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 3751 to 3775 of 4339 results

3751. Job's Second Test

Job 2:1-10

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... Job as one without any reason, using the same term (khinnam) that the Satan had used to question the sincerity of Job’s righteousness (“for nothing,” 1:9). God’s words here confirm that the test has never been for God’s sake. God knows the righteous character of his servant, Job, and has no need to test it. The test is always for the sake of the reader, for whom alone the possibility of disinterested faith in God has any meaning. God says that the Satan incited God to ruin Job for no reason. Some ...

3752. Job's Second Reply to Eliphaz

Job 16:1-17:16

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... experienced attacks as extreme as those described here. This is most likely hyperbole, reflecting the isolation and rejection that Job associates with his lack of vindication. The phrase “with reproach they smite my cheek” most clearly indicates the metaphorical character of this attack. The suggestion is clear: the rebuke and ridicule of multiple detractors is ultimately the responsibility of God who fails to support Job, or to maintain his integrity openly. Instead of supporting him, God has turned ...

3753. Zophar's Second Speech to Job

Job 20:1-29

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... and appointed this dismal but certain end for those who choose the way of wickedness. Additional Notes 20:28 A flood: the Heb. yebul is most often translated “produce; food,” and an emendation to nabal, “river; flood” is often suggested here. A simple transposition of characters in the consonantal text would produce yubal, which is translated “stream” in Jer. 17:8. Some sort of threatening water would seem required by the parallel niggarot, “gushing waters,” in the second half of the verse.

3754. Job's Final Concession

Job 42:1-6

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... are about to learn—as Job himself must already have learned—that it is indeed possible to do just that. Job (and other humans) can continue to fear God for no profit, even when the profit is no more than public recognition of the righteous character of the one who suffers. 42:3 You asked . The italics (added) indicate that these words are not in the original Hebrew but have been supplied interpretively to clarify who originally spoke these words. “Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge ...

3755. The Lord’s King and Rebellious Peoples

Psalm 2:1-12

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... OT passage goes misinterpreted because it is read in isolation, as though we should expect each passage to spell out all the conditions under which certain claims apply. We have already observed, for example, that Psalm 2 says nothing of the character of Yahweh’s kingship, nor that of Davidic kingship. Likewise, Psalm 2 says nothing of the conditions of this offer, nor should we expect each liturgy of enthronement to spell out all the legal provisos. Psalm 72 similarly promises worldwide dominion (among ...

3756. The Lord on His Heavenly Throne

Psalm 11:1-7

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... the heavens/skies on a cherub and hurls hailstones). At the temple, his throne-chariot was symbolized by the cherubim wings (see the Introduction). The basis for distinguishing the righteous from the wicked lies not in a moral code or law but in the character of God himself and in his personal preferences: for the LORD is righteous, he loves justice (lit. “righteous acts,” v. 7), and the wicked . . . his soul hates (v. 5). Yahweh is fundamentally a God of order and fairness (cf. Jer. 9:23–24). What ...

3757. How Long, O Lord?

Psalm 13:1-6

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... motif by way of contrast. In other words, “unlike those who would rejoice over the downfall of one who trusts in your love, I am of the sort who would rejoice in your salvation.” This confession of trust thus also exemplifies the contrasting character of the worshiper. While the Hebrew text indicates the trust is a present reality (“I have trusted,” Hb. perfect), the rejoicing is probably future. Verse 5b could be rendered either as a simple future, “my heart will rejoice,” or more likely as a ...

3758. Instruction for Temple Entry

Psalm 15:1-5

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... to Yahweh in the third person, it is part of a phrase that identifies a certain class of persons, namely “Yahweh-fearers.”) The psalm is thus a kind of catechism. This torah is presented as ten “commandments.” Three positive character descriptions (all Hb. participles, v. 2) are matched by three negative actions related primarily to speech (all Hb. perfects, v. 3). The positive descriptions focus on integrity and the negative statements on not abusing people verbally. There follow two qualifications ...

3759. Thanksgiving for the King’s Victories in Battle

Psalm 21:1-13

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... his enemies and foes (lit. “haters”). In the middle of this promise Yahweh is made the subject: in his wrath the LORD will swallow them up. Thus, the king does what he does because he is enabled by God. The enemies’ character is made plain by expressions like they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes. Verse 10, with its reference to destroying their posterity, makes modern readers uncomfortable. But we must recall here the underlying assumption that generations often reproduce after their ...

