The Guide for the Week
December 22-28th 2024
The Fourth Week of Advent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 30:21-33
Luke 2:1-14
Acts 7:44-60
Psalm 8
Verse to Memorize
Matthew 22:37-39
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 45. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.
Q. 48. What are we specially taught by these words, “before me,” in the first commandment?
A. These words, before me, in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
Who to pray for
• Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargiss
• Christ Church Columbus: Pray for Pastor Andy Halsey and the congregation as they proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and advance the Great Commission. Pray for their spiritual growth and continued faithfulness to the Word of God.
• Missionary Daniel Courney in Nepal: Pray for his efforts in sharing the gospel and planting churches in a region deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist practices. Ask the Lord for his protection, provision, and spiritual fruit in the mission field.
• The Indiana Supreme Court: Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to justice under God's moral law as the court decides cases that impact the lives of Hoosiers.
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 30:21-23
Under three things the earth quakes, And under four, it cannot bear up: Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food, Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.
Agur, the writer of this chapter of Proverbs, is a wise observer. He studies nature to learn from God’s general revelation, and he studies relationships to discern what to do and what not to do. He has drawn deeply from the well of God’s wisdom and providence. He doesn’t shut his eyes but notices things that might make us uncomfortable. In particular, he observes that God providentially places us in different stations of life, and when we rebel against this order and exalt ourselves proudly, things do not go well. In fact, he says the earth quakes when the proud and foolish are exalted above their proper places. It is a turning upside down of God’s good order.
There are four things he notices:
He notices that when a slave becomes a king, things do not go well.
This does not mean that slaves can never rise beyond their situation. Scripture encourages freedom where it can be obtained: “If you can gain your freedom, do so” (1 Corinthians 7:21). The point here, however, is that if a slave—someone who has not advanced with careful study or faithful preparation—becomes king, it will be terrible. Like it or not, Scripture is not egalitarian; it acknowledges that some people are unfit for leadership.
John Gill explains the issue: “Being unfit for [leadership] through his education, not having been trained up in and learned the arts of government... and being raised from a low estate, he is the more imperious, proud, and haughty.” A slave suddenly thrust into kingship often becomes a tyrant, oppressing others to secure his position. Leadership requires wisdom, discipline, and humility—qualities not typically forged in servitude.
The warning here is that when someone unfit by God’s providence, circumstance, or their own decisions is placed into a position of power, they are set up for failure. They will be made proud. The New Testament similarly warns that a new believer should not be made an officer of the church because they will be tempted to pride and destruction (1 Timothy 3:6). Leadership without preparation invites disaster.
He notices that when a fool is filled with food, things also do not go well.
Matthew Henry explains: “A fool, a silly, rude, boisterous, vicious man, who, when he has grown rich and is partaking of the pleasures of the table, will disturb all the company with his extravagant talk and the affronts he will put upon those about him.”
In other words, if a fool—someone who refuses to work hard and heed God’s wisdom—is given things they should have earned, they won’t use them wisely. Instead, they will squander them, bringing destruction to themselves and those around them. Consider that many people who win the lottery end up going bankrupt. These individuals often lack the character to manage wealth wisely, and when they receive it in large sums, they waste it.
I recall waiting in line for a concert in Detroit when a man approached me, saying he was hungry and had nothing to eat. Feeling bad for him (I was younger and much more naïve), I gave him the ten-dollar bill I had. He immediately crossed the street to the liquor store. Think of entitlement programs that reward idleness, creating generations of people who despise work and live for their own pleasure.
He notices that an unloved woman who gets a husband is also destructive.
He isn’t speaking of the single woman who longs for love but of the type of woman who is unloved because she is unlovable. Her attitude and lack of care for herself have not attracted a man. She is sour and proud, loud and boisterous. She may have been sexually promiscuous. Whatever the case, when she finds someone foolish enough to marry her, marriage won’t solve her problems. Saying "I do" doesn’t fix her pride or whorish behavior—it only makes her more proud. Marriage isn’t an honor to her, and she isn’t an honor to it. She is not fit for it. This is the loud, proud, self-absorbed woman of Proverbs 21:9, who makes life miserable for everyone around her. The world celebrates her independence and audacity, but her home is a battleground of disrespect and strife.
