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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A Covenanted, Consecrated People [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 27:1–10]

How are God’s people to know it and show it? Deuteronomy 27:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God gives us His worship, and especially His Word, to reaffirm to us that we are His, and renew us in our consecration to live by His Word. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: the devotional centers on Deuteronomy 27:1–10, highlighting God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel by delivering them into the land flowing with milk and honey, and calling them to respond with covenantal obedience. It emphasizes that God’s people are both covenanted and holy, marked by the written law inscribed on stones as a permanent monument, and by worship conducted through unworked, whole stones, indicating divine initiation and purity. In the New Testament, Christ fulfills the role of prophet, king, and priest, and the Holy Spirit writes God’s Word on believers’ hearts, making them a living monument of covenant faithfulness. Worship, now conducted through Christ’s ascension and sacrifice, is not humanly devised but divinely ordained, enabling believers to ascend to God and partake in intimate fellowship, joyfully rejoicing before Him. This covenantal relationship and holy consecration—rooted in God’s faithfulness and mediated through Christ—ought to produce joyful, obedient lives, as the people of God are called to live in continual remembrance of His promises and presence.

2026.01.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 27:1–10

Read Deuteronomy 27:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: Who join whom in commanding whom (Deuteronomy 27:1)? How do they begin? To what day do they refer (Deuteronomy 27:2)? What do they call the land? What are they to set up for themselves? And what are they to do to them? Then write what on them (Deuteronomy 27:3)? At what point in time? In order to do what, in the proper way? What do they, again, call the land? And what description do they add? What point do they make about YHWH? What do they call Him? When are they to set up the stones, where (Deuteronomy 27:4)? What else are they to build there (Deuteronomy 27:5)? What mustn’t they use upon them? What will this preserve, with respect to the stones (Deuteronomy 27:6)? Whose altar will it then be? In order to do what with it (“offer burnt offerings,” translates a single verb that means “ascend”)? Unto Whom? What other sort of offering are they to offer there (Deuteronomy 27:7)? So that they can do what else there? With what feelings? Before Whom? And what are they to do on the other stones (Deuteronomy 27:8)? In what manner? With how much of the law? Who now speak with Moses in Deuteronomy 27:9? Whom do they address? What do they emphasize to Israel about themselves? What must they therefore do with Him (Deuteronomy 27:10)? What does this mean they must observe?  

How are God’s people to know it and show it? Deuteronomy 27:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God gives us His worship, and especially His Word, to reaffirm to us that we are His, and renew us in our consecration to live by His Word.  

Monumental Obedience (Deuteronomy 27:1-4, Deuteronomy 27:8). When Israel cross into the land, they are to set up a monument on the first mountain there (Deuteronomy 27:2b)—not just a monument to the law, but a monument of the law. The stones must be large enough to write, very plainly, all of the words (Deuteronomy 27:3a, Deuteronomy 27:8) of Deuteronomy 4:44–26:15. These stones are to be plastered white (Deuteronomy 27:2c, Deuteronomy 27:4c), so that the text stands out upon them very clearly (Deuteronomy 27:8). He is giving them the land (Deuteronomy 27:2a, Deuteronomy 27:3b), and it is a rich land (verse 3c), concerning which He is faithfully fulfilling His promises (verse 3d). 

Christ never gave us such monuments to make. Instead, He has given His Holy Spirit, Who both carried the apostles to inscribe (inscripturate) the completed Bible, and also helps us understand, remember, and apply what the Bible says. It is good for us, as Christians, to carry with us throughout our lives, His words, written upon our hearts, as a monument.

Memorial Sacrifice (Deuteronomy 27:5-7). In the place that they set up the worked-stone monument, they are also to build up an unworked-stone altar (Deuteronomy 27:5). They must not work it, because it is a means by which they draw near to YHWH through the ascension (Deuteronomy 27:6) and the peace (Deuteronomy 27:7a). They must resist the temptation to think that they can add to this provision or improve it, by using their own ideas or tools to beautify it. We must continue to resist this temptation, especially with the simpler and more heavenly worship that He has now provided to us.

By this form of worship that He has commanded, the Lord emphasizes to them that they are His, and He is theirs. In the first, they ascend to Him, and in the second, they have joyful table-fellowship with Him (Deuteronomy 27:7b). Worship should compel us to obedience, because He has provided it, and designed it, to affirm that blessed reality that we are His, and He is ours.

Mute Allegiance (Deuteronomy 27:9-10). The Levites, whose job it is to teach the people what it means to be holy, and to guard holiness, now join Moses (v9a) in commanding Israel “take heed” (Deuteronomy 27:9b)—literally, “be silent!” The first part of responding to such divine generosity is to be quiet! He has given us the greatest thing possible: Himself. “This day, you have become the people of YHWH, Your God” (verse 9c). Of course, they were already His people. But now, on this particular day, He had reaffirmed and renewed that identity to them. The Lord does this for us, in His worship. 

