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 3651 to 3675 of 4339 results

3651. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 3:1-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... to a higher plateau (e.g., chap. 14). Earthly understanding must give way to spiritual understanding. Here Nicodemus makes three comments (3:2, 4, 9), each of which Jesus greets with a response (3:3, 5–8, 10–15). When Nicodemus inquires about the character of Jesus’s signs, Jesus replies that rebirth is a prerequisite for seeing the kingdom of God (3:3, 7). Nicodemus’s misunderstanding (3:4) turns on a literal understanding of the Greek phrase gennēthē anōthen, “born again.” How can anyone be ...

3652. Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

John 13:31-38

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 7, he knows that it may involve death (13:37–38; cf. 8:21–22). Nevertheless, Jesus answers now in full, and chapter 14 will seek to answer the question of Christ’s departure, provision, and return. But Jesus is not simply intent on explaining this. In the meanwhile, the character of the surviving community (the church) is important (see 13:34–35). The command of love expressed in unity and fidelity to Jesus will be taken up in chapters 15 and 17.

3653. Jesus the Way to the Father

John 14:5-14

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... the believer. Thus the confidence of Christ can be ours: as the Father was committed to his Son, so Jesus through his Spirit will stand with us in every need (14:13–14). The point in these verses is not that every prayerful request will be granted but that the character of Christ’s relationship with God at this level may be ours. But here we must recall Jesus’s consistent submission to his Father’s will (5:19, 30; 6:38; 7:16–17; 8:28–29) and his desire simply to glorify (12:28; 17:4) and please ...

3654. Unity and Division in the Early Church: Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 4:32-37, Acts 5:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... dawn of the eschatological reality, this account reminds the readers that the full consummation of this reality has yet to arrive. Within the narrative of Luke, this account that highlights the presence of Satan and the temptation of wealth also points back to the character of Judas in his betrayal of Jesus (Luke 22:1–6). As Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, this early Christian community is also threatened by two of its own. The concluding statement (5:11) is important for two reasons. First ...

3655. The Apostles Persecuted

Acts 5:17-42

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... :17–39; 6:1–11; 7:29–50; 11:37–54; 14:1–24; 16:14–31; 18:9–14). In Acts, however, the high priest and the Sadducees become the primary opponents of the word. When the Pharisees do appear on the scene, they are relatively benign characters, among them Paul (23:1–10; 26:1–8), who provides the model response of a Pharisee confronted by the risen Jesus. In this episode Gamaliel the Pharisee (5:34) is Rabban Gamaliel I, the student of the well-known Hillel. Paul later acknowledges him to be his ...

3656. Peter Explains His Actions

Acts 11:1-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... realize that Gentiles are now considered “clean” in the eyes of God (10:15), and Peter is therefore urged to have table fellowship with the Gentiles. Peter’s reply (11:5–18) does not simply repeat the earlier account; he also highlights the role of certain characters. First, he points to the role of God throughout the entire event. God’s role is already noted through the emphasis on visions (10:3, 17, 19), angels (10:3–4, 7, 22), and the powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit (10:44–47). In ...

3657. The Trial Before Felix

Acts 24:1-27

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... for a bribe from Paul. In light of Luke’s discussion of possessions elsewhere (cf. Luke 5:11; 11:39; 12:13–21; 16:1–31; 18:18–30; Acts 1:18; 5:1–11; 8:18–19), Felix’s act is to be understood as a reflection on his character.

3658. Death through Adam, Life through Christ

Romans 5:12-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... life for all people” cannot mean that every single human being is saved as a result of Jesus’s death (which is what the doctrine of universalism teaches). Paul does not argue that the groups affected by the action of Adam and of Christ are coextensive. The character of Jesus’s obedience is universal in the sense that it affects all people who belong to him—that is, everybody who receives the gift of God’s grace (5:17), who acknowledges Jesus as Lord (5:11), who is “in Christ” (3:24; 6:11; 8 ...

