Religious People Going to Hell [Family Worship lesson in Mathew 23:13–33]

What does a Pharisee need? Matthew 23:13–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the children of the first Adam need a new nature from, union with, and to be conformed to the last Adam. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: The devotional lesson delivers a sobering indictment of religious hypocrisy, drawing from Jesus’ scathing critique of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13–33. It exposes the anatomy of a condemned person: one who outwardly appears righteous yet is inwardly corrupt, prioritizing ritualistic obedience over justice, mercy, and faith, while exploiting the vulnerable and manipulating religious practices for self-gain. The passage emphasizes that true righteousness is not achieved through external conformity or impressive displays of piety, but through inner transformation—cleansing the heart by union with Christ, the last Adam, and receiving a new nature by the Holy Spirit. The warning is clear: even the most active, doctrinally sound, and outwardly righteous individuals can be headed toward hell if they remain in themselves and dead in sin. The ultimate call is to repentance, faith in Christ, and a radical inward renewal that reorients all religious life around relationship with God, not merely outward displays.

2025.10.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 23:13–33

Read Matthew 23:13–33

Questions from the Scripture text: What does Jesus pronounce upon whom (v13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 23a, 25a, 27a, 29a)? With what question does He challenge them after these pronouncements (v33b)? How does v13 summarize when people imitate the behavior described in v4–7? What two behaviors of theirs does Jesus contrast in v14? What effort do they make (v15), but with what results (cf. v13)? What do they make a big deal out of in v16–22? But what are they failing to emphasize? What do they pay in v23? What do they ignore? What does this make them (v24a)? What do they clean, and fil to clean (v25–26)? What does this make them (v27)? How do they appear to men (v28)? What are they like inside? What do they build and adorn (v29) and say (v30)? But what does this show about them (v31)? Like whom are they behaving (v32)? What does this make them (v33a)?

What does a Pharisee need? Matthew 23:13–33 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the children of the first Adam need a new nature from, union with, and to be conformed to the last Adam.

Jesus is ministering both to the scribes and Pharisees, and to those of the multitude who are tempted to follow them. He pronounces woes upon them, hammering away at their delusion of themselves and deception of others, so that the challenge at the end will penetrate: “how can you escape the condemnation of hell?” We need to know that we are under that condemnation before we will take seriously the need to answer the question.

As Jesus does this, then, He gives us an anatomy of someone who appears righteous but is dead and damned.

v13 is really a conclusion drawn from the first 12 verses. They are exalting themselves and therefore shut the door against themselves, and any who follow them.

A second part of the anatomy of a Pharisee is marrying ruthlessness to religion (v14). They have no problem wiping out the resources that remain to a widow after her husband has passed, but their prayers are mere displays, whose length comes not from the piety of a soul poured out to God but from prideful desire to be admired by men.

A third part of the anatomy of a Pharisee is vigorous recruitment activity (which they would indubitably call ‘evangelism’), but the dynamic from v13 is in full (double) force (v15). 

A fourth part of the anatomy of a Pharisee is emphasizing what impresses men (gold, expensive offerings, heaven) even in the area of swearing (v16–22). They make a big deal out of oaths and vows, but not because it is an act of worship or before the face of God. Being before God does not impress them.

A fifth part of the anatomy of a Pharisee is emphasizing minute details of behavior over-against the weightier matters of the souls engagement with God: justice (right standing with God), mercy (covenant love for God and men), and faith (dependence upon God and fellowship with God). Whenever the less important matters are emphasized, the weightier matters come to be neglected altogether (v23–24).

A sixth, and related, part of the anatomy of the Pharisee is their focus on cleansing what men can see, although genuine righteousness proceeds from the inside out (v25–26). Such men appear outwardly righteous: they may be an admired husband or father, a respected pillar in the community, an honored elder or pastor in the church. But under the good-looking exterior, they are spiritual corpses (v27–28).

A final part of the anatomy of a Pharisee is their recognizing the sins of past generations, but failing to recognize that they inherited the same nature from which their wickedness came. Just like their fathers thought themselves justified in opposing God’s servants in those days, Pharisees think themselves justified in opposing the men that the Lord sends to preach to them in their own day. And rather than seeing themselves in their forefathers’ sins, they think that they deludedly  think that they would have done differently. 

