Sermon and Worship Resources

Romans 8:28-39

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

8:28 Verse 28 is a widely quoted and often misunderstood passage. It is sometimes interpreted to mean that good fortune favors nice people, or that things are not as bad as they seem and that everything “will work out in the end.” But this is to confuse wishful thinking with Christian faith. The first part of verse 28 was in fact an axiom in both Hellenism and Judaism. Plato says in the Republic: This must be our notion of the just man, that even when he is in poverty or sickness, or any other seeming ...

2702. The Priestly Blessing

Numbers 6:22-27

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

6:22–27 This last section of chapter 6 prescribes the blessing Aaron and his sons are to pronounce over the people. The instruction comes through Moses. This blessing is presumably the one Aaron pronounced in Leviticus 9:22. These verses are the most famous in the book of Numbers and continue to be used as a benediction in Jewish and Christian tradition. The importance and antiquity of the blessing have recently been confirmed by archeological findings near Jerusalem. Two silver cylinders inscribed with ...

2703. Absalom's Conspiracy

2 Samuel 15:1-12

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Absalom – In Geshur and Jerusalem: 14:1 Although his reason for wanting Absalom back in Israel is obscure, Joab plays the key role in the account of Absalom’s return. Again, the writers’ awareness of people, their characters, and their motivations is remarkable. Both Joab and Absalom are portrayed with a great deal of insight. It is possible that Joab had tried before to obtain a pardon for Absalom, as David’s comment in verse 19 could indicate. That would then explain the circuitous route that Joab used ...

2704. David and Ziba

2 Samuel 16:1-4

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Absalom’s Rebellion Begins: Within these chapters there is an interest in the concept of loyalty: loyalty moving from David to Absalom; the loyalty of Ittai, Zadok, and Abiathar to David; Ahithophel’s disloyalty and Hushai’s apparent disloyalty; Shimei’s loyalty to Saul and the ambiguity of Ziba’s position. Behind this is the conviction that although human loyalties may be unpredictable and unreliable, God’s loyalty can always be trusted. 15:13–23 Although David had had no suspicions concerning Absalom’s ...

2705. Shimei Curses David

2 Samuel 16:5-14

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Absalom’s Rebellion Begins: Within these chapters there is an interest in the concept of loyalty: loyalty moving from David to Absalom; the loyalty of Ittai, Zadok, and Abiathar to David; Ahithophel’s disloyalty and Hushai’s apparent disloyalty; Shimei’s loyalty to Saul and the ambiguity of Ziba’s position. Behind this is the conviction that although human loyalties may be unpredictable and unreliable, God’s loyalty can always be trusted. 15:13–23 Although David had had no suspicions concerning Absalom’s ...

2706. Jesus Prays for His Disciples

John 17:6-19

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

Just as in verses 1–3, the Son’s work of “glorifying” the Father is defined as revealing or making the Father known, but in this case the revealing is to the specific group of disciples gathered to hear Jesus’ last instructions. The phrase those whom you gave me focuses on this limited group in contrast to all those you have given him (out of all people) in verse 2. Such phrases as they have obeyed (v. 6), now they know (v. 7), they accepted, they knew, they believed (v. 8) are Jesus’ testimony to the ...

2707. Jacob Wrestles with God

Genesis 32:1-32

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Jacob’s Enigmatic Wrestling Match: Before Jacob’s wrestling match (vv. 24–30), he has a vision of angels at Mahanaim (vv. 1–2). On the surface this brief report seems to be disjunctive. Nevertheless, several terms tie these two passages into the flow of the Jacob narrative. Jacob meets the angels or messengers of God (mal’ake ’elohim), and he sends “messengers” (mal’akim) to meet Esau. There is a play on “camp” (makhaneh; 32:2, 8, 10, 21) and “gift” (minkhah; 32:13, 20; 33:8, 10). Two terms for grace ...

2708. God's Angel to Prepare the Way

Exodus 23:20-33

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

Covenant Laws IV: Corruption, Poverty, Three Festivals, God’s Promises: The book of the covenant concludes with laws that establish judicial integrity (vv. 1–9); Sabbath laws that protect the poor and beasts of burden (vv. 10–13); and the institution of three yearly festivals (vv. 14–19). Then the text returns to the narrative of God’s promises to Moses (vv. 20–33). The alternating pattern of social justice legislation with laws about the people’s relation to God continues. 23:20–33 These verses are a ...

