Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 3026 to 3050 of 3852 results

3026. The Beast from the Sea (Antichrist)

Revelation 13:1b-10

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J. Scott Duvall

... 10) and the beast from the earth (13:11–18). The dragon, the beast from the sea (antichrist), and the beast from the earth (false prophet) comprise the “unholy trinity” (paralleling Father, Son, and Spirit, respectively). This unit describes the beast’s origin, relationship to the dragon, actions against God and his people, and influence on the world. Through it all, God remains in control since the beast operates within the divine limits (“was given” occurs five times in 13:5–7, 14–15). The ...

3027. Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

Revelation 15:1-8

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J. Scott Duvall

... it all, they have remained faithful to Jesus and his revealed will. They now celebrate with the song of Moses and the Lamb, one song rather than two, since the Lamb’s song fulfills Moses’s song inasmuch as the final, eschatological exodus fulfills the original deliverance from Egypt. God’s triumph over Pharaoh and his army foreshadows his triumph over the dragon and his army of demons. This song is rooted in the celebration of Exodus 15:1–18 (cf. also Deut. 32:1–43) and repeats the scene of ...

3028. The Sin Offering

Leviticus 4:1--5:13

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... The exact meaning and derivation of the Hebrew word kipper, “to make atonement” (Lev. 4:20a), is disputed. The following is one take on it. The verb kipper (“to atone”) arguably is derived from the noun koper (“ransom, gift”), with an original meaning of “placate,” “mollify,” “satisfy,” or “appease” an offended party by means of gifts. That is the meaning when Jacob tries to “pacify” or “appease” Esau by sending him presents (Gen. 32:20–21). A gift that turns away a god ...

3029. Sexual Discharges

Leviticus 15:1-33

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... . Display used motor oil and new motor oil in two different glass jars. Talk about the reality that as the oil moves through the engine, lubricating the moving parts and reducing friction points, the oil picks up dirt. If left unchanged, the oil that originally protected the engine will actually promote breakdown. It is impossible for us to live in this world of sin without being impacted by it. We are “saved sinners.” Though we have forgiveness in Christ, we must seek forgiveness every day. Doing so is ...

3030. The Census of the Twelve Tribes

Num 1:1–2:54

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... (1 Chron. 5:1–2; cf. Gen. 35:22; 49:3–4). Given that the Israelites orient toward the east, the tribe of Reuben’s position at the “right hand” of the tabernacle is a sort of consolation prize for its patriarch’s having forfeited his original position of prominence. Simeon was Leah’s second child. Skipping Leah’s third child, Levi, the text goes to Gad, the first son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. 2:17 Levites . . . in the middle of the camps. The tent of meeting is at the center of ...

3031. The Nazirite Vow

Numbers 6:1-21

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... is to be offered whenever holy things have been defiled or vows have been violated (cf. Lev. 5:14–19; 6:1–7; Num. 5:5–8). The Nazirite vow resets back to day one once violated, and it begins again for the same time period as the original vow. 6:13 the law of the Nazirite when the period of their dedication is over. The priestly ritual at the completion of a Nazirite vow takes place at the tabernacle. 6:14-21 a burnt offering . . . a sin offering . . . a fellowship offering. These perhaps cover ...

3032. Preparations for Worship (Part 1)

Numbers 7:1-89

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... of God. Object Lesson: If it is appropriate in your context, consider highlighting some of the gifts that have been given to your church and the reasons for those gifts. Often, our church buildings are filled with objects given for deeply meaningful reasons that have been totally forgotten. Highlighting these original reasons can remind church members that what matters most is not the gift but rather the heart of the giver.

3033. Israel Celebrates the Passover

Numbers 9:1-14

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... Testament, Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. For that reason, Israel is commanded to commemorate that event annually by celebrating Passover on the fourteen day of its first month. Numbers 9:1–14 marks the first commemoration of Passover since that original event. Israel’s observance of Passover is not optional but mandatory. The regular celebration of the Lord’s Supper that Christians are commanded to keep is likewise a reminder to Christians of God’s great act of salvation through Jesus Christ ...

