2025.09.27 Hopewell @Home ▫ Matthew 23:1–12

Read Matthew 23:1–12

Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom (v1)? And to whom else? About whom (v2)? Where do they “sit”? What should people do with what they say (v3)? What should people do with the scribes’ and Pharisees’ works? Why not? What do they do to men (v4)? What do they not do? Why, then, do they do all of their works (v5)? What “style” choices coincide with this? What do they love for others to give them (v6) and to do to them (v7)? By comparison, how should we think/feel about receiving these things (v8a)? To Whom should we be seeking to give them (v8b)? And Whom should we give which other honor (v9)? And Whom which else (v10)? About which of them does He speak in v11? What must they be? What will happen to the one who exalts himself (v12a)? What will happen to the one who humbles himself (v12b)?

What are we to do with Pharisaical teachers? Matthew 23:1–12 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are to sit under the soundest preaching available, but to avoid doing and desiring like the Pharisees.

In the disputes between the Sadducees, Herodians, and Pharisees, Jesus takes the Pharisees’ “side” (v2) even though there is much in their teaching that He has criticized, and that He also here criticizes. This implies to us that the sound preaching of the Word is so important that we are to listen receptively to the best preaching that we can get (v3a), even if the men is flawed, and even if there are deficiencies with the message.

But Jesus proceeds to warn against following the Pharisees in what they do, and what they desire. In their preaching, they lay heavy burdens upon others (not only the law of God that we cannot keep, but even additional laws that they mistakenly add). But in their living, they rationalized whatever behavior they wished so that they would not have to lift a finger (hence their “corban” doctrine, and others like it, by which they indubitably excused themselves). So, as we listen to the opening of Scripture, we must be careful not to make what is from the man our standard—whether anything that might be merely from him in the preaching, and certainly not what he himself does, when it is not according to Scripture.

And Jesus warns against following the Pharisees in what they desire. For, what they desire most of all is to be seen by men and exalted as men. God Himself calls those whom Christ appoints over us teachers and leaders. But He does not teach us to exalt them. In the three titles in v7–10 is the exaltation against which v11–12 warn. This desire is not only morally sinful, but it is factually misguided. For, the truly great do not exalt themselves to the rank of master/father/teacher in their own eyes; rather, they humble themselves to the rank of servant in their own eyes (v11). And the exaltation belongs, ultimately to God alone (v9b) and Christ alone (v8b, 10b).

In what ways might you be adding to the law of God? In what ways might you be excusing yourself out of obeying the law of God? Whose admiration are you tempted to desire? How are you most tempted to exalt yourself? How are you directing all exaltation to God? Of whom are you making yourself the servant?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for giving us Yourself as Father, and Christ as Master and Teacher. We pray that You would be exalted by biblical obedience and service in our lives. Grant that we would be truly great and humble ourselves, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH131B “Not Haughty Is My Heart” 

Remembering the God We Obey [Family Worship lesson in Deuteronomy 8:1–10]

What are believers to remember about God as they obey His commandments? Deuteronomy 8:1–10 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, as they obey God’s commandments, believers are to remember His purposes toward them in those commandments, His preparation of them by bringing them through that obedience, and His praise from them which that obedience will produce. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past actions and purposes as a foundation for obedience and blessing, drawing from Deuteronomy 8. It highlights that remembering God’s provision in the wilderness, including both miraculous care and challenging trials, prepares individuals to trust Him and understand His fatherly discipline. Ultimately, the message encourages a life of grateful praise and faithful obedience, recognizing that true blessing stems not from personal achievement but from God’s gracious promises and the steadfast pursuit of His will, mirroring the example of Jesus.

2025.09.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Deuteronomy 8:1–10

Read Deuteronomy 8:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: How many of the commandments must they do what with (v1)? Unto what three ends? How does Moses refer to the land? What is the primary command in v2? What are they to remember YHWH doing? For how far and how long? To do what two things to them? What, specifically, was He testing? What determined whether they would keep His commandments? By what circumstances did He test them (v3)? What were they to learn from the manna? By what, especially, does a man live? What did God not permit to happen (v4)? For how long? What should they know (v5)? How (unto what end) does YHWH chasten His people? What three things, therefore, must they do (v6)? Into what was He bringing them (v7–9)? And how would they respond to this, if they had been following v6 (v10)?

What are believers to remember about God as they obey His commandments? Deuteronomy 8:1–10 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, as they obey God’s commandments, believers are to remember His purposes toward them in those commandments, His preparation of them by bringing them through that obedience, and His praise from them which that obedience will produce.

