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”

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”

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 17:7–15

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”

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”

Choosing the God Who Chose Us [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 7:1–11]

Why should God’s people choose Him? Deuteronomy 7:1–11 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 God’s people choose Him, because He has chosen them in love. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional lesson emphasizes the critical importance of unwavering devotion to God, warning against any compromise or covenant with the world, particularly those who oppose Him. Drawing from Deuteronomy 7, it highlights that Israel's election is not based on merit but on God's sovereign love and faithfulness to His promises, demanding complete eradication of false religions and a rejection of worldly entanglements that could lead to idolatry. Ultimately, the message underscores that true safety and blessing lie not in covenant membership alone, but in a grace-given, faithful love and obedience to God, recognizing His faithfulness and the consequences of rejecting Him.

2025.09.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 7:1–11

Read Deuteronomy 7:1–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What will YHWH their God do for them (v1)? What will He do to whom else? How do these seven other nations compare to Israel? What will YHWH enable them to do (v2)? What must they not do for them? What must they not do with them (v3)? What would intermarriage cause (v4)? And how would YHWH respond? What must Israel make sure to do (v5)? Why, what are they unto YHWH (v6)? And what had He done for/to them? What was not the reason that YHWH chose them (v7)? What were the two reasons (v8)? And what has YHWH done for them because of those reasons? What must they therefore know about Him (v9)? What does He keep? Whom does He repay (v10)? How? What must Israel, therefore, be careful to do (v11)? 

Why should God’s people choose Him? Deuteronomy 7:1–11 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 God’s people choose Him, because He has chosen them in love.

There’s a great danger in the land, but it isn’t those great and mighty nations (v1), whom YHWH will enable Israel to destroy (v2a). The danger is Israel’s own sinfulness, in which they are prone to serve other gods (v4) and/or worship in ways devised by man (v5). If they intermarry with them, or leave any of their worship preferences intact, Israel will incur God’s wrath by breaking the first and second commandments. 

So, they have a choice between covenanting and covenant love with the nations (v2b, more literal than NKJ) and the God Who keeps covenant and covenant love with those who love Him (v9, same vocabulary). Why should they choose YHWH? He has chosen them. Not for anything good in them, but setting His love on them (v7), because of the love that is in Him, in which He has made promises to them (v8a), which He has kept in redeeming hem (v8b). He is the God of steadfast love (v9a), Who displays His character both in redeeming those whom His grace makes to love Him and obey Him (v9b) and in destroying those who hate Him (v10). 

Because this is Who He is, they should choose Him. And, their keeping God’s commandment, statutes, and judgments by His grace is a necessary component of His redeeming them.

Where is the danger that threatens you, if you identify with and join yourself to the world? Why should you choose the Lord? Why would He choose you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for choosing us in Your everlasting love. Please give us to choose You over the world. Give us to love You with our lives, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

The Glory of the Bride [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 21:9–27]

What is the glory of the church? Revelation 21:9–27 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the glory of the church is her glorious God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional presents the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:9–27 reveals the glorified Church as the perfected bride of Christ, a divine city not of earthly dimensions but of eternal, spiritual reality, symbolizing the complete and glorious union of God’s redeemed people. Rooted in God’s eternal plan and built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, this city reflects the radiant glory of God and the Lamb, whose presence eliminates the need for sun or moon, as divine light now illuminates all. The imagery of precious stones, pure gold, and unshuttered gates signifies a community refined by divine grace—where only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life enter, and all that defiles, abominates, or lies is excluded. This vision calls believers to live with holy urgency, rejecting anything incompatible with God’s holiness, while trusting in the certainty that every true glory of every nation will be gathered and transformed into eternal splendor. The ultimate hope is not a physical place, but the perfect, incorruptible fellowship of God’s elect, fully sanctified and reflecting His infinite glory.

2025.09.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 21:9–27

Read Revelation 21:9–27

Questions from the Scripture text: Who talks with John in v9? What will he show him? Where does he carry him (v10)? To show him what? Descending from where/whom? What glory did she have (v11)? What did her light look like? How many, of what, did she have, with what names on them (v12–13)? And how many of what else, with what names (v14)? What did the angel have, for what purpose (v15)? What were the dimensions and shape of the city (v16–17)? Of what were the walls, foundations, and gates made (v18–21)? What didn’t it have (v22)? Why not? What else didn’t it need (v23)? Why not? Who walk in its light (v24)? Who bring what into it? What doesn’t happen there (v25)? Why not? What is brought into it (v26)? What doesn’t enter (v27)? Only who enter?