3034. Failure to Enter the Land

Num 13:1–14:9

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... to the people’s request. 13:4 These are their names. The tribal leaders listed in Numbers 13:4–15 are different from the ones specified in Numbers 1:5–15. 13:16 Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. Joshua’s original name was Hoshea (vv. 8, 16), meaning “He [God?] saves.” Joshua (Yehoshua) means “Yahweh is salvation.” Both are similar in meaning, but only “Joshua” refers explicitly to Yahweh. Joshua probably had not been renamed yet when he was a spy.1 Perhaps Joshua was ...

3035. A Failure of Leadership

Num 20:14-29

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... godly leader of God’s people falls flat. It seemed to have a good chance of success when it is devised, but when executed, it fails miserably. Ultimately, Moses must abandon his plan and come up with another. The new plan is much more inconvenient for Israel than Moses’s original plan. It is to turn away from Edom and go around it (Num. 20:23; 21:4). Just as Moses’s plan to pass through Edom failed, so our plans, or those of our spiritual leaders, often fail as well. It may or may not have to do with ...

3036. Reviewing the Past

Numbers 33:1-56

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... on the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), where Solomon builds a fleet to trade with Ophir (1 Kings 9:26–28). 33:36 Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin. Israel moves back from the north end of the Gulf of Aqaba to the north-central Sinai, from where scouts had originally been sent out, where Miriam dies, and near where the people rebel over lack of water causing Moses and Aaron to sin (Num. 13:26; 20:1–13; 27:14).21 33:37-39 Mount Hor. Hor is “on the border of Edom” (Num. 20:23).22On Aaron’s death ...

3037. David the Conqueror

2 Sam 5:6-25

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... The city also symbolizes David’s military prowess and intention to carry out the Lord’s ancient command to defeat Israel’s enemies. After all, he has uprooted a people that remained entrenched in the city and defied Israel since the time of the original conquest of the land. 5:10 because the Lord God Almighty was with him. This divine title (a variation on the traditional “Lord of Hosts”) highlights the Lord’s sovereignty and military might, envisioning him as one who sits enthroned over his ...

3038. The Lord Decides to Build David a House

2 Samuel 7:18-29, 2 Samuel 7:1-17

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... king, as the language of verse 14 makes clear (see comments below). Contrary to many of the grants, in David’s case there is no indication that God’s promise is given as a reward for David’s loyalty.5 It is merely an extension of God’s original sovereign choice of David to rule over Israel (vv. 9–10, 21). This choice is made on the basis of what God sees in David’s character (or “heart”; cf. 1 Sam. 13:14; 16:7), prior to any actions David performs after his anointing. Interpretive Insights 7 ...

3039. You Reap What You Sow

2 Sam 13:1-39

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... no identity in his eyes; as a mere object of his satisfied lust, she is simply “this woman” (v. 17).3 13:21 he was furious. David should reprimand his son in some tangible way. But David responds passively: he simply becomes angry.4 The original text (preserved in the LXX) specifically states that he does not reprimand Amnon because, as his firstborn son, he is loved by David.5 His passivity in dealing with Amnon will come back to haunt him when Absalom takes matters into his own hands. By refusing ...

3040. The Lord Chooses a Prophet

1 Sam 3:1--4:1

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... with the Lord, confirms Samuel’s status to Eli, as well as the inevitability of the announced judgment. 3:13 his sons blasphemed God. The traditional Hebrew text (MT) has “his sons made themselves contemptible,” but it is more likely that the original reading, preserved in an ancient scribal tradition and in the Septuagint (LXX: ancient Greek version of the OT), is “his sons blasphemed God.”4 Normally this verb (qalal) refers to a verbal curse or, if God is the object, blasphemy (Exod. 22:28 ...

3041. Meet Israel’s New King

1 Sam 9:1–10:8

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... prove this with David (1 Sam. 16:11–12). 10:1 Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance? The Hebrew text, upon which the NIV is based, has been shortened by an accidental scribal error of omission. In this case the Septuagint preserves the original text. The text should read: “Has not the Lord anointed you as ruler over his people Israel? You will govern the Lord’s people, and you will deliver them from the hand of their enemies who surround them. This will be your sign that the Lord ...

3042. Samuel Confronts the People

1 Samuel 12:1-25

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... 10:24), just as the narrator does in 11:15. However, there is a telling omission here: Samuel does not say that he has given them a king “like all the nations.” Surely the people know that the Lord has only partially acceded to their original request, for Samuel has explained the regulations of kingship to the people (10:25). So perhaps we should understand “everything” in verse 1 as overstated for the purpose of Samuel’s legal self-defense, or as assuming the qualifications placed on the king by ...

