2026.07.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Job 9:1–26

Read Job 9:1–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Who answers in Job 9:1? What does he know (Job 9:2a)? What does he ask (verse 2b)? In what could a man never succeed (Job 9:3, Job 9:4b)? What attributes of God ensure this (verse 4a)? What are some ways in which He has shown the greatness of His wisdom and strength (Job 9:5-9)? How many more of these are there (Job 9:10)? What can’t Job do (Job 9:11)? What can’t anyone do (Job 9:12)? What won’t God do (Job 9:13)? What, then, is pointless (Job 9:14-15a)? What is a better strategy (Job 9:15b)? Without mercy, what can’t a sinner hope for (Job 9:16)? How does this seem to correspond to Job’s current condition (Job 9:17-18)? What couldn’t a man succeed against (Job 9:19)? If he tries to make a case to God’s justice, how would that go (Job 9:20)? 

Why won’t Bildad’s suggestion work? Job 9:1–26 prepares us for the opening part of public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Bildad’s suggestion that Job can get better treatment by doing better can’t work, because man can never be righteous enough to overcome God.  

Bildad’s gospel-less approach to Job’s situation isn’t even done as well as it could be. Job can do, and now does, better. Job can do better at declaring the greatness of God’s righteousness.

Job knows that God renders justly (v2a), but the question then is how anyone can be made right with God (v2b). Bildad’s “do better, and He’ll do you better” idea is actually impossible (v3)—meriting something from God is like overcoming God (v4), Who is incomprehensible in wisdom and power (v5–10). It’s not just that we aren’t able to overcome Him (v12); we’re not even able to engage Him (v11).  This is a problem because His justice is absolute and unyielding (v13). 

So, instead of Bildad’s idea that Job could somehow do well enough to change his circumstances (v14–15a), Job seeks for mercy instead (v15b). The problem, for Job, is that he had been hoping in mercy, but he can’t see how mercy corresponds at all to his current misery (v17–18). 

So Job is alarmed that God may be relating to him on a principle of exact justice, in which case there is absolutely no hope (v19–20). Even if he is blameless as far as he knows, that would not be far enough, because God knows him better (v21). The “blameless” and “innocent” among men are subject to the same punishments as the wicked, as shown by the calamity and death that come to all at God’s hand (v22–24). 

So the solution can never be, “just do better, and God will do better to you.” We will see in the next section that what is needed is for God’s mercy to provide a Mediator, so that Job can be forgiven. But Job feels that his life is too short, and that he’s running out of time and out of hope (v25–26).

How do you slip into functioning upon a merit principle with God, as if you could get better from Him by doing better yourself? To what can you cling, when experience does not seem to show that God is dealing with you according to mercy?

Sample prayer:  Lord, You are beyond the perception of our senses. We cannot see or perceive You, except that You make Yourself known to our faith. How great are Your wisdom and power! You remove and overturn mountains. You shake the earth. You command the sun and the stars. You spread out the heavens and walk upon the heights of the sea. You have made all of the distant, and great things that we see in the sky. 

So, we could never be wise enough or strong enough to get blessing from You by merit or by works. And even if we did not know of anything against ourselves, even what came out of our mouth would convict us of sin. 

We would beg mercy of our Judge. Give us that mercy now, by Your Spirit, so that we may draw near to You, in and through Jesus Christ, by His grace. Grant that our worship would be acceptable, because He is our worthiness and our worship’s worthiness, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH130A “LORD, from the Depths to You I Cry” 

2026.07.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 26:1–12

Read Proverbs 26:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: What are not fitting at what times (Proverbs 26:1a)? What else is not fitting for whom (verse 1b)? What do not land long (Proverbs 26:2a)? What else does not land (verse 2b)? What are designed/destined for which particular objects (Proverbs 26:3)? What mustn’t be done to a fool (Proverbs 26:4a)? Why not (verse 4b)? What must be done to a fool (Proverbs 26:5a)? Why (verse 5b)? What does the person in Proverbs 26:6a do? What is he essentially doing to himself (verse 6b)? What are ineffective in Proverbs 26:7a? What else is ineffective (verse 7b)? What is rendered pointless in Proverbs 26:8a? What else is pointless (verse 8b)? What mishandling causes pain in Proverbs 26:9a? Who else painfully mishandles what (verse 9b)? Who is the One Who makes sure that fools and transgressors get what’s coming to them (Proverbs 26:10)? To what does a dog return (Proverbs 26:11a)? Who is like this, in repeating what (verse 11b)? Who is even more hopeless than a fool (Proverbs 26:12)?

What should be done for the fool? Proverbs 26:1–12 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the fool must not be treated as if he were as wise as others, but rather warned and answered wisely.

Fools make many things ineffective or pointless. It is very out of place to honor a fool (Proverbs 26:1). And one hallmark of foolishness is to be careless with cursing (Proverbs 26:2); it is God Who executes the curse (Proverbs 26:10), so a causeless one does not land. What does land is the rod upon the fool’s own back. 