What is the glory of the church? Revelation 21:9–27 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the glory of the church is her glorious God.

John is now shown the point, the ultimate end of all this: the bride of the Lamb (v9). 

She proceeds not from man from God (v10), having not the merely he greatest creaturely glory, but a glory that is of God (v11). 

She is complete, with none of the tribes of Israel missing, as gates by which all the nations enter (i.e. are grafted in, v12–13). 

She is correct, being built upon the correct foundation of the apostles (v14) and with the correct materials of gold and precious stones (v18–21, cf. 1Co 3:10–17). 

None of God’s elect will be missing, and His work in them will be correctly and completely done. 

His work will be enormous (2 million square miles, v15–17) and brilliant. As gemstones do not have actual light in them but bring forth the brilliance that is contained, invisibly, within light, so also it is the very glory of God Himself that is refracted and reflected by the church (v18–21). 

God doesn’t communicate His presence through a temple, but more immediately (v22), and His own glory illuminates it (v23). 

Man doesn’t understand that the glory and honor of nations is the elect who are within them, and all of this glory and honor streams into the city (v24–26). These sinless, and these only, enter in, because so God has written from before the world began (v27). 

What glorious hope, and secure confidence, we should have—even as we cleanse ourselves of everything that will not be a part of the bride at the last!

What do you think of the church? How are you “building” yourself, your family, and your congregation? What do you consider to be the glory of your own nation? With what/whose glory do you seek to radiate?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being so impressed with creaturely glory, when You have destined us to radiate with Your own glory. Forgive us for being discouraged about the porgress of Your church, when we know that Your work must be completed and perfected. And forgive us for tolertating in ourselves anything which must not enter glory. Continue and complete the work that You have begun in us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

2025.09.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 5:1–5

Read Micah 5:1–5a

Questions from the Scripture text: What does v1 call Jerusalem? What are they to do? What has the Lord done to them? What will the nations in this siege do? What is the condition of Bethlehem (v2a–b)? Who will come forth from them (v2c–d)? From where does He ultimately come forth (v2e–f)? How long will the Lord give Israel up (v3a–b)? What will happen then (v3c–d)? What will this Ruler do (v4)? In what strength? And what majesty? With what result for His flock? And what status for Him? What shall He be (v5a)?

What is the point of Israel’s humiliation? Micah 5:1–5a 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 Israel is humbled so that YHWH can bring divine salvation from human weakness in the God-Man.

Again, Micah sees the “now” (v1a) of the upcoming exile. Israel’s king will get smashed (v1d), and this will continue until the time of the birth (v3b) of the Ruler (v2d). The humbling of Israel is seen in that He comes not from Jerusalem (which is not “daughter of Zion” but the besieged “daughter of troops,” v1), but from the little town of Bethlehem (v2a–b). Out of deserved judgment and weakness, the Lord brings great strength by making the Eternal One (v2e–f) to be born of a woman as the Shepherd, strong as YHWH and majestic as YHWH, because He is YHWH (v4). His people abide, because He is great (v4d–f); indeed, He is their peace (v5a).

In what ways are you deservedly brought low? In what ways are you weak? How does God glorify Himself in your life from this? In Whom does God do this? Whom do you know Jesus to be to yourself and to His church?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our illusions of goodness and strength. We praise You for how Your goodness is the answer for our wickedness, and Your strength the answer for our weakness. Give us neither to be discouraged in distress or proud in peace, but to rejoice over Jesus, the God-Man, Whose strength and majesty are our peace. For, we ask it through Him, AMEN!

