Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 3601 to 3625 of 4963 results

3601. Solomon's Prayer of Dedication

1 Kings 8:22-61

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... . This second appearance of God marks the endpoint of Solomon’s upward mobility and points us ahead to disaster. The place of the temple as a focal point for prayer is certainly assured, as Solomon had asked (v. 3; cf. 8:27–53), and there is a favorable response to his request about the future of the dynasty (vv. 4–5; cf. 8:25–26). The future of the temple and the dynasty, however—as well as possession of the very land itself (v. 7)—is made dependent upon obedience: the obedience of Solomon (9:4 ...

3602. Naboth’s Vineyard

1 Kings 21:1-29

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... that Ahab was the worst of kings (vv. 25–26). This is quite consistent with what we have read thus far; we know that he added to Jeroboam’s sin the sin of the Baal-worship (16:30–33). On the other hand, we read that in immediate response to Elijah’s words the great sinner demonstrates penitence (When Ahab heard, v. 27, paralleling v. 16; he is still only reacting to the words of others). The consequence is that God delays the disaster that will fall on his house (v. 29). This is curious, because the ...

3603. Jehoshaphat King of Judah

1 Kings 22:41-50

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... :1–4; 18:9–10; 22:1–28). The prophetic word, however, cannot be brought under human control. A man of God, precisely because he is a man of God, cannot be coerced by a mere king. The peremptory instructions of verses 9 and 11, therefore, meet with a fierce response, as Ahaziah comes to terms with the reality of the God of Carmel, who can send fire from heaven to consume his captains (vv. 10 and 12; cf. 1 Kgs. 18:38). The third captain accords Elijah the respect he is due as a prophet of the LORD and ...

3604. The Lord's Judgement of Ahaziah

2 Kings 1:1-18

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

3605. Moab Revolts

2 Kings 3:1-27

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... and his lovers in 1 Kgs. 11:2). His sins are still, of course, worthy of divine judgment. 3:4–8 The surprises continue as the narrative unfolds. Jehoram’s response to the rebellion of Moab (already mentioned in 2 Kgs. 1:1) is to seek help, like his father before him, from his southern neighbor Jehoshaphat. The Judean’s initial response we recognize from 1 Kings 22:4: I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses (v. 7). Immediately, then, we are quite deliberately reminded ...

3606. Naaman Healed of Leprosy

2 Kings 5:1-27

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... remained, had Elisha been involved. The lesson learned, Elisha is keen to drive it home. He refuses to accept any gift; for that is to trade in Naaman’s old currency. It is the living LORD, and not Elisha, who must take center stage. Naaman’s response reveals his grasp of what has happened. He will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god (v. 17). He will instead worship the living God, focusing that worship (we deduce) upon an altar made of earth taken from God’s special land ...

3607. Jehoahaz King of Israel

2 Kings 13:1-9

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... is able to offer Jehoash words of some comfort (vv. 15–19); however, they are qualified, apparently because the king’s response to prophetic commands is not unreserved. He begins well, doing exactly as he is told (cf. the emphasis on the complete ... s promise is that Jehoash will completely destroy (Hb. nḵh ʿaḏ-kallēh) the Arameans at Aphek. But because Jehoash chooses, in response to Elisha’s next command to strike (Hb. nḵh) the ground with the arrows, to strike only three times instead of five ...

3608. Hoshea Last King of Israel

2 Kings 17:1-6

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... has once again raised a question about whether this state of affairs will continue forever, and 2 Kings 17:7–17 now sharpens the question still further. Both kingdoms have sinned, and both have received prophetic warnings (v. 13). The implication is that, in the absence of any response, Judah will indeed go the same way as Israel. The Davidic promise will not in the end protect it (cf. the threat of 1 Kgs. 9:1–9). Its determination to act like Israel (1 Kgs. 14:21–24; 2 Kgs. 8:16ff.; 16:1–4) will at ...

3609. Hezekiah King of Judah

2 Kings 18:1-16

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... which Hezekiah pursued this bold policy and to prepare us for the story in 18:13–19:37, the fate of the northern kingdom is now reiterated (cf. 2 Kgs. 17:1–6). This was a time when rebellion against the Assyrian king evoked an aggressive, devastating response (vv. 9–11). We can hardly doubt that in such an environment, Judah, too, will soon be attacked. What will be the outcome then? The reminder in verse 12 that the people of the north, unlike the people of Judah under Hezekiah, had departed from all ...

