God Is, and Does, As He Says [Family Worship lesson in Numbers 13–14]

What should we “spy” about our circumstances? Numbers 13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these seventy-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great thing that we should see in every circumstance is the Lord Himself, what He is like, and what He has promised to do.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.06.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Numbers 13–14

Read Numbers 13–14

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in Numbers 13:1? Whom, specifically, was Moses to send to do what (Numbers 13:2)? What is the Lord doing with that land? From where did Moses send them? Who from which tribes (Numbers 13:4-16)? What instructions did Moses give for the spying (Numbers 13:17-20), and what two concluding instructions? What time of year was it? Where did the spies go (Numbers 13:21-23)? What did they cut down, and how did they have to carry it? What else did they bring? How does the name of the valley indicate the greatness of the grapes (Numbers 13:24)? How long did they spy (Numbers 13:25)? Then what did they do (Numbers 13:26)? What did they say about the land (Numbers 13:27)? But what did they say about the people (Numbers 13:28-29)? Who did and said what in Numbers 13:30? Who opposed him by what words in Numbers 13:31? How did they then begin to speak about the land and its people (Numbers 13:32-33)? How did the people respond (Numbers 14:1)? Against whom do they complain (Numbers 14:2)? What do they say (cf. Numbers 11:20)? Whom do they accuse in Numbers 14:3? What do they say would be better (Numbers 14:3-4)? How do Moses and Aaron respond (Numbers 14:5)? How do Joshua and Caleb respond (Numbers 14:6)? To whom do they speak (Numbers 14:7)? What do they say about the land? Whom do they describe in Numbers 14:8? How, then, do they urge the people to relate to the Lord and to the people of the land (Numbers 14:9)? But how do the congregation respond to them (Numbers 14:10a)? And Who responds to this how (verse  10b)? Who speaks to whom in Numbers 14:11? What does He ask? What does He propose to do (Numbers 14:12)? But how does Moses reason with the Lord not to do this (Numbers 14:13-16)? What does Moses ask YHWH to display greatly in Numbers 14:17? And in Numbers 14:18 (cf. Exodus 34:6–7)? What does he ask YHWH to do in Numbers 14:19? How does he describe the whole of the journey so far? What does YHWH say He has done in Numbers 14:20? What does He say He will do (Numbers 14:21)? How will He show His glory to these who have thus far refused to heed it (Numbers 14:22-23)? For whom will He make an exception (Numbers 14:24)? Where does He now say to go, and why (Numbers 14:25)? Who spoke to whom in Numbers 14:26? What does He ask (Numbers 14:27)? What has He heard? What oath form does He use in Numbers 14:28? To what will their punishment correspond? What will happen to whom (Numbers 14:29, Numbers 14:32, cf. Numbers 14:2)? Who will be spared (Numbers 14:30)? And who else (Numbers 14:31, cf. Numbers 14:3)? What will their children have to do for how long (Numbers 14:33)? Why this number (Numbers 14:34)? How does He sum up the verdict and sentence in Numbers 14:35? Who are the first to die (Numbers 14:36), in what manner (Numbers 14:37)? Who were spared (Numbers 14:38)? To whom does Moses relay the message (Numbers 14:39)? What do they now attempt to do (Numbers 14:40)? But what does Moses warn them about this (Numbers 14:41, cf. Numbers 14:25b)? Why will they be defeated (Numbers 14:42-43)? But what happens (Numbers 14:44)? With what result (Numbers 14:45)?

What should we “spy” about our circumstances? Numbers 13–14 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these seventy-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the great thing that we should see in every circumstance is the Lord Himself, what He is like, and what He has promised to do.

Spying out the hearts of the people, Numbers 13:1–20. It becomes evident that the sending of the spies and the receiving of their report is a significant test for Israel. The entire nation is carefully represented in this test (Numbers 14:1–16). The Lord does not need any spying, but just as Moses had valued the insight of Hobab (cf. Numbers 10:31), he gives the spies directions about how to carry out their spying mission with a good will (Numbers 13:17-20). Most significantly, he instructs them to be strong (Numbers 13:20, NKJ “be of good courage”). It is the land that the spies go to see, but what ends up being exposed are the hearts and minds of Israel.

