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 4201 to 4225 of 4971 results

4201. Hermeneutical Reflections

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... God and keep his commandment, for this pertains to every human” (contra NIV’s “this is the whole duty of man”). Verse 14 offers the motivation for heeding this charge. The coming comprehensive judgment of God will encompass every human deed, including those carefully concealed from others. These verses do not constitute an orthodox corrective, since they state nothing that the main body of the book has not affirmed previously: (1) the value of revering God (3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12–13), (2) the need ...

4202. Judgment

Isaiah 5:1-7, Isaiah 5:8-30

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... else this “friend” could have done for the vineyard. The rhetorical question must be answered! The prophet then explains that the vineyard represents the people of Israel and Judah and that the Lord is the keeper of the vineyard. He deeply cared for his people and lavished on them his grace and love, expecting justice and righteousness as the appropriate fruits. Instead of justice and righteousness, the people have responded with bloodshed, which has elicited a cry of distress from the downtrodden. Six ...

4203. Addressing Rulers and Governments

Jeremiah 21:1-14, Jeremiah 22:1-30

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... , and sometimes misuse of power. In more than half the occurrences, the context also specifies poverty. Jehoiakim’s insensitivity to the urgency of the times is in contrast with Josiah’s overriding concern to do what was right and just. Concretely this meant acts of compassion and caring for the poor. Knowing (i.e., experiencing) God consists of such caregiving (cf. Jer. 9:23). People will not hold Jehoiakim, who wants so much to be a “somebody,” in regard, nor will they express loss at his death or ...

4204. Addressing Prophets and their Audiences

Jeremiah 23:9-32, Jeremiah 23:33-40

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... for their time. Their message either is self-originated or comes by dreams or is borrowed from others. Jeremiah’s denunciation of his peers is sad before it is harsh (23:9–10; cf. 9:1–6). Confronting persons with their evil is difficult for a caring person. However, so strong and overpowering are God’s words to him that, like a drunken man, he feels himself out of control. Since elsewhere the figure of drunkenness is used for those on whom God’s wrath comes (Jer. 13:13–14; 25:15–16), we ...

4205. Unfaithfulness and Restoration

Hosea 2:2-23

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... –13). After Israel has realized the impotence of Baal, God will win his wife back. Using bold sexual imagery of wooing, God explains his plans to whisper in her ear words of love so that Israel will know how much he cares for her (2:14). This will be a repetition of what God did in the past when he cared for his people in the wilderness of Sinai (Deut. 8:1–8; Jer. 2:2). Then Israel will respond positively like she did at the time of the exodus, when she sang about God’s greatness (see Exodus 15). This ...

4206. Hope: God Loves You

Hosea 11:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... they were carrying, and fed them as a father might feed a young child. This must refer to God guiding them through the wilderness for forty years and his provision of manna and quail (Exodus 16; Numbers 11). These are all examples of God’s tender care and expressions of his deep love for his people. The second paragraph indicates that the nation’s lack of repentance or turning to God will lead to divine judgment (11:5–7). These ungrateful people who inherited the wonderful land of milk and honey will ...

4207. Oracles of Judgment against the Nations

Zephaniah 2:4-7

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of four of the five major Philistine cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron. Gath is not included because it had already been destroyed (see 2 Chron. 26:6). The literary imagery is filled with pastoral associations. Zephaniah emphasizes the poetic effect and carefully chooses his words to heighten the emotive impact. This is also the case in the ordering of the cities: Gaza and Ekron both begin with the same Hebrew consonant (ayin) and form an envelope around Ashkelon and Ashdod, which both begin with ...

4208. First Message: A Call to Action—Build the Temple

Haggai 1:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... thought to the consequences of their misplaced priorities. This same admonition is given five times in the book (1:5, 7; 2:15, 18 [2×]) and is designed to shake the people out of their complacency. By taking careful stock of their physical situation they are led to realize how far they have strayed from the path of blessing. Verse 6 graphically draws attention to the realities of the situation. Though they have not been reduced to abject poverty, the fruit of their labor falls far short of expectation ...