One of the ways that we realize (or display) that we belong to the speaking God is by being a listening people! We listen to His declaration that we are His (verse 9c), and we listen to His voice, as He commands us from His Word (v10a). Of course, this listening isn’t done just with the ears, but with the life (Deuteronomy 27:10b, cf. James 1:21–27).

How aware are you of God’s words on your heart, as you live? What use are you making of ascending to God in the public worship, and of having joyful fellowship with Him there? How does this worship drive your obedience? When you come to any worship of God, are you quicker to speak or to listen?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we have forgotten that we belong to You, and for how we have tried to shape Your worship, and how we have lived forgetfully of Your Word, and thus failed to keep it. Thank You that Christ has done all of these things perfectly, but died for our sins. For His sake, forgive us and make us like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP119W “LORD, Let My Cry before You Come” or TPH119E “Teach Me, O LORD, Your Way of Truth”  

You Sinned and Died in Adam [Children's Catechism 34 Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 34—especially explaining how Adam was acting for us in the Covenant of Works.

Q34. Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works? No; he represented all his posterity.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The lesson centers on the biblical doctrine of federal representation, emphasizing that Adam did not act solely for himself in the covenant of works but served as a representative head for all humanity, including his wife and all who would come from him, after him. Drawing from Romans 5:12 and 1 Corinthians 15:22, it underscores that sin and death entered the world through Adam’s disobedience and spread to all people because all sinned in him. Christ, the new Adam, born of a virgin, stands outside of Adam’s lineage and thus offers a new federal headship of a new race. The unity of humanity in Adam anticipates the hope of redemption in Christ.

The Loveliest Lady [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 3:6]

What is the bride’s beauty? Song of Songs 3:6 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride’s beauty is the redemption, nearness, and likeness of the Bridegroom. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional presents the bride's beauty through redemption, nearness to God, and conformity to Christ. Central to this vision is the image of the Church emerging from desolation—redeemed from sin, death, and spiritual barrenness—now drawing near to God through Christ’s sacrificial work, symbolized by the ascending smoke of incense and offerings. Her fragrance, surpassing even the finest merchant’s perfumes, reflects the holy anointing of God’s presence, a result of being consecrated and made like Christ through the Spirit. Pastor calls his family to long for this beauty not only in individual lives but in the collective body of Christ, especially by revival and reformation, where the Church’s incomparable beauty in Christ becomes evident to all. The tone is both pastoral and prophetic, inviting personal reflection, joyful worship, and active pursuit of Christlikeness as the ultimate expression of divine beauty.

2026.01.06 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 3:6

Read Song of Songs 3:6

Questions from the Scripture text: What is the question in Song of Songs 3:6a? From where does she come? To what does verse 6b compare her? What does v6c–d add about her? 

What is the bride’s beauty? Song of Songs 3:6 prepares us for the opening portion of the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride’s beauty is the redemption, nearness, and likeness of the Bridegroom. 

When the church has been restored unto Christ through spiritual revival, as has just been described with a focus on His action (cf. Song of Songs 2:8–17) and then on her action (cf. Song of Songs 3:1–5), her true beauty shines forth. She is the object of v6, as made clear by the feminine singular of “this,” “coming,” and “perfumed.” As the crowd views the wedding processional, they exclaim about the bride and her beauty. There is no creature more beautiful than the church when spiritually healthy. How we should desire it!

Redeemed by Christ. The first part of the glory of the bride is that she is coming out of the wilderness (Song of Songs 3:6a). No more is she alone. No more is she beleaguered by dryness and death. No more does she wander. The Bridegroom has overcome those mountains of separation (cf. Song of Songs 2:8–9a, Song of Songs 2:17). His Word has stirred her to rise, and seek Him, and find Him (cf. Song of Songs 2:10, Song of Songs 2:13, Song of Songs 3:2–4). 

Drawn near to Christ. The second part of the bride’s glory is that she has drawn near to Christ. The pillars of smoke (Song of Songs 3:6b) have their reference to the rising smoke of the sacrifices, which were burned with fire (literally “smoke-ified”) so that they might ascend to God. The first great offering, called the “burnt offering” in our English versions, is literally “the ascension” in the original. There may also be reference here to the smoke of the incense altar, which would fill the tabernacle, and the Holy of Holies, specifically. But the reference to “columns” especially indicates the worshiper’s drawing near to God through the provided substitute. Here is a congregation’s great beauty, the church’s great beauty: she has drawn near to God in Him.

