. Isn’t it often the case with us that, in some familiar Scripture, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see some glory of Christ that we had never before seen? Here, Jesus is making a point about Himself that they have never noticed about the Christ. He’s not just David’s son; He’s David’s Lord. To put it in Jesus’s words from Rev 22:16, He is not only the Offspring of David; He’s also the Root of David. 

The rhetorical question “How?” (v43, 45) has a marvelous answer: although He became the Son of David according to the flesh by becoming a man and being born of Mary, from all eternity He has been the Son of God (as He demonstrated, by His Spirit, in His resurrection from the dead, cf. Rom 1:3–4). Ps 110:1 teaches not only the divine nature and personhood of the Son but the multi-personhood of God. The doctrines of Christ and of the Trinity are full of the riches of God that we learn in the gospel of Christ. 

This “how” question can led us into other glories about Christ. How does He make us the righteousness of God (2Cor 5:21)? By taking on our nature, then uniting us to Himself by faith. How can He do this justifying, even though we are sinners? By being a propitiation (wrath-bearer-and-eliminator) for us (cf. Rom 3:21–26). 

They should have been coming to Christ to learn from Him, rather than to test Him to see if they would accept Him (or even with the purpose of rejecting Him). If they had come to Him to learn from Him, what glories they might have discovered! And what a glorious salvation they might have obtained. And perhaps some did. For their mouths were shut (v46), and this is, in one way, the beginning of coming to faith (cf. Rom 3:19). 

Dear reader, come to Jesus to be a learner about Jesus, that you may be a believer in Jesus and a worshiper of Jesus.

What are some of the most precious truths you know about Jesus? Why? Where/how do you expect to learn more wonderful truth about Jesus? With what attitude should you be coming to Scripture in order to learn these truths? What difference does it make for you that Jesus is God?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, we praise You as our Lord and our God. We hope in You, Who are almighty to save us. We are glad to learn from You. Please keep teaching us about Yourself, we ask in Your own divine Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP110B “The LORD Has Spoken to My Lord” or TPH268 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

2025.09.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 7:17–26

Read Deuteronomy 7:17–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Where might they speak (v17)? What might they say? What does v18 command against this? In order to counter their fear, what should they remember (v18b–19a)? What are they to conclude about the future situation (v19b)? Even whom will He destroy, in what way (v20)? What command does v21 repeat? What ground does it now give for their courage? How quickly will YHWH drive out those nations (v22)? Why? How completely will He do so (v23)? How powerfully (v24)? But what must they do (v25)? And not do? Why not? What will happen if they don’t heed this? So what must they do to the abominations?

Why mustn’t we fear? Deuteronomy 7:17–26 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 fear is the enemy of faith and obedience, but confidence in YHWH is their friend.

Moses continues to warn them against idolatry. Apparently, one of the things that can keep us from the fierce struggle required to exterminate idolatry is fear. So, v18 warns not to fear; v19 assures them of YHWH’s elimination of those whom they fear; and v21, again, commands them not to fear.

How are they to combat fear? 

Remember YHWH’s past acts of power and salvation, which are themselves signs (v19a). And has not the Lord done greater, now, in the incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Christ? Keep these in mind, that you might not fear in your efforts in the Christian life. 

Remember YHWH’s promise to do the same in the future (v19b). Those whom He justified, He also glorified (Rom 8:30). 

Remember YHWH’s sovereign control over all things; even the hornets are under His command (v20). There is not aa creature, not  circumstance, not a molecule in all creation, except that He is working it unto the end of your inheriting with Christ (cf. Eph 1:11). 

Remember YHWH’s covenant presence: He is their God, He is the great God, and He is among them (v21). He has come to be with us in His Son, by His Spirit (cf. Gal 4:4–6), and He is with us always, even to the end of the age (cf. Mt 28:18–20). 

Remember YHWH’s compassion; He knows their frame, and so He will destroy the enemy according to pacing that takes everything about their abilities and their circumstances into account (v22). He understands your weakness better than you do. And He has anticipated every difficulty and every danger in your life. 

Remember YHWH’s faithfulness; He will persist in the work that He has begun until it is completed (v23). He Who has begun the good work will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (cf. Php 1:6). 

Remember YHWH’s power; no one can stand against Him (v24). He that is in you is greater than He that is in the world (cf. 1Jn 4:4). 

There is, however, one thing to fear. Sinning. In particular, idolatry. Don’t try to benefit from it or adapt it for your own purposes even a little bit. They were not to try to recover even the silver or gold from the idols (v25). Anything associated with it, they were to hate because God Himself abominates it (v26). We must be ruthless with all sin, and especially with idolatry. Whatever the Lord abominates, we must “utterly detest” and “utterly abhor,” lest we be doomed to destruction with those things that God must surely destroy. No detestable thing can enter glory (cf. Rev 21:27). 

