The Family Worship Guide for the Week February 16-22nd 2025 The Sixth Week of Epiphany
Bible Passage for the Week
Deuteronomy 4:25-31
2 Samuel 3:1-11
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 16
Verse to Memorize
1 John 5:2-3
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 76. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Q. 77. What is required in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man, and of our own and our neighbour’s good name, especially in witness bearing.
Q. 78. What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth, or injurious to our own, or our neighbour’s, good name.
Who to pray for
Church: Trinity Reformed Church
Pastor Jody Killingworth
Ministry: Sweetwater Research
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Dustin White
Notes for Parents:
Deuteronomy 4:25-31
For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them.
Moses himself would not enter the Promised Land, but he labored to prepare God’s people for it. He warned them of many dangers, chief among them the temptation to forget God. The Lord was about to bless them with abundance, but prosperity breeds complacency. They would soon forget the grueling slavery of Egypt, the suffering of the wilderness, and the daily dependence on God for manna. They would grow comfortable, and in their comfort, their worship would grow cold. They would forget God.
When you cease to give God all glory and thanksgiving, you do not remain neutral—you turn to worshiping the creation instead. Israel would craft idols, provoking God’s wrath. Moses gave them a solemn warning, calling heaven and earth as witnesses: If they abandoned the Lord for idols, they would perish from the land. Their days there would be brief. If they wanted to worship false gods, then false gods they would serve—scattered among the nations, enslaved under the very powerless idols they trusted.
What a terrifying warning. They had no excuse—Moses had prepared them. Yet Scripture records their failure. They forgot God. They bowed to idols. They were scattered and enslaved in Babylon.
This is not just Israel’s story—it is ours. God has not changed. Those who refuse to glorify Him will be given over to their idolatry. And idols are cruel masters. They cannot save. They cannot hear your cries.
Again, God hasn’t changed. But neither have people. Yes, our customs change. Today, in our country, we would never think of chopping down the tree out back and carving it into a statue to bow down to and worship. But don’t think we aren’t tempted—especially in times of prosperity—to forget God and worship the creation.
John Calvin famously said, "The human heart is an idol-making factory." Anytime we stop giving God all the glory, we will turn our eyes onto His good creation and begin to worship it. We may not carve statues to bow before, but we exalt wealth, sex, power, family, careers, entertainment, and pleasure above God. Our hearts will always find something to worship. And every idol will fail you. They cannot see, hear, eat, or smell. In other words, they can’t rescue you in times of trouble, free you from sin, cleanse your conscience, or provide you with a secure future in eternity. They are just as powerless to save as they have always been. They cannot lift you from the pit, but they can drag you down into it.
Yet Moses did not leave the people without hope. He told them that even when they had fallen, even when they had been cast among the nations, they could still return to the Lord. He echoes the Apostle John:
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous." (1 John 2:1)
Do not forget God. Do not bow to idols. But when you do—when you hit rock bottom—look up. Seek Him in your distress. Cry out with all that you are, and you will find Him. He will not fail you. You may forget Him, but He will never forget His covenant promises.
God has not changed. If He has called you, He has not cast you off. His promises stand. Hold fast to them.
Do not sin. But when you do, run to Christ. Cling to Him. His eyes see the poor in spirit. His ears hear your cry.
Believe and be saved.
Psalm 16
Psalm 16 is often classified as a Messianic Psalm because it prophetically points to Christ, particularly in verses 8-11, which were quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:25-28 and by Paul in Acts 13:35-37 to show Christ’s resurrection.
Breakdown of Psalm 16
1. A Cry for Preservation (v. 1)
"Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You."
David begins the psalm by pleading for God’s protection. This reflects a trust in God’s providence rather than reliance on human strength.
2. The Lord as the Supreme Good (v. 2-4)
"I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’"
This verse establishes the doctrine of divine sufficiency—God alone is the source of all goodness. In contrast, those who pursue idols will only bring sorrow upon themselves (v. 4).
3. The Blessings of God’s Provision (v. 5-6)
"The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot."
David expresses contentment in God’s provision. His “portion” is not earthly wealth but God Himself. The “cup” is a metaphor for divine blessings.
4. Divine Guidance and Security (v. 7-8)
"I will bless the Lord who has advised me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Here, David recognizes God as his counselor. His faith is unshakable because his focus is fixed on the Lord.
5. The Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Joy (v. 9-11)
"For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay."
This is a direct prophecy of Christ’s resurrection. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks beyond himself, pointing to the Messiah who would not see corruption. The psalm ends with a triumphant declaration:
"You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Messianic Significance
Psalm 16 is quoted in Acts 2:25-28, where Peter preaches at Pentecost that David was not speaking of himself but of Christ. Paul later quotes it in Acts 13:35-37 to confirm that Jesus' body did not see corruption, unlike David's.
Theological Themes
The Sufficiency of God – All true joy and contentment come from Him.
The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked – Idolatry brings sorrow, but trust in God brings security.
The Resurrection and Eternal Life – A foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over death.
God’s Covenant Faithfulness – He will not forsake His people but will guide them into eternal joy.
Application
Find Your Refuge in God Alone – The world offers false securities, but only God is a sure foundation.
Avoid the Snares of Idolatry – Anything that takes precedence over God leads to ruin.
Trust in the Resurrection of Christ – Christ’s victory over death guarantees eternal life for believers.
Live with the Hope of Heaven – The ultimate joy is found in God’s presence, not in temporary earthly pleasures.
Psalm 16 is a psalm of confidence, trust, and hope—rooted in the assurance of God's protection and the future resurrection of the Messiah. It is a psalm that fuels Christian faith, reminding us that in God's presence is fullness of joy.
