2026.01.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 27:1–25

Read Matthew 27:1–25

Questions from the Scripture text: What came in Matthew 27:1? Who plotted to do what? What did they do to Him (Matthew 27:2)? Where did they lead Him? Who saw what in Matthew 27:3? How did he feel? What did he do? What did he say (Matthew 27:4)? How did they respond? How did Judas respond to this (Matthew 27:5)? What did the chief priests say about the money (Matthew 27:6)? What did they do with it (Matthew 27:7)? With what result (Matthew 27:8)? To fulfill what (Matthew 27:9-10)? Where did Jesus stand in Matthew 27:11? What did the governor ask? How does Jesus respond? Who was doing what to Him in Matthew 27:12? What did He answer? What does Pilate ask in Matthew 27:13 (cf. Matthew 26:62)? How does Jesus answer him (Matthew 27:14)? With what effect? What was the governor accustomed to doing at the feast (Matthew 27:15)? What prisoner did they have (Matthew 27:16)? So what does Pilate propose (Matthew 27:17)? Why (Matthew 27:18)? Where was Pilate in Matthew 27:19? Who sent to him? To say what? But who persuaded the multitudes to do what (Matthew 27:20)? What does Pilate repeat in Matthew 27:21? For whom do the people ask? What does Pilate then ask (Matthew 27:22a)? How do they answer (verse 22b)? What does the governor ask in Matthew 27:23a? How do they respond (verse 23b)? What does Pilate see (Matthew 27:24)? What does he do? What does he say? And what do the people say (Matthew 27:25)?

What is Jesus doing in His trial? Matthew 27:1–25 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in His trial, Jesus is being the true Priest, King, and Bearer of guilt.

The passage presents to us several glimpses of Christ by contrast with others.

Jesus the chief priest and elder. These are wicked, seeking to murder Him (Matthew 27:1). They even admit that it is murder by their consideration of what is “lawful” to do with the “blood money” (Matthew 27:6). And they care nothing for the spiritual care of those entrusted to them, as startlingly displayed in their callous “what is that to us?” (Matthew 27:4). Jesus is the Chief Priest Who atones for sin, Who cares for our souls, Who genuinely and perfectly keeps the law. 

Jesus the King. Pilate is a powerless, spineless governor. He knows what is happening (Matthew 27:18). He knows that Jesus is righteous (Matthew 27:23a, Matthew 27:24). But he’s afraid of the people that he’s supposed to be governing, trying to shift the responsibility to them (Matthew 27:17, Matthew 27:21a, Matthew 27:22a, Matthew 27:24). Jesus is the King Who uses His kingly authority to lay down His life for His people.

Jesus the bearer of guilt. Judas couldn’t stand to bear his own guilt (Matthew 27:3, Matthew 27:5), but now he bears it forever. The people call a frightful curse of guilt upon not only themselves, but also their children (Matthew 27:25). The only hope for this guilt (cf. Acts 2:23, Acts 2:36–37) is for His atoning blood (rather than the guilt of killing Him!) to come upon them and their children (cf. Acts 2:38–39).

What need do you have of a priest? How is Jesus that priest for you? What need do you have of a king? How is Jesus that king to you? What need do you have for the removal of guilt? How can Jesus remove that guilt? 

Sample prayer:  Lord, we praise You for Your care for our souls and kingly deliverance. Wash us in Your blood and take our guilt from us, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP22A “My God, My God” or TPH341 “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed”

Pride Seeks Death [2026.01.28 Midweek Sermon in Proverbs 21:4–8]

When we exalt our own opinions and desires, everything that we think and do provokes God to destroy us.

(click here to DOWNLOAD video/mp3/pdf files of this sermon)

The Desires of the Delightful Bride [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 4:16]

What does the church desire? Song of Songs 4:16 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 church desires the presence of Christ and revival by the Spirit. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the bride’s dual longing in Song of Songs 4:16 for the active presence of the Holy Spirit and the intimate fellowship of Christ. It emphasizes that the Spirit’s work—symbolized by the winds from every direction—is not merely for revival in times of decline but is a continual desire for the church to increasingly reflect Christ’s likeness through the fruit of His life. The second request, for Christ’s personal presence, reorients the church's motivation from human approval to divine delight, affirming that true spiritual vitality is found in communion with Christ, Who dwells in the believer through the Spirit. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that God’s greatest gift is Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—offering union and communion as the foundation of a life that bears Christ’s fruit in His presence.