He notices that a maidservant supplanting her mistress is also a reversal of God’s order.
Though we don’t live in a time where maidservants and mistresses are common, the principle still applies. In biblical times, the household had a clear hierarchy. The mistress was the wife and mother, often assisted by servants. Consider Hagar and Sarah: Hagar began to supplant Sarah after bearing a son.
Today, this might resemble a nanny forgetting her role as a hired worker, flirting with the husband, or making decisions that belong to the wife. It’s when employees act like the boss or children try to take authority over their parents.
The common thread in all four examples is pride, entitlement, and a disregard for God’s established order. Modern society, with its obsession with flattening distinctions and rejecting authority, creates fertile ground for these sins to flourish. The result is instability, relational harm, and a culture of chaos.
Seek Contentment in God’s Providence: Recognize that God has placed you in a station of life for your sanctification and His glory. Coveting what others have or striving for positions without the necessary preparation leads to destruction.
Pursue Godly Character: Positions of leadership, wealth, marriage, and influence require maturity and discipline. Develop the wisdom, humility, and work ethic necessary to handle these roles well.
We must also teach this to our children. Too many parents allow their children to make decisions beyond their ability or station in life. They allow pride to grow unchecked, permitting disrespect toward parents or other adults. This often stems from wives speaking to their husbands in dishonoring ways, or husbands speaking about authorities without respect.
Agur’s observations remind us that the world cannot bear the weight of prideful, unfit people in positions of honor. Chaos and harm follow when fools and rebels overstep their boundaries. You must learn humility, seek wisdom, and trust God to elevate you in His timing (James 4:10). Advancement without godly character only makes the earth quake. Instead, strive to become the kind of person who brings stability and blessing wherever God places you.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are glorious in holiness and mighty in power. We lift Your name high as the King of all creation, the Giver of life, and the Sustainer of our souls. We confess that we have fallen short of Your perfect standard and need Your mercy daily. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the unending blessings You pour out on us—life, family, and the hope of eternal life in Your presence. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and resolve to live faithfully for You.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our church family: Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargiss. Grant them health and strength as they carry these precious lives, and prepare their hearts for the sacred calling of motherhood. We ask for Your protection over these children and that they would grow to know and serve You as faithful disciples of Christ.
Father, we pray for Christ Church Columbus, Pastor Andy Halsey, and the congregation You have placed in that city. Strengthen them in their proclamation of the gospel and their work in discipling believers. Let their efforts to advance the Great Commission bear fruit for Your kingdom. May they remain faithful to Your Word and find joy in serving You.
We also bring before You Missionary Daniel Courney in Nepal. Strengthen his resolve and fill him with boldness as he proclaims the gospel in a region deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Protect him from harm, provide for his needs, and give him wisdom and endurance. We ask for spiritual fruit from his labors, that churches would be planted and lives transformed by the power of Your Word.
Lord, we pray for the Indiana Supreme Court, asking for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to justice that aligns with Your holy law. Guide their decisions so that they promote righteousness and equity in the lives of the people they serve. May their judgments reflect Your truth and glorify You.
Finally, Father, we pray for the church, both local and universal. Strengthen us to stand firm in the faith, united in our confession of Christ as Lord. Fill us with a desire to see Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Empower us to proclaim the gospel boldly, disciple the nations, and live in joyful obedience to Your commands. We long for the day when we will see Jesus face to face. Until then, help us to be faithful servants of His kingdom. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Christmas
The History and Significance of Christmas in Christian Worship
Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is a day of great joy and solemn reverence for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While many have tried to diminish the authenticity of this holy day by claiming it was borrowed from paganism, a closer look at Scripture, early church writings, and Christian tradition reveals that the celebration of Christ's birth has been practiced without controversy from the church's earliest days.
The Early Celebration of Christ's Birth
The Gospel accounts, particularly in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2, emphasize the divine significance of Jesus' nativity. The angels heralded His birth to the shepherds, and the magi traveled to worship Him. These responses to Christ's birth affirm its importance to God’s plan of redemption. Even the early church fathers recognized this as evidence of the nativity’s celebratory nature among the first Christians.