3760. A Wisdom Prayer for Those Who Fear the Lord

Psalm 25:1-22

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... 10). Thus, the petitions of verses 4–7 seek to ensure that the speaker, though having “rebellious ways,” may be counted among those Yahweh instructs, who—fortunately for the speaker (and us!)—are designated as both the humble and sinners. Yahweh’s character determines the content of his teaching: being good and upright, he instructs . . . in what is right. Verse 11 rounds off this half of the psalm with another reference to Yahweh’s forgiving my iniquity. The Hebrew text may be rendered either ...

3761. To Be Spared from the Lord’s Judgment on the Wicked

Psalm 28:1-9

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... to deeds (Hb. pʿl, 28:4; 15:2, “who does”) and what they have done (Hb. ʿśh, 15:5, “he who does”), and both appear to have been performed directly before the holy place (28:2; 15:1). Psalm 28:3–4 in its assessment of one’s character refers to the same bodily parts as 24:4: hearts and hands (Hb. yad in 28:4, kap in 24:4). Other psalms that probably belonged to these entry liturgies emphasize the other side of Psalms 15 and 24, namely the exclusion of the wicked from Yahweh’s holy place ...

3762. Blessed Are Those Whose Transgressions Are Forgiven

Psalm 32:1-11

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... with which few of us can identify. There are three possible explanations. First, this line appears to lie outside the normal metrical structure of the poetry (though the metrics of this psalm are generally uneven). It may be a later scribal gloss. Second, it parallels somewhat the character profiles of those who may or may not enter Yahweh’s temple (5:6; 24:4; 36:3; 52:2, 4). In this light it should not be read as a claim to absolute moral purity but as an affirmation that one aspires to be true to ...

3763. Prayer

Matthew 6:5-15

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... in Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6. That we pray to our Father reminds us that the Christian faith is essentially a family affair. The first petition asks that the name of God be revered and held in honor. God’s name stands for his character as revealed in history. To hallow God’s name is to treat with high and holy regard the person of God himself. This petition is followed by an urgent request that God will establish in a full and final sense his rule on earth. Although the kingdom came in ...

3764. Images of War, the Hunt, False Accusation, and Wild Beasts

Psalm 35:1-28

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... -being (lit. “peace,” contrast v. 20) of his servant. The third and final cycle closes with a vow of praise that draws attention to God’s righteousness, a divine attribute that was upheld earlier in support of a petition (v. 24). This denotes no mere static quality but a dynamic character and ability that “puts things right.”

3765. Cultivating Faithfulness Until the Flourishing Wicked Wither

Psalm 37:1-40

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... interest in children but here in negative terms: the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. The righteous, on the other hand, receive Yahweh’s protection and assurance that they will inherit the land. 37:30–31 Four bodily images now describe the character of the righteous: the mouth that speaks of wisdom and the tongue of justice (lit., because “the LORD loves justice,” v. 28), the heart that receives God’s law, and the feet that are secure. This may be contrasted with the “arms (NIV ‘power ...

3766. The Would-Be Pilgrim Who Thirsts for God: Part I

Psalm 42:1-11

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... . Assurance for the present is based on an event in the future, namely, that I will yet praise him (or “give thanks,” Hb. hôdâ, i.e., offer a thanksgiving psalm and a thanksgiving sacrifice). The assurance of this future event is also based on the character of God himself as my Savior and my God (or “the deliverances/victories of his face,” lit.). 42:6–11 This second strophe of the psalm elicits a measure of honesty from the worshiper. In spite of this self-encouragement for “my soul” not to ...

3767. A Tree and Its Fruit

Matthew 7:15-23

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... , you do not have a healthy tree. Likewise, if the life of the prophet does not measure up to the claim, then you are dealing with a false prophet. “Like root, like fruit” is the ancient saying. Good theology must produce ethical uprightness. Conduct reveals character. 7:21–23 Since what people do reveals who they really are, it follows that simply calling Jesus Lord is not enough. On the day of judgment false prophets will protest that in the name of Jesus they prophesied, drove out many demons, and ...

