A Truly Profitable Prophet [Family Worship lesson in Micah 3:5–8]

How does God judge unfaithful preaching? Micah 3:5–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God judged unfaithful preaching by removing His Word.

The sermon examines the failings of unfaithful prophets who prioritized personal gain over faithful proclamation, selecting messages based on audience favor rather than divine truth, and ultimately facing divine judgment and humiliation. Drawing from Micah’s prophetic ministry, the message contrasts these mercenary preachers with the ideal of a Spirit-filled prophet, foreshadowed by Micah and perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who faithfully declares sin and offers redemption. The sermon underscores the necessity of biblically grounded preaching, emphasizing that Scripture, breathed out by God’s Spirit, reveals our hearts and offers both condemnation and mercy, ultimately highlighting Jesus as the ultimate Prophet Whose faithfulness ensures God’s Word is proclaimed to those who are His.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.07.16 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 3:5–8

Read Micah 3:5–8

Questions from the Scripture text: Who speaks in v5a? Concerning whom? What are these prophets doing to the people (v5b)? By chanting what (v5c)? As long as they are sponsored to do what (v5d)? But what do they do (v5e) to whom (v5f)? What will God give to those prophets in response (v6a–b)? With what result for them (v6c–d)? And what result before others (v7a–b)? What will these prophets ultimately have to do (v7c)? Why (v7d)? By what three characteristics will Micah’s ministry contrast to this (v8a–b)? Of what will this ministry consist (v8c–d)?

How does God judge unfaithful preaching? Micah 3:5–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God judged unfaithful preaching by removing His Word.

In the first section of the chapter (v1–4), Micah dealt with the rulers of his day, leaving us hungry for the righteous and compassionate reign of King Jesus, Whose cries on our behalf God would hear (cf. Ps 72:12; Heb 5:7, 7:24). Now, in this passage, he denounces the other prophets of his day, leaving us grateful not only for Micah’s own ministry, but especially for the ministry of Jesus Christ, our Great Prophet.

The problem with these prophets wasn’t just that they proclaimed peace (v5c) even to those who were being hardened by this preaching in their backsliding (v5b). Such ear-tickling ministry is a perennial problem among the people of God (cf. Jer 6:14; 2im 4:3). To this wickedness, these prophets added another. If the hearer wasn’t putting meat between their teeth (v5d, f), these prophets would really let them have it (v5e)!

So, the Lord would take from them all ability to prophesy (v6). He would literally shut them up and humiliate them (v7). Apparently, these were not what we would ordinarily call false prophets. They were not faking words from God. They were just selective, in their ministry, according to their own desires and fleshly purposes. Now, God is going to take away not only His true word (v6a) but all avenues of false prophecy as well (v6b). 

Our Prophet, Jesus, is always perfectly faithful to God’s Word, preaching what’s right. He has God’s revelation for His people (cf. Rev 1:1). The Lord puts His Word into Jesus’s mouth, so that it can be in the mouths of us and our children (cf. Isa 59:21). 

And in Micah’s day, Micah was a foreshadowing of Christ—what we call a “type,” in theological terms. Someone in whom God worked beforehand in a way that displayed Christ, ahead of His coming. v8 recalls for us the prophecy of Isa 11:2, and its glorious fulfillment in Jesus’s earthly ministry, even displayed visibly at His baptism. 

Here, the power, justice, and might of Micah’s preaching are especially for telling God’s people about their sins. Did you realize, dear reader, that we need almighty Holy Spirit power just to have proper preaching against sin, and almighty Holy Spirit power just to have proper hearing of that preaching? Our situation demands it, because our hearts are both deceitful and wicked (cf. Jer 17:9)! 

But this is mercy to us. It was dreadful judgment when God darkened the other prophets of Micah’s day so that they could not prophesy against the sin. And it is mercy when He sends preachers from Jesus to preach against sin in the power of the Spirit!