By the second century, theologians such as Clement of Alexandria referenced the birth of Christ, and by the third century, December 25th had become a day recognized in some regions for commemorating the Incarnation. Contrary to the claims of some modern critics, this date was not chosen to replace pagan celebrations but rather reflected theological reasoning tied to the annunciation and crucifixion, believed by some early Christians to have occurred on the same calendar date.
Scripture as a Foundation for Christmas Observance
Scripture itself celebrates the nativity. The angelic proclamation in Luke 2:10-11—"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord"—underscores that the birth of Jesus was always intended to be a source of joy and celebration. The shepherds glorified and praised God for what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:20), setting an example for the church to follow.
The prophetic nature of the nativity, fulfilling promises like Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, underscores its centrality in the narrative of salvation. From the outset, the birth of Christ was not merely an event but the commencement of God’s plan to redeem His people.
Traditions and Their Spiritual Meaning
While traditions like the Christmas tree and gift-giving have developed over centuries, they often carry spiritual meaning rooted in Christian teaching:
Christmas in the Church Calendar
By the fourth century, Christmas was firmly established in the church calendar. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) emphasized the Incarnation as central to the Christian faith, paving the way for a more formalized celebration of Christ’s birth. The Feast of the Nativity united the church in praising God for the miracle of the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
A Call to Worship
As you gather with your family to celebrate this wonderful day, remember the profound truth of the Incarnation: Jesus Christ humbled Himself to take on human form, that He might save sinners (Philippians 2:5-11). Christmas is not merely a cultural holiday but a declaration of the gospel, a reminder that the Savior has come.
Sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!” Celebrate with joy, for the Lord is with us, Emmanuel. Let this be a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to commit anew to living for the glory of Christ, who was born to redeem His people from their sins.
https://truthscript.com/culture/reasons-to-celebrate-christmas-with-a-clean-conscience/
Proverbs 30:21-33
Luke 2:1-14
Acts 7:44-60
Psalm 8
Verse to Memorize
Matthew 22:37-39
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 45. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Q. 46. What is required in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
Q. 47. What is forbidden in the first commandment?
A. The first commandment forbiddeth the denying, or not worshipping and glorifying the true God as God, and our God; and the giving of that worship and glory to any other, which is due to him alone.
Q. 48. What are we specially taught by these words, “before me,” in the first commandment?
A. These words, before me, in the first commandment teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God.
Who to pray for
• Expectant Mothers: We request special prayers for Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargiss
• Christ Church Columbus: Pray for Pastor Andy Halsey and the congregation as they proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and advance the Great Commission. Pray for their spiritual growth and continued faithfulness to the Word of God.
• Missionary Daniel Courney in Nepal: Pray for his efforts in sharing the gospel and planting churches in a region deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist practices. Ask the Lord for his protection, provision, and spiritual fruit in the mission field.
• The Indiana Supreme Court: Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to justice under God's moral law as the court decides cases that impact the lives of Hoosiers.
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 30:21-23
Under three things the earth quakes, And under four, it cannot bear up: Under a slave when he becomes king, And a fool when he is satisfied with food, Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, And a maidservant when she supplants her mistress.
Agur, the writer of this chapter of Proverbs, is a wise observer. He studies nature to learn from God’s general revelation, and he studies relationships to discern what to do and what not to do. He has drawn deeply from the well of God’s wisdom and providence. He doesn’t shut his eyes but notices things that might make us uncomfortable. In particular, he observes that God providentially places us in different stations of life, and when we rebel against this order and exalt ourselves proudly, things do not go well. In fact, he says the earth quakes when the proud and foolish are exalted above their proper places. It is a turning upside down of God’s good order.
There are four things he notices:
He notices that when a slave becomes a king, things do not go well.
This does not mean that slaves can never rise beyond their situation. Scripture encourages freedom where it can be obtained: “If you can gain your freedom, do so” (1 Corinthians 7:21). The point here, however, is that if a slave—someone who has not advanced with careful study or faithful preparation—becomes king, it will be terrible. Like it or not, Scripture is not egalitarian; it acknowledges that some people are unfit for leadership.
John Gill explains the issue: “Being unfit for [leadership] through his education, not having been trained up in and learned the arts of government... and being raised from a low estate, he is the more imperious, proud, and haughty.” A slave suddenly thrust into kingship often becomes a tyrant, oppressing others to secure his position. Leadership requires wisdom, discipline, and humility—qualities not typically forged in servitude.