What should you be ruthlessly destroying? What struggles/battles may feel too fierce for you? How are you going about remembering YHWH’s salvation, promises, sovereignty, presence, compassion, faithfulness, and power? What are some examples of manmade worship that must be completely eradicated as an accursed thing?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You and praise You for Your sovereign and merciful work in saving us. Give us never to fear defeat, and always to hate idolatry. Make us to destroy every last remaining vestige of it from our life. Thus, grant us to come into the full inheritance that You have lovingly determined for us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

Keep the Words of This Book [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:6–11]

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional emphasizes the urgency of engaging with Scripture as a direct response to the imminent return of Jesus, highlighting that His “coming quickly” is not a future event but already in process by His sovereign rule. It stresses the importance of actively hearing, reading, and applying God’s Word, rather than seeking novel revelations or relying on personal feelings, as the written Word is Jesus's revelation to us. The message underscores the finality of one’s spiritual condition at the time of Christ’s return, urging listeners to embrace Christ for righteousness and holiness now, lest they remain unrighteous and filthy, under wrath, forever.

2025.09.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:6–11

Read Revelation 22:6–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the angel say about his words in v6? How did he come to be the one who was showing this to John? When must these things happen? Who is now speaking in v7? How do you know? What is He doing? At what speed? What must the blessed one keep? Which words? What two things does John refer to experiencing at the beginning of v8? How does he respond to them? But whose feet do they turn out to be? What does the angel say in response (v9)? What three groups of servants does he identify? What does he say to do instead? What does he tell John not to do (v10)? Why not? What will happen to people, in which four conditions, upon the return of Christ (v11)?

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith.

Having climaxed the book—and the entire Bible—with the glorious end of all things in v1–5, the book winds down with a strong appeal to readers and hearers, centering on three statements that Christ is coming quickly (v7, 12, 20). In this section, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of keeping the words of the book, because of the finality of one’s condition upon the return of Christ.

The angel asserts that the words that he is giving John are faithful and true (v6). But then John hears a different voice, the voice of Jesus Himself, in v7. We know this because of the use of the first person “I,” and because of John’s response in falling down to worship. He has done this before in 19:10, but this seems to be more understandable, due to the change in the voice and the brightness of the vision that is brighter than the sun. Blinded by light, and going by his hearing, John concluded that it was Jesus Who was in front of him.

There are two wonderful things about glory here. The first is the zeal of Christ in hastening it. We are impatient, and so small-minded, that we cannot see what Jesus communicates with the present participle in v7. He is diligently doing everything to come. His coming includes not just His physical return, but the gathering of all of His elect. The second wonderful thing is the brilliance of the glory into which His coming brings us. Even the vision of it blinded John; how great will the reality of it be! What comfort and joy we should get from our Redeemer’s zealous work to bring us to such a glorious conclusion!

So, we must heed Him Who is doing all of His work with such zeal and diligence to hasten this end. For, He has also given us our part in the preparations: “Keep the words of the prophecy of this book” (v7). That is how the angel describes the elect, who are the third group of servants (together with him, and with John and the other Bible-writers, whose spirits are governed by God, v6): the elect are “those who keep the words of this book” (v9). 

Here is a magnificent vision, but the vision itself does not commend to us ecstatic or mystical experiences of Christ. Jesus Himself, instead, emphasizes words on pages. We are not to hope for new words immediately given by the Spirit, or heed what He gives us to feel, or what He “lays upon someone’s heart” (cf. Ezek 13:2–3!). Even in this most glorious and true of visions, Jesus commends to us the words on the pages of the Bible. The words of the Bible are the very words of God, and our part in being prepared for our departure from this world, or for the coming of Christ, is to keep the words on the pages of the Bible.

Jesus’s quickness about His own work is paired with an urgency for us to keep the words of the book. Daniel was told to seal up the words of his prophecy, because acting upon it belonged to future generations (cf. Dan 8:26, 12:4). John is told exactly the opposite. He was not to seal up this book, because every generation since his has needed to act upon this book immediately (v10). When we depart this world, or when Christ returns, everything will be set for eternity. Whether we are still unrighteous before God and filthy before God, or whether we have been made righteous in Christ and consecrated as holy in Him, in whichever condition we are found at the end of our life in this world, in that condition we will find ourselves for all eternity (v11)! Keep the words of this book; repent and believe into Jesus Christ

How does your perception need to change in order to see Jesus as “coming quickly” already? What would you say to someone who emphasizes immediate revelation over the words of the Bible? If you died today, or Jesus returned today, in what condition would you remain for all eternity?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for failing to see how diligently and zealously the Lord Jesus hastens to bring us into glory. And forgive us for not being urgent with ourselves and others about the condition of our souls. Grant that we would keep the words of the Bible, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.09.17 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Man's Eternal Soul [Children's Catechism 18—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 18—especially explaining how God has created man with an eternal soul.

