Living in Relation to YHWH [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 20:20–28]

How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional culls us to live wisely by cultivating a reverent, trusting relationship with YHWH in every sphere of life—toward parents, oneself, and earthly authorities. Proverbs 20:20–28 emphasizes that honoring parents reflects our ultimate duty to God, Whom they represent to their children, while reckless pursuit of personal gain or vengeance reveals a failure to trust Him. The passage warns against self-reliance, highlighting that human understanding is limited and that dishonesty—whether in business or in thought—is abominable to the Lord, Who sees the depths of the heart. It further calls for a godly fear of earthly rulers as reflections of God’s sovereign authority, urging believers to honor them not for their perfection but as stewards under the King of Kings, Whose mercy and truth are of the essence of His governance. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom, expressed in how we relate to others and ourselves with humility, integrity, and covenant faithfulness.

2026.01.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 20:20–28

Read Proverbs 20:20–28

Questions from the Scripture text: What might one do (Proverbs 20:20a)? What will happen to such an one (verse 20b)? To what type of inheritance does Proverbs 20:21a refer? What will it not be (verse 21b)? What shouldn’t one do (Proverbs 20:22a)? What should he do instead? What are an abomination to YHWH (Proverbs 20:23a)? What are not good (verse 23b)? Who determines a man’s steps (Proverbs 20:24a)? What rhetorical question does verse 24b ask? With what implied answer? What does Proverbs 20:25a say is a snare? What might this rash vower then do (verse 25b)? What two things does a wise king do with the wicked (Proverbs 20:26)? Who has given man his spirit (Proverbs 20:27a)? To do what? What does this lamp reveal (verse 27b)? What two things preserve the king (Proverbs 20:28a)? By what does he uphold his throne (verse 28b)?

How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH.  

Honoring YHWH our Father, Proverbs 20:20-21. The one who cursed father or mother (Proverbs 20:20a) in Israel was to be executed (cf. Exodus 21:17). This is because parents are the Lord’s first representatives to their children. Whatever punishment they receive in this life, such children will ultimately suffer the wrath of God (Proverbs 20:20b). Honoring parents is also the theme of Proverbs 20:21. The prodigal’s sin began by essentially wishing that he could hurry up and profit from his father’s death. And, as in the case of the prodigal, those who value inheritance in such a mercenary way cannot expect it to be a blessing to them. Honor YHWH in all of life!

Trusting in YHWH our God, Proverbs 20:22-24. The middle section gives instruction in several areas, where it is vital that we not trust ourselves, but the Lord. We must not take revenge for ourselves, but trust the Lord to avenge (Proverbs 20:22, cf. Romans 12:17–19). We must not rely on abominable business practices (Proverbs 20:23), but trust the Lord to enrich us. We must not rely on our understanding of our life (Proverbs 20:24b), but trust the Lord to order our steps (verse 24a). Trust YHWH, in all of life, in order to avoid the pitfalls of self-reliance!

Pledged to YHWH our King, Proverbs 20:25-28. Just as with the parents in Proverbs 20:20-21, kings are representative to us of YHWH, the holy King. We must consider, in accordance with His Word, what we will consecrate to Him (Proverbs 20:25). We must fear Him, both as the One Who winnows and threshes the wicked (Proverbs 20:26), and as the One Who sees our breath and spirit (Proverbs 20:27). Most of all, we must rejoice to be ruled by Him, the essence of Whose kingship is ḳessed and emmet; steadfast love and covenant faithfulness (Proverbs 20:28). (this is the standard by which all true kingship is to be measured). Pledge yourself, reverently, to YHWH in all of life!

How is your honoring God related in how you think about, feel toward, and interact with, your parents? In what ways has it been coming out, in your life, that you are relying on yourself in ways that you should be relying on the Lord instead? How is your devotion to your king and country reflective of, and participatory in, your devotion to the Lord?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we honor, trust, and give ourselves to You, our Father, God, and King. Forgive us for the ways in which we have not done so, and conform us to Christ by Your Holy Spirit, we ask in Jesus’s Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP72A “God, Give Your Judgments to the King ” or TPH119M “O How I Love Your Holy Law”

2026.01.11 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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The Perils of Pride [Family Worship lesson in Matthew 26:30–46]

Why was it impossible for the cup to pass from Jesus? Matthew 26:30–46 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it was impossible for Jesus not to drink the cup of wrath, because, in our sinfulness, we are exactly opposite His righteousness. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This passage reveals the profound contrast between our pride and Christ's humility. Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, submits completely to the Father’s will, praying with deep anguish yet unwavering obedience. In stark contrast, Peter’s pride leads him to deny his own weakness, contradict Scripture, despise his fellow disciples, and fail to depend on the Lord by prayer—exposing the fatal danger of self-reliance even among believers. The devotional underscores that pride distorts truth, breeds contempt for others, and blinds one to spiritual need, while Christ exemplifies the opposite: humble submission, selfless love, and dependence on God. Ultimately, Christ’s not only atones for our pride but also transforms us by His Spirit, conforming us to His image through grace, watchfulness, and prayer.