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

Worship-Shaped Work [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 4:4–6]

What else makes godless life vain? Ecclesiastes 4:4–6 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 fallen labor makes godless life vain. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional lesson explores the futility of labor and achievement apart from a relationship with God, drawing from Ecclesiastes 4 and Psalm 73. It highlights how striving and skillful work often lead to envy and ultimately prove unsatisfying, while neglecting work results in a destructive laziness. The central message emphasizes that true contentment and peace—a “handful with quietness”—are found not in worldly pursuits but in knowing and worshipping God, allowing His grace to shape our work, and provide lasting fulfillment rather than grasping for fleeting, ultimately unattainable goals.

2025.09.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 4:4–6

Read Ecclesiastes 4:4–6

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Solomon see about men’s diligent and skillful work (Ecclesiastes 4:4)? What does he conclude about this (with the implication that this is “under the sun,” cf. Ecclesiastes 4:3, Ecclesiastes 4:7)? What does the fool do (Ecclesiastes 4:5a)? With what result (verse 5b)? What condition makes it better, even if you only possess half as much (Ecclesiastes 4:6a)? What condition makes it worse, even if you possess twice as much (verse 6b)?

What else makes godless life vain? Ecclesiastes 4:4–6 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 fallen labor makes godless life vain.

As Solomon continues to consider conditions (Ecclesiastes 4:1–16) that necessitate the corrective of worship (Ecclesiastes 5:1–6), he turns to the subject of toil. If man is all there is, then the “reward” for diligence and skill is to be envied (Ecclesiastes 4:4). But if, because of that envy, one chooses not to work hard, he is a fool who destroys himself (Ecclesiastes 4:5). Why fill both hands, apart from knowing God (Ecclesiastes 4:6)? 

What is your daily toil? How does the knowledge and reality of God shape how you do it? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, all things are from You, and through You, and to You! Our work only has true value when it is done in a spirit of worship unto You. How much more, then, our worship! Help us, by Your Spirit, to worship You in truth, we ask through Christ, AMEN!  

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

2025.09.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 16:31–17:6

Read Proverbs 16:31–17:6

Questions from the Scripture text: What is a crown of glory (Proverbs 16:31a)? Under what conditions (verse 31b)? Who is better than the mighty (Proverbs 16:32a)? And who is better than he who takes a city (verse 32b)? Where is the lot cast (Proverbs 16:33a)? From where does its decision come (verse 33b)? What is better, under what condition, than what else, under what other condition (Proverbs 17:1)? Who will rule over whom (Proverbs 17:2a)? With whom will this servant share what (verse 2b)? How are silver and gold tried and refined (Proverbs 17:3a)? Who does this for the heart (verse 3b)? What does an evildoer heed (Proverbs 17:4a)? To what does a liar listen (verse 4b)? Whom does the poor’s mocker actually reproach (Proverbs 17:5a)? What will happen to the one who is glad at calamity (verse 5b)? Who are the crown of old men (Proverbs 17:6a)? Who is the glory of children (verse 6b)? 

What people should we honor? Proverbs 16:31–17:6 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should honor those people who have lived a life of godliness.

Crowns bookend this section (Proverbs 16:31, Proverbs 17:6). Among godly generations, the righteous elderly are not the feeble to be replaced, but the honored to be aspired to. The older generation is crowned by the next generation of the godly who will come from them (Proverbs 17:6a), and the younger generation considers it a great honor to have come from their ancestors (verse 6b). 

Within these bookends, the Spirit gives us several components of a good, long, godly life: slowness to anger and self-control (Proverbs 16:32), trusting the outcome of one’s choices to YHWH (Proverbs 16:33), the meekness to avoid strife (Proverbs 17:1), the wisdom to act and rise above one’s station (Proverbs 17:2), living unto YHWH and before His face (Proverbs 17:3), being wary of heeding sinful speech (Proverbs 17:4), and having regard for all humanity as made in the image of God and being under His justice (Proverbs 17:5). When the elderly have lived this way, they have good hope of God giving them progeny who will honor them and live this way, too.

So, take inventory, if you will. If you are elderly, has God, by His grace, given you this sort of life? If you are middle aged, what course corrections might need to be made, and identify the elderly whom you wish to emulate. And, if you are young, begin by glorying in those godly whom the Lord has sent before you.

What season of life are you in? Of the list of virtues in the middle paragraph, which do you need most to work on?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for the grace which grows us in godliness. Please keep granting it to us from generation to generation, through Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

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.