Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 3026 to 3050 of 3314 results

3026. A New Basis for Appeal

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... by it, God habitually acts to comfort the downcast (Isa. 40:1; Matt. 5:4; James 4:6–10; 1 Pet. 5:5–6). In his own case, therefore, Paul interpreted the coming of Titus, and the news he brought of the Corinthians’ renewed “concern” for their apostle, as a real and divinely wrought comfort (7:6–7). But it was not only Paul who had suffered through the events of the recent past. The church had also experienced remorse upon their receipt of his last letter. Thus, while it had not been Paul’s ...

3027. An Appeal for Full Response to the Collection

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

Having expressed renewed confidence in the Corinthian church, Paul now proceeds to a further appeal concerning “service to the Lord’s people” (8:4). The service the apostle has in mind involves the collection of an offering intended to supply the “needs of God’s people” and to be a manifest “expression of thanks to God” (9:12). There seems no doubt that this is the same gift for Jerusalem that was first mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16: ...

3028. Paul Boasts About His Sufferings

2 Corinthians 11:16-33

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... was forced to flee the city of Damascus in secret (11:32–33; Acts 9:23–25). It is in demonstrations of divine power at work to support him in such moments of human vulnerability that Paul urges his audience to seek confirmation of his right to be called an apostle.

3029. Correcting Cephas

Galatians 2:11-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... all persons saved by Christ (cf. Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11–22; one wonders, after twenty centuries, have we learned this lesson even today?). As Paul relates this story, it seems that he has concluded his personal apologetic. Is Paul an apostle? Yes. The Galatians have heard his testimony of seeing Jesus personally and having his status confirmed by the Jerusalem leadership. Does he have equal authority with Jerusalem? Yes. In fact, they recognize not only his equality but his primacy over matters concerning ...

3030. The Purpose of the Law

Galatians 3:15-25

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of following the Mosaic law, would have been the earlier covenant’s fulfillment. (This is what Paul means when he points out that a multifaceted fulfillment was never in view as would be implied if the covenant had specified “and to seeds” [3:16].) The apostle is not being overly literal with the term “seed.” He only wishes to remind his readers of what they, and the opponents, have come to know, namely, that the Abrahamic covenant would be fulfilled by a personal deliverer and not by a legal code ...

3031. Sons of God

Galatians 3:26--4:7

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... s elaboration on the oneness found in Christ leaves no room for those in Galatia (or for modern readers) to allow for any prejudicial treatment of fellow believers in light of ethnic, economic, or gender particularities. Rather than an exhaustive list, the apostle provides enough elaboration to show that absolutely no distinction can be carried over into the Christ experience. We should also note, as do many, that the couplets Jew/Greek and slave/free are not exactly like male/female. While the two former ...

3032. An Appeal to the Galatians

Galatians 4:8-20

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... (4:11). Such actions suggest that they have made no progress since Paul’s visits. In their attempt to mature through legalism, the Galatians have actually indulged in a childish flirtation with danger. 4:12–20 · An appeal to their personal relationship: The apostle turns to offer the Galatians an objective measure by which to judge his arguments and motives. He refers back to their first meeting (4:13; the Greek term for “first” would normally refer to the first in a series, possibly giving some ...

3033. Freedom in Christ

Galatians 5:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 9:43, where Jesus uses similar terminology in reference to something that is a skandalon.) 5:13–15 · Proof of one’s grounding:Paul has now thoroughly analyzed the opponents’ position and has found it wanting. Paul has defended his position as an apostle and his rejection of the additional requirements of Jewish conversion for Gentiles who want to come into the covenantal relationship with God through faith in Christ. Yet one might ask, “What’s left? If you take away law, by what standard will a ...

3034. Adoption: Removing the Barriers

Ephesians 2:11-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... hosts the premiere family reunion. In a metaphor echoing the allusion to the temple in 2:14, Paul describes the situation as the construction of a new temple (2:20–22), a new dwelling place for God on the earth among his people. Founded on the “apostles and prophets” (i.e., on the promises God has made), and with Christ himself as the cornerstone holding the whole structure together, this new building grows continually as people of all kinds are added to it. The fact that God lives in this new temple ...