Chapter eight can be summarized in two halves: “remember” (v1–10) and “do not forget” (v11–20). There are three things that are highlighted about obedience to God’s commandments by remembering the Lord’s dealings with them in the wilderness: purpose, preparation, and praise. 

First, the purpose of God’s commandments and obedience to them: “that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess” (v1). The Lord, Who has sworn to give them all of this is the One Who has given them the commandments, and Who has prescribed their obedience as the means by which He brings them into what He has promised. You must remember God’s purposes for you, so that you will trust Him that keeping His commandments is His way of bringing you into the blessedness He has promised you in Christ. 

Second, remember the preparation that God gives you for tomorrow by obedience to His commandments today (v2–5). They were to remember how the Lord intentionally brought them through difficulty to test them (v2a). He brought out what was in their hearts (v2b), while showing them what was “His heart” toward them: as a wise and loving Father, training His son (v5). Even if it takes miraculous bread, clothing, and sandals, the Father will take care of His son (v3–4)! In every trouble, He is training us to trust and obey Him. 

Third, remember the praise into which obedience to His commandments brings you (v6–10). There is a danger of forgetting God, when we are prospering (cf. 6:10–12), but He gives obedience to Him (v6) as a means by which, when He prospers them (v7–9), and they are content (v10a), they will bless Him (v10b). Living a life of keeping His commandments, walking in His ways, and fearing Him (v6b) maintains and strengthens a relationship with Him so that every blessing moves us to His praise. 

Remember your God in your obedience, dear Christian! Remember His purpose toward you in His good commandments, the preparation that obedience gives you for future walking with Him, and the praise to which a life of obedience will move you. 

In doing so, you will be imitating Christ, to Whom the Spirit conforms you. Where Israel failed, He succeeded in the wilderness (cf. Mt 4:1–11), knowing God’s purpose of bringing Him into His kingdom, and the preparation that the temptations gave Him for His cross, and the praise of His Father, which would redound unto Him forever!

What has God promised you? How are you remembering these purposes of His in all that He commands you to do? What difficulty is He bringing you through now, in preparation for future faith and obedience? How has your intimacy with Him brought forth His praise from your heart, when you have prospered?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for Your good commandments. Grant us grace to remember You as we obey them, so that we will come into that blessedness which You have purposed, and for which we will praise You forever, with and in our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we ask this, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP119I “According to Your Word, O LORD” or TPH231 “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right”

The Jesus Who's Coming Quickly [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:12–17]

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus, portraying Him as the eternal, rewarding, redeeming, sanctifying, returning, and welcoming God. Drawing from Revelation 22, the message highlights the promise of reward for those who obey His commandments, entering into a holy union with Him and gaining access to eternal life. It underscores the importance of personal holiness, urging listeners to come to Chris for forgiveness and escape from practices and ideologies that oppose God, and to actively participate in welcoming others to Christ, ultimately joining the chorus of the Spirit and the Bride in anticipating His return and freely receiving the water of life.

2025.09.17.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:12–17

Read Revelation 22:12–17

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does v12 begin? What are they to behold that Jesus is in the process of doing? What is with Him? To do what with it? What two things does He call Himself in v13? In what three ways? Who are the blessed (v14)? To what do they have a right? Through what may they enter? What six groups are named as being outside (v15)? Who has sent whom (v16)? To do what? Where? What does He call Himself in relation to David? What else does He call Himself? What three say what to Him (v17)? Whom else do they urge to come? For what are they urged to come?

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life.

This (v12–17) is the second of three (v6–11, v18–21) “I am coming quickly” passages. Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary to bring His people into His blessedness. 

He is returning to bring reward (v12). And the reward is His, personally, because everything is about Him. Three times, here, He says that He is the first and the last, indicating that He is the triune God’s communication of Himself to us. All things are from Him and to Him, and our reward will exactly correspond to our works. 

If, by His grace, we have been both counted righteous and made righteous, we will be blessed forever (v14). If, remaining in ourselves, we are made abhorrent (“dogs,” v15) by our wickedness (the other five in the list), we will be put out of this blessedness (cf. 21:8). 

In this declaration to the churches (v16a), the emphasis is on the union of Jesus with His bride. He is both the Source of all redemption (the root of David, v16b), and the One Who has come to accomplish it (the Offspring of David). From the beginning of time to its end, He has been focused upon union with His bride. And now both sides of that union are represented in the Spirit’s eagerness, and the bride’s eagerness, for Him to come (v17). The true hearer of this book joins this call as a member of the bride, also “Come!” to Him. 