What a Pharisee needs to recognize, then, is that he needs the new birth. He needs not only Christ’s righteousness counted for himself, but before that, life from Christ given to Him, and after it, the resurrection life of Christ and the holy character of Christ reproduced in Him. He needs fellowship with God, union with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As the offspring of vipers, this is the only hope that he has of escaping the condemnation of hell!

How do each of the symptoms of being a Pharisee threaten you? What is the inner life of your communion with God like? How can you tell that you are impressed with God Himself in your life? How does your thinking, speaking, interacting reflect an emphasis upon communion with God in Christ?

Sample prayer:  Lord, we are the offspring of Adam, and from ourselves there is only death. We deserve hell. Have mercy upon us. By Your Spirit, give us life that we may believe into Christ. Unite us to Him through faith, and count us righteous with His righteousness. By His grace, make us to be godly and holy with His own character, applied to us by His Spirit, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone”

How to Sin Is to Forget God [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 8:11–20]

Why is disobeying God’s Word called forgetting Him? Deuteronomy 8:11–20 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that disobeying God’s Word is personal, proud, praising (wrongly), and pernicious (leading to destruction). (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional centers on the solemn warning in Deuteronomy 8:11–20 to never forget YHWH God, especially in times of prosperity, as prosperity breeds pride and spiritual amnesia. It emphasizes that forgetting God is not merely a failure of memory but a personal, proud rejection of His identity as Creator, Redeemer, and Provider, who sustains His people through trials and blessings. The passage exposes the danger of attributing one’s success to personal strength rather than recognizing that all wealth and provision come from God’s faithful covenant-keeping character. This spiritual forgetfulness leads to idolatry, as people begin to worship the fruits of their labor instead of the Giver, placing themselves under divine judgment and the same fate as the nations destroyed for their unfaithfulness. The devotional calls for continual dependence on God’s grace through Christ, not only for forgiveness of disobedience but for the transformative power to remain faithful, thankful, and ever-remembering of God’s sovereign goodness.

2025.10.03 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 8:11–20

Read Deuteronomy 8:11–20

Questions from the Scripture text: What must they beware not to do (Deuteronomy 8:11)? How does verse 11 further define “forgetting YHWH your God”? If they do not keep God’s commandments, what situation becomes especially dangerous to them (Deuteronomy 8:12-13)? What is the danger in these circumstances (Deuteronomy 8:14)? What had YHWH done for them (Deuteronomy 8:15-16)? In order to do what? But if they forget YHWH, what would they be in danger of saying (Deuteronomy 8:17)? What must they do with YHWH (Deuteronomy 8:18)? Why? What will happen to them if they forget Him (Deuteronomy 8:19)? To whom else has this happened (Deuteronomy 8:20)? What will happen to Israel, and why, if they are like those nations?

Why is disobeying God’s Word called forgetting Him? Deuteronomy 8:11–20 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that disobeying God’s Word is personal, proud, praising (wrongly), and pernicious (leading to destruction).

In this passage, the Spirit equates to “forget YHWH your God” with “not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes.” The first half of the chapter (Deuteronomy 8:1-10) had been more focused upon the positive (“remember YHWH your God”); now, the second half warns against the negative (“Beware that you do not forget YHWH your God”). As the warning unfolds, we see that failing to keep His Word is personal, proud, praising (wrongly), and pernicious (leading to destruction). 

Deuteronomy 8:11 equates failing to keep God’s Word with forgetting Him personally. This can happen with any person, when we are too focused upon, and satiated with, the pleasures of this world (Deuteronomy 8:12-14a). But it is especially evil when we forget Him Who is our Creator (“YHWH”), covenant God (“your God”), Redeemer (Deuteronomy 8:14b; “Who brought you out”…), and Caregiver (Deuteronomy 8:15-16; “Who led you”… “Who fed you”…). Failing to keep His Word is personal.

Failing to keep His commandments is also proud. Feeling that we do not need to obey Him presumes that we are not dependent upon Him. We might not say it out loud, but we are much like the fool, who would never say with his lips that there is no God. (Just think about how wicked and foolish is that man and nation that says it with their lips!). The fool may not say that with his lips, but he says it in his heart. To fail to keep His commandments is to “say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth,” Deuteronomy 8:17). Every other sin contains within it the sin of pride.