The warning here is that when someone unfit by God’s providence, circumstance, or their own decisions is placed into a position of power, they are set up for failure. They will be made proud. The New Testament similarly warns that a new believer should not be made an officer of the church because they will be tempted to pride and destruction (1 Timothy 3:6). Leadership without preparation invites disaster.
He notices that when a fool is filled with food, things also do not go well.
Matthew Henry explains: “A fool, a silly, rude, boisterous, vicious man, who, when he has grown rich and is partaking of the pleasures of the table, will disturb all the company with his extravagant talk and the affronts he will put upon those about him.”
In other words, if a fool—someone who refuses to work hard and heed God’s wisdom—is given things they should have earned, they won’t use them wisely. Instead, they will squander them, bringing destruction to themselves and those around them. Consider that many people who win the lottery end up going bankrupt. These individuals often lack the character to manage wealth wisely, and when they receive it in large sums, they waste it.
I recall waiting in line for a concert in Detroit when a man approached me, saying he was hungry and had nothing to eat. Feeling bad for him (I was younger and much more naïve), I gave him the ten-dollar bill I had. He immediately crossed the street to the liquor store. Think of entitlement programs that reward idleness, creating generations of people who despise work and live for their own pleasure.
He notices that an unloved woman who gets a husband is also destructive.
He isn’t speaking of the single woman who longs for love but of the type of woman who is unloved because she is unlovable. Her attitude and lack of care for herself have not attracted a man. She is sour and proud, loud and boisterous. She may have been sexually promiscuous. Whatever the case, when she finds someone foolish enough to marry her, marriage won’t solve her problems. Saying "I do" doesn’t fix her pride or whorish behavior—it only makes her more proud. Marriage isn’t an honor to her, and she isn’t an honor to it. She is not fit for it. This is the loud, proud, self-absorbed woman of Proverbs 21:9, who makes life miserable for everyone around her. The world celebrates her independence and audacity, but her home is a battleground of disrespect and strife.
He notices that a maidservant supplanting her mistress is also a reversal of God’s order.
Though we don’t live in a time where maidservants and mistresses are common, the principle still applies. In biblical times, the household had a clear hierarchy. The mistress was the wife and mother, often assisted by servants. Consider Hagar and Sarah: Hagar began to supplant Sarah after bearing a son.
Today, this might resemble a nanny forgetting her role as a hired worker, flirting with the husband, or making decisions that belong to the wife. It’s when employees act like the boss or children try to take authority over their parents.
The common thread in all four examples is pride, entitlement, and a disregard for God’s established order. Modern society, with its obsession with flattening distinctions and rejecting authority, creates fertile ground for these sins to flourish. The result is instability, relational harm, and a culture of chaos.
Seek Contentment in God’s Providence: Recognize that God has placed you in a station of life for your sanctification and His glory. Coveting what others have or striving for positions without the necessary preparation leads to destruction.
Pursue Godly Character: Positions of leadership, wealth, marriage, and influence require maturity and discipline. Develop the wisdom, humility, and work ethic necessary to handle these roles well.
We must also teach this to our children. Too many parents allow their children to make decisions beyond their ability or station in life. They allow pride to grow unchecked, permitting disrespect toward parents or other adults. This often stems from wives speaking to their husbands in dishonoring ways, or husbands speaking about authorities without respect.
Agur’s observations remind us that the world cannot bear the weight of prideful, unfit people in positions of honor. Chaos and harm follow when fools and rebels overstep their boundaries. You must learn humility, seek wisdom, and trust God to elevate you in His timing (James 4:10). Advancement without godly character only makes the earth quake. Instead, strive to become the kind of person who brings stability and blessing wherever God places you.
Example Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are glorious in holiness and mighty in power. We lift Your name high as the King of all creation, the Giver of life, and the Sustainer of our souls. We confess that we have fallen short of Your perfect standard and need Your mercy daily. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the unending blessings You pour out on us—life, family, and the hope of eternal life in Your presence. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and resolve to live faithfully for You.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our church family: Emily Leupp, Christina Puryear, Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, and Isabelle Hargiss. Grant them health and strength as they carry these precious lives, and prepare their hearts for the sacred calling of motherhood. We ask for Your protection over these children and that they would grow to know and serve You as faithful disciples of Christ.