3610. Isaiah’s Commission

Isaiah 6:1-13

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... senses, to repentance, and to forgiveness, even though it does not explicitly urge them to repentance and indicate that there is any way out. Isaiah will urge them to turn and will not merely repeat what 6:9–10 literally says, but he will meet a response that supports its truth (see ch. 7). 6:11–13 Even if judgment is inevitable, that is not the end of the story, for holiness also means faithfulness. For how long is the question that often appears in the Psalms, not as a request for information, but ...

3611. Fear God

Isaiah 8:11-22

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... signs and symbols from the LORD. Isaiah does what he calls Judah to do, living by commitment to what he says will happen, by trust in Yahweh. He speaks as if he is convinced that he will never meet with a response from Judah—of course this may be designed to provoke a response (see on 6:9–10). He adds to his self-commitment by arranging secure sealing of his testimony or teaching (NIV law) against the time when Yahweh acts and it is proved true. This may denote entrusting the contents of his message ...

3612. A Prophecy Against Babylon

Isaiah 13:1--14:23

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... in Isaiah the point of it is clear, for the word for destruction is shod, so that the juxtaposition of the two words invites the hearers to see Yahweh as Destroyer by name and as therefore eminently capable of effecting the day of destruction. The response of verses 7–8 is therefore not surprising. Initially the oracle presupposed the perspective of the army, but now it considers the perspective of its victims (v. 6). The Day of Yahweh is coming upon them (see on 2:10–22). The expression itself combines ...

3613. Woe to David’s City

Isaiah 29:1-24

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... to people once it has been made (cf. Hos. 11:9 where this point is explicit). So Yahweh may go to the very edge of annihilating the people but in the end will not do that. If Isaiah felt this double necessity, he himself may have been responsible for the sharp juxtaposition of verses 1–4 and 5–8. Yahweh will always in the end rescue the people or restore them, as the history of the Jewish people and of the Christian church demonstrates, though perhaps only after letting the situation progress to the ...

3614. Jerusalem to Be Inhabited

Isaiah 44:24--45:25

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... only people who are the mere fugitives from the nations, people who have gone through Babylon’s oppression or Cyrus’s attacks. Events (will) have shown that they and their images have nothing to say and that Yahweh alone can account for what is going on and claim responsibility for it (v. 21). But the claim to be a righteous God and a Savior turns out to be made for their benefit and not merely for their confounding, for the call turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth (v. 22) follows it ...

3615. Stubborn Israel

Isaiah 48:1-11

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... the end of chapter 48. There will be no more reference to Babylon and Cyrus, no more asserting that Yahweh alone is God, no more overt arguing with the Judean community—indeed little more reference to Jacob-Israel. The sermon now looks for a response. “With the idols eliminated (44:24–46:13) and the political power of Babylon shattered (ch. 47), there remains the principal obstacle to the new exodus, Israel itself” (R. Lack, La symbolique du livre d’Isaïe; Analecta Biblica 59; Rome: PBI, 1973, p ...

3616. Jesus as True King of Israel

Matthew 2:19-23, Matthew 2:13-18, Matthew 2:1-12

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... of the Jews. When the magi ask for information about “the one who has been born king of the Jews,” Matthew portrays Herod’s response as one of agitation over this potential rival to his throne. The repeated emphasis on Herod as king (2:1, 3, 9) and his ... does Matthew clarify his Christology through this emphasis on worship; he also provides a model for Christian practice. The proper response to Jesus the Messiah is worship. And accenting these portraits from Matthew’s story can draw our own audiences ...

3617. Transition to Jesus’ Public Ministry

Matthew 4:12-17

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... at Gentile inclusion in these first four chapters of his Gospel: Jesus will bring salvation to all peoples through his life, death, and resurrection (1:3–6; 2:1; 4:15–16). Looking Ahead: 4:17–16:20. Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom to Israel and resulting responses: 1. Proclamation of the kingdom in word and action (4:17–11:1) a. Summary of Jesus’ message and ministry (4:17–25) b. Jesus’ first discourse: the Sermon on the Mount (5:1–7:29) c. Jesus’ enactment of the kingdom (8:1–9:38 ...