3035. Digression: Paul, Outsiders, and God’s Glory

Ephesians 3:1-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... has done for them in Jesus Christ (3:2). Reviewing what Paul already mentioned (3:3; also Eph. 1:9–10?) will convince the readers of Paul’s grasp of this long-hidden plan, now made known by the Spirit to (and through) God’s chosen instruments, the apostles and prophets (3:4–5; see Eph. 2:20). From the viewpoint of the mission to the Gentile world, the essence of the mystery is this: by virtue of Jesus Christ, non-Jews have a place among God’s people alongside Jews, partaking in every way in the ...

3036. Imitating Christ’s Humility

Philippians 2:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... an example that defines and creates the gospel. Only those who truly model their lives on the life of Christ can live a life worthy of the gospel. Christ is the source of encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship with the Spirit, tenderness, and compassion. The apostle begins his appeal by asking the Philippians to make his joy complete not only by continuing to live out those characteristics they have received from Christ but also by “being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one ...

3037. The Example of Paul’s Suffering

Colossians 1:24--2:5

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... truth brought home to him with great force. In another prison epistle, Paul declares that he desires to participate in Christ’s sufferings, “becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Phil. 3:10–11). As an apostle, Paul knows well that tribulations are part of his work (see 1 Cor. 4:8–13; 2 Cor. 11:23–33). And he is convinced that the church, as Christ’s body, will experience suffering as it lives out the gospel’s truth. These sufferings ...

3038. Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... becomes the counterpoint to the dishonor they endure in their city. 2:15 · Exhortation to be steadfast: The Thessalonians are called to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings” they have received (2:15), through both the preaching they heard and the letter the apostles previously sent them (that is, 1 Thessalonians). The verse reflects a common exhortation given to new converts (see Rom. 14:4; 1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1; Phil. 1:27; 4:1) to stay stable and faithful to the Lord in the face of opposition ...

3039. The Third Prayer and Final Greetings

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... that defines how they are to live together in community (2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13) and how they are to live in relation to the unbelievers around them (Rom. 12:18; 1 Cor. 7:15; Heb. 12:14). This blessing flows from the character of God. The apostles also bless the church, saying, “The Lord be with all of you” (3:16b; Rom. 15:33; Phil. 4:9). The Lord is the one who is ever present with his people (Matt. 28:20; Acts 18:10). In the midst of their troubles and confusion, they are not left ...

3040. Law and Grace

1 Timothy 1:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

1:1–2 · Salutation: Timothy is under attack. Appropriately, then, Paul begins by calling attention to the fact that it is only by the command of God that he himself is an apostle. In so doing, Paul underlines not only his but also Timothy’s authority. Paul’s primary purpose in this letter (see 1 Tim. 3:14–15) is to bring the church together as God’s family. Thus he begins by recognizing Timothy as his own true son in the faith. ( ...

3041. The Lord’s Grace to Paul

1 Timothy 1:12-20

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... against God. He calls himself “a violent man,” using a term suggesting insolence and arrogance.Solemnly, Paul names himself “worst of sinners” (1:16). When writing his early, “great epistles,” Paul felt it sufficient to acknowledge himself “least of the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9). Writing later from prison and meditating on the comprehensive lordship of Christ, Paul moves himself further down the ladder: “I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people” (Eph. 3:8). Now, urging radical ...

3042. Prayer and Worship

1 Timothy 2:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... no male and female, embraces women’s prophesying in the assembly, names two women among those co-workers who have struggled alongside him in gospel ministry (Euodia and Syntyche), calls one woman a minister or deacon (Phoebe), and (perhaps) another an apostle (Junia). Different aspects of Paul’s thinking will challenge other communities: in view of creation and the fall, he specifies certain conditions under which women should demur. Though the NIV begins verse 15, “But women,” the Greek is actually ...