Why is it dangerous for you to decide for yourself what you want to hear from God’s Word? What kind of preaching do we need instead? When the earthly pastor is faithful, in the administration under Jesus, Who is ultimately our Preacher?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for wanting our ears tickled, like the people also did in Micah’s day. And forgive us for treating others according to different standards, based upon what we think we can get out of them. This makes us like those unfaithful prophets that You judged in Micah’s day. But, You have given Jesus to be our righteousness, so please treat us in accord with His faithfulness. And You have put our sin upon Him, so take from us the guilt of our unfaithfulness. And, grant that He would continually send His perfect Word by using faithful preachers in the power of His Holy Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP29 “You Sons of the Gods” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”

Pressured by Our Brevity [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 1:4–11]

How does man compare to the creation as a whole? Ecclesiastes 1:4–11 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man’s life is brief and unimpactful, by comparison to the creation as a whole.

The sermon grapples with the fleeting nature of human existence, contrasting our brief lives with the enduring cycles of the earth, sun, wind, and rivers. It challenges the notion that unique impact is essential for a meaningful life, asserting that humanity's attempts at uniqueness are ultimately futile, as each generation repeats the patterns of those before. Instead, the message emphasizes finding purpose and pleasure through knowing, enjoying, and glorifying God, participating in His work of transmitting wisdom to future generations, and embracing the ordinary tasks He assigns, thereby transcending our temporary nature and finding lasting value in Him.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.07.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 1:4–11

Read Ecclesiastes 1:4–11

Questions from the Scripture text: How do generations compare to the earth (v4)? What is the sun doing all this time (v5)? And the wind (v6)? And the rivers (v7)? What does v8 conclude? How much labor? What will the future be like (v9)? Why? What rhetorical question does v10a–b ask? What does v10c answer? What lasting impact does man make (v11)? 

How does man compare to the creation as a whole? Ecclesiastes 1:4–11 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man’s life is brief and unimpactful, by comparison to the creation as a whole.  

Man’s life under the sun is so temporary (v4a), like the mist from v1. 

This is especially true when compared to the enduring nature of even the fallen creation. 

The earth abides (v4b). 

The sun eagerly and perpetually fulfills its duties (v5, cf. Ps 19:4–6). 

How humiliating to mankind that even the wind is more enduring than he is, never used up (v6), as are the waters (v7). 

The whole creation does its thing with such a fullness that man’s mouth (v8b), eye (v8c), and ear (v8d) can’t quite keep up. 

As for man, he finds it impossible to make his mark. He himself doesn’t endure, and all of his work just reduplicates what others have done and will do (v10) in a way that won’t even be ultimately memorable (v11). 

Ecclesiastes is going to provide a solution from “above the sun” that will give meaning and value even to what man does and enjoys “under the sun.” 

And recognizing the challenge that the brevity of our life presents will prepare us to receive the book’s wonderful answer in our God and His gospel.

When have you most felt the reality of the brevity of this life in this world? To what realities does this passage direct you to drive home this point? What use are you making of these realities? How does this cure you of the desire to make an unique impact, rather than a compounding and enduring impact upon the following generation? By what sorts of activities does the Lord give you to make this compounding and enduring impact?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for creating us in Your image, and giving to us such a special place among Your creatures. But we also thank You that You have made the creation to endure in such a way that drives home to us the brevity of our life. Grant that we might offer our bodies to You as living sacrifices, and that when we come to stated times of worship, we would rejoice to find purpose and pleasure in You, Who are above the sun. So by Your Spirit, help us to worship You through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP90B “O Teach Us How to Count Our Days” or TPH222 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”

How Humility Brings Happiness [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 15:30–33]

What are the benefits of humility before the Lord? Proverbs 15:30–33 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility before the Lord brings understanding through rebuke and joy through the gospel. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.07.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 15:30–33

Read Proverbs 15:30–33

Questions from the Scripture text: What does what to the heart (Proverbs 15:30a)? What does what to the bones (verse 30b)? Of what second organ does Proverbs 15:31 speak? What does this ear hear? With whom will it abide? But what does another disdain (Proverbs 15:32a)? Whom does it despise? What does the one who heeds rebuke get (verse 32b)? What is the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 15:33a)? What comes before honor (verse 33b)? 