3618. The Disciples Confess Jesus as the Messiah

Matthew 16:1-4, Matthew 16:5-12, Matthew 16:13-20

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... Israel, showing Jesus teaching and doing miracles with authority all the while including seekers, sinners, and even Gentiles in his kingdom ministry. As Matthew clarifies Jesus’ identity as the healing and compassionate Messiah, he also illustrates a variety of responses to Jesus and the hiddenness of the kingdom that Jesus inaugurates: the unbelief of the Jewish leaders and Jesus’ hometown, the little faith and frequent misunderstanding of the twelve disciples, and the faith of various ones who come to ...

3619. The Disciples’ Insufficient Faith to Heal as Jesus Heals

Matthew 17:14-23, Matthew 17:24-27

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... –23). “So Jesus’ reference to his resurrection here was not likely heard as Christian readers of Matthew have (rightly) heard it since: as referring to Jesus’ resurrection ahead of the final, general resurrection (cf. 1 Cor. 15:20–23).”3 The disciples’ responses to each of the three passion predictions indicate a lack of comprehension about the nature of Jesus’ messianic mission (16:22; 17:23; 20:21–22). 17:24 the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax. These Jewish collectors of the ...

3620. Eschatological Discourse: Being Faithful and Merciful

Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:31-46

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... have encountered Jesus in their interactions with the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner (cf. 25:44). Given the trajectory of Matthew’s Gospel, it is not unexpected to hear that all peoples will be judged by their responses to Jesus. What is surprising is that they encounter Jesus in their care for the needy. The element of surprise makes most sense if those who received aid were not transparently believers in Jesus (see 25:40). As R. T. France suggests, “They have ...

3621. Jesus Is God’s Faithful Son in Gethsemane and at His Arrest and Trial

Matthew 26:31-35, Matthew 26:36-46, Matthew 26:47-56, Matthew 26:57-68, Matthew 26:69-75

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... . 27:11). As John Nolland notes, “Though formally noncommittal, it is to be taken as an obliquely expressed affirmative [answer].”2 From now on you will see the Son of Man . . . coming on the clouds of heaven. Jesus clearly alludes to Daniel 7:13–14 in his response to Caiaphas, a text also evoked at 10:23; 16:28; 24:30. Psalm 110:1 is also echoed in the reference to being seated at God’s right hand. Daniel 7:13–14 pictures a “son of man” figure entering the heavenly court and being vindicated ...

3622. Through His Faithful Death, Jesus as Messiah Redefined Brings Life

Matthew 27:27-31, Matthew 27:32-44, Matthew 27:45-56, Matthew 27:57-61, Matthew 27:62-66

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... life and salvation for others (1:21; 20:28). Interpretive Insights 27:27 the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium. Pilate’s soldiers carry out the death sentence that Pilate has imposed on Jesus; Pilate is unable to deflect responsibility for Jesus’ death from himself (see 27:24). The Praetorium was the governor’s official residence. 27:28–29 scarlet robe . . . crown of thorns . . . staff in his right hand. The soldiers mock Jesus by dressing him in royal attire: a scarlet ...

3623. The Actions of the Triune Godhead Prove Jesus’s Divine Office

Mark 1:9-15

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... swept the land, the brothers of Joseph came to Egypt looking for food, at which time Joseph revealed himself to them. This high-ranking Egyptian official who held power over their lives was the brother they had mistreated. In Genesis 50:19–20 we read Joseph’s response to his brothers: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” When Satan tempts us, it is meant to destroy our ...

3624. Caring for the Needy and Commissioning Apostles

Mark 3:7-12, Mark 3:13-19

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... out, “You are the Son of God.” As in 1:24, the demons utter the true identity of Jesus, once more not to reveal who he is to bystanders but rather to oppose and probably to gain some control over him (see on that verse). Jesus’s response is to “sternly rebuke” (NIV: “gave strict orders”), utilizing the strong verb epitima?, used also of the rebuking and silencing of wind and sea in 4:39. This is a cosmic battle, and Jesus’s victory is overwhelming and final. The command not to tell is part ...

3625. Jesus Turns to His New Family

Mark 3:31-35, Mark 3:20-30

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... 36). The theme of rejection has been a primary motif in Mark, and here we see the extent to which it can go, often involving our dearest loved ones. Another insight in this passage relates to spiritual warfare. Jesus has bound Satan, and the only proper response to Jesus is to surrender to and put complete faith in him. The supreme danger of blaspheming Jesus is real, and the result will be final rejection by God. The final insight relates to ecclesiology, envisioning the church as the new family of God in ...

Showing results