Family Worship Guide for February 9-15, 2025 The Fifth Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 4:15-24
2 Samuel 2:12-32
Acts 10:23-48
Psalm 15
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 73. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Q. 74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
Q. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth, or may, unjustly hinder our own, or our neighbour’s, wealth or outward estate.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Pastor Andrew Dionne
Ministry: Daniel Courney - Nepal
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 4:15-24
"Now the Lord was angry with me on your account and swore that I would not cross the Jordan and that I would not enter the good land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance. For I will die in this land; I shall not cross the Jordan, but you shall cross and take possession of this good land."
Moses led Israel out of Egypt to the very edge of the Promised Land. Yet, because of their faithless fear, the people refused to trust God and enter. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. During those years, they grumbled, complained, and continually flirted with idolatry.
On one occasion, there was no water for the people. And sure enough, the bellyaching began. They murmured that they would have been better off dying as slaves in Egypt. Moses, exhausted by their constant rebellion, had enough. But while Moses burned with anger, God was still willing to show mercy and provide water. He commanded Moses to speak to the rock, and water would flow.
But Moses was finished with patience. He gathered the people and rebuked them: “Listen here, you rebels! Do we have to bring forth water for you out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10). Then, in defiance of God’s instruction, he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Water came forth, but immediately, God rebuked Moses. Because of this act of disobedience, God declared that Moses would not enter the Promised Land.
Who Was God Angry With—Moses or the People?
Now, in Deuteronomy 4, Moses says that it was because of the people that the Lord was angry with him and forbade him from crossing the Jordan. So which is it? Was God angry with Moses, or was He angry with the people?
The answer is both. The people’s faithlessness and constant complaints provoked Moses to frustration and anger. It is easy to sympathize with him—who wouldn’t be fed up with such rebellious people? Yet, Moses still disobeyed God. In his anger, he failed to trust God’s way and instead misrepresented His holiness. He acted not out of faithfulness, but out of pride and wrath. Nevertheless, Moses was right that the people’s sin played a role. Their rebellion was real, and God was justly angry. But it was Moses, as their leader, who bore the immediate consequence.
So what can we learn from this?
Sin Has Consequences. Sin does not only affect the individual—it spills over onto others. The Israelites’ complaining was not just their own problem; it affected their leader. And in some sense, we can understand their struggle—they were in a desert without water. It would be hard not to complain. But their grumbling was not mere frustration—it was a rejection of God’s provision and a lack of faith. They had seen God deliver them from Egypt, yet they still doubted Him. Their ungratefulness angered the Lord, and it also placed a burden on Moses.
Children and all those under authority must learn that grumbling against their leaders is ultimately grumbling against God. . It is not that one can never have a just criticism or never speak of issues. But grumbling is different from trying to be helpful. Hebrews 13:17 warns: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.” If you make leadership difficult through constant complaining and rebellion, you don’t just burden your leader—you bring harm to yourself.
Parents, pastors, and those in authority will be held accountable for their actions. But those under their care will also answer for how they responded. A rebellious spirit does not just make leadership difficult—it invites God’s judgment.
Leaders Must Guard Their Heart. Moses was a great leader, but he let the people’s faithlessness lead him into sin. This is a warning to all who lead: the failures of those under you do not excuse your own failures. A child’s disobedience does not justify a father’s harshness. A congregation’s stubbornness does not excuse a pastor’s impatience. The sins of others do not give leaders permission to sin in response. God will judge each person according to his own actions.
If you are in a position of leadership, you must ensure that your foundation is in the Lord, not in the approval or obedience of those you lead. If your identity rests in how people respond to you, their rebellion will control your heart. But if your identity is in Christ, you will remain steadfast, even when those under your care grumble and rebel.
Moses Was a Picture of Christ. He was a mediator for the people. God was angry with Israel and could have denied them entry into the Promised Land altogether. Yet, Moses bore the consequence. He would not enter, but they would. At first glance, this seems unfair. Why should Moses bear the weight of the punishment? Because he was meant to be a picture of Jesus Christ. But there is a critical difference. Moses was a flawed mediator—he bore God's judgment for both the people’s sins and his own. Christ, however, is the perfect mediator. Jesus was sinless, yet He bore the full wrath of God for our sins. Moses was kept from the earthly Promised Land, but Jesus ensures that all who trust in Him will enter the eternal Promised Land.
Do Not Forget God’s Covenant Moses warns the people to guard themselves, lest they turn from God to follow idols. The warning still stands. Our God is merciful, but He is also a consuming fire. Those who reject Christ will face His judgment Do not take lightly the grace of God. Cling to Christ. He alone is our perfect mediator. He has taken our punishment so that we might inherit the promises of God. Therefore, as Moses commanded Israel, watch yourselves. Guard your heart against unbelief. And above all, trust in the One who bore God’s wrath in your place.
Psalm 15 – Who Can Dwell with God?
"O LORD, who may reside in Your tent?