2026.01.10 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 26:30–46

Read Matthew 26:30–46

Questions from the Scripture text: What did they sing (Matthew 26:30)? Where did they go? What did Jesus say would happen to them (Matthew 26:31)? On what basis (cf. Zechariah 13:7)? What will happen to Jesus (Matthew 26:32)? Then where will He go? Who answers (Matthew 26:33)? What adjustment does he make to Jesus’s prophecy? How does Jesus respond—what does He say that Peter will do (Matthew 26:34)? When? How many times? How does Peter respond (Matthew 26:35a)? Who else say this (verse 35b)? Where do they arrive in Matthew 26:36? What does Jesus tell them to do? What is He going to do? Whom does He take with Him (Matthew 26:37)? What does He feel? What does He say to the three (Matthew 26:38)? What does He tell them to do? Now where does He go (Matthew 26:39)? What does He do there? For what does He ask? To what does He submit? To whom does He return in Matthew 26:40? Which one does He address? What does He ask? What two things does He tell them to do (Matthew 26:41)? Why is this needed? Where does He go a second time? What does He pray? What does He do in Matthew 26:43? What does He find them doing? Why? How does He respond this time (Matthew 26:44)? Then what does He do? What does He do after is third season of prayer (Matthew 26:45)? What does e ask them? What hour does He tell them has arrived? What does He tell them to do in Matthew 26:46? Why?

Why was it impossible for the cup to pass from Jesus? Matthew 26:30–46 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it was impossible for Jesus not to drink the cup of wrath, because, in our sinfulness, we are exactly opposite His righteousness.

In this passage, we have Peter as a representative of all of the disciples (which each disciple reading this, should take to heart personally about himself), in striking contrast to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus makes this point to us by “all of you” in Matthew 26:31, and the Spirit highlights this to us with “all the disciples” in Matthew 26:35. We are reminded that Peter was, indeed, special among the disciples, as he is one of the three that Jesus brings furthest into the moment of His agony (Matthew 26:37-38). The distinction between Jesus as Shepherd, and His disciples as sheep, is highlighted by the prophecy of Zechariah 13:7, and its fulfillment here (Matthew 26:31).

One of the most offensive aspects of pride shows clearly, with Matthew 26:33 following so quickly upon Matthew 26:31: it directly contradicts the Lord Jesus. He has told us the truth about ourselves throughout His Word. He tells us the truth about ourselves in Matthew 26:31. But pride says “I am strong” into the face of Him Who has warned us that our flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Peter makes this all the more hideous by immediately doing it again in Matthew 26:35a. Praise be to Christ that He received every word of Scripture about what would come of Him. He would never contradict the smallest part of Scripture.

A second offensive aspect of Peter’s pride was that it led him to disdain the other disciples by comparison (Matthew 26:33). The Lord Jesus teaches him this lesson by making the prophecy of his stumbling very specific and public (cf. Matthew 26:34), then singling out Peter’s specific weakness in Matthew 26:40. This will be followed by the look that Jesus gives him upon the third denial, and the very public restoration in front of the other disciples (cf. John 21:15–23). Praise be to Christ that He is tender toward His little ones, esteeming them and looking out for their interests (cf. Philippians 2:3–4).

A third offensive aspect of Peter’s pride is that he does not feel his neediness of the Lord, nor does he cast himself upon the Lord by prayer. Praise be to Christ that He, though weak only through humanity and not weak through sinfulness, gave Himself to the exact praying and watching that He commended to them. Though their eyes were merely heavy (Matthew 26:43) from sorrow (cf. Luke 22:45), and He was exceedingly sorrowful to death (Matthew 26:38) and sweating like great drops of blood (cf. Luke 22:44), yet He watched and prayed.