3768. The Cost of Following Jesus

Matthew 8:18-22

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... 14:25–33 one cannot be a disciple without placing Christ above family ties, carrying one’s own cross, and giving up everything one has.) Additional Notes 8:20 Son of Man: Albright-Mann translate hyios tou anthrōpou with “the Man,” on the basis that it emphasizes the representative character of Jesus’ ministry as Matthew sees it and is more faithful to the original Hebrew/Aramaic (p. 95). For the extensive literature on the subject, see NIDNTT vol. 3, p. 665.

3769. God’s Goodness Redefined: The Nearness of God

Psalm 73:1-28

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... —after all—is the one who can resolve our dilemma, whether by changing circumstances or by changing our understanding and redirecting our expectations. As a result of this encounter, our relationship with God is enhanced, not diminished. Other OT characters, such as Habakkuk and Job, have taken similar pilgrimages. Psalm 73 also attests to the value of liturgy and worshipers’ need for constant participation. It sheds revelatory light into our own limited understanding and embittered confusion (vv. 16 ...

3770. It Is God Who Brings Down and Exalts

Psalm 75:1-10

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... particular focus are Yahweh’s judgments on the wicked (cf. 97:8, 10). The reason that they are told, Do not lift your horns against heaven (lit. “on high”) is simply because Yahweh dwells “on high” (93:4; cf. 68:18). This oracle thus states the character of his judging—it is fair—and the magnitude of its enforcing power—he steadies the earth itself. The oracle thus warns the wicked not to arrogate power that is God’s. 75:6–8 A liturgist then steps forward and confirms the same themes (vv ...

3771. A Servant Appeals to His Lord for Protection

Psalm 86:1-17

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... sîd, v. 2), and Yahweh is described as “abounding in loyal love” (Hb. ḥesed, vv. 5, 13, 15). Similarly, the psalm presupposes all that a covenant relationship entails. We must keep in mind here that these self-descriptions do not follow from the character of the actual composer; they are to be adopted by worshipers if they wish the psalm to have its desired effect. The fourth motif on which the psalm is founded is that of historical precedents. As noted above, the psalm quotes confessions well rooted ...

3772. The God of the Thunderstorm and the Proclamation of His Righteousness

Psalm 97:1-12

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... might wonder what possible connection there might be between “clouds and thick darkness” (Hb. ʿarāpel) and his throne. Yahweh’s throne and footstool were symbolized in Israelite worship by the cherubim and the ark (see the Introduction). Because of their winged character, the cherubim could symbolize both a chariot and a throne, in which the outer wings provided mobility and the inner wings formed the throne. At the temple’s dedication after the ark entered the darkness of the Most Holy Place (1 ...

3773. Vows About Acceptable and Unacceptable Associates

Psalm 101:1-8

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... the LORD.” As a psalm of temple entry, Psalm 101 presents Yahweh’s pilgrims with “instruction” about what the God who inhabits the temple desires of his worshipers. For the purpose of clear instruction Yahweh’s expectations are embodied in two character profiles, “the righteous” and “the wicked.” One’s loyalty to Yahweh is measured, in part, by the company with which one aligns oneself. These psalms, including Psalm 101, do not advocate a separate community (a ghetto, if you will), but ...

3774. Pondering the Lord’s Great Works of the Exodus and Conquest

Psalm 111:1-10

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... all who delight in them. They elicit not a sense of duty or obligation but of discovery and delight. His righteousness, being in parallel with his deeds, points to his characteristic actions that “put things right,” not merely to his moral character. 111:4–9 The next section alludes to those works specifically in the exodus-conquest period. Verses 4–6 pass through this review more or less chronologically: exodus, Sinai covenant, and conquest. Here the verbs carry the descriptive flow, thus focusing ...

3775. Oppressed But Not Crushed

Psalm 129:1-8

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... me free from are added by the NIV), thus disabling them from plowing the speaker’s back with the harnessed oxen (on “cords,” Hb. ʿabôt, as a harness for plowing, see Job 39:10; cf. Isa. 5:18). This act exhibits Yahweh’s righteous character, thus exemplifying for us that “righteousness” is not a limiting quality (as popularly conceived) but is a liberating one. In verses 6–8, all who hate Zion are likened to grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow. This reversal is key to the ...

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