3659. Idol Feasts and the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... likewise draw all who eat or drink them into corporate communion in a sphere where demonic presence is genuine and demonic influence powerful (10:19–20). For despite the fact that an idol has no real or personal existence, neither the reality nor the personal character of the evil that perpetuates a false worship can ever be doubted. Thus a Christian cannot participate in a meal at a pagan temple. To do so disregards realities and the inherent contradiction of trying to drink the cups of both the Lord and ...

3660. Orderly Worship

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of instruction and encouragement (14:31). Those with the gift of prophecy should not object that they cannot be interrupted, because it is within their control to remember and resume their message. In this way a peaceful order will be established that reflects God’s character and brings the worship of the church at Corinth into the form found “in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (14:33; see also 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 11:16). Verse 33 then probably forms the conclusion to this paragraph ...

3661. The Resurrection of the Dead

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... long as possible (15:32; Isa. 22:13). As they reflect on their answers to these questions, the Corinthians are not to be “misled” by the opinions of those outside the church, for as even the pagan playwright Menander said, “Bad company corrupts good character” (15:33). Instead of a life lived in sin, which results from an excessive pursuit of the pleasures of the body, prompted perhaps by the notion that a spiritual union with Christ after the death of the body is assured, the Corinthians are called ...

3662. Paul’s Reflection on His Ministry

2 Corinthians 2:12--3:6

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of Christ that presented itself to Paul in Troas, he had been unable to feel at peace without news from Titus, and so in an attempt to meet Titus on the route of his return, he had gone on to Macedonia. 2:14–3:6a · The source and character of Paul’s ministry:Surprisingly, the conclusion to the account of Paul’s anxious attempt to meet the returning Titus is not immediately related. Instead, we are made to wait until 7:5 to receive the conclusion of the narrative. In the interim, Paul gives us the ...

3663. Paul’s Reflection on His Ministry

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... conclude one argument lead inevitably to the opening of another. (This is also commonplace in Jewish literary style in general.) Here the mention of a new covenant (see Jer. 31:31–34) inspires a transition in thought from discussion about the source and character of Paul’s ministry to a consideration of its message. Paul presents it in terms of a comparison between the ministry that carried as its essence the written covenant “of the letter” (Exod. 24:3–8) and the ministry that proclaims the new ...

3664. Second Meeting with Jerusalem Leadership

Galatians 2:1-10

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... there (2:4). The Galatians are to see that the ones described as the infiltrating “false believers” who had come “to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus” with the purpose “to make us slaves” (2:4) are the same type of characters troubling them. The Greek terms for “infiltrated” (see also 2 Pet. 2:1) and “spy” (see 2 Kings 10:3; 1 Chron. 19:3 in the Septuagint) are usually found in descriptions of secret military operations designed to conduct subversive activities to undermine an ...

3665. Freedom in Christ

Galatians 5:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... mutual service (5:13; literally “becoming slaves to one another”) and the love of neighbor (5:13–18). This is an especially attractive and pointed picture of the results of true freedom, since it appears to be in complete contrast to the character of their congregational relationships at that time (5:15). Rather than being the guarantor of righteous actions among these former pagans, the inclusion of the law into their lives has only given vent to competitiveness and lack of concern for each other ...

3666. Life by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... leave the Galatians without any foundation on which to measure their actions. Paul maintains that the work of the Spirit in one’s life provides an internal motivation and proper orientation to participate in the attitudes and actions that are consistent with the character of Christ. Thus, with the freedom afforded through Christ (5:1, 13), the believer crucifies the sinful nature and becomes a new person (5:24) who by nature is the righteousness demanded by the law and granted through the Spirit (see 2 ...