What are the benefits of humility before the Lord? Proverbs 15:30–33 looks forward to the sermon in the midweek meeting this week. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility before the Lord brings understanding through rebuke and joy through the gospel.  

The previous section (Proverbs 15:24-29) contrasted the experience of those who have YHWH as enemy to that of those who have Him as Friend. The next section (Proverbs 16:1–9) will focus especially upon YHWH’s directing the way of the wise man’s life. This is good news, and while Proverbs 15:30 applies to good news generally, it applies especially to the gospel. It is this gospel that gives light to our eyes.

But there is an obstacle to this joy: the ear that refuses to hear the Lord. 

If we don’t hear Him in humility when He rebukes us, we isolate ourselves from His illuminated-eyed wise ones (Proverbs 15:31), and despise our own souls (Proverbs 15:32). But it is the fear of YHWH that leads us to wisdom (Proverbs 15:33a), which means that it is humility that leads to honor (verse 33b).

Dear reader, what joy awaits you if you would humble yourself before the Lord! When we bring our hearts low before Him, we will be receptive to what He says. 

Yes, there are those more painful rebukes, but even the rebukes themselves give understanding (Proverbs 15:32b) and put us in good company (Proverbs 15:31b). But at the heart of His Word is that good news of life with Him that gladdens the heart (Proverbs 15:30). The Lord give you ears to hear, by which you may enjoy the light of the eyes—eternal life in Christ.

Where, in your life, do you come across the Word of God? With what sort of heart do you listen to its rebukes? What does this mean, for you, in listening to its gospel? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for speaking to us. Please give us hearts to hear. Give us hearts to hear rebukes by which You give us understanding. And give us hearts to hear the good report of the gospel, to give health to our bones and light to our eyes, we ask in Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH128B “Blest the Man Who Fears Jehovah”

2025.07.13 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, 3p)

Click below for the:

July 13 Lord's Day Worship Booklet

Matthew 20:29–34 sermon outline

3p song selections & Deuteronomy 5:19 sermon outline

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

IF you are unable to get the stream to work, or simply wish to save on data, you can listen in simply by calling 712.432.3410 and entering 70150 at the prompt.

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

Compassion of the Christ [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 20:29–34]

Who can truly see? Matthew 20:29–34 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the one who can see his own great need, and Jesus’s great compassion and ability for that need, is the one who sees truly. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.07.12 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 20:29–34

Read Matthew 20:29–34

Questions from the Scripture text: Where were they going (Matthew 20:29)? Who followed Him? Who were there (Matthew 20:30)? Doing what? What did they hear? What did they do? What did they cry out for Him to do? What did they call Him? Who responded to them (Matthew 20:31)? What did they warn them? How did the blind men respond? What did they cry out? What did Jesus do in Matthew 20:32? To whom did He call? What did He ask? What did they call Him (Matthew 20:33)? For what did they ask? What did Jesus have (Matthew 20:34)? What did He do? What did they receive? When? And what did they do?

Who can truly see? Matthew 20:29–34 prepares us for the sermon in the morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the one who can see his own great need, and Jesus’s great compassion and ability for that need, is the one who sees truly.  

In this passage, there is a great multitude of blind people and two sighted men.

The great multitude (Matthew 20:29) sees Jesus according to the mindset of glory, the mindset of the nations (Matthew 20:25), but the blind men (Matthew 20:30) see Jesus according to the Scriptures. They know many things about the Son of David, including what they have sung about Him, “For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper” (cf. Psalm 72:12).

They know Him to be the One Who delivers the needy, the poor, and the helperless, when they cry. And they know themselves to be needy, poor, and helperless, so they cry out. The “great multitude” don’t think the blind men are worthy to cry out (Matthew 20:31). They think the blind men are too needy, poor, and helperless. This multitude does not know themselves, so they think they are well-suited to call to Jesus, but the blind men are not.

Dear reader, know Jesus to be the One Who hears the cry of the needy.  And know yourself to be needy! These are the two great things that you see, when you have sight from the Holy Spirit. 