Q18. What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies? He gave them souls that could never die. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The lesson explores the profound significance of the human soul, asserting that it is a unique creation of God, distinct from the spirit of beasts and possessing eternal life. Drawing from Genesis, 1 Corinthians, and Ecclesiastes, it argues that God’s act of breathing into Adam’s nostrils signifies the infusion of an immortal soul, guaranteeing both resurrection for the righteous, conformed to Christ, and a terrifying judgment for the unrepentant. Ultimately, the lesson emphasizes that the existence of this eternal soul underscores the paramount importance of caring for one's soul as the most vital responsibility entrusted by God, rooted in His covenantal purposes and the promise of redemption.

Responding to God How He's Shown Us [Family Worship lesson in Micah 6:1–8]

How should we repay God for all His goodness? Micah 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should repay God for His goodness in the way that He says to in His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional explores God's indictment of Israel, highlighting the contrast between divine grace and the people's unfaithfulness, ultimately revealing that true worship isn't what man comes up with, but what God has shown. Drawing parallels to Christ's redemptive work, the message emphasizes that God desires the people themselves, urging listeners to recognize God's goodness and respond with imaging Him, loving Him, and fellowship with Him.

2025.09.17 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 6:1–8

Read Micah 6:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does Micah 6:1 begin? Who is speaking (verse 1a)? What does He command them to do (verse 1b)? How publicly are they to plead their case (verse 1c)? Whom else will the mountains hear (Micah 6:2a)? And who else will hear Him (verse 2b)? Why (verse 2c)? What will He do (verse 2d)? What does He call them in Micah 6:3a? What rhetorical questions does He ask (verse 3a, b)? What does He invite them to do (i.e. if they can, verse 3c)? What three things had He done (Micah 6:4)? What does He urge them to do (Micah 6:5a)? Of what else does He remind them (verse 5b–d)? In order to drive home the truth about what (verse 5e)? What does v6 imply will be the people’s response, and what questions do they ask about that response (Micah 6:6)? What does he imply about the proposed answers in Micah 6:7? What do Micah 6:8a-b remind about the answer? What three requirements has He shown them (verse 8c–e)? 

How should we repay God for all His goodness? Micah 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers should repay God for His goodness in the way that He says to in His Word.

The Lord now prosecutes Israel publicly and loudly (Micah 6:1-2). Specifically, he makes the point that their guilt against Him is aggravated by all of His special goodness to them (Micah 6:3). He has redeemed them (Micah 6:4a–b), provided for them godly leadership (verse 4c), and guarding them against the most determined enemies (Micah 6:5a–c), along their entire journey (verse 5d). He has shown forth not only His great salvation, but especially His righteousness, His justness in all dealings with them (verse 5e). But God’s people go astray whenever they try to come up with their own way of worship. They treat God as if He wants calves, rams, or oil in repayment (Micah 6:6-7b). This misses that the point of the sacrifices is to draw near to Him ourselves, and it ends up in the most extreme wickedness of child sacrifice (verse 7c–d). But the wickedness begins with trying to come up with how to serve God ourselves, which is a sin against His goodness and faithfulness to have already spoken to us clearly (Micah 6:8a–b). What He requires of us is that we be conformed to His image (doing justly, verse 8c), to love His character (love covenant-love, Micah 6:4d), and to live in worshiping fellowship with Him (Micah 6:8e). Dear reader, has God not been marvelously good to you as well? Do not come up with your own response; learn from Him how to respond, and do so by His grace.

What are some of the ways that God has been wonderfully good to you? How does He want you to respond?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for redeeming us, just like You brought Israel out of Egypt; and, for giving us everything needful, just like You gave Israel good leadership; and for being with us every step of the way, just like You were with Israel from Acacia Grove to Gilgal. Forgive us for when we have come up with our own ways of repaying You, rather than doing justly, and loving Your steadfast love, and walking humbly with You. We have deserved Your chastening. But forgive us for Christ’s sake, and conform us to Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH341 “Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed”

2025.09.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 4:13–16

Read Ecclesiastes 4:13–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What sort of youth is it better to be (Ecclesiastes 4:13a)? Than what sort of king (verse 13b)? From what conditions might this hypothetical youth rise to the throne (Ecclesiastes 4:14)? Who end up following him (Ecclesiastes 4:15)? And being ruled by him (Ecclesiastes 4:16a)? But how long does this last (verse 16b)? What does he conclude about honor and power (verse 16c)?