The good grapes and the sour grapes, Numbers 13:21–33. The truth of the believer’s circumstances is that they offer fruit even greater than a grape cluster so big that it takes two men to carry it between them on a pole! The believer’s circumstances are bearing fruit unto eternal life. This is what God has told us. We know that it is true. But presentation and perception can turn our hearts exactly opposite the reality of the case. The spies bring a factual report up through Numbers 13:29. Apparently, the people are alarmed, because Caleb has to quiet them down to speak in Numbers 13:30. It is at this point that the other men seem to turn against Caleb and against the Lord. Numbers 13:31 is not leadership (cf. Numbers 13:2)! 

The true leadership of Joshua and Caleb reminds the people that they need to “spy” one more thing, besides the fruit of the land and the strength of the people of the land. They need to “spy” YHWH! YHWH is with them, and the people of the land have lost their protection (Numbers 14:7–9). Even as they sinned against God, it was the mercy of that God that had spared them thus far (cf. Genesis 15:16). Remembering the truth about God should have kept them from viewing the situation in a way that was patently false—for instance, there were three total Anakim observed (Numbers 14:22), but the wicked spies exaggerate this to “all the people” in Numbers 13:32 and fear-monger by calling them the Nephilim themselves in Numbers 13:33. 

Cowards who should have been more afraid, Numbers 14:1–10. Truly, the people have no regard for YHWH. He had called the desire to return to Egypt a despising of Him (cf. Numbers 11:20). Now they do it again, even accusing YHWH Himself (Numbers 14:1–4). Even though YHWH is in their midst, they are cowards at the thought of facing the Anakim. But they don’t have the sense to be afraid to attack Moses and Aaron! Moses and Aaron’s falling on their faces in Numbers 14:5 is before the congregation, implying that they are begging for their life. “Let us select a leader” in Numbers 14:4 apparently indicates that they are going to murder the current ones! Whether the rally to execute by stoning in Numbers 14:10 is against Moses and Aaron, or Caleb and Joshua, or all four, it is plain that these people are not at all factoring in the reality and almightiness of the Lord. Let us not think that if we had seen great miracles, we would have more faith. These people had seen great signs (cf. Numbers 14:11), but they are completely disregarding God.

The God Who is as He says, Numbers 14:11–25. Truly, the Lord condemns the people for rejecting Him (Numbers 14:11) and declares what they deserve (Numbers 14:12). But Moses makes strong arguments from God’s glory (Numbers 14:13-17), God’s covenant oath (Numbers 14:16), and God’s own words about His character (Numbers 14:18, cf. Exodus 34:6–7). We could have a good, long devotional or sermon on prayer just in that verse! God is just as He has said. Numbers 14:19 gives a wonderful summary of His leading them thus far, “You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” Is this not a sweet and true description of how He has been with you, dear reader? He has forgiven you from your beginning, even until now! So the Lord is has He said in Exodus 34—right down to the part about not clearing the guilty. He will keep His promises (Numbers 14:23b), but those guilty of this incident will fall in the wilderness. 

The God Who does as He says, Numbers 14:26–45. The Lord now gives Moses a word for the people, in line with what He has said to Moses. They wished to have died in the wilderness (Numbers 14:2), and now they will (Numbers 14:29, Numbers 14:32). They made show of being concerned for their children (Numbers 14:3), but it is these very children who will inherit the land (Numbers 14:31). Why YHWH speaks, He will surely do (Numbers 14:35). Amazingly (but not surprisingly), the people do not take Him at His word. They propose to “obey” now, in Numbers 14:40, as if this could make up for their sin (end of Numbers 14:30). Whenever we think that we can obey to make it up to God for our sin, such “obedience” is actually rebellion. Even worse, in their case, they had already received instruction to go toward the Red Sea (cf. Numbers 14:25). Moses warns them that the one thing (cf. Numbers 14:9) that would have protected them will not be a help to them; the Lord will not be with them (Numbers 14:42-43). But they go anyway (Numbers 14:44), and the result is as they were warned (Numbers 14:45). In mercy and in justice, the Lord does as He says.