Another hallmark of the fool is that he projects himself as wise. Others even treat a fool as wise, when there are proverbs in his mouth. But both come to no effect. Those who speak by a fool do great harm to themselves (Proverbs 26:6). Wise sayings have no leg to stand upon in the mouth a fool (Proverbs 26:7). Giving weight to a fool is self-crippling (Proverbs 26:8). Fools handle proverbs in the way that drunks handle a thorned stick—to their own harm (Proverbs 26:9). And they lack the sense not to repeat this (Proverbs 26:11). 

Ultimately, there is one very advanced case of folly: the man who is wise in his own eyes. After all of this caution that a wise proverb may end up, useless and harmfully, in the mouth of a fool, the section concludes with a zinger: as hopeless as the fool is, there is more hope for him than one who is wise in his own eyes.

This is why one ought to answer the fool’s foolish content (Proverbs 26:4), without getting dragged into the fool’s own manner of speech (Proverbs 26:3). It is a mercy at least to lay the truth before his eyes.

What are you doing, in dependence upon grace, to keep from being foolish, or even wise in your own eyes? To what fools have you been assigned to give a wise answer? What honors are you tempted to give them?

Sample prayer: Lord, have mercy upon us, because we are so easily foolish, or even wise in our own eyes. Give us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. And, when You assign us to the help of fools, grant that we would be careful not to honor them, or entrust them with messaging. Please help us in this thorny area of life, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside?” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

2026.07.05 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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2026.07.01 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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2026.06.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 25:23–28

Read Proverbs 25:23–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What surely brings what (Proverbs 25:23a)? And what else surely brings what else (verse 23b)? What is better (Proverbs 25:24a)? Than what (verse 24b)? What is refreshing to whom (Proverbs 25:25a)? What else is refreshing to whom else (verse 25b)? Who (Proverbs 25:26a) is like what (verse 26b)? What is not good (Proverbs 25:27a)? What else is not good (verse 27b)? Who (Proverbs 25:28a) is what (verse 28b)?

What must we watch against, as a friend? Proverbs 25:23–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must watch against being a “friend” who is harmful rather than a blessing.

Don’t be a gossip. For them, the north wind (Proverbs 25:23a) was a welcome indicator that they would finally get the rain that they needed. And there is something much less welcome, but just as certain: gossip destroys relationships, changing the face from a smile to scowl (verse 23b). Our friend’s name must be safe in our mouth.

Don’t be contentious. There is no greater blessing than a good wife. But one who is always arguing, always nagging, always complaining, always criticizing… she performs a wonder: she transforms the corner of the housetop into a desirable place to dwell (Proverbs 25:24a). Ordinarily, the roof was pleasant to visit when the sun had gone down, to take advantage of a breeze. It was not a good place to be at all times, particularly in the heat and sun of the day. But, better to dwell there, than with contentiousness (verse 24b)!

Don’t be negative. Others’ souls are weary (Proverbs 25:25a). They need the cool water (verse 25a) of good news (verse 25b). There is an obvious and easy way to be one whose speech is like this: speak often of the Lord Himself, His character, His work, the gospel of His salvation, His promises. We have all known the one who always has a new bit of bad news. That just parches the weary soul all the more! 

Don’t be spineless. The righteous man is a blessing to those around him, but this blessing becomes all the more urgent in the face of wickedness. The metaphor of a refreshing drink carries into Proverbs 25:26. If, when his righteousness is needed most, he falters instead (verse 26a), the “help” of his righteousness is corrupted. Can you imagine, going to take a sip from your water bottle and getting a mouthful of pond scum instead (verse 26b)? This is what it’s like when the righteous are spineless.

Don’t be self-promoting. Honey is a blessing. In many places, Scripture identifies it as both sweet and nourishing. But this is the second time in the space of 12 verses (Proverbs 25:27a, cf. Proverbs 25:16) that there is a caution against overindulging in it. Similarly, it is a blessing for those around us that we would have a good reputation. But a good reputation is that of a man who seeks God’s glory, rather than his own. Seeking one’s own glory brings not glory but shame (Proverbs 25:27b). 

Don’t be self-indulgent. Finally, self-control is as necessary as a city wall for protection from a most dangerous enemy: the sinful inclinations of our own spirit. Cities are good for mutual defense, as long as the city wall is intact. But without it, the city goes from being a protection to a hazard, as all those people are now gathered into something of a kill-box. So also, friendships with the godly can be a help in defense against our own sin. But, if we are self-indulgent, instead of self-controlled, we increase one-another’s danger, rather than decreasing it.

We have focused on the sort of friend that we ought to be, but the passage is also very instructive for what sorts of friends to choose and to spend time with. And it is a reminder of what a great blessing it is that Jesus Christ has become, for us, the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. Not only is He the perfect example of every virtue, and not only has His righteousness been counted for us, but He is genuinely our best Friend, and living in fellowship with Him is the way that, by His grace, we may be genuinely good friends to others.