And the spiritually-sighted blind men are correct. In the midst of the noisy crowd, Jesus has ears for the blind men. In the midst of His going to Jerusalem to be crucified, Jesus stands still and calls to them (Matthew 20:32). When He hears their request (Matthew 20:33), Jesus has compassion upon them (Matthew 20:34). In that compassion, He even touches these unclean, “defective,” men. Perhaps the first kindly human touch they have received in years.

The Lord Jesus is the glorious King of Psalm 72. He is also the compassionate Savior of Psalm 72. The Holy Spirit grant you sight of your needy self, and sight of your compassionate Savior, dear reader.

Finally, we see what the Spirit-sighted do with the ability and healing the Lord gives them. They follow Jesus. They go with the One Who has brought them to love and serve Him. They use the abilities that He has given to serve Him. The Lord give you to do the same, dear reader.

How does the Scripture help you see your neediness? What neediness do you see? How does it help you see Jesus’s willingness and compassion to deliver you? How are you responding to Him? How is He responding to you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for showing us the truth about ourselves in the Scripture, and especially for showing us the truth about Yourself in the Scripture. And thank You for touching us by Your Holy Spirit, to give us sight. Give us that sight, we pray. And, grant that we would use it to follow You, we ask in Your own Name, Lord Jesus, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72B “Nomads Will Bow” or TPH282 “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art”

2025.07.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 5:19

Read Deuteronomy 5:19

Questions from the Scripture text: What does this verse prohibit?

What is the proper relationship of God’s provisions to the obtaining of those provisions? Deuteronomy 5:19 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God, Who put His image in us, has appointed to us our possessions—as well as the right means of acquiring them.

Possessions are a good thing. As creation and creation mandates have been behind the first seven commandments, we would do well to see that connection in the eighth. God created everything else before He created man—an entire world to be possessed and enjoyed. And He created man needy of food and gave man duty of taking subduing the earth. Benefitting from what God created to benefit us, enjoying what God created to be enjoyed, and managing what God commands us to manage… this is good.

But there are right and wrong ways of possessing. We tend to think of work as the primary way of possessing. And Scripture does address giving good labor and paying a fair wage. And Scripture teaches us that one of the ways that God provides for us is good stewardship: not just hoarding what God gives us, but putting what He gives us to work in ways that make it even more productive.

And Scripture actually spends quite a few words on inheritance and trade. Two significant ways of stealing included moving boundary markers to take from someone’s inheritance and using unequal weights and measures to take more than was actually agreed upon in trade.

Other righteous ways of obtaining include spoils from just war, God giving His people favor in the eyes of kings and others in high position, and especially generosity of others. This generosity includes both allowing the needy to gather leftovers, as in the gleaning laws, and direct contributions (whether through the church via Levites and later deacons, or immediately to the recipient).

To possess in the wrong way is to deny God as Provider. It’s most important in spiritual things to remember that although God provides all, He does through so appointed means. Trying to be counted righteous or grow in righteousness in a way other than He has appointed is to deny Him as Savior. The eighth commandment gives us an analogy in the area of material provision. He is our Provider. We pray to Him for our daily bread. He feeds the birds and clothes the flowers. He knows what we need before we ask, and tells us that we are of much more value than birds or flowers.

So if we steal, we do something even worse than infringing upon what God gave others. Stealing says that we don’t trust God to give us what we need in His ways. It says that we must be our own provider because He is unable or unwilling or both. The dishonesty offends against God’s truth and justice. The distrust offends against God’s goodness and power.

On the other hand, when the thief no longer steals, his goal is not only to provide for himself, but to have enough to become a means of God’s generosity to others (cf. Ephesians 4:28). Our goal in all material dealings—whether giving or receiving—is to glorify God as the provider of all good gifts.

What means do you have? How are you stewarding them? How are you enjoying and using them? How are you blessing others with them? What more means could you have? What is your goal in all of this?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for loving us and providing for us. Thank you for employing us and enabling us to do good to others. Forgive us for all of our doubtings of your provision and attempts to get things by wrong means. Forgive us our lack of generosity toward others. And make us both more grateful to you and more generous with others we ask, in Jesus Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP15 “Within Your Tent, Who Will Abide” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”

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Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH174 “The Ten Commandments”