3043. Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:1-35

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... may persuade them to disobey the Lord even more. As a result, they may never return to a path of living wholeheartedly for God; even if there is recognition and recovery, grace does not eliminate the scars of the disobedience or restore the blessing that was originally intended. Literature: The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien. This novel (1954–55) by Tolkien (1892–1973) has been adapted into a trilogy of movies, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Observe the ...

3044. Saul on the Rampage

1 Samuel 22:6-23

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... understands “a man” in 2:33 as referring to Abiathar and reads the last clause of the verse, “will fall by the swords of men.” However, it is possible that these ancient witnesses have harmonized the text to 1 Samuel 22 and do not preserve the original reading. If one retains the Hebrew text of 2:33, it is difficult to know exactly what the text is saying, but possibly it is speaking more generally of the premature death of each of Eli’s successors (cf. vv. 31–32) and predicting that they will ...

3045. David Flees to Gath—Again

1 Samuel 27:1-12

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... historic provision for his children. Prayer: “The Serenity Prayer.” One of the most well-known prayers of our time, a portion of which was picked up and made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1950s, this prayer is thought to have been written originally by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) as part of a sermon. This prayer speaks eloquently of the powerful effects of a serene spirit that trusts steadfastly in God for each day, accepting what is given as from his hand, peaceful in the knowledge of his ...

3046. Job’s Reply to Eliphaz

Job 6:1–7:21

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Daniel J. Estes

... . 21). Theological Insights Job’s view of life as futile (7:3) is broadly parallel to the sentiments found in the book of Ecclesiastes, which views life “under the sun” (see Eccles. 1:3). This perception of human life on earth as harsh toil (Job 7:1) contrasts with the original dominion that God gave to humans in Genesis 1:26–28 and 2:15. It views life as under the curse (Gen. 3:17–19). In 7:17–18 Job parodies the words of the psalmist in Psalm 8:4 (cf. Ps. 144:3–4). Instead of humans enjoying ...

3047. Job Feels under Attack by God

Job 16:1-17:16

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Daniel J. Estes

... innocence can be proved. Interpretive Insights 17:2 Surely mockers surround me. In chapter 17, Job shifts his focus from the useless words of the friends (16:3) to the hurtful attitude they have displayed toward him. Although they purport to be his friends and they came originally to comfort him (2:11), Job now hears them as scoffers who speak with hostility against him. Job feels disgraced by them, as the psalmists are by people who mock them (e.g., Pss. 22:7, 13; 119:51). 17:3 Who else will put up ...

3048. Job Feels Both Confidence and Terror

Job 23:1--24:25

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Daniel J. Estes

... . Job does not turn aside to the right or to the left (cf. Prov. 4:26–27), but he keeps on God’s path. God’s way means following God’s word (23:12; cf. Ps. 119:105). By his commitment to God’s way, Job demonstrates that Yahweh’s original evaluation of his life in 1:8 and 2:3 was accurate. 23:12 I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. How a person lives reflects what a person loves, because actions follow values. Job’s heart is devoted to God, so his behavior ...

3049. “You Are My Son; Today I Have Become Your Father”

Psalm 2:1-12

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C. Hassell Bullock

... of some Israelite king’s elevation to the throne. We do not know which king, but given the David collection that it prefaces, it could have been composed as a literary introduction to Book 1 (Pss. 3–41). Hilber has made a case for a prophetic origin based on seventh-century Assyrian royal prophecy.1His monarchic dating certainly fits the content and form of the psalm, whether or not it was actually used as a coronation piece. We have already observed the relation of Psalm 2 to Psalm 1 (see the sidebar ...

3050. “I Will Not Fear Though Tens of Thousands Assail Me”

Psalm 3:1-8

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C. Hassell Bullock

... wicked.” God as warrior is a common metaphor in the Old Testament, and here the psalmist engages the bold metaphor of his involvement in hand-to-hand combat, but, as Schaefer comments, to see God “knocking out the teeth of the enemy is an original touch.”4 Theological Insights Psalm 3 illustrates the fact that theology and life are congenially related. David’s life was filled with conflict, yet he could lie down and sleep at night and awake to a life of trust “because the Lord sustains me” (3 ...

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