4209. The First Coming and Rejection

Zechariah 9:1-8, Zechariah 9:9-13, Zechariah 9:14-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... blood of sacrifice used in the sprinkling of the altar in worship. In their joy they recognize God as the author of their deliverance and the true object of praise. Verses 16–17 summarize their newly attained state of bliss and prosperity. They will be well cared for, as precious as jewels in God’s crown, shining forth with the joy and glory of their newfound prosperity and standing with God. In place of poverty and humiliation there is prosperity and glory. What a future and what a blessed hope for God ...

4210. Birth and Infancy

Matthew 1:1-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... Jesus is a descendant of David (“son of David”), and Jesus is a descendant of Abraham (“son of Abraham”). These three affirmations will inform the rest of Matthew’s story of Jesus; they also frame the genealogy of Jesus that follows 1:1. In fact, Matthew has carefully structured the genealogy to reflect these affirmations in reverse order, so that 1:1–16 forms a literary parallelism (A-B-C-Cʹ-Bʹ-Aʹ): Jesus as: A Christ (1:1) B Son of David (1:1) C Son of Abraham (1:1) Cʹ Abraham (1:2) B ...

4211. Prologue: A Reliable Account of Salvation History

Luke 1:1-4

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... in Roman society. The purpose of the work is related in verse 4. Luke is writing so that Theophilus will be convinced of the reliability (“certainty”) of the matters in which he has been instructed. The reference to eyewitness testimony and the careful nature of Luke’s research (1:2–3) support the claim of reliability. Luke, however, was not simply writing a historical treatise; he was writing about the events of salvation history, about the events that “have been fulfilled” (1:1) through the ...

4212. Judging Others

Luke 6:37-42, Luke 6:43-45, Luke 6:46-49

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 39–45 Jesus gives three exhortations. (1) The proverb on the blind man (6:39) is explained in the next verse (6:40). Students cannot surpass their teachers but will end up being just like them. This probably means that the disciples need to be careful how they teach others, for false teaching has potentially disastrous consequences. (2) The point of the humorous illustration of the speck and the log (6:41–42) is that those with the log think they are superior to those who have a speck in their eye ...

4213. Teachings of Possessions

Luke 12:13-21, Luke 12:22-34

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... with worry is lack of faith (12:29). It is understandable that pagans are consumed with the desire for security, but believers need to remember that the Father knows what they need (12:30). If believers make the kingdom their consuming passion, then God will take care of other needs (12:31). Disciples, then, are not to fear but to trust God (12:32). They will not draw their security from possessions, and so they will be free to give their possessions to others. If their treasure (or security) is money, then ...

4214. A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath

Luke 13:10-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... work, never intending that work be done on the Sabbath (13:14). Using a typical rabbinic method of arguing from the lesser to the greater, Jesus accuses those who hold this position of hypocrisy. If one cares for the physical needs of animals on the Sabbath, then it follows that one should care for the physical needs of people (13:15). Indeed, the Sabbath is a particularly appropriate day to frustrate the work of Satan (13:16). Such actions and words silenced Jesus’s opponents and delighted his supporters ...

4215. The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... and is afraid she will wear him out (see NASB, RSV). The last phrase in 18:5 literally means “give a black eye to” (NIV “come and attack me”). But the judge is not worried about a physical assault, nor is he worried about his reputation (he does not care what people think [18:2, 4]); he is tired of the bother. What is the meaning of the parable? Jesus asks his listeners to consider its meaning (18:6). Obviously it is not saying that God is like the unjust judge and that one has to pester him so that ...

4216. The Triumphal Entry

John 12:1-11, John 12:12-19

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... Jesus’s defense of her in Mark 14:6 makes this abundantly clear. Judas is the antithesis of all this. Money is his concern since he is the treasurer (John 12:6; 13:29). But his flaw is twofold: care of the poor cannot come before undiluted worship of Christ (12:8); and when this care springs from an impure heart (12:6), its spiritual value evaporates. Jesus’s final visit to Jerusalem is recorded in 12:9–50. Before long the presence of Jesus in Bethany becomes public knowledge, and crowds arrive to see ...