Conformed to Christ. The final part of the bride’s glory is that she is conformed to Christ. The myrrh and frankincense, with which she is perfumed (Song of Songs 3:6c) are a reference to the holy anointing oil and the holy incense. All of the powders of the merchants (verse 6d) cannot compare. In fact, Israel were not permitted to replicate the holy formulae. Now, it is not the tabernacle that is smelling of these, but the bride herself. She smells like her Bridegroom. She has been made like Him.

What makes the church beautiful? How are you pursuing that? How are you responding to it? What is your hope for it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, how beautiful is Your bride, when You revive and sanctify her! Grant our congregation renewed spiritual life and intimacy with Christ, so that His redemption, nearness, and likeness would richly beautify her. And, do this more widely, we pray, in all of Your churches. Beautify her, and give us an admiration for her beauty, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP87 “The LORD’s Foundation” or TPH425 “How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place”

2026.01.05 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 20:12–19

Read Proverbs 20:12–19

Questions from the Scripture text: What two things has YHWH made in Proverbs 20:12? What shouldn’t they love (Proverbs 20:13a)? Why not? What should they do instead (verse 13b)? With what result? What does the man cry out while he is buying (Proverbs 20:14a)? What does he do, when he is finished (verse 14b)? To what treasures does Proverbs 20:15a refer? What is a more precious jewel (verse 15b)? From whom is it wise to require a pledge for surety when lending (Proverbs 20:16a)? And from whom else (verse 16b; n.b. that NKJ “seductress” has a core meaning of “foreigner” or “pagan”)? What does a fleshly man find sweet at first (Proverbs 20:17a)? What is it like to him, afterward (verse 17b)? How are plans established (Proverbs 20:18a)? How are wars well-waged (verse 18b)? To whom does Proverbs 20:19a refer? What does this person do? Therefore, whom should you watch out for and avoid (verse 19b)?

Why must we have God’s grace to live wisely? Proverbs 20:12–19 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that living wisely is very complicated.  

Proverbs 20:9-11 urge the necessity of God’s grace for our righteousness, in light of His kingly wrath (cf. Proverbs 20:2-8). Now, Proverbs 20:12-19 urge the necessity of God’s grace because of how complex it is to live wisely. These four proverb-pairs show that complexity.

The first pair (Proverbs 20:12-13) shows the complexity of stewarding ourselves. Our ears and eyes (Proverbs 20:12a) belong, ultimately, to YHWH (verse 12b). But using them in a way that honors Him means more than just refusing to sin and being ruled by righteousness. It also includes readiness, diligence, and cheerfulness. We can feel the desire to sleep just a little bit more (Proverbs 20:13a); one of the first acts of wisdom every day is to give ourselves the Bible-command, “open your eyes” (verse 13b)! 

The second pair (Proverbs 20:14-15) shows the complexity of stewarding our wealth. If we are going to be protected from “getting a deal” by way of deception (Proverbs 20:14), we need hearts that treasure lips that operate from the knowledge of God (Proverbs 20:15b) as more valuable than gold, or even a multitude of rubies (verse 15a). We must learn true value.

The third pair (Proverbs 20:16-17) shows the complexity of generosity. It is folly to enjoy that which is gained by deceit (Proverbs 20:17a). Since things are only good for us by God’s blessing, such bread is no better for you than if you had eaten gravel (verse 17b). But, both the male (Proverbs 20:16a) and female (verse 16b) stranger/pagan (more literal than NKJ “seductress”) lack this knowledge. Lending to them is a risk. Like our Lord, Who properly applied His knowledge of what is in a man (cf. John 2:24–25), we must factor that in, especially when helping unbelievers, and take wise precautions. This isn’t necessarily hard hearted; such prudence can also just be theologically consistent. 

The final pair (Proverbs 20:18-19) shows the complexity of taking counsel. While we ought not make plans (Proverbs 20:18a), or wage war (verse 18b), without it, it is very important to observe the character of those from whom we would receive it. The man who always has a story, and often lets slip information that really belongs to others (Proverbs 20:19a), or who is often using his lips to manipulate others to incline themselves toward him (verse 19b), is not someone from whom we should be receiving this counsel.

These four examples give us some of the little details and nuances that we must observe in order to live wisely. Thus, they demonstrate how urgently we need God’s grace for this matter of living wisely.

With what wisdom do you start your days in the mornings? How does it appear, in your heart and life, that you value living in the knowledge of the Lord more than great earthly riches? In what ways are you exercising doctrinally sound prudence, as you show generosity to others? From what flatterer or talebearer are you being careful not to take counsel? How do your habits show an urgency to get God’s wisdom for living?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for teaching us as a Father does His children. Thank You for giving Christ to be our life, our righteousness, our goodness, and our wisdom. And thank You for giving Your Holy Spirit to be the Counselor, Who is always with us, and even within us. Grant, our glorious and gracious, Triune God, that we would live by Your wisdom, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man ” or TPH119M “O How I Love Your Holy Law”

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