Where is the Lord taking you? What circumstances seem to threaten you? What fruit is there in it for you? How will you be able to come through fruitfully and as more than conqueror? What will God be like? What will God do?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for reminding us that You Yourself are the single most important factor in every situation of our lives. You have promised us the peaceful fruit of righteousness unto our eternal blessedness in You. Grant unto us to trust You for it and not to fear our circumstances. Instead, make us to fear any unbelief or rebellion against You. Show Your power, mercy, and justice by bringing us safely into all that You have promised in Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH68A “God Shall Arise, and by His Might”

Boasting for the Right Cause [2024.06.05 Midweek Sermon in Romans 15:17–22]

Proper Christian boasting glories in Christ's past work to stir up desire and confidence in Christ's future work.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

Freed by Love to Love the Law [Family Worship lesson in 1John 4:21–5:3]

How good are God’s commandments? 1John 4:21–5:3 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s commandments are such blessings as are designed to foster assurance that we are His.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.06.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ 1 John 4:21–5:3

 Read 1 John 4:21–5:3

Questions from the Scripture text: What do we have from God (1 John 4:21)? What must one who loves God also do? What is true of the one who is in a condition of believing in Jesus as the Christ (1 John 5:1)? Whom does the born-of-God one love? What/whom are also loved by those who love Him Who begot? How can we know that we truly love the children of God—what/Whom else will we love, and what will we do (1 John 5:2)? What is the love of God (1 John 5:3)? What does someone who loves Him in this way think of His commandments?

How good are God’s commandments? 1 John 4:21–5:3 prepares us for the second serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God’s commandments are such blessings as are designed to foster assurance that we are His.

After considering how love for one another gives us boldness before God (1 John 4:17-20), the apostle turns back to the goodness of God’s commandments. Surely, the one who finds God’s commandments burdensome (1 John 5:3) knows neither the nature of our God nor the nature of His commandments. How good they are!

In this case, the apostle is referring again to that “new commandment” from John 13, which is the commandment that the church has had from its beginning—the commandment that arises from that glorious event in which our Lord Jesus culminated His ordination to His “Great High Priest”-hood and offered Himself for us, once for all. Do we love Him? Then we must keep His commandments. And His commandment is that we must love our brother. So the one who loves God must love his brother.

And, of course, this love is more than just keeping His commandment. It is also bearing His image, being His child, being part of the family. There is no other way to come into saving faith (1 John 5:1) than by a heavenly birth. But what does being begotten by God, spiritually fathered by God, necessarily produce? It produces love for this dear Father! And how can it produce love for Him, except that this love also extend to all who are fathered by Him? This love is not just God’s command, but the characteristic family trait.

Finally, for those who have this genuine love, coming organically from being fathered by Him, we want to know if our love is genuine. It is not enough for us that others think that we love them, or that we think that we love them. We want to know that we love them in truth. So, the Spirit directs the apostle’s hands to give us a proof: how can we know that we love God’s children? The only place from which that particular love comes is the same place from which love for God comes, and therefore from which keeping His commandments comes—from which comes a view of His commandments that considers them all blessing and no burden. What grace, that we would so come to know God’s law! 

It’s all or nothing. They all hang together, dear reader: being born of God, savingly believing in Christ, loving God, loving brother, keeping God’s commandments, and counting those commandments blessing. They all hang together; it’s all or nothing. The Lord grant that they would all hang together in you!

How do you think/feel about God’s commandments? Toward what brothers do you harbor ill feelings or even ill will? How have you been making use of God’s commandments to pursue assurance that you are His child?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for so loving us that You would give us commandment for the very things that enable us to be bold in the day of judgment. But forgive us for how we have treated Your commandments as if they are burdensome. And forgive us that we have at times thought or acted as if we could love You without loving those who are born of You. Grant unto us increased life and growth from our heavenly birth, that by Your Spirit, we might live like Christ and love like Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP197 “Christian Unity” or TPH409 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

Married for Life [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 5:15–20]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that marriage is like water for our spiritual life and must be kept pure.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.06.05 Prayer Meeting Live Stream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

June 5 Midweek Prayer Meeting

Romans 15:17–22 Sermon Outline

We urge you to assemble physically, if possible, with a true congregation of Christ's church. For those of our own congregation who may be providentially hindered, we are grateful to be able to provide this service.

