Family Worship Guide

Call to Worship: Revelation 19:6–7

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; (ESV)

Hymn:‍ Great is Thy Faithfulness

Prayer of Adoration & Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father and our God, you do reign over all your creation. You deserve obedience from your creatures, you are the sovereign Lord and your creation shines because of your glory. Lord you are the faithful one whose compassion never fails. Your love transcends all understanding, your wisdom is perfect and you are praised for that. May you be blessed now and forevermore, In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN. Father hear us as we pray together . . . Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

Response: The Gloria Patri

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, Amen, amen.

Confession of Faith: Westminster Confession of Faith

Let’s continue our study of the Westminster Confession as we look at the ninth commandment which reads: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Question #143

Q. Which is the ninth commandment?

A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Question #144

Q. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?

A. The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbor, as well as our own: appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbors; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, concerning them; discouraging tale-bearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; keeping of lawful promises; study and practising of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.

Question #145

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbors, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; giving false evidence; suborning false witnesses; wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause; out-facing and overbearing the truth; passing unjust sentence; calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; forgery; concealing the truth; undue silence in a just cause, and holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from ourselves, or complaint to others; speaking the truth unseasonably, or maliciously to a wrong end, or perverting it to a wrong meaning, or in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice; speaking untruth, lying, slandering, backbiting, detracting, tale-bearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling, rash, harsh, and partial censuring; misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; flattering, vain-glorious boasting, thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; denying the gifts and graces of God; aggravating smaller faults; hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession; unnecessary discovering of infirmities; raising false rumours, receiving and countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defence; evil suspicion; envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, endeavouring or desiring to impair it, rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; scornful contempt; fond admiration; breach of lawful promises; neglecting such things as are of good report; and practicing or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering what we can in others, such things as procure an ill name.

Reading of the Law: 1 Peter 1:14–16

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV)

Silent Confession of Sin/Confession of Sin:

O Lord, my God, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, of failure to find your mind in your Word, of neglect to seek you in my daily life. My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations, but I bless you that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ; Go on to subdue my corruptions, and grant me grace to live above them. Let not the passions of the flesh nor lusts of the mind bring my spirit into subjection, but may you rule over me in liberty and power. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Revelation 22:17

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (ESV)

Scripture lesson: Mark 6:14-29

The Death Of John The Baptist

Questions to think about as you read the passage:

What truth did John tell Herod?

Why didn't Herod want to do what was right?

How can we use our words to honor God and help others?

Commentary

The ministry of Jesus is beginning to attract attention beyond the villages where He has been teaching. Herod hears about Jesus and becomes troubled by what he is hearing. Some say John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, while others offer different explanations. Herod, however, is convinced that Jesus is somehow connected to John, whom he had put to death. His guilty conscience seems to follow him even after John is gone.

Mark then takes us back to explain what happened. John had confronted Herod because he had taken Herodias, his brother’s wife, as his own. John did not soften his message because Herod was powerful. He told the truth about sin, even when speaking that truth put his own life at risk. Herod was conflicted. He feared John, knowing him to be righteous and holy, and yet he also wanted to hear him. Herod's response is a sobering picture of someone who can recognize truth without submitting to it.

The situation becomes even darker at Herod's birthday celebration. Herodias' daughter dances before the guests, and Herod, caught up in the moment and concerned about his reputation before those around him, makes a reckless promise. When the girl asks for John the Baptist's head, Herod is deeply distressed, but he chooses to keep his oath rather than do what is right. His pride and fear of man become stronger than his fear of God.

John's death is tragic, but his faithfulness is not a failure. He had been sent to prepare the way for Christ, and he remained faithful to that calling even when it cost him his life. John does not compromise the truth to preserve his position or his safety. Herod, by contrast, has power but is controlled by fear, guilt, pride, and the opinions of others.

There is also an important connection between John's death and the ministry of Jesus. The shadow of the cross is already falling across Mark's Gospel. Faithful service to Christ does not guarantee an easy life or protection from suffering. John is faithful and dies; Herod is powerful and remains alive. Yet Herod's apparent security is no real security at all. His guilty conscience reveals that earthly power cannot silence the truth or provide peace with God.

Now that you have heard the commentary, how would you answer these questions?

What truth did John tell Herod?

Why didn't Herod want to do what was right?

How can we use our words to honor God and help others?

Bonus: Why do you think Herod respected John and liked listening to him, yet still chose to have him killed? What does this teach us about knowing the truth versus obeying the truth?

Closing Application

Mark 6:14–29 reminds us that faithfulness to Christ may sometimes require standing for the truth when doing so is costly. John could not control Herod's response, but he could remain faithful to the message God had given him. The same is true for us. We are not called to measure faithfulness by comfort, popularity, or visible success. We are called to speak the truth, live under Christ's authority, and leave the consequences in God's hands.

When obedience to Christ becomes costly, whose approval are we most tempted to fear—the approval of people or the approval of God?

The Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

Prayer of Thanksgiving/Supplication:

Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are the God of truth. Every word You speak is trustworthy, and all Your promises are sure. We praise You for revealing Yourself through Your Word and for sending Your Son, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Thank You for Your patience with us when our words fail to reflect Your character. Thank You for the forgiveness we have in Christ for every careless word, half-truth, exaggeration, gossip, and unloving judgment. We are grateful that Your grace is greater than our sins and that You are continually at work to make us more like Jesus. And because You are a God of truth who has shown us such mercy, we now come asking for Your help. By Your Holy Spirit, teach us to speak truthfully, kindly, and wisely. Guard our mouths from gossip, slander, and words that tear others down. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and eager to believe the best about our neighbors whenever possible. Give us humility to admit when we are wrong and courage to speak the truth when it is difficult. May our words be marked by honesty, love, and a desire to honor You. Help our family to reflect Your truth in our conversations with one another, with friends, and with everyone we meet. Let our speech build up rather than destroy, encourage rather than discourage, and bring glory to Your name. We ask these things through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 8:12–21

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries. (ESV)

Closing Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (ESV)