2026.01.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Song of Songs 4:16

Read Song of Songs 4:16

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom does she awaken ( Song of Songs 4:16a)? To come where (verse 16b)? and do what (verse 16c)? For what purpose (verse 16d)? To facilitate what (verse 16e–f)? 

What does the church desire? Song of Songs 4:16 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 church desires the presence of Christ and revival by the Spirit. 

The bride has heard what delights the Bridegroom, and desires to give Him more of it. Isn’t this what the Spirit teaches your heart to desire? And it is the Spirit to Whom the bride now appeals in Song of Songs 4:16. It is the Spirit Who “blows” (verse 16c, cf. John 3:6–7). He has described her as a garden (Song of Songs 4:12), full of pleasant spices (Song of Songs 4:13-14), a reference to all of her likenesses to Him), and pleasant fruits (Song of Songs 4:13a–b, a reference to all of the good produce of her life). It is the Spirit Who produces Christ-likeness in the church. It is the Spirit Who makes the church to bear fruit (cf. Galatians 5:22–23). Even in her best condition, the church ought always to pray for the work of the Spirit to make her more fragrant and fruitful in Christ. Song of Songs 4:16e–f make a second request: for the presence of Christ. The church does not desire revival for revival’s sake, but for the enjoyment of Christ with her. It is His delighted presence that is her desire. Let us learn, from this passage always to desire revival by the Spirit, and the presence of Christ.

What is your level of desire for revival? How do you show it? For Christ’s presence? How do you show it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, grant to us revival by Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with that which pleases Christ. And, grant that He would be with us, unto His great delight, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

The Harm of Fools in Authority [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 10:16–20]

What is as harmful as foolish counsel? Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 prepares us for 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 foolish governance is as harmful as foolish counsel. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional centers on the responsibility and moral accountability of leadership, drawing from Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 to contrast wise governance—marked by disciplined feasting and diligent stewardship—with the folly of self-indulgent rulers who prioritize pleasure over purpose. The passage warns against the dangers of internal rebellion against foolish authority, even in thought, reminding believers that all authority is ultimately under God’s sovereign oversight, and that disrespect—even in the heart—violates divine order. Ultimately, the message calls for humility, prayerful dependence on Christ, and a life marked by faithful stewardship and godly respect, even in the face of flawed leadership.

2026.01.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 10:16–20

Read Ecclesiastes 10:16–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What is woeful for a land (Ecclesiastes 10:16)? What opposite condition is blessed (Ecclesiastes 10:17)? What are the effects of laziness and idleness (Ecclesiastes 10:18)? What do such a people prioritize (Ecclesiastes 10:19)? What must the wise do, even in such a case (Ecclesiastes 10:20)?

What is as harmful as foolish counsel? Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 prepares us for 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 foolish governance is as harmful as foolish counsel. 

It is woeful to have fools for your counselors (Ecclesiastes 10:11-15), and woeful to a land to have fools for its nobility (Ecclesiastes 10:16). Kings and princes should understand the proper timing of things (Ecclesiastes 10:17b), and the proper usefulness of things (verse 17c). The laziness and idleness of Ecclesiastes 10:18 refer to the one who neglects service on account of self-indulgence. They live, instead, to have fun (Ecclesiastes 10:19a), indulge themselves (verse 19b), and obtain things (verse 19c). Where those in government are like this, a land is miserable rather than blessed, destroyed rather than built (Ecclesiastes 10:18). But let the wise not curse their “nobility.” In the curious turns of God’s providence (Ecclesiastes 10:20c–d), we cannot expect blessing to come by breaking His law. We must entrust ourselves and our blessedness to Him.

Whom do you govern? Are you blessing or cursing them? Who governs you? How are you responding to them?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we have lived to have fun, to indulge ourselves, and to obtain things. We have harmed those whom we have governed. And forgive us, for when our thoughts have cursed those whom You have set over us. Christ has been perfectly diligent and wise for us. Forgive us by His cross, and sanctify us by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

2026.01.28 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

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Learning from Covenant Curses [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1]

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio:This devotional presents a sobering exposition of divine judgment upon covenantal unfaithfulness, illustrating how disobedience to God’s law results in cascading curses that afflict every aspect of life—personal, familial, agricultural, and national. The central message underscores that true obedience flows not from legalistic fear but from heartfelt thankfulness, joy, and reverence for God’s glorious Name, which is the foundation of a life pleasing to Him. When believers lose this posture of gratitude and adoration, they turn away from God, turning to other gods whom they obey, culminating in divine abandonment and judgment. The devotional emphasizes the justness of these curses, reflecting God’s righteous response to the rejection of His covenantal grace, and they serve as a stark reminder of humanity’s desperate need for Christ, Who alone fulfills the law, bears the curse, and sustains the church as its true Prophet, Priest, and King. Ultimately, the passage calls for a return to a life of joyful, thankful worship, rooted in God’s sovereign mercy, and overflowing with responsive obedience and service to Him.