3667. The Mystery of God’s Will and God’s Threefold Blessing

Ephesians 1:1-14

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... us in Christ with every spiritual blessing (1:3). The word “bless” carries here two different senses, depending on whether God or a human being is the one who blesses. “In the heavenly realms” implies that God’s blessings are secured in the very character of God and are not subject to the uncertainties of earthly life. This is repeatedly confirmed in this section by emphasis on God’s decision, will, and purpose. God made his choice before the creation of the world: we, the human race, were ...

3668. Redemption: Clearing the Ground

Ephesians 2:1-10

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 2:11–22). The human predicament is absolute; there is no escape. “Dead” people, already condemned, cannot avoid condemnation. Only from the outside can any effective solution come. Paul introduces that outside solution in 2:4: “But . . . God.” God’s character as one who is boundlessly merciful and who loves human beings with a “great love” has changed the picture. He remedied the hopeless situation in three ways with one sweeping act in Christ. First, he brought these dead Jews and Gentiles ...

3669. Slaves and Masters

Ephesians 6:5-9

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 9). The dependent party is again addressed first, as is the pattern. Slaves submit to their masters by rendering sincere, honest work, without pretense and with all goodwill (6:5–7). Where this might seem unreasonable because of the abusive character of some masters, Paul recommends a kind of theological fiction. In three different ways (6:5, 6, 7), he recommends slaves regard their masters (or mistresses) as if each were actually Christ. It scarcely needs elaboration, although Paul does elaborate briefly ...

3670. A Call to Christlike Obedience

Philippians 2:12-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... . When Paul is there with them in Philippi, the Philippians may have obeyed only out of respect for Paul, not out of a genuine desire to obey God in all things. Thus, when Paul is absent, their obedience is a greater indication of their true character. This obedience is to be seen in their following Paul’s instruction: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (2:12). This is an often misinterpreted passage. First of all, it refers to salvation in the sense of the whole community ...

3671. Judge Those Who Work among You by the Truth of the Gospel

Philippians 2:19-30

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... he has proved his worth by serving closely with Paul in spreading the message of the gospel. Paul’s chief concern, and therefore his primary reason for writing the Letter to the Philippians, is the progress of the gospel in Philippi. Because of his character and adherence to the gospel, Timothy can represent Paul as his forerunner, even as Paul hopes that he himself will be able to follow soon. Paul then moves on to the example of Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus, as the messenger the Philippians sent to Paul ...

3672. Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ

Colossians 2:6-23

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of the believer in Christ and having shown Christ’s triumph over the powers and authorities, Paul warns the Colossians to resist the philosophy’s condemning influence (2:16, 18). In describing the discrete components of the philosophy, Paul highlights its Jewish character, including focus on Sabbath, New Moon celebrations, and food laws. (The relationship of Jewish law to the church created numerous debates and conflicts within the early church. See Acts 15:1–35; Gal. 2:1–12; 1 Cor. 8:1–13; 10 ...

3673. Timothy’s Encouraging Report

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... report about their faith, love, and longing to see him (3:6). Paul was in Corinth at this time during a difficult stretch in his ministry. The sufferings, persecution, and mocking he endured in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Athens (Acts 17), plus the rough character of Corinth, left him with considerable fear (Acts 18:9–11; 1 Cor. 2:3). Paul speaks here of his “distress,” the afflictions and calamities he and his associates endured (2 Cor. 6:4; 12:10), and “persecution,” those direct attacks that ...

3674. The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... will occur before the day of the Lord is that the man of lawlessness is revealed (2:3b; see 2:6–8). The name is a variant of the title found in Psalm 89:22 and Isaiah 57:3–4. This person is characterized as one without law and whose character is therefore the personification of sin. “Lawlessness” could refer to a lack of the law or opposition to the law but became a synonym for “sin” or “iniquity” (Rom. 4:7; 2 Cor. 6:14; Titus 2:14; Heb. 1:9; 10:17). As soon as he is mentioned, Paul ...

3675. The Third Prayer and Final Greetings

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... but a social virtue 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 ...

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