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

The Dawning of the World of Light [Family Worship lesson in Isaiah 60]

What does the coming of the Servant usher in? Isaiah 60 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s coming has initiated a restoration of Israel that is of an international and spiritual Israel that ultimately belongs to an altogether new, glorious, and eternal creation. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2024.06.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Isaiah 60

Read Isaiah 60

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Isaiah 60:1a command? Why (verse 1b–c)? What covers the earth (Isaiah 60:2a–b)? What light will Israel have (verse 2c–d)? Who will come to it (Isaiah 60:3)? What does Isaiah 60:4 call these nations? How will believing Israel respond to this (Isaiah 60:5a–b)? How big will this ingathering be (Isaiah 60:5-6)? What will it supply (Isaiah 60:7)? How will they seem to travel (Isaiah 60:8-9b)? What are they called again in Isaiah 60:9c? To what/(Whom!) will they come (verse 9e–f)? Why? Who will do what in Isaiah 60:10a–b? Why does this need to be done (verse 10c)? Why will it be done in this way (verse 10d)? What will have to be done (Isaiah 60:11a–b)? Why (verse 11c–d)? What will happen to those who do not serve the church (Isaiah 60:12)? Whose contribution is described in Isaiah 60:13? As being for what purpose? Who honor Israel in Isaiah 60:14a–c? Calling her what (verse 14d–e)? What will have happened to them (Isaiah 60:15a–b)? Then what will happen to them (verse 15c–d)? Whom will the Lord make to “nurse’ them (Isaiah 60:16a–b)? And what will Israel know in that day (verse 16c–d)? What upgrades will be made to their buildings (Isaiah 60:17a–d)? And what upgrades to their societal structures (verse 17e–f)? What won’t happen there anymore (Isaiah 60:18a–b)? And what will happen (verse 18c–d)? What won’t they have anymore (Isaiah 60:19a–b)? Why not (verse 19c–d)? Causing what changes in lighting (Isaiah 60:20)? What will the people be like in that day (Isaiah 60:21a)? With what resultant covenant blessing (verse 21b)? How, and to what end (verse 21c–e)? How will the Lord multiply them (Isaiah 60:22a–b)? When (verse 22c)?

What does the coming of the Servant usher in? Isaiah 60 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these twenty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ’s coming has initiated a restoration of Israel that is of an international  and spiritual Israel that ultimately belongs to an altogether new, glorious, and eternal creation. 

The arrival of the covenant Mediator (Isaiah 59:22) is now described as the rising of the light of Israel—YHWH Himself being not light not only for them (Isaiah 60:2), but for gathering the nations to them (Isaiah 60:3). Thus, the spiritual descendants of Israel from the nations will more than compensate for the Israelites who have been lost (Isaiah 60:4-5, cf. Isaiah 49:20–23). 

Note that the gathering of the nations and their wealth is unto the purpose of worship: “gold and incense” (Isaiah 60:6), “flocks ascending on My altar” (Isaiah 60:7), “house of My glory” (verse 7), “the place of My sanctuary” (Isaiah 60:13), “City of YHWH, Zion of the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 60:14; cf. Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1; Revelation 21). 

This is far more than just restoration from exile. Enemies who had been raised up for chastening (Isaiah 60:10c) are not merely removed but transformed into servants for the worship of God’s international assembly (Isaiah 60:10-12). And the transformation described in Isaiah 60:15-18 is otherworldly, as from a different creation altogether. 

Indeed, in this new creation, heaven and earth collide, and the Lord Himself is the light of the place (Isaiah 60:19-20, cf. Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5). In this new world, it is the godly and pleased people themselves (Isaiah 60:21a–b) who are especially the work of the Lord (verse 21c–f, Isaiah 60:22c)—each individual being as fruitful and impressive as a great nation (verse 22a–b).

This is the new and everlasting covenant, the final and forever administration of the covenant of grace, when the kingdom of grace becomes the kingdom of glory. Christ has come. This morning has dawned (cf. Romans 13:11–14). How much, then, ought we to live as those who belong to the kingdom!

What are your hopes in life? How do they align with the hope in this chapter? How does Jesus make Israel glorious? Who are gathered into this glorious Israel? How can/could this happen?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us, for we have been so consumed with smaller things that we have not rejoiced like we ought that Christ’s coming has brought glory to Israel and brought us into that glory. Forgive us for forgetting that worshiping You is the great reason that You have gathered us to Your people. And forgive us for being so satisfied with this creation that we are not sufficiently eager for the new creation. By Your grace and mercy, make us to be the branch of Your planting and the work of Your hands, that You may be glorified. Hasten it in its time, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” 

Absolutely Avoiding the Way of the Wicked [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 4:14–19]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who belong to the light must be watchful against the least step toward the way of the wicked.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)