This is exactly why Jesus’s prayer had to be answered not by the removal of the cup, but by submission to His Father’s will. Because it was not possible that we be saved in any other way but by Christ’s dying the accursed death of the cross. Indeed, the “cup” language indicates that it was the accursedness, the divine wrath, which so horrified Him (cf. Psalm 75:8, Revelation 14:10). Though He was properly horrified (it would have been wicked not to be) at the prospect of what He would endure, yet He was growing in submission and learning obedience (cf. Hebrews 5:8) with every “not as I will” (Matthew 26:39) and “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42, Matthew 26:44). And we see that submission immediately in Matthew 26:46. For, this rising and going is not to escape the cross, but to go to it.

In what ways are you proud? How are you thus contradicting God’s Word? Whom do you treat as less than you, or less important than you? How are you experiencing, expressing, and growing in submission to the Lord? By what means are you keeping watch? By what means are you praying?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, please forgive us our pride. We praise You for Your humility, and we trust in You to be our righteousness. Remove our guilt by Your cross, and our ongoing sinfulness by Your resurrection, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP51A “God, Be Mercful to Me” or TPH270 “At the Name of Jesus”

The Glory of the Groom [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 3:7–11]

How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds Song of Songs 3:7–11, which portrays Christ as the glorified Bridegroom, Whose wedding procession glorifies His redemptive work in the Church’s ultimate destiny. Through progressive praise—from His secure comfort guarded by valiant servants, to His exalted conveyance adorned with divine materials, and finally to His crowned glory—the bride redirects all admiration from herself to Christ, recognizing that every good thing in the Church is His work. The passage emphasizes that Christ’s joy is fulfilled in the perfection and glorification of His bride, who is not merely beloved, but serves as His crowning glory, reflecting His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. The devotional calls the Church to a posture of humble adoration, where every expression of praise for the Church’s beauty ultimately glorifies Christ, the Source and Sustainer of all grace. This culminates in the vision of the final day—the day of the gladness of His heart—when the Church, fully sanctified, will be presented to Him in eternal joy.

2026.01.9 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 3:7–11

Read Song of Songs 3:7–11

Questions from the Scripture text: To what does the bride draw attention in Song of Songs 3:7a? Who are around it (verse 7b–c)? What are they like (Song of Songs 3:8)? Who made what, out of what (Song of Songs 3:9)? For whom? Of what did he make is various components (Song of Songs 3:10c)? For whom does verse 10d–e describe him as upholstering it, with what? Whom does the bride address in Song of Songs 3:11a? Telling them to do what (verse 11a–b)? Whom will they see? With what? Received from whom (verse 11c)? On what occasion (verse 11d)? With what affection (verse 11e)?

How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. 

Whenever the church receives praise, she redirects it to Christ. So, here with the Bride (Song of Songs 3:6) and the Bridegroom (Song of Songs 3:7-11). 

She praises His comforts and security (Song of Songs 3:7-8). Solomon is a special type of Christ (cf. Psalm 72): the King in His glory, having brought peace, justice, and joy to His subjects. His couch (Song of Songs 3:7a) hearkens back to their bed in Song of Songs 1:16, the place of greatest comfort and intimacy with the King. The emphasis, here, is on the number (Song of Songs 3:7b), strength (verse 7c), equipment (Song of Songs 3:8a), ability (verse 8b), and readiness (verse 8c) of His royal guard. In the poetry of the song, as the King is Christ, the guard are not only angels, but all of the divine attributes and actions by which He protects His bride. And He protects her especially from herself and the effects of her sin, as the night in verse 8d takes us back to Song of Songs 3:1a.

She praises His conveyance (Song of Songs 3:9-10). It is a royal chariot, giving the queen a share in the King’s goings forth. In the chariot, she is at His side, sharing in His royal dignity. He has furnished the very best of materials by which to carry her with Him, to their wedding. Here is a beautiful picture of the ongoing ministry of Christ: His Scriptures, His sacraments, His servants, but especially union with Him and its benefits—His own grace administered by His Spirit, and His ministry of intercession. This is how He brings the bride to their wedding. Christ made it Himself, even adding the mosaic of the love of the daughters of Jerusalem, indicating that believers’ love is also a work of grace, which He has furnished for carrying the church to the wedding day.