2026.01.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1

Read Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1

Questions from the Scripture text: What might they not do (Deuteronomy 28:15)? What, then, will the curses do to them? Where (Deuteronomy 28:16)? In what work (Deuteronomy 28:17)? And what fruit (Deuteronomy 28:18)? When (Deuteronomy 28:19)? Who will do this (Deuteronomy 28:20)? In what ways? To what extent? At what pace? Why? What will YHWH make the plague do (Deuteronomy 28:21)? Until what? With why seven things will YHWH strike them (Deuteronomy 28:22)? Until what? How much of creation will be cursed for them (Deuteronomy 28:23)? What will happen to what was supposed to give them life (Deuteronomy 28:24)? What will YHWH do between them and their enemies (Deuteronomy 28:25-26)? With what sort of plague will YHWH strike them (Deuteronomy 28:27)? And with what else (Deuteronomy 28:28)? So that they end up in what condition (Deuteronomy 28:29)? What efforts will He frustrate (Deuteronomy 28:30)? What possessions (Deuteronomy 28:31)? And whom, most grievously (Deuteronomy 28:32)? So that who benefits from what was theirs (Deuteronomy 28:33)? Unto what end (Deuteronomy 28:34)? What will He do to them themselves (Deuteronomy 28:35, cf. Job 2:4–7)? What will YHWH do to them politically and religiously (Deuteronomy 28:36)? Wit what result (Deuteronomy 28:37)? How will their produce be cursed (Deuteronomy 28:38-40, Deuteronomy 28:42)? Including especially what (Deuteronomy 28:41)? How will they relate to the foreigner (Deuteronomy 28:43-44)? What will these curses do to them (Deuteronomy 28:45)? On account of what? For what purpose (Deuteronomy 28:46)? From what failure does their disobedience proceed (Deuteronomy 28:47)? So whom will YHWH make them serve instead (Deuteronomy 28:48)? And whom will YHWH bring against them (Deuteronomy 28:49-50)? To do what (Deuteronomy 28:51)? Until what? What will they do to them (Deuteronomy 28:52)? Until Israel does what to whom (Deuteronomy 28:53-57)? So, what must they observe (Deuteronomy 28:58)? And fear? Or else what will YHWH bring upon them (Deuteronomy 28:59-61)? Leaving them in what condition (Deuteronomy 28:62)? Why? What will YHWH then rejoice to do (Deuteronomy 28:63)? What will YHWH do to them politically (Deuteronomy 28:64)? Religiously? What will YHWH give them in exile (Deuteronomy 28:65)? What will their mindset be (Deuteronomy 28:66-67)? Where will YHWH take them (Deuteronomy 28:68)? How? For what? How does Deuteronomy 29:1 summarize all the blessings and curses? 

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these fifty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God.  

There are five times as many curses in chapter 28 as there are blessings. This is because, in the administration of the law, under sinful prophets, priests, and kings, they will indeed break the covenant and bring themselves under the curses. The way that this happens is found at the heart of the passage in Deuteronomy 28:47: “you did not serve YHWH your God with joy and gladness of heart.” It is this thankful, glad zeal that produces the obedience that the Lord seeks. When they fail to obey, YHWH will make their curses to come upon them, pursue them, cling to them, and overtake them (Deuteronomy 28:15, Deuteronomy 28:21-22, Deuteronomy 28:45). This is what we deserve, but Christ has taken the full curse that we deserve, for all who will believe in Him.

What do you deserve? What is the only way for you not to suffer it?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we have often failed to serve You with joy and gladness of heart. We have not done according to all Your law, and we deserve Your wrath and curse. Forgive us and cleanse us, w ask through Christ, AMEN

Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH51C “God, Be Merciful to Me”

His Love of Her Love [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 4:8–15]

What does Christ think of His church on their wedding day? Song of Songs 4:8–15 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 Christ delights in His church’s presence with Him, and in her He takes great pleasure. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional unfolds the profound intimacy between Christ and His church, portrayed through the Song of Songs, emphasizing that the Lord’s greatest delight is His bride’s love—expressed in heart, word, and deed. Central to this union is the image of the bride as a sealed garden and fountain, a private, sacred space of divine pleasure, yet one that overflows with life-giving fruit for others.