Why is noble kingship vanity, apart from God? Ecclesiastes 4:13–16 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, apart from God, even noble kingship is vanity, for it is short-lived and quickly forgotten.

The final circumstance, in chapter 4, for which the worship of God is a remedy, is the fleeting nature of honor and power. Even a great king quickly becomes old and senile (Ecclesiastes 4:13b). Only Christ’s kingdom is forever.

It’s better to have the possibility of kingship out in front of you, even if you are poor like David (Ecclesiastes 4:13a, b) or in prison like Joseph (Ecclesiastes 4:14a). 

But, even if by wisdom (Ecclesiastes 4:13a), one ascends to the throne (Ecclesiastes 4:15b), and all stand with him for a time (Ecclesiastes 4:15a, Ecclesiastes 4:16a), his honor quickly fades after a few short years (verse 16b). 

Without the God with Whom worship reacquaints us, even genuinely noble rise to genuinely effective reigning ends up fleeting as a vapor, lasting as grasping the wind. How necessary is the knowledge of God and fellowship with Him, and therefore how useful is true worship!

What honorable, useful position do you hope to attain by wisdom? But, what (Who!) alone can give it lasting value?

Sample prayer:  Lord, even being a wise king on the earth is a short-lived nobility. But, to be Your worshipers is an everlasting honor. Thank You for gathering us to Yourself for that which is truly and lastingly honorable. By His blood, Christ has made us kings and priests unto You, O God. Grant unto us the ministry of Your Spirit to give us to worship with the wisdom in which we will reign with Christ forever, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP90B “O Teach Us How To Count Our Days” or TPH212 “Come, Thou Almighty King” 

2025.09.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:10–15

Read Proverbs 17:10–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What is effective upon a wise man (Proverbs 17:10a)? What are less effective upon whom else (verse 10b)? What does the evil man seek (Proverbs 17:11a)? With what response from God (verse 11b)? What is even more dangerous than what else (Proverbs 17:12)? What wicked thing might a man do (Proverbs 17:13a, Proverbs 17:15a)? With what result for him (Proverbs 17:13b, Proverbs 17:15b)? What happens when strife begins (Proverbs 17:14a)? So, when should it be stopped (verse 14b)?

How must a fool be handled? Proverbs 17:10–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a fool must be rebuked and disciplined for his own good, carefully engaged at the optimal times, and not quarreled with but also not vindicated.

In Proverbs 16:31–17:6, we learned how to respond to the godly and wise. Now, having considered the harmfulness of the fool (Proverbs 17:7-9), we are instructed bout how to deal with a fool.

Fools need rebukes and blows, Proverbs 17:10. But the fool is not like the wise. We must not expect it to have an effect easily or quickly. Still, the evil man is in great danger; if he continues in his rebellion, the cruel messenger (death) will ultimately punish him (Proverbs 17:11; cf. Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 2:18). It is for the sake of both others, and for the fool himself, that he must be both rebuked and punished. Covering transgressions with love (Proverbs 17:9) must not be permitted to mean sweeping folly under the rug.

Fools must be handled with care, Proverbs 17:12. In the midst of his folly, the raging fool is uniquely dangerous. He is one who rewards evil for good (Proverbs 17:13a) to the Lord, most of all, but also to men, and even to the rest of the creation. Not only will death be sent against him (Proverbs 17:11b) in a definitive way, but hard providence will continually befall those associated with him (Proverbs 17:13b). Therefore, the one who handles him must be careful.

Fools must not be permitted to prolong a quarrel, Proverbs 17:14. One of the best ways to avoid the fool in the particular condition in Proverbs 17:12 is to drop quarrels preemptively (Proverbs 17:14b). Not everything that the fool wants to quarrel over is worth it, and once the damage is done, it cannot be undone (verse 14a), so don’t take the bait. This must be balanced, however, with the strength to maintain justice. The one who is in authority does not have the liberty to permit the fool to be justified, or to condemn the just (Proverbs 17:15a). This would be to have a contention with God Himself (verse 15b)! It is part of the burden of leadership to take both (prevention of contention and maintenance of justice) into proper consideration.