And the Lord Himself gives a similar call to each one who has a thirst or desire for life from Him. Even more than a warning against unpreparedness, this book is His appeal to be prepared by coming to Him for life!

How is your belonging to Christ evidenced in your life? When do you feel/express your desire for Him to come?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have been forgetful of You, Who are the Alpha and the Omega. All things are from You and to You, and we rejoice at Your purpose of bringing Your bride into eternal blessedness and life with You. Forgive us for that sinful that remains, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.09.24 Midweek Meeting Livestream (live at 6:30p)

To tune in for the Prayer Meeting, we recommend that you visit the livestream page.

Hearing That Helps Against Sin [Family Worship lesson in Micah 6:9–16]

Why is wickedness dangerous for God’s people? Micah 6:9–16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wickedness is dangerous for God’s people because God is faithful to Himself and His covenant warnings. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from transcript: Pastor's devotional centers on God's unwavering holiness and faithfulness, particularly as demonstrated through Micah's warning to Judah regarding their persistent wickedness. It emphasizes that God's judgment, symbolized by the “rod,” is not arbitrary but a consequence of covenant violations and a reflection of His righteous character, refusing to overlook deceit and injustice. The message underscores the heightened danger of sin for God’s people, who are in a special covenant relationship with Him, and calls for repentance, faith, and a recognition of God’s attributes to avoid the devastating consequences of covenant curses and ultimately, to experience peace by His grace.

2025.09.24 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 6:9–16

Read Micah 6:9–16

Questions from the Scripture text: What cries unto what (Micah 6:9a)? What will wisdom see (verse 9b)? What will it listen to (verse 9c)? Why (as implied by the rhetorical question in verse 9d)? What sorts of treasure are where (Micah 6:10a–b)? And what else is there (verse 10c)? What does the Lord think of it? What rhetorical question does YHWH ask about Himself in Micah 6:11? What assessment does He make of them in Micah 6:12? How will He respond (Micah 6:13)? What are the details of how this judgment will be applied (Micah 6:14-15)? How do Micah 6:16a–c summarize their offenses? How do verse 16d–f summarize the Lord’s response?

Why is wickedness dangerous for God's people? Micah 6:9–16 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wickedness is dangerous for God's people because God is faithful to Himself and His covenant warnings.

Why does the Lord repeat His case here? The key is in Micah 6:9: “Hear the rod!” He is explaining His actions so that the reader and hearer will be warned against committing similar offenses. They thought they would accumulate “treasures” (Micah 6:10a–b), but all they are accumulating is wickedness. Their “inadequate ephah” (verse 10c) was intended to obtain wealth for them, but it just made them abominable to the Lord. The rhetorical question in Micah 6:11 is making the point that He would have to be denying Himself to bless them in their wickedness. They may have obtained wealth, but at the cost of iniquity (Micah 6:12). So, the Lord faithfully kept to the covenant curses that He had threatened in Deuteronomy 28:30–33, Deuteronomy 28:38–41 (Micah 6:14-15). Micah 6:16a–c summarize the sins of Micah 6:10-12 as a repeat of the offenses of the northern kingdom dynasty of Omri and Ahab. The Lord has been faithful to His covenant curses with respect to the northern kingdom, and He will be faithful to them now with the southern kingdom (Micah 6:16d–e), precisely because they are His people (verse 16f). 

When have you been tempted to cut corners or take advantage of others in order to accumulate wealth? What do your sins do to you before God? How/when can God’s faithfulness be dangerous to you?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have thought so much about material prosperity that we have been forgetful about offending You. We have been like Omri and Ahab, and then like Judah after them. Forgive us, we pray. Make us to remember that You will always be faithful to Yourself, and that You have warned and chastened Your people throughout the ages. Thus, bring us to repentance, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP78B “O Come, My People” or TPH1A “That Man Is Blest”

Worship That Truly Fears God [Family Worship lesson in Ecclesiastes 5:1–7]

How should we worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of transcript: Pastor's devotional emphasizes the importance of approaching worship with reverence and intentionality, highlighting that true worship involves not only the right actions and attitudes but also a commitment to follow through on vows and promises made to God. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, the message cautions against rash words and hasty commitments, asserting that genuine worship involves mindful engagement with God's Word, a reserved and receptive heart, and a willingness to apply spiritual truths to daily life, ultimately fearing God and recognizing that His works endure while fleeting pursuits prove vain.

