Aid and Comfort in the Spiritual War [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 12:13–17]

How are believers able to overcome the fierce persecution of the devil? Revelation 12:13–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers’ strength and help is God Himself.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.22 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 12:13–17

Read Revelation 12:13–17

Questions from the Scripture text: What did the dragon see in Revelation 12:13? Where had he been cast? What did he do to the woman? What had the woman done? What was she given (Revelation 12:14)? That she might do what? Into where? What was there? What happens to her in her place? What does the serpent do in Revelation 12:15? Trying to accomplish what? But what happens (Revelation 12:16)? What effect does this have upon the dragon (Revelation 12:17)? What does he go to do to whom? How are these offspring identified?

How are believers able to overcome the fierce persecution of the devil? Revelation 12:13–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that believers’ strength and help is God Himself.

This passage zooms in upon the third arena of the devil’s defeat, from Revelation 12:10-13: his raging against the brethren, and their overcoming him by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and not loving their lives even unto death.

One important thing to see is that the woman from whom Christ came continues to be the woman whom the dragon persecutes throughout the time between Christ’s coming. There is no room for viewing Israel and the church as two separate entities, whether by dispensational theology (i.e., two tracks of salvation) or replacement theology (i.e., a former entity that has been replaced by a new entity). As we noted when considering the woman, when she was introduced at the beginning of the chapter, Revelation 12 teaches that there is one covenant of grace throughout the ages.

The woe pronounced in Revelation 12:12 teaches us to take the onslaught of the devil seriously. He persecutes the church (Revelation 12:13), attempts to destroy her (Revelation 12:15), and makes war on all true/believing offspring of the church (Revelation 12:17). It is foolish not to take the attacks of the devil seriously. But the focus of the passage is upon the encouragement and comfort that believers have in the face of these attacks.

The Lord is our strength. The woman is given the wings of great eagle. This is Bible language for YHWH Himself being our strength (cf. Exodus 19:4, Isaiah 40:31), which is the believer’s great encouragement and equipment in the spiritual war (cf. Ephesians 6:10–11, ff.).

The Lord selects our place, and takes care of us there. Although no one would choose the wilderness for themselves, the Lord takes His people there, where He alone is their help (cf. Hosea 2:14–15). It is “her place where she is nourished” Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, dear believer, the Lord has planned it for you and is taking care of you there.

The Lord shortens the time. Once again, when describing the time of His people’s affliction, the Lord tells us that it is three and a half (Revelation 12:14). Here, it doesn’t even give a unit, such as days, weeks, or years. That is because the important thing isn’t the quantity of elapsed time, but the implication of the number itself: half seven, opposite the number of completion. He shortens the times of His people’s affliction (cf. Matthew 24:22), accommodating their frame as a sparing Father (cf. Psalm 103:13–15).

The Lord overrules the devil. Satan fell by presuming to above the angels, as God is (cf. Isaiah 14:12–15). And his lying work is full of counterfeiting attempts. Here (Revelation 12:15), he attempts to counterfeit the flood, in order to destroy the objects of his wrath. But he is a mere creature, and the creation is ruled not by our adversary but by our advocate. Therefore, dear Christian, the whole of creation conspires to protect you from the attacks of the devil (Revelation 12:16)!

The Lord gives His people to overcome. Not everyone in the church is the genuine offspring of the church. In fact, there are those who falsely profess faith as a consequence of the schemes of the devil (cf. Matthew 13:28, Matthew 13:38–39). But the true offspring of the church, the ones who believe and obey Scripture (Revelation 12:17), are all objects of the dragon’s wrath. But this word “testimony” draws us immediately back to Revelation 12:11. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12), but they all will also overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and love not their lives even unto death.

How do you experience the warfare of the devil, who would have you disbelieve or disobey? How are you standing in the Lord and the strength of His might? What encouragements from this passage do you most need to take to heart?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we have taken Satan lightly. Your Word describes him as a furious and ferocious dragon, who makes war on all true believers. But, forgive us even more for taking your encouragements and helps lightly. Be our strength, and make us to mount up on wings like eagles. Grant that we would see how You have shortened the time of our affliction, and how You overrule, for our good, all that the devil intends for evil. Make us to keep Your commandments and to have the testimony of Jesus, so that we will overcome through Him, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage” or TPH244 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

2025.05.21 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

Click below for the:

May 21 Prayer Meeting Folder

Proverbs 14:18–24 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.

The Word of the Incomparable God [Family Worship lesson in Micah 1:1]

What is Micah about? Micah 1:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Micah is about the incomparable God, and His glorious salvation of sinners.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 1:1

Micah 1:1

Questions from the Scripture text: What came? Whose Word? To whom? Where was Micah from? In the days of whom did he prophesy? Who were they? Concerning which two cities did he prophesy?