What fools must you deal with? How are they receiving the rebukes and blows that they need? If you are the fool, how are you receiving these? When are the fools that you are dealing with most “dangerous”? How are you managing your engagement with them to navigate those moments? How skilled are you at dropping quarrels? In what situations are you responsible for maintaining justice?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for Your patience with our folly. Forgive it, for Christ’s sake, and deal wisely with us until our folly has been eliminated. Give us grace to deal properly with others when they are foolish, and thus make us to be a blessing to our family, our church, and our community, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

2025.09.14 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

To tune in for the Lord's Day streams, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

2025.09.13 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 22:34–40

Read Matthew 22:34–40

Questions from the Scripture text: Who heard what (v34)? What did they do? What occupation does one of them have (v35)? What is his purpose in asking? What does he call Jesus (v36)? What does he ask about? Who answers (v37)? What is His answer? What two things does He call this commandment (v38)? How does He compare the second to the first (v39)? What does He say the second is? What does He say about the two commandments?

What obedience does God require? Matthew 22:34–40 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God requires obedience that is covenantal, commitment, complete, comprehensive, and consequential.

The Pharisees would have been happy that the Sadducees were silenced (v34). This testing of Jesus (v35) was not an attempt to get Him killed as before. When Mark records this (cf. Mk 12:28–34), we see something of a rapport between Jesus and His questioner. 

This is the last attempt to question Him (v46, cf. Mk 12:34), and between this passage and next (v41–45), Jesus displays His superior, comprehensive knowledge of the teaching of all of Scripture in the law (v37–40) and the gospel (v42–45). 

Here, He teaches that obedience to the law is
covenantal (“the Lord, Your God,” v37),
commitment (“love”),
complete (“all… all… all”),
comprehensive (“heart… soul… mind”), and
consequential (love for God requires love for God’s image, and application in all of life). 

How has love for God been factoring into your thinking and feeling about what to do? How had love for neighbor been factoring into it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving us. Grant to us that we would love You with all that we are, for we ask it through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP49A “Hear This, All Earth’s Nations” or TPH393 “Spirit of God, Dwell Thou Within My Heart”

Necessity of Covenant Obedience [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 7:12–16]

Why is covenant faithfulness necessary? Deuteronomy 7:12–16 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 covenant faithfulness is necessary for covenant blessing. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional explores the intertwined concepts of unconditional election and covenant faithfulness, drawing from Deuteronomy 7 to illuminate God's character as both a gracious giver of blessings and a just sustainer of covenant relationships. It emphasizes that while God's love and promises are freely given, obedience is not meritorious but a necessary response to His grace, enabling the enjoyment of His goodness and preventing spiritual corruption. The sevenfold blessing detailed in the passage represents complete divine favor, highlighting that true blessing lies not merely in material prosperity but in enjoying the goodness of God Himself, ultimately fulfilled through the faithful covenant head, Jesus Christ.

2025.09.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 7:12–16

Read Deuteronomy 7:12–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What three things will they do (v12)? How will YHWH respond? According to what? What three primary things will He do to them (v13)? What seven things will He bless? In what land? How much will they be blessed (v14)? What will He take away from them (v15)? With what will He not afflict them? Whom will He afflict? What, then, must they do (v16)? What two things must they not do? Why not?

Why is covenant faithfulness necessary? Deuteronomy 7:12–16 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 covenant faithfulness is necessary for covenant blessing.

Unconditional election (v6–8) doesn’t eliminate the need for obedience; it requires it (v12a). For, God elects His people into covenant with Him (v12b)—in which covenant, blessings are contingent upon covenant faithfulness. Covenant faithfulness is met with covenant blessing. 

God elects in love, sustains faithfulness in love, and then blesses that faithfulness in love (v13a). God’s covenant blessing for Israel is experienced in sevenfold material fruitfulness (v13b). The nations that they are replacing treated material blessings as an end in themselves and ended up manufacturing all sorts of wickedness in false worship of that fertility. Material blessings are real blessings, and for Israel they are covenant blessings. But when Israel enjoys them (or when you enjoy them), they are enjoying not just the material thing but the covenant love of God. 

This blessing is a response to their obedience, but it is in accord with His promises. Their obedience protects them from all curse (v14–15a), but that very curse falls upon their enemies (v15b). This is the reason for complete destruction of those cursed people whom YHWH delivers to them (v16a): God is urgent with them so that they will not be ensnared to serve their gods

In what material blessings have you enjoyed God’s love and goodness to you? In what blessings do you hope to? What covenant faithfulness is required of you? What is your hope for that faithfulness?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the covennt love in which You chose us and made promises to us. Since covenant faithfulness is required, on our part, for that blessing, make us faithful by Your grace. We thank You that Christ has been perfectly faithful on our behalf. Bless us for His sake, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

Ultimate Glory [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:1–5]

What is glory? Revelation 22:1–5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory is God’s people’s experience of Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional lesson explores the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21-5, presenting it not as a physical city, but as a representation of the glorified church. Drawing parallels to the Garden of Eden and the tabernacle, it emphasizes the central role of God’s presence and the continual flow of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son, offering life, healing, and fellowship. The ultimate reality is an experience of God’s glory, marked by eternal reign and the absence of darkness, where believers will enjoy a perfected fellowship with Him, shaping their experience of the new heavens and the new earth and fulfilling God’s ultimate design for redemption.