Who are your friends? What sort of friend are you to them, by these standards? What sort of friends are they to you?

Sample prayer: Our gracious God and our heavenly Father, thank You for giving to us Your own Son, our Lord Jesus, to be the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. Please grant that we would be friends such as He is, and that we would have friends such as He is, by His own grace in each of us, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Reside?” or TPH73B “Yes, God Is Good to Israel” 

2026.06.28 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.

Truly Sweet Friendship [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 27:9]

Pastor teaches his family a selection from “the Proverb of the day.” In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that truly sweet friendship is friendship that is good for the soul, before God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional explores the biblical concept of friendship as a spiritual discipline rooted in Proverbs 27:9. It argues that true companionship transcends superficial enjoyment and must include hearty counsel that benefits the soul. Believers are called to interact with mutual encouragement that deepens their knowledge of God and the gospel. Such relationships reflect the dignity of having souls rather than merely earthly desires. The message concludes by praying for grace to be and find friends who glorify God together.

The Power at Work Within Us [Family Worship lesson in Ephesians 1:20–23]

How great is the power at work in us? Ephesians 1:20–23 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the power that is at work in us is the power that is at work in Christ. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional expounds on Ephesians 1:20-23, emphasizing that the same mighty power which raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand is actively at work in believers. This divine strength flows through the profound union between Christ and His Church, establishing believers as members of His body and heirs to His glory. The text contrasts Christ's supreme authority over all spiritual powers with the intimate, marriage relationship He shares with the Church. Understanding this reality dispels doubt and discouragement by revealing that believers share in Christ's victorious life through grace. The devotional concludes with a prayer for spiritual illumination to grasp the depth of this union and the sustaining power available to those who believe.

2026.06.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:20–23

Read Ephesians 1:20–23

Questions from the Scripture text: In Whom did God’s mighty power work (Ephesians 1:20)? When? At what did He seat Him? In which places? Far above what for things (Ephesians 1:21)? And above which names? At what times? What has God put where (Ephesians 1:22a)? As what did He give Christ, and to whom (verse 22b)? What two things does Ephesians 1:23 call the church? What does verse 23 call Him?

How great is the power at work in us? Ephesians 1:20–23 prepares us for the morning sermon in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the power that is at work in us is the power that is at work in Christ. 

What is the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward us (Ephesians 1:19)? 

The same power by which He raised Christ from the dead. And, greater still—the power by which He seated Christ at His right hand in the heavenly places. 

This power did not merely restore life to a body and raise it from the grave. It raised this body and transported it through the heavens to the very throne of glory!

How far? 

Above all principality and power and might and dominion. Above the vast angel armies, above the most blazing of the seraphim, the most powerful of the cherubim, above the highest of the arch angels. Above the living creatures and the whole holy host. 

And the power that seated Christ there is the power that works in Ephesian believers. 

And American believers, whom the Lord has joined to Jesus by faith.

It’s astonishing and humbling. Jesus is Head over all things, but the Lord has given Him as Head to the church. All things are under His feet, but we ourselves are His body. His beloved bride, as chapter 5 will teach. Hallelujah!

God has granted that Christ, in His role as our Mediator, would be completed by His bride—not that there is anything lacking in Him, but that He has chosen to form a union with His bride as His very own body, of His flesh and of His bone. 

By reminding us that Jesus “fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:23), the Scripture reminds us that it would be a great blasphemy if, of ourselves, we had claimed to be the “fullness of Him.” But He has so joined Himself to the church, that she is seated with Him there on the throne. Unto all eternity, He refuses to be considered apart from her.

But we are not the ones who claim it. 

God is the One who declares it. 

God is the One who designed it. 

God is the One who did it. 

How great is His love toward us, and how great is that power by which His love has decided to work in us!

For what parts of your Christian life do you most feel the need for divine power? How can you bring the knowledge of the greatness of that power from this passage into your mindset about those things?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for seating Christ high above all else. And we marvel that He would so unite us to Himself that we would be His fulness. Give us to know that reality when it comes to the power that we need for our own Christian life, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72C “May Waving Grain on Hilltops Thrive” or TPH448 “Union with Thee” 

Wait for the LORD [Family Worship lesson in Zephaniah 3:1–8]

What do we do, when we see unfaithfulness in the government and the church? Zephaniah 3:1–8 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the faithful remnant waits upon the Lord’s faithfulness. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional examines Zephaniah 3:1–8 to highlight Jerusalem's persistent rebellion despite God's numerous privileges and corrective judgments. It contrasts the faithlessness of Israel's leaders with YHWH's unwavering righteousness and justice. The text emphasizes that human failure necessitates a future divine intervention where God will gather the nations for judgment. Believers are urged to remain faithful and not be discouraged by current wickedness, trusting in God's sovereign plan. The message concludes with an exhortation to wait patiently for the Lord's promised day of deliverance and blessing.