4217. The Vine and the Branches

John 15:1-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... vine/vineyard metaphor is used frequently in the Old Testament. Israel is often depicted as a vine transplanted from Egypt (Ps. 80:8–11) and brought to fertile soil (Ezek. 17:1–6). Enemies may trample the vineyard (Jer. 12:10–11), but God tends it carefully and looks for fruit (Isa. 5:1–7). The vineyard may be the preeminent biblical symbol of the locus of God’s activity, his nurture, and his expectations (cf. Matt. 21:33–41). Jesus’s use of the metaphor is surprising. Rather than claiming to ...

4218. Unity and Division in the Early Church: Appointing the Seven

Acts 6:1-7

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... Jews”) is likely on the right track in that these are Jews who speak different languages. Their differences are not to be limited to linguistic differences, however, since they also represent two communities with different cultural identities. In light of the repeated call for the care of widows in the Mosaic law (Exod. 22:22–24; Deut. 10:18; 14:28–29; 16:11; 24:17–21; 26:12–13), the neglect of the “widows” is a pressing problem in a community that claims to have “no needy persons among them ...

4219. The Trial Before Felix

Acts 24:1-27

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... between the plaintiff, the defendant, and the judge in Acts. The charges against Paul are presented by Tertullus, a legal advocate who represents Ananias and other elders of the council (24:2–9). Tertullus begins by praising Felix for his accomplishments and his care for the Jewish people. While such flattery is not unexpected in a speech of this nature, to credit Felix for “a long period of peace” and for his foresight that has “brought about reforms in this nation” (24:2) has moved beyond any ...

4220. Questions about Food, Idolatry, and Freedom

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... simple assent. Therefore they continue to have doubts about the nature of the food that they eat and the implications of doing so. Because of this, fellow believers, in their words (8:8 probably paraphrases some of them) and actions, need to “be careful” lest the “exercise of . . . freedom” and knowledge lead them to ignore the effect of their behavior on the faith of the weak. Finally, Paul applies what he has said to the situation in Corinth. Some have already accepted invitations to dine in pagan ...

4221. Paul’s Reflection on His Ministry

2 Corinthians 2:12--3:6

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... gospel is always made before God as well as a human audience (2:17). His words, however, in the context of the competition for ecclesiastical leadership that had been going on at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12; 2 Cor. 10:1–13:13), needed careful clarification on two counts. First, there was the possibility that they might be read by some as a purely subjective self-commendation, and second, there was the likelihood that they might prompt an immediate comparison between Paul and others who carried formal letters of ...

4222. Paul’s Apostolic Salutation and Prayer

Philippians 1:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... . God’s work in the Philippian church will continue until it is completed on the day Christ returns (1:6); because God is in control, he has a plan, and he is always faithful. Paul goes on to open his heart to the Philippians, telling them how much he cares and how he holds them deeply within his heart (1:7). Not only does he feel this way, but his affection for them is understandable because they are sharing in God’s grace with him. This verse is a reference to the gifts of aid the church at Philippi ...

4223. Appreciation of the Philippians’ Gift

Philippians 4:10-20

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... sent financial aid to Paul through Epaphroditus, and Paul wishes to thank them for their generous gift. Paul rejoices not only for the gift that he has received but also for the love and care that this gift allows the Philippians to show. Paul does not admit to having any need but only rejoices in their ability to care for him. Paul states that he is content no matter the circumstances, which is a reference to his situation in prison. Paul is not affected by outward circumstances, because they are not the ...

4224. Final Instructions

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... with their emerging leadership: “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you” (5:12a). In calling the church to respect the new leaders, ... undertook on behalf of the congregation (5:12b; see 1:3; 1 Cor. 3:8; 15:58; 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23, 27). They are also those who “care for you,” a term that may mean “to lead” or “to direct” (1 Tim. 3:4–5, 12; 5:17) but also “to protect” and “to give aid” ( ...

4225. Request for Prayer and the Second Prayer

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... which is satanically motivated. The verse echoes the Lord’s Prayer, in which Satan is called “the evil one” (Matt. 6:13; 13:19; John 17:15; Eph. 6:16; 1 John 2:13–14). As in 2:13–15, Paul follows the statement about God’s care with a word about their responsibility: “We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command” (3:4). Within this indicative sentence about God’s work of strengthening and guarding them, we find the implicit exhortation to ...

Showing results