2025.09.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:1–5

Read Revelation 22:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the angel show John, in the city, in v1? What is this water? From where does it proceed? What else is there, growing where (v2)? How many fruits does it bear? How often do the trees bear it? What were its leaves for? What is eliminated (v3)? What will be in it? Who will do what? What shall they see (v4)? What will be on their foreheads? What else will there not be there (v5)? What two things will they not need? Why not? What will they do? For how long?

What is glory? Revelation 22:1–5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory is God’s people’s experience of Him.

The climax of the Bible is in a city that is a garden and a bride (cf. 21:2–3, 9–10). 

In Eden, we had seen Adam and his bride brought together, but ultimately the Bible (and all creation and history) has been about the bringing together of the last Adam and His bride. We realize that just as the tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly reality (cf. 21:3, Heb 8:5), so Eden was a real, physical garden, but also a shadow of a reality to come. Jesus gains for us infinitely more than Adam lost. 

There, the Spirit (v1, cf. Jn 7:37) proceeds from the Father and the Son (v3a), and God’s people know their blessedness in Him as represented by the Tree of Life (again, a heavenly reality, of which that tree in Eden was a shadow copy), now all over the place (street, both sides of the river), with multiple fruit customized to the people of God (12 fruits), being borne continuously (every month), with not only the fruit but even leaves for their benefit. Rather than be driven away from God in curse (v3a), His people are gathered as the children of the Father, and the bride of the Son, to serve Him (v3b). They are enabled to endure gazing upon the display of His glory (v4a), and know themselves to be individually and personally His very own (v4b). The brilliance of that display eliminates all night and obviates lamps and even the sun (v5a). This glorious King of light, and people of light, reign in a kingdom of light, forever and ever (v5b)! Completely opposite the lie of the devil (cf. Gen 3:1), the story of everything is God’s intention to give His people everything. We don’t learn much about what is actually in the new earth here; only that His people’s experience of Himself is the very heart of everlasting blessedness, and that when this heaven comes down to the new earth, whatever is in it will correspond to that.

In what ways have you already begun to experience glory? In what ways are you looking forward to doing so?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we consider ourselves to have anything in heaven comparable to you, or when we desire anything on earth apart from You. Grant us grace to hope for You as our glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.09.10 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

The Peace that Jesus Brings [Family Worship lesson in Micah 5:5–12]

What does the Messiah do for His people? Micah 5:5–15 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Messiah brings true peace to His remnant from all the nations. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional explores the nature of peace and security under the reign of King Jesus, moving beyond reliance on earthly defenses like chariots and strongholds. It emphasizes that the Messiah delivers His people from false security, false knowledge (including sorcery and false teaching), and false worship, ultimately leading them to true understanding and pure worship. The church, empowered by Christ, becomes a source of refreshing grace for the redeemed like dew and showers, while simultaneously acting as a formidable force against the unrepentant, like a lion among sheep, trusting in the ultimate execution of divine vengeance on those who reject God's message. Thus, Christ ushers in a new era of glory for the nations gathered into His kingdom.

2025.09.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 5:5–15

Read Micah 5:5–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What will the Ruler be (Micah 5:5a)? Who would hypothetically invade (verse 5b–c)? How would Judah respond (verse 5d–e)? What would these shepherd-princes do (Micah 5:6)? Among whom will the remnant of Jacob be (Micah 5:7a–b, Micah 5:8–c)? What will they be like (Micah 5:7c–d, Micah 5:8d–e)? How promptly/inexorably (Micah 5:7e–f, Micah 5:8f–h)? What will they be able to do (Micah 5:9)? What false military hopes will the Lord remove from them, then (Micah 5:10-11)? What false religious hopes will the Lord remove from them, then (Micah 5:12-14)? And what will the Lord execute upon whom from the nations (Micah 5:15)? 

What does the Messiah do for His people? Micah 5:5–15 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Messiah brings true peace to His remnant from all the nations.