What is Micah about? Micah 1:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Micah is about the incomparable God, and His glorious salvation of sinners.

What it really is, the Word of YHWH. What the Thessalonians recognized bout the preaching of Paul, Silas, and Timothy (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13), we must recognize about the book of Micah. We must welcome it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, “the Word of YHWH,” which also effectively works in you who believe.

How we got it. It came to Micah. Literally, it “was unto” Micah. Micah didn’t seek it or ask for it. YHWH foisted it upon him. Micah 1:1 says essentially the same thing as 2 Peter 1:21. This prophecy did not come by the will of man. The man, whom God set apart, spoke as the Word of YHWH “was unto” him by the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, we see a man’s hometown because it is significant. In this case, we learn about Moresheth for exactly the opposite reason. Moresheth isn’t known for anything else. It’s a nowhere. And, comparatively speaking, Micah is a nobody. The man is nothing; the Word is everything. There is a respect and gratitude due to the servant, but the greatness belongs entirely to the Word itself.

What it addressed. The “what” question, here, is a bit of a “when” question. From at least the last year of Jotham’s reign to at least the first year of Hezekiah’s reign. During this time, the north (capital city, Samaria) was in the process of falling to Assyria, and the south (capital city, Jerusalem) was under increasing danger of the same. But the great threat isn’t power-hungry Assyria so much as a justly offended holy and righteous God. 

But there is no one like this God. That’s what Micah’s name means: “Who is like YHWH?” This book takes us through three cycles of judgment and hope (chapters 1–2, 3–5, 6–7). There is a future coming (cf. Micah 2:12–13), particularly in the person of a promised King (cf. Micah 5:2, Micah 5:7–9), in which God will have wiped out all of His remnant’s sin and guilt (cf. Micah 7:18–20). 

And this is exactly the problem and hope of every child of Adam, including the one typing this devotional, and the one reading it or hearing it. We have provoked the wrath of a just, holy, and almighty God. But our hope is in the promised—now fulfilled—King, in/with Whom a remnant are forgiven and blessed forever. And the conclusion to which such grace and deliverance brings us is this: who is like YHWH?

What are the presenting problems in your circumstances right now? But what is your ultimate problem? Where can you learn about a solution to it? What is that solution—i.e., Who is that solution, and how?

Sample prayer:  Lord, who is like You? Like Samaria and Jerusalem, we have sinned against You. Forgive us for considering earthly problems, like Assyrian invaders in their life, or other problems in our lives, as our biggest problem. Our biggest problem is our sin against You, and Your wrath against us. Thank You for sending to us Your Word about Your gospel of Your salvation. Forgive us for when we are not duly impressed with the fact that Scripture is indeed the written Word of God. Make us to receive Your Word and respond to it in faith and worship, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP46 “God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

Great Worship of Our Great God [Family Worship lesson in Psalm 145]

Who will praise God for what? Psalm 145 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all will praise God for all His works. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.20 Hopewell @Home ▫ Psalm 145

Read Psalm 145

Questions from the Scripture text: What does this psalm call itself (superscript)? Whose praise is it? What will David do to Whom (Psalm 145:1)? Whose is He? What else does David call Him? What will David do forever and ever (cf. Psalm 145:2b)? What will he do every day (verse 2a)? Who is great (Psalm 145:3a)? What is to be done greatly? What is the extent of His greatness (verse 3b)? Who will do what to whom (Psalm 145:4)? Upon what two things will David meditate (Psalm 145:5)? Of what will men speak (Psalm 145:6a, Psalm 145:7a)? What else will they do (verse 7b)? What will David do (Psalm 145:6b)? What six attributes are emphasized in Psalm 145:8-9 (cf. Exodus 34:6–7)? Who will do what (Psalm 145:10a)? Which ones, in particular (verse 10b)? Of what will they speak (Psalm 145:11)? In order to make what two things known to whom (Psalm 145:12)? What is the glorious majesty of that kingdom (Psalm 145:13)? What does YHWH do for whom (Psalm 145:14)? Who look to Him for what (Psalm 145:15-16)? What two attributes of YHWH show up in how many of His ways and works (Psalm 145:17)? How does He relate to whom (Psalm 145:18)? What will He do with their desires (Psalm 145:19a)? And with their cries (verse 19b)? What does YHWH do for how many of whom (Psalm 145:20a)? But what will He do to how many of whom else (verse 20b)? What will David do (Psalm 145:21a)? How many of whom else will do so (verse 21b)? For how long (verse 21c)? 

Who will praise God for what? Psalm 145 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all will praise God for all His works.  