2709. The Table (II)

Exodus 37:10-16

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

Building: Ark, Table, Lampstand, Incense Altar, and Anointing Oil: After the people finished making the tent of meeting, they created the furnishings. The text continues to repeat, almost verbatim, the details of the instructions God gave to Moses in Exodus 25 and 30. The craftsman Bezalel, with focused labor, carries out the instructions using the generous materials that the people provided. The text of Exodus 37 is a somewhat shorter form of Exodus 25 and 30. It omits some of the detail, as generally ...

2710. The Lampstand (II)

Exodus 37:17-24

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

Building: Ark, Table, Lampstand, Incense Altar, and Anointing Oil: After the people finished making the tent of meeting, they created the furnishings. The text continues to repeat, almost verbatim, the details of the instructions God gave to Moses in Exodus 25 and 30. The craftsman Bezalel, with focused labor, carries out the instructions using the generous materials that the people provided. The text of Exodus 37 is a somewhat shorter form of Exodus 25 and 30. It omits some of the detail, as generally ...

2711. The Altar of Incense (II)

Exodus 37:25-29

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

Building: Ark, Table, Lampstand, Incense Altar, and Anointing Oil: After the people finished making the tent of meeting, they created the furnishings. The text continues to repeat, almost verbatim, the details of the instructions God gave to Moses in Exodus 25 and 30. The craftsman Bezalel, with focused labor, carries out the instructions using the generous materials that the people provided. The text of Exodus 37 is a somewhat shorter form of Exodus 25 and 30. It omits some of the detail, as generally ...

2712. Defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon

Deut 2:1-23–2:37

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Reminder of Past Victories: The first three chapters of Deuteronomy not only warn the people from past failures but also encourage them from past victories. The words to Joshua near the end of the section (3:21f.) give the point of the whole: God can do again what they had seen God do before, even for other nations. Their God did not lack experience! The structure of the section can be presented as follows: 2:1–8 – Encounter with Edom 2:9–18 – Encounter with Moab 2:19–23 – Encounter with Ammon 2:24–37 – ...

2713. The Reading of the Law

Deuteronomy 31:9-13

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

A Song for the Future: At this point we move finally to the “outer frame” of the book, composed of chapters 1–3 and 31–34. The links between the two sections are very clear, and they could be read together continuously. The common theme, especially at the “join” (cf. 3:21–28), is the commissioning of Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land, in view of the fact that Moses would not do so but would die outside it. However, whereas chapters 1–3 focus primarily on the past, chapters 31–34 shift to the ...

2714. Jerusalem's Deliverance Foretold

2 Kings 19:1-13

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The Assyrian Assault on Judah: The second David has arrived. He has reformed Judean worship according to Mosaic law, casting off foreign influence and domination. We wait to see what will happen when the king of Assyria tries to take the kind of vengeance on Judah that he has just inflicted upon Israel. 18:13–16 The beginning of the Assyrian assault is reported in verses 13–16, as a new king (Sennacherib) attacks all the fortified cities and captures them. This is not a very promising beginning. It seems ...

2715. Hezekiah's Prayer

2 Kings 19:14-19

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The Assyrian Assault on Judah: The second David has arrived. He has reformed Judean worship according to Mosaic law, casting off foreign influence and domination. We wait to see what will happen when the king of Assyria tries to take the kind of vengeance on Judah that he has just inflicted upon Israel. 18:13–16 The beginning of the Assyrian assault is reported in verses 13–16, as a new king (Sennacherib) attacks all the fortified cities and captures them. This is not a very promising beginning. It seems ...

2716. Isaiah Prophesies Sennacherib’s Fall

2 Kings 19:20-37

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The Assyrian Assault on Judah: The second David has arrived. He has reformed Judean worship according to Mosaic law, casting off foreign influence and domination. We wait to see what will happen when the king of Assyria tries to take the kind of vengeance on Judah that he has just inflicted upon Israel. 18:13–16 The beginning of the Assyrian assault is reported in verses 13–16, as a new king (Sennacherib) attacks all the fortified cities and captures them. This is not a very promising beginning. It seems ...

2717. Jehoiakim King of Judah

2 Kings 23:36--24:7

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The End of Judah: Josiah, like Ahab, humbled himself before the LORD, and judgment, as in Ahab’s case, did not fall during Josiah’s reign. The implication of the analogy is that we may expect it to fall during the reign of Josiah’s son (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:28–29). This is exactly what we find now, as the story of Kings comes to its end. It is not, however, the first of Josiah’s sons to sit on his throne (Jehoahaz) who experiences the full force of God’s wrath (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:51–2 Kgs. 1:18), or even the second, ...