She praises His crown (Song of Songs 3:11). There is a progression from Solomon (Song of Songs 3:7), to Solomon the King (Song of Songs 3:9) to King Solomon with the crown (Song of Songs 3:11). In Song of Songs 3:7-9, she had commended beholding what the King had made. Now, she commends beholding the King Himself, indeed going forth to behold Him. And what do they see? They see that, of all the creatures, it is His mother that crowns Him. From the same passage (cf. Revelation 12:17) that helped us understand her mother as the church in Song of Songs 3:4d, we see that the church is also His mother (cf. Revelation 12:13). Christ’s glory is crowned most of all by the church on their wedding day (Song of Songs 3:11b–c; cf. Revelation 19:9, Revelation 21:9–11ff; Ephesians 5:25–27). She adds nothing to Him, but reflects His own glory. And His delight in His beloved bride is the display of that glory. His wedding to her is “the day of the gladness of His heart.”

When do you behold the glory of Christ’s grace to His church? What glory are you looking forward at His wedding?

Sample prayer:  Lord Jesus, we adore Your glory in comforting us, drawing us near to Yourself, and bringing us safely and certainly to the wedding supper of the Lamb. Give us to glorify You, and to behold that glory, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking”

Wisdom Under Rulers Under the Sun [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 10:4–7]

What should we do when rulers rise against us? Ecclesiastes 10:4–7 prepares us for 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 we should be faithful and gentle, not hoping in the ruler’s response, but in the living God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional calls believers to exercise wisdom and faithfulness in the face of unjust or hostile authority, emphasizing that remaining steadfast in one’s post—even when the ruler’s spirit rises against them—is a mark of godly discernment. While conciliation can pacify great offenses and sometimes lead to restored relationships, the preacher warns that earthly outcomes are not guaranteed, as wisdom is often not rewarded in this life. The book of Ecclesiastes exposes the reality that folly is frequently exalted while the wise and faithful are humbled, reflecting the brokenness of life under the sun. Yet Christians are called not to seek immediate vindication, but to live wisely for God’s glory, trusting in His ultimate justice and finding opportunity to reflect Christ’s character in suffering. This faithful endurance, especially under unjust treatment, becomes a powerful testimony of the gospel, as believers embody the humility and trust of Christ, who entrusted Himself to the Father. Ultimately, the believer’s reward is not in earthly recognition, but in the sanctifying work of the Spirit and the eternal glory of Christ.

2026.01.08 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 10:4–7

Read Ecclesiastes 10:4–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What may rise against you (Ecclesiastes 10:4a)? What mustn’t you the do (verse 4b)? What does a gentle response do (verse 4c)? What has the preacher seen (Ecclesiastes 10:5a)? Where? What sort of evil is it (verse 5b)? From where does it proceed? What is set where (Ecclesiastes 10:6a)? How is this illustrated (Ecclesiastes 10:7a)? And who sit where (Ecclesiastes 10:6b)? How is this illustrated?

What should we do when rulers rise against us? Ecclesiastes 10:4–7 prepares us for 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 we should be faithful and gentle, not hoping in the ruler’s response, but in the living God. 

Just as wisdom often goes forgotten in this world, so also it is not always sufficiently rewarded in this world. Solomon proceeds to give an example of this. He gives us wise instruction in Ecclesiastes 10:4: respond to a ruler’s wrath (verse 4a) with faithfulness (verse 4b) and gentleness (verse 4c). Generally speaking, this will cause peace/rest to a contentious situation.

But rulers are a special case. Under the sun, there is something about a man feeling as if he is in ultimate authority that results in evil error (Ecclesiastes 10:5). Rather than give places of honor to those to whom it belongs (Ecclesiastes 10:6b, Ecclesiastes 10:7b), the man who feels his power is absolute is prone to elevating fools instead (Ecclesiastes 10:6a, Ecclesiastes 10:7a).

This helps us to remember that we exercise our wisdom not primarily to obtain our desired outcome (conciliation and elevation that never come), but to honor Him Who is above the sun, and Whose judgment sets all things right. He will not commit error, or do us ill; and, even when rulers are doing so, God is still working all things according to the counsel of His will. So, we exercise wisdom as those who are managing our expectations in the short term, but looking forward, with happy longing, to the perfect reign of Christ.

What are you trying to do or gain by exercising wisdom? Unto Whom are you offering it? Why must you be prepared for affliction, instead, in the short-term? On what basis can you expect perfect blessedness in the long term?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we are unsubmissive, unfaithful, and contentious in response to rulers whose spirits rise against us. Grant that we would be faithful and gentle, trusting You as Christ did. Count Him as our righteousness, we pray, and make us to be like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH131B “Not Haughty Is My Heart” 

2026.01.07 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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