3043. Final Greetings

2 Timothy 4:9-18, 2 Timothy 4:19-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... named and with unnumbered and unnamed individuals from Rome. Though Paul is left without any ministerial assistance there besides Luke’s, God’s work goes on in the empire’s capital city. Additionally, even if he expects his death in the near future, the apostle will not despair and simply wait for it: he asks for a cloak in case he lasts the winter. Paul closes with two phrases—one an ascription, the other a benediction—that are fine capstones to his writing career. First, the ascription: “To ...

3044. Leaders and Rebels

Titus 1:1-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... executing his drama of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. That promise has been fulfilled “at his appointed season” through Jesus Christ’s coming (which Paul discusses at Titus 2:11 and 3:4) and in the “preaching entrusted to me,” says the apostle (1:1–3). Paul greets Titus, “my true son in our common faith,” with the standard “Grace and peace” (1:3) from the earlier letters (minus the addition of “mercy” as in 1 and 2 Timothy), suggesting to many commentators that this ...

3045. Personal Instructions

Titus 3:12-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... ). However, there also appear two individuals (Artemas and Zenas) and a place (Nicopolis, apparently on the west coast of the Greek mainland) that are otherwise unattested in Paul. The unfamiliar names seem unlikely from the hand of someone posing as the apostle. In fact, the references seem implicitly to confirm that Paul was released and went to new places unrecorded in Acts. Just before his final greetings, Paul reasserts his dominant concern: that believers on Crete show the proof of their teaching in ...

3046. Thanksgiving and Prayer

Philemon 1:1-7

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... to Philemon and other members in the church. There are four notable features in this opening greeting. First, Paul identifies himself as a “prisoner of Christ,” which is unusual since he typically describes himself in his letters as an “apostle” or “slave” of Christ. With the use of “prisoner” here Paul is probably (1) reminding his readers of his imprisonment, which results from his identification with Christ and his work for Christ, (2) evoking some emotional sympathy from Philemon and ...

3047. The High Priest of a New Covenant

Hebrews 8:1-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... But what are these two covenants? Commentaries are often singularly unhelpful at this point. It is usually asserted that the former covenant is the Mosaic administration per se and the new covenant is the superior administration introduced by Christ and the apostles. The contrast then is between a relatively inferior Old Testament revelation, faith, and spirituality and the fulfillment of the new epoch. But such an interpretation falls foul of the plain facts of the case and of the radical character of the ...

3048. Faith Defined and Exemplified

Hebrews 11:1-40

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... mean that what the faithful of the former era did not receive, Christians have. Believers today live in the age of fulfillment. “Something better” (11:40) then is taken to refer to the superior state of religious life introduced by Christ and his apostles. But such an interpretation utterly overturns the author’s argument. His readers have not received the promise (see Heb. 10:36) and will not unless they persevere in faith to the end as their forefathers did. The “something better” is surely not ...

3049. The Hidden Inheritance, the Hidden Lord

1 Peter 1:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... , a prayer, and an expression of thanks. But his delight at the wonderful message he has to impart is so great that, like Paul, he fills out these bare, formal “bones” with the glories of the Christian gospel. He is not simply Peter, but an apostle who writes with the authority of Jesus Christ. His recipients are not just the Christians of northern Asia Minor, but God’s elect, whose earthly address is only temporary. His prayer is not the usual “peace be yours in abundance” (see Dan. 4:1), but ...

3050. Final Exhortations and Greetings

1 Peter 5:1-11, 1 Peter 5:12-14

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... for those who are already touched by the glory of the coming age? Peter’s pastoral concern predominates in 5:1–5. His self-designation in verse 1 hints at this deeper concern. He is a “fellow elder” (NRSV omits this)—not an exalted apostle—and with them a witness of (better, “to”) Christ’s sufferings. He therefore enters into all that that means, sharing those sufferings himself and thus participating in the glory to be revealed. His readers are not alone in their suffering. Peter stands ...

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