A Son's Grievous Folly [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 17:21–25]

What grieves a parent to death? Proverbs 17:21–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the unchecked folly of a child grieves a parent to death. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional lesson explores the profound connection between parental joy and a child’s spiritual well-being, drawing heavily from Proverbs 17:21-25. It emphasizes the importance of parents providing biblical discipline and instruction, trusting God to remove folly from their children, while simultaneously urging children to seek wisdom and avoid behaviors that bring grief to their parents and ultimately, to themselves. The message underscores that a joyful heart, rooted in obedience to God’s word, is a source of life and healing, contrasting sharply with the grief and death associated with foolishness and disobedience, ultimately calling for a commitment to both parental responsibility and a child’s receptive heart.

2025.09.29 Hopewell @Home ▫ Proverbs 17:21–25

Read Proverbs 17:21–25

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom has the man in v21 begotten? With what effect? What sort of heart has what effect (v22a)? And what other sort has what other effect (v22b)? What does the wicked man do (v23)? Where is wisdom (v24a)? Bu where does the fool look instead (v24b)? Whom does the foolish son affect in what way (v25)?

What grieves a parent to death? Proverbs 17:21–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the unchecked folly of a child grieves a parent to death.

The bookends (v21, 25) of this section both mark it off and give its theme: the deadly grief of children who remain fools because left to themselves. 

These verses teach children that part of honoring father and mother is to desire to bring them joy rather than grief. 

One of the greatest sources of grief for the parent of a fool is the part played in the child’s folly by the parent’s own failure to apply v10–15. 

Holy joy is life-giving (v22a), but the grief of sin brings the death of the curse (v22b). 

How harmful is it for the child’s folly to go unchecked? He develops into the wicked, who accepts bribes that put him in exact opposition to the Lod (v23, cf. Dt 10:17). 

For the child’s part, how does he come to be such a hardened fool? Although the Lord has brought wisdom near him in the form of his parents (v24a), the child’s focus is anywhere else but the good that the Lord has provided for him (v24b). 

This makes the same point as v16. A parent, who doesn’t apply the Lord’s discipline and instruction; or, a child, who doesn’t heed the Lord’s discipline and instruction; is a great grief (v25).

Whom have you been assigned to give the Lord’s discipline and instruction? Whom has the Lord assigned to give you discipline and instruction? How receptive are you to it? What joy do you take in holiness?

Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for providing us discipline and instruction that You use to bring us out of folly and into wisdom. Give us the joy of holiness, and spare us the grief of wickedness, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” 

2025.09.28 Lord's Day Livestreams (live at 10:10a, 11:10a, and 3p)

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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)

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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.