Redeemer Equips: 1689 Chapter 22 & 23

I. Introduction & Prayer (0–5 minutes)

Prayer

Quick context: After discussing liberty of conscience, the Confession turns to how freed believers worship God acceptably and speak/commit honestly. These chapters protect pure worship from human invention and guard our words as acts of reverence.

Big picture: Ch. 22 = How we approach God in worship (and why one day belongs to Him). Ch. 23 = How our speech and promises honor God (oaths/vows as worship).

Hook question (ask 1–2 people): “What makes worship ‘acceptable’ to God in your mind?” (Transition: The Confession says Scripture alone decides.)

II. Chapter 22 – Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day (5–25 minutes | ~20 min)Walk through the 8 paragraphs in clusters, reading key sentences aloud and tying to Scripture. Focus on the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW) as the heartbeat.

A. Foundation & Object of Worship (Paras. 1–2 | 4 min)

Light of nature teaches God’s existence and worthiness (fear, love, praise, etc.—Mark 12:33).

But acceptable worship is instituted by God alone—not imagination, Satan’s suggestions, images, or anything not prescribed in Scripture (Deut. 12:32; Ex. 20:4–6).

Worship goes to the Triune God alone, through Christ the only Mediator (Matt. 4:10; John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5).

Key term to write: Regulative Principle – “Whatever is not commanded is forbidden” in worship.

Quick application: Contrast with churches that add drama, images, or “creative” elements.

B. Prayer as Worship (Paras. 3–4 | 4 min)

Required of all, with thanksgiving.

Must be: in Jesus’ name, by the Spirit’s help, according to God’s will, with reverence/faith/love, in understandable language.

For whom: lawful things and all living people (1 Tim. 2:1–2); not for the dead or those who have committed the sin unto death (1 John 5:16).

Application: Family prayer, public prayer, and why we don’t pray for the deceased.

C. Elements of Worship & Where/When It Happens (Paras. 5–6 | 5 min) Elements (all done with obedience, faith, reverence):

Reading, preaching, hearing the Word.

Singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19).

Baptism and Lord’s Supper.

Occasional fasting and thanksgiving.

Places: Everywhere “in spirit and truth” (John 4:21–24); daily in private/family; solemnly in public assemblies (don’t neglect—Heb. 10:25). Application question: “Which element do we sometimes treat casually?”

D. The Christian Sabbath / Lord’s Day (Paras. 7–8 | 7 min)

One day in seven is a perpetual moral command for worship (Ex. 20:8).

Shifted from last day (creation) to first day after Christ’s resurrection (Lord’s Day—Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10).

How to keep it holy: Prepare hearts/affairs in advance; holy rest from own works/words/thoughts about worldly things; fill the day with public/private worship + works of necessity and mercy (Isa. 58:13; Matt. 12:1–13).

Application (discuss briefly): What does “rest” and “delight” look like today? Challenges in a 24/7 world? (Leave room for student input.)

III. Chapter 23 – Lawful Oaths and Vows (25–35 minutes | ~10 min)Tie back: Oaths and vows are elements of religious worship—serious speech before God.

A. Lawful Oaths (Paras. 1–4 | 6 min)

Definition: Solemnly calling God as witness to the truth of what we say, asking Him to judge us accordingly (in truth, righteousness, judgment—Ex. 20:7; Deut. 10:20).

Rules: By God’s name only, with holy fear/reverence.

Allowed: In weighty matters to confirm truth and end strife, when required by lawful authority (Heb. 6:16; Neh. 13:25).

Must be: Considered gravely (only what we know is true); in plain sense of words (no mental reservations or equivocation—Ps. 24:4).

Application: Court testimony, wedding vows, contracts, promises to God.

B. Lawful Vows (Para. 5 | 4 min)

Made to God alone, performed with care and faithfulness (Ps. 76:11; Gen. 28:20–22).

Rejection of “popish” monastic vows of perpetual celibacy, poverty, and blind obedience—they are sinful snares (1 Cor. 7:2,9; Eph. 4:28).

Positive examples: Marriage vows, personal commitments to the Lord.

Application: “Have I ever made a rash vow? How do I keep my word to God and others?”

IV. Connections, Applications & Close (35–40 minutes | ~5 min)

Link between chapters: Both elevate everyday actions (worship, speech, promises) as acts offered to the living God. Pure worship flows from a heart that fears Him; truthful speech honors Him.

Quick discussion (1–2 questions, or pair-share):

How does the Regulative Principle protect our freedom in worship?

What one practical change could you make this week to better keep the Lord’s Day or guard your words?

Closing challenge: These chapters call us to worship that pleases God and lives that reflect His truthfulness.

Prayer

Optional homework: Read Ch. 24 (Civil Magistrate) and note one connection to Chs. 22–23.