2718. Jehoiachin King of Judah

2 Kings 24:8-17

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The End of Judah: Josiah, like Ahab, humbled himself before the LORD, and judgment, as in Ahab’s case, did not fall during Josiah’s reign. The implication of the analogy is that we may expect it to fall during the reign of Josiah’s son (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:28–29). This is exactly what we find now, as the story of Kings comes to its end. It is not, however, the first of Josiah’s sons to sit on his throne (Jehoahaz) who experiences the full force of God’s wrath (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:51–2 Kgs. 1:18), or even the second, ...

2719. Zedekiah King of Judah

2 Kings 24:18-20a

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The End of Judah: Josiah, like Ahab, humbled himself before the LORD, and judgment, as in Ahab’s case, did not fall during Josiah’s reign. The implication of the analogy is that we may expect it to fall during the reign of Josiah’s son (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:28–29). This is exactly what we find now, as the story of Kings comes to its end. It is not, however, the first of Josiah’s sons to sit on his throne (Jehoahaz) who experiences the full force of God’s wrath (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:51–2 Kgs. 1:18), or even the second, ...

2720. The Fall of Jerusalem

2 Kings 24:20b--25:26

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

The End of Judah: Josiah, like Ahab, humbled himself before the LORD, and judgment, as in Ahab’s case, did not fall during Josiah’s reign. The implication of the analogy is that we may expect it to fall during the reign of Josiah’s son (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:28–29). This is exactly what we find now, as the story of Kings comes to its end. It is not, however, the first of Josiah’s sons to sit on his throne (Jehoahaz) who experiences the full force of God’s wrath (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:51–2 Kgs. 1:18), or even the second, ...

2721. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem: 15:1–16:43 The Chronicler now narrates the renewed and this time successful attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem (15:1–16:43; cf. 2 Sam. 6:19–20a as source material). The actual bringing of the ark to Jerusalem comprises only a small part of the narrative (1 Chron. 15:25–16:3; cf. 2 Sam. 6:12–19a). The remainder of 1 Chronicles 15–16 features descriptions of David’s preparations as well as the appointment of clergy and other staff to minister before the ark. The Chronicler’s ...

2722. The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign

2 Chronicles 20:31--21:3

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign: 20:31–21:1 This final episode contains another evaluation of Jehoshaphat, as well as a short account of the king’s alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel in a failed maritime operation. Although the Chronicler used the source text in 1 Kings 22:41–50, he also made some significant changes to it and left out the material from 1 Kings 22:44, 46–47. For example, the source text mentions (1 Kings 22:43) that “the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense,” but instead ...

2723. Jeremiah's Complaint

Jeremiah 12:1-4, Jeremiah 12:5-17, Jeremiah 11:18-23

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

God Protects His Prophet (11:18--12:1-6): This passage speaks of a plot against Jeremiah. It begins with Jeremiah’s complaint (11:18–20) and ends with God’s judgment against those who are plotting against him (11:21–23). Then the text continues with another complaint (12:1–4), followed by a divine response (12:5–6). Jeremiah was an unpopular person because while other prophets were claiming that God would bring peace, Jeremiah was saying that defeat was inevitable and the result of the people’s sin (see ...

2724. This Woman Was a Fighter

Matthew 15:21-28

Sermon

King Duncan

She was a single mom with a special needs child, and she desperately needed Jesus’ help. Okay, so the scriptures don’t actually say that she was single. Our lesson simply doesn’t mention her husband, but I’ve seen enough single moms courageously facing difficult obstacles that I can imagine she may have been one of them. Perhaps her husband had been killed in an accident or simply died young as many people did back then. Maybe when he saw the extent of his daughter’s disability, he decided he didn’t want ...

2725. In Search of Heroes

Matthew 16:21-28

Sermon

King Duncan

On one of his programs years ago, legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey told the thrilling story of a man named Ray Blankenship. It seems that one summer morning as Blankenship was preparing his breakfast, he gazed out the window and saw something that made his heart nearly stop. A small girl had fallen into a rain-flooded drainage ditch beside his home and was rapidly being swept downstream. Blankenship knew that not far away the drainage ditch disappeared beneath the road and then emptied into the main ...