Who may settle on Your holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1 NASB1995)
If you ask someone if they want to go to heaven when they die, most people will say yes. But few stop to think about what is the character of the people who can go to heaven. Who can live with God? King David asked and answered that question. It is the most important question you can ask yourself: Who may dwell with God? Who is worthy to stand in His presence? The answer that follows is not for the faint of heart.
The Character of the One Who May Dwell with God
David answers his own question:
"One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor do evil to his neighbor,
Nor bring shame on his friend;
A despicable person is despised in his eyes,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change;
He does not lend his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things will never be shaken." (Psalm 15:2-5 NASB1995)
David does not mince words. To dwell with God, a man must be upright, just, truthful, and unshakable in his convictions. His righteousness must run through every area of his life—his speech, his dealings with others, his values, and his integrity. This psalm draws a line in the sand. Not everyone is fit to stand before God.
1. Integrity and Righteousness
"One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart." (v.2)
The man who dwells with God is not double-minded. He does not put on a righteous front while harboring deceit in his heart. He does what is right, even when no one is watching. His integrity is not selective—it permeates his life. He speaks truth, not just outwardly, but from his heart. There is no hypocrisy in him.
2. A Tongue That Does No Harm
"He does not slander with his tongue, nor do evil to his neighbor, nor bring shame on his friend." (v.3)
Speech is a measure of character. A man fit to dwell with God does not spread gossip or tear others down. He does not harm his neighbor with words or actions. He is a man who builds up, not a man who destroys. In a world where slander and backbiting are common, he guards his tongue and treats others with dignity.
3. He Despises Evil and Honors the Godly
"A despicable person is despised in his eyes, but he honors those who fear the LORD." (v.4a)
This verse cuts against the grain of modern thinking. The righteous man does not celebrate wickedness. He does not excuse evil or admire the corrupt. He does not turn criminals into heroes or call perversion “bravery.” Instead, he esteems those who fear the Lord. His role models are the godly, not the godless.
4. A Man of His Word
"He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change." (v.4b)
A man who dwells with God does not break his word. If he makes a commitment, he keeps it—even when it costs him. He does not twist his words to suit his own advantage. He is reliable, steadfast, and trustworthy. He values his integrity more than his convenience.
5. A Just and Generous Heart
"He does not lend his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent." (v.5a)
He is not greedy. He does not exploit the weak for personal gain. He does not take advantage of those in need, nor does he sell out justice for a price. In a world obsessed with wealth and power, he stands apart as a man who values righteousness over riches.
The Promise: He Will Never Be Shaken
"One who does these things will never be shaken." (v.5b)
This is not just a moral checklist. This is the picture of a man whose life is built on solid ground. He is not easily swayed by culture. He is not controlled by the opinions of men. He stands firm because he stands with God. The storms of life may come, but he remains unshaken.
Who Can Live Like This?
David’s words leave us with a sobering realization: None of us measure up. Who has walked in perfect integrity? Who has never spoken an unkind word? Who has always kept his promises without fail? Who has never stumbled in righteousness?
The truth is, left to ourselves, none of us could dwell with God. If Psalm 15 is the entrance requirement for the presence of the Lord, we all fall short.
But there is One who meets these qualifications perfectly—Jesus Christ.
Jesus: The Only One Truly Worthy
Jesus is the only man who has ever lived out Psalm 15 in its fullness. He walked with perfect integrity. He spoke truth without deceit. He despised evil and honored the Father. He kept every promise and never compromised righteousness. He was never swayed by bribes, never corrupted by greed, never shaken by the world. He is the blameless man who can stand in the presence of God.
And here is the good news: Through Christ, we are made worthy.
If you are in Christ, His righteousness is counted as yours. He met the requirements of Psalm 15 for you. His perfect life covers your failures. His blood washes away your sins. And because of Him, you are invited to dwell with God—not as a stranger, but as a son.
Final Exhortation: Live as One Who Belongs to the Lord
Psalm 15 is not just a list of moral ideals—it is a call to holiness. Those who have been redeemed by Christ must live in a way that reflects Him.
Walk in integrity. Be the same man in private as you are in public.
Speak truth. Let your words build up, not tear down.
Reject evil and honor those who fear the Lord. Be careful who you admire.
Keep your word, even when it costs you. Let your yes be yes.
Be just and generous. Do not let greed or power corrupt you.
Live as one who belongs to God. Not to earn your place in His presence, but because Christ has secured it for you.
"Who may dwell on Your holy hill?" The one who walks in righteousness.
And thanks be to God, that in Christ, we are made righteous.
Example Prayer
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come before You in reverence and humility, acknowledging that You alone are sovereign over all creation. You reign with perfect justice, wisdom, and mercy. We praise You for Your steadfast love, Your faithfulness to Your covenant people, and the grace that You have lavished upon us through Christ. We confess that we have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, failing to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Yet, in Your mercy, You have granted us forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. We thank You for the gift of salvation, for the provision of our daily needs, and for the privilege of calling upon Your name in prayer.