When the God-Man (cf. Micah 5:2e–f), Who will rule Israel (cf. verse 2d), comes as their peace (Micah 5:5a), it will revolutionize God’s people. By His grace, their leaders will have strength to defeat the strongest enemy (Micah 5:5-6). Though just a remnant remain, many peoples will be gathered to them for the inevitable refreshment of their lives (Micah 5:7), while those among the nations who are disobedient will be inescapably destroyed (Micah 5:8, Micah 5:15). Thus, God will give them peace on the earth and with Himself. For, the Lord will cut off from them all false hope security (Micah 5:10-11), all false hope of knowledge (Micah 5:12), and all false worship (Micah 5:13-14). When the God-Man comes, He brings true peace to His remnant from all the nations.

What false hopes of security might you have? To what false places might you be turning for knowledge? In what ways might you be worshiping according to man’s design? For Whose sake will God deliver you from all of that?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for turning to false hopes of security or knowledge. And, deliver us from coming to you to worship in any way that man has devised. For the sake of the Lord Jesus, make us genuinely strong and understanding, and purely worshiping, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

Of What We Are Made [Children's Catechism 17 — Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 17—especially explaining how God humbles us, honors us, and gives us hope by the stuff of which He made us. Q17. Of what were our first parents made? God made the body of Adam out of the ground, and formed Eve from the body of Adam. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)The lesson explores the theological significance of humanity's creation, contrasting our earthly origins – formed from the ground like animals – with the unique gift of a spirit breathed into Adam, distinguishing us from the beasts and connecting us to God. It emphasizes the inherent dignity and eventual destiny of humanity, particularly through Christ's resurrection, where our bodies will be conformed to his glorified form, experiencing a transformation from earthly, decaying vessels to spiritual, immortal bodies devoted to God in the new heavens and new earth, ultimately offering hope and a call to live in anticipation of this glorious future.

Earthly and Heavenly Companionship [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 4:7–12]

How is love of money so evil? Ecclesiastes 4:7–12 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that love of money rejects both the fellowship of God and the fellowship of man.How is love of money so evil?(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The family devotional lesson explores the vanity and misfortune of pursuing labor solely for personal gain, emphasizing the necessity of fellowship with God and with others for a meaningful life. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4, it argues that true purpose and strength are found not in isolated striving but in relationships—both human and divine—where mutual support and God's presence provide comfort, resilience, and lasting significance. Ultimately, the message underscores that God’s presence is the essential third strand that binds human connections, transforming individual efforts into a source of shared blessing and enduring purpose.

2025.09.09 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 4:7–12

Read Ecclesiastes 4:7–12

Questions from the Scripture text: To what does Solomon now turn his attention (Ecclesiastes 4:7)? What is the vanity this time (Ecclesiastes 4:8a)? What does this isolated man not have (verse 8a–b)? What does he endlessly have (verse 8c)? But what can’t the riches from it do (verse 8d)? What does he never do (verse 8e–f)? What does Solomon conclude about all of this (verse 8g)? Which condition is superior to which other (Ecclesiastes 4:9a)? Why (verse 9b)? What three situations show how good this is (Ecclesiastes 4:10a, Ecclesiastes 4:11a, Ecclesiastes 4:12a)? But what happens to the one who is alone (Ecclesiastes 4:10b, Ecclesiastes 4:11b, Ecclesiastes 4:12a)? What has what advantage in verse 12b?

How is love of money so evil? Ecclesiastes 4:7–12 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that love of money rejects both the fellowship of God and the fellowship of man.

The fall has estranged us not only from God but from one another. Man, in Ecclesiastes 4, is precisely as Titus 3:3 describes. And if there is not the God of grace above the sun, man is stuck in that condition, “foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” While creating man, God declared that “it is not good for man to be alone” (cf. Genesis 2:18), but in his sinful nature, man chooses money over fellowship (Ecclesiastes 4:8a–d), without even questioning this folly (verse 8e–f). Solomon calls this vanity and evil work (verse 8g). 

When grace restores a man to follow God’s design (Ecclesiastes 4:9a), his labor is restored to its proper place (verse 9b), he is helped when he falls (Ecclesiastes 4:10), he is kept warm in cold (Ecclesiastes 4:11), and strengthened against attack (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Verse 12b makes it clear that this principle applies to more than just marriage. The strand of three cords reinforces that the Lord redeems us into a corporate, congregational, covenant people (cf. Mark 10:29–30). And truly their fellowship is even with God Himself (cf. 1 John 1:3). The evil of what is under the sun is resolved only by the God Who is above it (cf. Titus 3:4–8)!

