Family Worship Guide

Scripture Reading:
#1 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him (Jesus) was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13–14

#2 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he (Jesus) entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:21–22)

Prayer of Praise: Refer to the verses above and hymn below.

Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Reading of the Law: Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:17–18)

Silent Confession of Sin/Confession of Sin: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are prone to boast in ourselves rather than in You. We trust our own wisdom, strength, and reputation and we seek the approval of others instead of Your approval. We have judged by outward appearance rather than by faith, and we have resisted bringing every thought captive to Christ. Your Word tells us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Forgive us for our pride, our self-promotion, and our desire for control. Humble our hearts, renew our minds, and teach us to rest in the authority and sufficiency of Christ alone. We ask this in His name. Amen.

Reading of the Gospel: And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, (.Philippians 2:8–11)

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 51

Q & A #126

Q. What does the fifth petition mean?

A. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” means: Because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us. Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbors.

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Give thanks to God for revealing to his people the only way of salvation, through Christ alone. And give thanks for the promise of eternal life to those who believe.

Prayer of Supplication: Ask God to continue to protect until the day of redemption and for the peace that transcends all understanding.

Bible reading and commentary: 2 Corinthians 10

In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul begins the final major section of the letter, marked by a noticeable shift in tone. Having addressed generosity and reconciliation, Paul now confronts opposition to his apostolic authority. Some in Corinth were questioning his credibility, suggesting that he was unimpressive in person and bold only from a distance. Paul responds not defensively, but theologically, grounding his ministry in the character of Christ and the power of the gospel.

Paul opens by appealing “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (v.1). His authority is not modeled after worldly dominance but after the humility of the Savior. Paul acknowledges the charge that he appears “lowly” when present, yet he insists that gentleness does not negate strength. Christ Himself exercised divine authority through suffering love, and Paul’s ministry reflects that same pattern.

In verses 3–6 Paul clarifies the nature of Christian warfare. Though he lives “in the flesh,” he does not wage war according to worldly methods. The weapons of the church are spiritual, not coercive or manipulative, and they possess divine power to demolish “strongholds.” These strongholds are not political enemies but false ideas, proud reasoning, and sinful resistance to the knowledge of God. The gospel confronts the mind and heart, bringing every thought captive to Christ. This is a vital reminder that the church advances not by force or spectacle, but by truth proclaimed in dependence upon the Spirit.

Paul then challenges the Corinthians for judging ministry by outward appearance (v.7). Those who truly belong to Christ should recognize Christ’s authority at work through His appointed servant. Paul affirms that his authority was given by the Lord “for building you up and not for tearing you down” (v.8). True spiritual authority is always restorative, aimed at the edification of God’s people rather than self-exaltation.

In the final verses, Paul rejects self-promotion and comparison. His opponents measured themselves against one another, seeking approval through human standards. Paul refuses this game. He labors only within the sphere God has assigned him and seeks only one commendation: the Lord’s. The chapter concludes with a defining principle for Christian ministry and life: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (v.17). Human praise is fleeting, but divine approval endures. The true servant of Christ rests not in reputation, but in faithfulness before God.

Closing Hymn: 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.

Closing Scripture: Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

The Lord’s Prayer (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