Trust Only in God But Live Wisely [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 10:8–10]

What is the use of wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:8–10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom doesn’t guarantee desired outcomes, but rather serves God well, as it submits to His providence. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional explores the tension between human effort and divine providence, emphasizing that neither righteousness nor wisdom guarantees the outcomes we seek. It illustrates how God’s sovereignty often thwarts sinful intentions—such as a man falling into the pit he digs—while also allowing hardships to afflict even the innocent, like those quarrying stones or splitting wood. Yet, amid this uncertainty, the preacher affirms that wisdom is not futile; rather, it is useful, as a sharpened axe requires less strength and reduces danger, reflecting the value of preparation and prudence. The faithful response is not passive resignation but a balanced trust in God’s providence coupled with diligent, thoughtful living. Ultimately, believers are called to honor God in both their dependence on Him and their responsible stewardship of wisdom, knowing that true success lies not in achievement but in sovereign providence.

2026.01.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 10:8–10

Read Ecclesiastes 10:8–10

Questions from the Scripture text: What happens to the man who digs a pit in Ecclesiastes 10:8a? And what happens to the man who breaks through a wall in verse 8b? What happens to the one who quarries stones in Ecclesiastes 10:9a? And to the one who splits the wood in verse 9b? Especially if what is true of the ax (Ecclesiastes 10:10a–b)? Why (verse 10c)? So, what must one have (verse 10d)?

What is the use of wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:8–10 prepares us for the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom doesn’t guarantee desired outcomes, but rather serves God well, as it submits to His providence. 

It is not only the conduct of kings that leads to results that are opposite what we intended (Ecclesiastes 10:5-7). In God’s wise, but inscrutable, providence, this happens both to those with evil intentions (Ecclesiastes 10:8) and those who are engaged in ordinary life (Ecclesiastes 10:9-10). Ecclesiastes 10:8a has its parallel in Psalm 7:15. Both this pit-digger, and the wall/hedge breacher, cannot escape the judgment that providence brings upon them. But, the stone quarrier and the wood splitter, who are engaged in ordinary labor, experience similar earthly results. Ecclesiastes 10:10, in comparison to Ecclesiastes 10:8-9, teaches something similar to Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 in comparison to Ecclesiastes 9:11–12. Though God’s providence is sovereign and unpredictable, wisdom is still valuable, under that providence—even such simple wisdom as to use a sharpened ax rather than dull one. Believers must do both: employ wisdom under God’s instruction and service, while trusting and submitting to God’s providence.

What difficult situations are you in? What wisdom should you be exercising in it? To Whom must you trust the result?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for trying to control or produce the outcomes that we want. Grant unto us cheerful submission to Your providence, as we exercise wisdom in Your service, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

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

Each of Us Deserves God's Wrath [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 27:11–26]

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen 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 passage presents a solemn covenantal ceremony in which the Levites pronounce curses upon individuals who commit specific abominable sins, ranging from secret idolatry and contempt for parents to exploitation of the vulnerable, sexual perversions, and murder. These curses, delivered in a public, communal setting with the people responding 'Amen' to each, underscore the individual guilt of every human before a holy God, revealing that every sin—especially those hidden in the heart—deserves divine wrath. The final curse, which condemns anyone who fails to uphold the entire law, points to the impossibility of human righteousness and the need for a substitute. The devotional emphasizes that only Christ, who knew no sin, became a curse in our place, bearing the full weight of God’s wrath so that believers might receive His righteousness—making salvation possible only through faith in Christ.

2026.01.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 27:11–26

Read Deuteronomy 27:11–26

Questions from the Scripture text: Who commanded whom, when (Deuteronomy 27:11)? Who were to stand, where, to do what, when (Deuteronomy 27:12)? And who were to stand, where, to do what (Deuteronomy 27:13)? Who begin the speaking (Deuteronomy 27:14)? How will they speak? To whom? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:15? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:16? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:17? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:18? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:19? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:20? Why? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:21? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:22? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:23? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:24? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:25? How must the people answer? Whom must they curse in Deuteronomy 27:26? How must the people answer?

What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God.  

In the conclusion of the first commandment section (cf. Deuteronomy 11:29–32), Moses had commanded this ceremony. Now, he gives the details of the ceremony, which will take place in Joshua 8:30–35. But before the blessings spoken by the six tribes (Deuteronomy 27:12, cf. Deuteronomy 28:1–14), and the curses spoken by the four tribes (Deuteronomy 27:13, cf. Deuteronomy 28:15–68), the Levites lead all Israel in calling curses down upon any individual for his secret sins. That is what all of these sins have in common: they are done in secret, or are easily “gotten away with.” But that is not actually true! YHWH sees all of these sins, and He punishes them.

The Levites represent the people in shouting the curse, but each person affirms the curse for himself with his own “Amen!” 

The first cursed sin is for secret idolatry (Deuteronomy 27:15). False worship is an abomination to YHWH. And it is, ultimately, a matter of the heart, where He alone sees.

The next four cursed sins are for those who disregard others. As in the decalogue, this begins with parents. Just having contempt for them is accursed by God (Deuteronomy 27:16). Also cursed is the deceptive theft of a neighbor’s property (Deuteronomy 27:17) or taking advantage of those who are unable to stand for themselves, and who have no one to stand for them (Deuteronomy 27:18-19). 

The next four cursed sins are violations of the seventh commandment. Sexual sin is almost always committed in secret. These four (Deuteronomy 27:20-23) are some of the most perverted violations, driving home to us how abominable are all sexual sins.

Finally, the last two specifically cursed sins are violations of the sixth commandment. Even if an attack is in secret (Deuteronomy 27:24), or hired out (Deuteronomy 27:25), it is accursed murder before the eyes of YHWH.

The twelfth, and last, curse clarifies that these have all been representative examples. Anyone who does anything to break the law of God is accursed before Him (cf. Galatians 3:10). This is why Christ had to become a curse for us (cf. Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Dear reader, we must not tolerate sin, even in secret—especially in secret. Secret sins are an abomination, particularly because they are done only unto the face of God. For these, Christ suffered Hell for all of His elect. God forgive us for them, and deliver us from them.

What secret sins are you in most danger of committing? How can you be forgiven of them? How can you be cleansed of them? What means has He given, by which you trust Him to cleanse you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for all of our sins, especially for our secret sins. Our secret idolatries. Our secret disregard for others. Our secret corruptions and perversions. Our secret hatred and murder. Cursed is anyone who doesn’t continue in all of Your laws to do them. But Christ has become a curse for us; so, forgive us for His sake, and make us to be like Him, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

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

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.

2026.01.13 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 3:10–c)? 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 opening portion of the holy assembly 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 Song of Songs 3:8d takes us back to Song of Songs 3:1a. What comfort there is in Christ, to know that He is guarding us (even from ourselves) by His own grace!

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, by which He is conveying His bride to gory: 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 pavement/upholstery of the love of the daughters of Jerusalem, indicating that believers’ love to Him is also a work of grace, which He has furnished for carrying the church to the wedding day. The Lord give you such love for Him as will carry you to glory.

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”

Conceived in Sin and Misery [Children's Catechism 35 Simply Explained]

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 35—especially explaining how Adam’s fall means that we are conceived sinful. Q35. What effect had the sin of Adam on all mankind? All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The lesson establishes that Adam’s sin plunged all humanity into a state of sin and misery, not merely as a personal failure but as a federal representation of his posterity, resulting in every person being conceived and born in sin. In contrast, Jesus, as the Second Adam, reverses this curse by redeeming believers through His atoning sacrifice, imputing His righteousness, and initiating a process of sanctification that will culminate in final glorification.

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”

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