We lift up Trinity Presbyterian Church before You, asking that You strengthen Pastor Andrew Dionne and the congregation as they boldly proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Keep them steadfast in their commitment to Your Word, deepening their faith and equipping them to stand firm against all opposition. Let their ministry bear much fruit, that sinners would be drawn to Christ and saints would be edified in the truth. Grant them unity, endurance, and an unquenchable zeal for Your glory, that they may shine as a beacon of biblical faithfulness in their community and beyond. Protect them from discouragement, and let them find joy in the labor of advancing Your kingdom.
We also bring before You Your servant Daniel Courney, who has returned to Nepal after boldly proclaiming the gospel in Israel. We pray that the seeds of truth he and his fellow laborers planted would take root, bringing forth repentance and faith in those who heard. Bless his work in Nepal as he preaches the gospel, cares for orphans, and plants churches. Provide for his needs, strengthen him against all opposition, and grant him wisdom as he shepherds the flock entrusted to him. Let the gospel advance mightily through his ministry, and may Christ be magnified in that land.
Father, we intercede for the Jeffersonville City Council, asking that You grant its members wisdom, discernment, and a steadfast commitment to justice according to Your moral law. Guide their decisions so that they may govern righteously, upholding truth and protecting the welfare of the community. Guard them from corruption and deception, and give them courage to stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular. Let them seek not only the wisdom to lead but also the wisdom that comes from fearing You and following Christ. May they be bold to punish evil and defend the good, ensuring that their leadership reflects Your righteousness and promotes the well-being of the people they serve.
Finally, Lord, we pray for the families of Sovereign King Church, that You would strengthen the husbands to lead with wisdom, love, and courage, and the wives to walk in joyful submission and faithfulness. Bless the children, that they may grow in knowledge and love of You, walking in obedience all their days. Uphold the pastors and elders, equipping them to shepherd the flock with diligence, boldness, and compassion. Let Your Word go forth with power in our midst, and may we as a church be a faithful witness to the gospel in Jeffersonville, Southern Indiana, and beyond. Establish the work of our hands, and may Your kingdom advance mightily through our obedience. We ask all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Family Worship Guide: Church History Lesson and Devotion
Key Verse:
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13
Introduction
When people hear the name “Valentine” today, they think of chocolates, flowers, and heart-shaped cards. But the real St. Valentine was not a sentimental symbol of romance—he was a bold, faithful pastor who stood against the tyranny of a pagan empire. His love was not mere emotion but sacrifice, rooted in Christ. His life reminds us that true Christian love is costly, and it is always tied to truth and righteousness.
The Life and Martyrdom of St. Valentine
St. Valentine was a Christian priest (and possibly a bishop) in Rome during the 3rd century, under the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At that time, the Roman Empire was hostile toward Christianity, and Claudius had issued an edict forbidding soldiers from marrying, believing that unmarried men made better warriors. Valentine, knowing that marriage was a gift from God and that it pointed to Christ and His bride, the Church, defied the emperor’s orders. He secretly performed Christian weddings, encouraging believers to honor God’s design rather than bow to the whims of a tyrant.
Valentine was eventually arrested and brought before the emperor. When questioned, he boldly testified to Christ, calling Claudius to repent and believe in the gospel. The emperor, enraged by his defiance, ordered him to be imprisoned. While in jail, Valentine continued to minister, even witnessing to the jailer and his family. Tradition holds that he prayed for the jailer’s blind daughter, and by God’s grace, her sight was restored.
Despite this miracle, Claudius refused to release him. Instead, on February 14, around the year 269 AD, Valentine was beaten with clubs and beheaded for his faith. He died as a true shepherd, laying down his life for his flock.
Application for Families
The story of St. Valentine is a reminder that love is not mere sentimentality—it is action, truth, and sacrifice. Today, our culture distorts love, making it all about feelings and self-fulfillment. But biblical love is grounded in God’s law and is willing to suffer for righteousness. Here are some key lessons for families:
Love Requires Boldness – Valentine stood against an unjust decree because he knew God’s law was higher than man’s. Teach your children to stand firm in truth, even when the world demands compromise.
Marriage is Sacred – The world attacks marriage, but God ordained it as a picture of Christ and His Church. Families should honor marriage, preparing sons to be godly husbands and daughters to be godly wives.
True Love is Sacrificial – Christ showed the ultimate love by dying for His people. Valentine followed in his Lord’s footsteps. We should love one another in deed and in truth, laying down our lives in service to God and others.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the witness of St. Valentine, who stood boldly for Christ and for the truth of Your Word. Grant us courage to love as he did—not with fleeting emotions, but with steadfast faith and sacrificial obedience. Strengthen our families to honor marriage, defend righteousness, and proclaim the gospel in a world that despises it. May we follow the example of Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