Thirdly, failing to keep His commandments praises wrongly. Pride and idolatry go together, because an idol is a god that you craft, that you invent. So, Deuteronomy 8:19 also equates forgetting YHWH with following other gods and serving them and worshiping them. Whatever you live for, whatever you depend upon, whatever you are devoted to, you turn it into a god. This is part of the great wickedness of sin; every other sin contains within it the sin of idolatry.

Finally, failing to keep His commandments is pernicious. It is harmful. It is lethal. It is self-destructive. Egypt has already been an object lesson in this. The Canaanite nations are about to be (Deuteronomy 8:20a). And if Israel forgets YHWH, they too will perish (Deuteronomy 8:19b), just like those nations (Deuteronomy 8:20b). His written Word is His voice (verse 20b). And failing to keep it is personal, proud, praising (wrongly), and pernicious (leading to destruction).

When have you enjoyed much of the good things of this world? What is the danger to your heart in such circumstances? How are you making a habit of obeying God’s Word? How are you making a habit of viewing it personally, out of love and remembrance for God? Who has He been to you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for creating us, choosing us, redeeming us, and caring for us. And thank You for communicating Yourself to us in Your Word. Grant that, by the grace of Your Spirit, we would remember You, love You, and obey that Word, in Christ, in Whose Name we ask it, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH434 “A Debtor to Mercy Alone” 

Christ's Emphasis on the Bible [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:18–21]

How does the Bible conclude? Revelation 22:18–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bible concludes with an emphasis upon Christ’s gracious use of the Bible. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript: The final words of the Bible, found in Revelation 22:18–21, underscore the divine authority, completeness, and finality of Scripture, warning against adding to or subtracting from its message while emphasizing that God’s revelation is fully given in the written word. The passage reveals that the ultimate emphasis of God’s self-revelation is not in mystical experiences or visions, but in the faithful hearing and obedience to the written Word, which is the means by which Christ draws near and applies His salvation. Jesus, who testifies to these things, declares His imminent return not as a distant future event, but as a present, ongoing work of grace through the proclamation and reception of Scripture. The response of the Church—'Even so, come, Lord Jesus'—is not a plea for personal deliverance alone, but a humble embrace of Christ’s grace, which empowers believers to live in accordance with His Word. The closing benediction, 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,' affirms that obedience is not earned, but sustained by divine generosity, strength in weakness, and the Spirit’s work in the heart of the believer. Thus, the final message of Scripture is both a solemn warning and a gracious invitation to trust in Christ’s finished work, received through the hearing of His Word.

2025.10.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:18–21

Read Revelation 22:18–21

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Speaker in Revelation 22:18 do? To whom? What happens to those who add to the things in the book? What happens to those who take away from the words of the book (Revelation 22:19)? What three things will they lose? How does Revelation 22:20 identify the Speaker? What is He doing? How does John respond to this? With what greeting does John close the book (Revelation 22:21)?

How does the Bible conclude? Revelation 22:18–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bible concludes with an emphasis upon Christ’s gracious use of the Bible.

Here are the last words of the entire Bible. By Jacob (cf. Genesis 49), Joseph (cf. Genesis 50:22–26), Moses (cf. Deuteronomy 33–34), and others, the Spirit has taught us to pay attention to “last words.” This is confirmed by the solemnity of “testify” in Revelation 22:18 and “testifies” in Revelation 22:20. And even more so by John’s “Amen,” first to Christ in verse 20—then to the entire book, and Bible, in Revelation 22:21.

These important last words of the Bible are about… the Bible! Here, John has had amazing visions and experiences, but what Jesus emphasizes to him are not his experiences but “this book,” that He is having John write. Christians are people of the book, because Jesus says so. Those who would emphasize experiences, visions, etc., find themselves at odds with Jesus Himself.

And it’s not just the Bible that Jesus emphasizes, but especially the preaching of the Bible. He expects that people will “hear” the words of the prophecy of the book. God blesses the reading, but especially the preaching of His Word.

This is because His Word is complete and critical. His Word is complete; nothing may be added to it or taken away from it. His Word is critical; what you do with it is directly correlated to whether you end up in the lake of fire or in the celestial city.

Revelation 22:20 reminds us that this is because it is Jesus Himself Who is using His Word to save. This is the third “I am coming quickly” (cf. Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12) in this closing section. We have noted that it is in the present tense, indicating that Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary unto His return to bring all His elect into glory. And His testifying by means of the words of the Bible is directly connected to this work (Revelation 22:20a).