Father, we pray for Christ Church Columbus, Pastor Andy Halsey, and the congregation You have placed in that city. Strengthen them in their proclamation of the gospel and their work in discipling believers. Let their efforts to advance the Great Commission bear fruit for Your kingdom. May they remain faithful to Your Word and find joy in serving You.
We also bring before You Missionary Daniel Courney in Nepal. Strengthen his resolve and fill him with boldness as he proclaims the gospel in a region deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Protect him from harm, provide for his needs, and give him wisdom and endurance. We ask for spiritual fruit from his labors, that churches would be planted and lives transformed by the power of Your Word.
Lord, we pray for the Indiana Supreme Court, asking for wisdom, discernment, and a commitment to justice that aligns with Your holy law. Guide their decisions so that they promote righteousness and equity in the lives of the people they serve. May their judgments reflect Your truth and glorify You.
Finally, Father, we pray for the church, both local and universal. Strengthen us to stand firm in the faith, united in our confession of Christ as Lord. Fill us with a desire to see Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Empower us to proclaim the gospel boldly, disciple the nations, and live in joyful obedience to Your commands. We long for the day when we will see Jesus face to face. Until then, help us to be faithful servants of His kingdom. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Christmas
The History and Significance of Christmas in Christian Worship
Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is a day of great joy and solemn reverence for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While many have tried to diminish the authenticity of this holy day by claiming it was borrowed from paganism, a closer look at Scripture, early church writings, and Christian tradition reveals that the celebration of Christ's birth has been practiced without controversy from the church's earliest days.
The Early Celebration of Christ's Birth
The Gospel accounts, particularly in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2, emphasize the divine significance of Jesus' nativity. The angels heralded His birth to the shepherds, and the magi traveled to worship Him. These responses to Christ's birth affirm its importance to God’s plan of redemption. Even the early church fathers recognized this as evidence of the nativity’s celebratory nature among the first Christians.
By the second century, theologians such as Clement of Alexandria referenced the birth of Christ, and by the third century, December 25th had become a day recognized in some regions for commemorating the Incarnation. Contrary to the claims of some modern critics, this date was not chosen to replace pagan celebrations but rather reflected theological reasoning tied to the annunciation and crucifixion, believed by some early Christians to have occurred on the same calendar date.
Scripture as a Foundation for Christmas Observance
Scripture itself celebrates the nativity. The angelic proclamation in Luke 2:10-11—"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord"—underscores that the birth of Jesus was always intended to be a source of joy and celebration. The shepherds glorified and praised God for what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:20), setting an example for the church to follow.
The prophetic nature of the nativity, fulfilling promises like Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, underscores its centrality in the narrative of salvation. From the outset, the birth of Christ was not merely an event but the commencement of God’s plan to redeem His people.
Traditions and Their Spiritual Meaning
While traditions like the Christmas tree and gift-giving have developed over centuries, they often carry spiritual meaning rooted in Christian teaching:
- The Christmas Tree: Originating in the Middle Ages, the evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life through Christ, who was crucified on a tree for our salvation (Galatians 3:13). The lights on the tree remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
- Gift-Giving: Inspired by the gifts of the magi (Matthew 2:11), this tradition reflects the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ Himself, given for the salvation of the world (John 3:16).
Christmas in the Church Calendar
By the fourth century, Christmas was firmly established in the church calendar. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) emphasized the Incarnation as central to the Christian faith, paving the way for a more formalized celebration of Christ’s birth. The Feast of the Nativity united the church in praising God for the miracle of the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
A Call to Worship
As you gather with your family to celebrate this wonderful day, remember the profound truth of the Incarnation: Jesus Christ humbled Himself to take on human form, that He might save sinners (Philippians 2:5-11). Christmas is not merely a cultural holiday but a declaration of the gospel, a reminder that the Savior has come.
Sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!” Celebrate with joy, for the Lord is with us, Emmanuel. Let this be a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to commit anew to living for the glory of Christ, who was born to redeem His people from their sins.
https://truthscript.com/culture/reasons-to-celebrate-christmas-with-a-clean-conscience/