God is great in His goodness (Psalm 145:7a), righteousness (verse 7b), grace (Psalm 145:8a), compassion (verse 8a), forbearance (verse 8b), covenant love (verse 8b), goodness (Psalm 145:9a), and mercy (verse 9b). And, since God is fully, perfectly, and unchangeably Himself, this greatness is demonstrated in all that He does. All of His creatures will bring Him glory and praise for this. But, especially men—and, among men (Psalm 145:6), especially His saints (Psalm 145:10-11). Among all of His creatures (Psalm 145:15-16), it is especially the lowly (Psalm 145:14) who are beneficiaries of His great goodness. He especially gives those who love Him to know that goodness in the act of prayer (Psalm 145:18-19). The same character that preserves them (Psalm 145:20a) destroys the wicked (verse 20b). He is known in His works. And for this all flesh, and especially saints, will praise Him forever (Psalm 145:1-6, Psalm 145:21)!

What prayers has the Lord answered? What attributes of His have you been seeing? How have you been praising Him?

Sample prayer:  We praise You, our God, O King. We will bless Your Name forever. You are unsearchably great, and greatly to be praised. Your great glory is displayed in all of Your ways. In all of Your works, You show Yourself good, righteous, gracious, compassionate, patient, loving, good, and merciful. So, we gather to tell of You and Your great works from one generation to another. Be near to us, satisfy us in Yourself, hear our cry, save us, and preserve us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP145C “The Eyes of All Are Turned to You” or TPH145B “I Will Exalt You, God, My King” 

Made by God [Children's Catechism 1—Theology Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 1—especially explaining how our entire understanding of ourselves and approach to life is determined by the fact that God made us.

Q1. Who made you? God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

Truly Long-term Thinking [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 14:18–24]

Why is it dangerous to seek the favor of men? Proverbs 14:18–24 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that men do not reward what pleases God, so we must aim only at pleasing Him and not them. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)

2025.05.19 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 14:18–24

Proverbs 14:18–24

Questions from the Scripture text: What do who inherit (Proverbs 14:18a)? With what are whom crowned (verse 18b)? Who will be made to bow before whom (Proverbs 14:19a)? And where (verse 19b)? Who is hated by whom (Proverbs 14:20a)? But who has many friends (verse 20b)? What does the despiser of the neighbor do (Proverbs 14:21a)? But who is the happy one in verse 21b? Who go astray (Proverbs 14:22a)? To whom do covenant love and faithfulness belong (verse 22b)? To what does labor lead (Proverbs 14:23a)? To what does idle chatter lead (verse 23b)? Who are crowned with what (Proverbs 14:24a)? But who are publicly known in what way (verse 24b)? 

Why is it dangerous to seek the favor of men? Proverbs 14:18–24 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that men do not reward what pleases God, so we must aim only at pleasing Him and not them.  

The crowning of the wise (Proverbs 14:18-19; Proverbs 14:23-24). Wisdom makes one truly royal/noble. The evil/wicked will be made to bow (Proverbs 14:19) before those careful thinkers who are crowned with knowledge (Proverbs 14:18). And the folly of fools will dress them in shameful poverty (Proverbs 14:23) before those diligently laboring wise who are crowned with riches (Proverbs 14:24). 

But the ultimately true reality of Proverbs 14:18-19/Proverbs 14:23-24 is often, temporarily contradicted in this sinful world. Proverbs 14:21a makes sure that we know that Proverbs 14:20 is describing sin, rather than commending people for being rich. We must live by faith, because the wicked are not yet bowing. For now, the world tends to respond not to wisdom but to wealth. 

But Proverbs 14:21b is true, regardless of how the world currently acts. Blessedness, happiness, comes to the merciful, because we are before the face of God. “Mercy and truth” in Proverbs 14:22b is “ḳessed and emmet,” the two attributes that often summarize the whole of the glorious and good character of God. With the merciful, God is merciful (cf. Psalm 18:25; Matthew 5:7). What do you spend your thoughts devising? What the flesh desires (Proverbs 14:22a), or what God directs (verse 22b)?

We must not live by how men respond to us, but by how the Scripture tells us that God responds to us. Prudence, mercy, devising good, diligence… these are attributes of those who are not trying to curry favor with men, but rather aiming to please God.

What is your decision-making process for exercising prudence? To what poor do you show mercy? What do you spend your thoughts figuring out how to do? Where do your habits fall, on the scale from diligent labor to idle chatter? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your Word, which reminds us that You Yourself are the rewarder of those who seek You. Keep us from seeking the favor of men, and by Your, Spirit, give us to live by that wisdom that receives its crown from You at the last, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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