This is why our hearing and keeping the words of the prophecy of the book is not by our goodness or power, and it does not obtain glory by either merit or achievement. 

John affirms that the Word is a means of the grace of Christ by the concluding greeting: “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” It is Christ’s merit and Christ’s power which bring us into glory—by grace as a free gift, and by that grace that is sufficient for us, because His power is perfect in our weakness.

How does your use of the Bible show that you value every word of it as the Word of God? What is your hope for keeping the words of the book?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we emphasize amazing experiences over Your complete Bible. Grant that by Your grace, we would value, hear, and heed very Word of Scripture. Thus, bring us at last into glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

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The Griefs of the Godly [Family Worship lesson in Micah 7:1–7]

What is it like for the faithful during wicked times? Micah 7:1–7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, during wicked times, the faithful despair of men but trust in the Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript: Pastor's devotional draws from Micah 7:1–7 to illuminate the profound suffering of the godly in a corrupt world, where faithfulness is met with loneliness, oppression, and familial strife, as even those in positions of authority and kinship betray trust. It emphasizes that the godly person, though isolated and surrounded by deceit, is not without hope, for the true response to such pain is not retreat but a steadfast turn to Yahweh in faith, patience, and confident hope. The passage reveals that divine salvation is not found in human loyalty but in the sovereign, faithful God who hears and delivers, even in the darkest seasons. The passage calls believers to embrace the cost of holiness, recognizing that suffering for righteousness is not a sign of failure but a mark of faithful witness, and that ultimate comfort lies in waiting upon the God who saves. This message is both a sobering reality check and a sustaining encouragement, rooted in the certainty of God’s presence and promise.

2025.10.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 7:1–7

Read Micah 7:1–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the prophet exclaim in v1a? How does he describe his feelings of futility (v1b–e)? How many faithful men are in the land (v2a–b)? What do they do instead (v2c–d)? Why are they so murderous (v3a)? Who helps them (v3b–e)? How pervasive is this (v4a–b)? What is imminent (v4c–d)? What does v5a–b warn against? What, specifically, are they to do in this lack of trust (v5c)? Even from whom (v5d)? What other relationships cannot b counted upon (v6)? So what will the prophet do instead (v7a–b)? Why (v7b–c)? 

What is it like for the faithful during wicked times? Micah 7:1–7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, during wicked times, the faithful despair of men but trust in the Lord.

In wicked times, being faithful can be painful. That was the case for Micah (v1a). 

In such times, the righteous may feel very much alone in their extreme minority (v1b–2b). The painfulness of the injustice and oppression are amplified by their coming from those in high position (v2c–3d), who all cooperate against the godly (v3e). 

Worse, still, is the punishment from God that looms over a society in such condition (v4c–d). 

And allegiance to the Lord often brings not peace, but a sword, dividing those who are closest from one another (v5–6, cf. Mt 10:34–39). 

When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do (cf. Ps 11:3)? Look to the Lord (cf. Ps 11:4) in faith (v7a), endurance (v7b), and hope (v7c)! He is the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother (Pr 18:24)!

Which of the characteristics of evil times have you experienced? Which have been the most painful for you? How are you employing the remedy in v7?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we are indifferent to the wickedness in the land. Meet us in our discouragement and loneliness, and turn our hearts to Yourself in faith, endurance, and hope, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP11 “My Trust Is in he LORD” or TPH1A “That Man Is Blest” 

Overcoming Hindrances to Humility [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 5:8–17]

What can be a hindrance to humility in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that earthly position and earthly possessions threaten to hinder humility before God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript: Pastor's devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 5:8–17 to expose the humiliation of power and wealth, emphasizing that both kings and the rich are ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty and the impermanence of earthly things. It highlights that oppression and injustice are not signs of divine abandonment but are subject to a divine order where even the highest authorities are accountable, and where true wisdom lies in recognizing one’s creaturely dependence on God. The text warns that the pursuit of wealth brings not satisfaction but anxiety, sleeplessness, and spiritual emptiness, as material abundance increases responsibility and fosters fear, sorrow, and anger, while ultimately yielding nothing at death. Pastor urges us to humility before God—rooted in worship and reinforced by the reality that all come into the world naked and leave the same way—urging believers to live not for status or possessions, but for God’s glory, which endures beyond death. This humility, cultivated in worship, becomes the antidote to pride and greed, transforming life from a pursuit of vanities into a life of lasting meaning and peace.