2025.09.23 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ecclesiastes 5:1–7

Read Ecclesiastes 5:1–17

Questions from the Scripture text: How should one walk (Ecclesiastes 5:1)? When he goes where? What should one draw near to do? Instead of to give what? What do fools not know that they are doing in the public worship? What mustn’t the worshiper be with his mouth (Ecclesiastes 5:2a)? What else must he keep from being hasty (verse 2b)? Before Whom? Why—where is God, and where are you (verse 2c)? What does this mean about who should do the talking? What style of worship should result (verse 2d)? What should worship not be like (Ecclesiastes 5:3a)? And what would many words identify you as (verse 3b)? What should one make unto God in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:4a)? But then what must he not do with reference to that vow? What would it make you, to vow to God but then delay to pay it (verse 4b)? And what is His view of fools in His worship? So, what must you do (verse 4c)? Even though the vow is an act of worship, what does Ecclesiastes 5:5 say about doing it, if you don’t pay? What must you control in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:6)? Otherwise, what might your mouth do? Before whom might you make what foolish statement? How would God respond to your voice, and your worship? What type of worship is vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:7)? What must be the substance of worship instead?

How should we worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 looks forward to the call to worship in public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application.

Throughout the book, and especially in chapter 4, we’ve been seeing how the knowledge and experience of God is so necessary for life to have lasting purpose and goodness. It is in the worship of God, and especially the public worship, that we are renewed in our knowledge and experience of Him. 

But it is not merely attendance at public worship that is necessary, but proper conduct. If we go to public worship and make it all about what we are offering, we do not treat Him as truly God or the speaking God. And those who worship thus must inevitably go astray. This passage, then, teaches us how we should worship.

Worship with obedient actions. So, we must especially worship “at the house of God.” And, we must walk prudently—literally “keep your steps”—when we worship. It is in hearing that one draws near to God. If we think we are bringing something to enrich Him in some way, then we will be fools. When we worship God in the way that He has said, we draw near to Him by the means that He has provided. But, when we worship in the way that we invent we “do evil” without even realizing it.

Worship with a humble attitude. There are many pitfalls when we come to worship with the idea that we are going to be the primary actors or givers. Again, since God is truly God, it follows that He would be the primary Actor and Giver in worship. He is not like the idols that have mouths and do not speak; therefore, we must come “to hear” (Ecclesiastes 5:1). This means that we shouldn’t be rash with our mouth (Ecclesiastes 5:2a), or hasty with our heart (verse 2b). It is a natural reflex of the flesh to be overly forward in worship, but it honors God as in heaven, and infinitely above us who are on earth (verse 2c), for our words to be few (v2d). We should desire for our worship to be reality, not dream (Ecclesiastes 5:3a), so our worship should be full of His activity, rather than ours. And, we should desire our worship to be wise, not foolish (verse 3b), so our worship should be full of His words, rather than ours.

Worship with life-application. Finally, a significant part of worship is the commitments that we make to God within it. It is expected that we will make vows to God, but it would be worse to make them and not pay them than if the vows were failed to be made at all (Ecclesiastes 5:5). So, we must be sincere in what we promise, and faithful to follow up (Ecclesiastes 5:4), rather than protesting to God’s messenger (Ecclesiastes 5:6). 

Worship is not a neutral thing. If it is done wrongly, noy only does God take no pleasure in it (Ecclesiastes 5:4), but He is positively angry at it. “Angry at your voice,” Ecclesiastes 5:6 literally says. Rather than receive such worship, or even ignore such worship, He responds to it by destroying what we have produced (verse 6b). Thus, we would find ourselves in the grievous position of discovering that even our worship was vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:7a), despite its frenzy of activity or words. 

Worship with obedient actions, humble attitude, and life-application can be summarized in two words: fear God. Treat God as God, and remember that you are a mere man.

Where do you attend public worship? Who has invented the actions that take place in the worship there? How does the amount of man’s words and activity in that worship compare to the amount of God’s words and activity in that worship? How does your heart’s engagement in that worship reflect humility and quietness before God? What is your habit for making vows to God in the worship? What is your habit for quick, faithful fulfillment of those vows?

Sample prayer:  Lord, thank You for gathering us to Your house for worship. By Your Spirit, grant that we would draw near to hear. Give us to worship You according to Your commands, rather than our creativity, lest we offer evil worship without even realizing it. Make us slow to speak before You, with our mouths and even with our hearts. For, You are in heaven, and we are on earth. So, let this worship be about Your activity and Your words, rather than about our activity or our words. Stir us up to make proper vows to You from our hearts, and to keep those vows faithfully in our lives. Thus, grant unto us to worship in the fear of God, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP22C “I’ll Praise You in the Gathering” or TPH212 “Come, Thou Almighty King”