Example Prayer
Almighty God, our gracious and sovereign Father, we come before You in reverence and humility, acknowledging that You are the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, and the righteous ruler of the nations. We thank You for Your abundant mercy, for the salvation purchased by the blood of Your Son, and for the guiding power of Your Holy Spirit. We confess our sins before You, knowing that we have often failed to honor You as we ought, and we ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Strengthen us in holiness, that we may walk in obedience to Your Word and glorify You in all that we do.
Father, we lift up the expectant mothers of our congregation: Vivian Tocci, Courtney Parkes, Caitlin Govanus, Isabelle Hargis, Kristin Nolan, Gabby Fluhr, and Oli Fluhr. We thank You for the precious gift of children, for they are a heritage from the Lord and a blessing to the family and the church. We pray that You would sustain these women in health and strength, granting them endurance and peace throughout their pregnancies. Protect the little ones in their wombs, knitting them together fearfully and wonderfully according to Your perfect design. May each child be brought safely into this world and raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Grant these mothers faith and joy in the calling You have given them, and bless their families with unity and steadfast love.
Lord, we also bring before You Trinity Reformed Church and Pastor Jody Killingsworth. Bless them as they boldly proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and labor to advance the Great Commission. Deepen their spiritual growth, strengthen their faith, and keep them steadfast in their commitment to Your Word. May they remain unified in truth, undeterred by opposition, and faithful in their calling. Let their ministry be fruitful, their endurance unwavering, and their zeal for Your glory burn ever brighter. May their witness shine as a beacon of biblical faithfulness in their community and beyond, bringing many to repentance and faith in Christ.
We also pray for Sweetwater Research as they work to provide clean water solutions and support Gospel-centered ministries worldwide. Bless their efforts in Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia, that they may effectively meet both physical and spiritual needs. Guide the development of the Sweetwater Field App, that it may be a tool of good stewardship and wise resource management. Grant them wisdom as they seek new board members to lead and strengthen their mission. May their work glorify Christ and serve as a testimony of Your provision, bringing the true and living water of the Gospel to those in need.
Finally, we lift up Jeffersonville City Councilmember Dustin White before You. Lord, grant him wisdom, integrity, and courage in his role as a civil magistrate. Guide him in making decisions that align with Your truth, that he may uphold justice and righteousness in the governance of the city. Give him discernment to resist corrupt influences and stand firm in protecting the welfare of the community. May he seek not only to lead well but to walk in righteousness before You, fearing the Lord and trusting in Your guidance. Protect him and his family, and strengthen him to fulfill his duties with steadfastness and a commitment to truth. We pray also for the entire Jeffersonville City Council, that they would govern in a manner that honors Christ, punishes evil, and defends the good.
Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless Sovereign King Church, its families, its pastors and elders, and all who labor for the advancement of Your Kingdom. Strengthen the men of the church to lead their homes in godliness, the women to walk in faithful submission and virtue, and the children to grow in wisdom and obedience. Grant us boldness to proclaim Your truth, faithfulness in our witness, and an ever-deepening love for You and Your people. May Your kingdom advance in Jeffersonville, in Southern Indiana, and to the ends of the earth, as all nations bow before the King of kings and Lord of lords.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.
Church History Lesson: Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560)
Key Scripture: Romans 1:17
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”
Introduction
On February 16, 1497, Philipp Melanchthon was born in Bretten, Germany. Though often overshadowed by Martin Luther, he was a crucial figure in the Protestant Reformation. As a scholar, theologian, and reformer, Melanchthon helped systematize and defend the doctrines of the Reformation. His work ensured that the Protestant movement was not only a fiery revival but also a well-grounded theological reformation.
Melanchthon’s Role in the Reformation
From a young age, Melanchthon was recognized as a brilliant scholar. He became a professor of Greek at the University of Wittenberg at just 21 years old. It was there that he met Martin Luther, and the two became close allies in the work of reforming the Church.
While Luther was the bold, bombastic preacher and writer, Melanchthon was the careful, systematic thinker. He played a crucial role in shaping Lutheran theology by writing Loci Communes, the first systematic Protestant theology book. He also helped draft the Augsburg Confession (1530), a foundational statement of Lutheran beliefs presented to the Holy Roman Emperor.
Unlike Luther, who was often combative, Melanchthon was known for his conciliatory spirit. He sought unity among the various branches of the Reformation and even engaged in discussions with Roman Catholics in hopes of restoring the true gospel within the Church. Though he sometimes compromised too much in theological discussions, his efforts were rooted in a desire to see the Church stand firm on the doctrines of justification by faith alone.
Application for Families
Melanchthon teaches us that the Church needs both firebrands and scholars. Luther provided the bold leadership to break from Rome, but Melanchthon helped provide theological depth and structure to ensure the Reformation had lasting impact. In the same way, our churches and families need both conviction and wisdom.
As parents, we should encourage our children to develop both a passionate faith and a well-grounded understanding of God’s Word. We must be people who can stand boldly for the truth, but also communicate it with wisdom, clarity, and grace.
Fathers: Teach your children sound doctrine. Do not settle for shallow faith. Read Scripture and catechize your children so they can stand firm in their beliefs.
Mothers: Help your children see that deep thinking about God’s Word is not just for scholars—it is for every Christian. Encourage them to ask questions and seek biblical answers.
Children: Do not be content with simply knowing Bible stories. Study God’s Word and learn theology so you can explain and defend your faith.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, we thank You for raising up men like Philipp Melanchthon who labored to preserve the truth of the gospel. Help us to be both bold and wise in our faith, standing firm on Your Word while also teaching it with clarity. Strengthen our families and churches to be well-grounded in sound doctrine so that we may glorify You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