In what ways do you love money? In what ways are you tempted to prefer isolation to fellowship? How have you enjoyed God’s blessing of companionship? What will you do to seek it in both marriage and in membership?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we thank You for creating us both for fellowship with one another, but especially and ultimately for fellowship with You. Grant unto us to live in that fellowship, in all of our work and recreation, but then especially in worshiping You, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP127 “Unless the LORD Build Up the House” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah” 

2025.09.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:7–9

Read Proverbs 17:7–9

Questions from the Scripture text: What is not suitable for whom (v7a)? What else is even less suitable for whom else (v7b)? How does the holder of a bribe view it (v8a)? For what does he use it (v8b)? What does the man in v9a do? With what effect? What does the man in v9b do? With what effect? 

What does folly do? Proverbs 17:7–9 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a fool harms an entire community, not only himself.

v7 picks up where 16:30 had left off, with the subject of wicked speech. Again, the Scripture drives home the point that speech flows from the heart, which is why the fool is not found with lips of excellence (v7a, more literally). Just so, a prince must not be a godless fool; his lips must never lie (v7b). From the same wickedly manipulative heart comes the view of a “bribe” as a sort of “magic stone” (both more literal than NKJ in v8a) that enables him always to achieve his ends. To lying and bribery, this wicked heart adds unforgiveness and gossip (v9). The next passage (v10–15) will deal with the proper handling of a fool, which is made urgent by the difference between the great good to a community that wisdom does (v9a) and the great harm to a community that folly does (v9b). The fool harms more than himself!

In what communities has God placed you? How could your folly hurt them? What are you doing to eliminate that folly?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your heart-changing grace. Change our hearts, so that we will live wisely and do good to those communities where you have placed us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

2025.09.07 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.

The Scriptural Power of God unto Us [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 22:23–33]

Why are the Sadducees deceived? Matthew 22:23–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Sadducees are deceived because of their own ignorance of God and His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional lesson addresses the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection, using their hypothetical scenario of seven brothers and one wife to highlight their flawed understanding of Scripture and God's power. It argues that their meticulous focus on minor details of the law obscures the grand narrative of God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—a living God who redeems and covenants with humanity. Pastor emphasizes that true theological understanding requires recognizing the entirety of Scripture, particularly the overarching themes of God's election, covenant, and redemption, ultimately calling for a marveling at Christ as Himself the God-Man Who has revealed Himself and His gospel in the Bible.

2025.09.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 22:23–33

Read Matthew 22:23–33

Questions from the Scripture text: Who come to Jesus in v23? What do they believe? To what law do they refer (v24)? What hypothetical situation do they describe (v25-27)? Wha question do they ask in v28? What does Jesus say about them (v29)? What does He say is the cause of this? What does not happen in the resurrection? What are they like instead? Where does He say to learn about the resurrection (v31)? What had God said about whom (v32)? How does this prove the resurrection? Who hear Jesus saying these things (v33)? What effect does this have upon them?

Why are the Sadducees deceived? Matthew 22:23–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Sadducees are deceived because of their own ignorance of God and His Word.

It is wonderful to have Jesus as our God and Savior for every part of our salvation, including improving our theology. 

The reason that we are deceived about various theological things is because we do not know the Scriptures or the power of God (v29). Jesus teaches us more correctly. 

The Sadducees not only disbelieved the resurrection (v23) but also disbelieved the existence of angels (v30b) and even of the eternal soul. They think that they are going to expose the ridiculousness of Jesus’s belief in the resurrection, but they only expose themselves as those who don’t understand the glory of man, that he exists for God, like the angels; and, that man is even superior to the angels in being created for covenant and fellowship with God. 

They do not know the power of God. But they also don’t know the Scriptures. They pay attention to particular texts, but they miss the main themes, those main and repeated statements that give shape to the whole. Jesus turns to one of these in v32a. It's not just a verb-tense “gotcha,” in which God is still their God, so they must still be alive. It is a great-theme truth: the overwhelming reality that God has elected and loved a people from all eternity, whom He redeems to be blessed in Himself unto all eternity. 

When we understand this at the heart of the Scriptures as a whole, we begin to be prepared to understand properly any specific Scripture! 

Jesus hereby humiliates a second set of “expert” opponents, striking awe in the multitudes (v33). 

But, as we read it, our awe must be even greater. For this Jesus is Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Who has come to redeem His elected people into their eternal blessedness!

What are some areas of your theology that have been improved by connecting them to the great theme of all Scripture?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Christ as our Prophet, Who teaches us the Scriptures, so that we may know truly the power of God. Make us to know them as those Scriptures that speak of Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP49A “Hear This, All Earth’s Nations” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking”