Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 476 to 500 of 4943 results

476. Closing

2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

These last four verses close Paul’s second canonical letter to the Corinthians. Pauline letter closings are carefully constructed units, shaped and adapted in such a way that they relate directly to—sometimes, in fact, even summarize—the major concerns and themes taken up in the bodies of their respective letters (cf. J. A. D. Weima). Consequently, in important ways the letter closings aid our understanding of Paul’s purpose, arguments, and exhortation. Moreover, if, as L. A. Jervis argues, “The opening ...

477. The Lord of the Sabbath

Matthew 12:1-14, Matthew 12:15-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

With the torah introduced, Matthew now narrates two controversies between Jesus and the Pharisees about the law; both controversies are focused on Jesus’s practice of the Sabbath (12:1–8, 9–14). The Pharisees (12:2) were a Jewish sect considered to be experts in the law and were zealous in their obedience to it. An important part of their focus was adherence in everyday life to purity regulations intended to govern temple worship. Their desire was “to live out the rigor and piety of what was experienced at ...

478. Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-8

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

12:1–15:13 Review · The reality of justification in the Christian community: In the fourth main section of his letter, Paul returns to the reality of the life of the followers of Jesus. He expounds further on the believers’ obedience, based on the power of love, in various areas of everyday life. The life of the believer is a life of self-sacrifice for God (12:1–2), made possible as a result of the ministry of the gifts of grace (12:3–8) and as a result of the reality of love (12:9–21). Christians continue ...

479. Timothy’s Encouraging Report

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

3:6–10 · Timothy’s return:The event that prompted Paul to pen this letter was Timothy’s return from his trip to Thessalonica (see 1 Thess. 3:1–2). He had departed from Athens, and upon his return from the Thessalonian church, he caught up with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5). We can only guess how he traveled (by road or sea?) and how long the trip and stay with the church lasted (up to a month or so?). The wait must have been agonizing for Paul. “But Timothy has just now come to us from you” and, contrary to ...

480. The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

2:1–3:15 Review · The Body of the Letter: The introduction of the letter included both a thanksgiving and digression concerning the revelation of the Lord (1:3–10) and a prayer for the church (1:11–12). The authors now introduce the eschatological and moral themes that constitute the body of the letter (2:1–3:15). 2:1–17 Review · The time of the day of the Lord: The first section of the body (2:1–17) is a discourse concerning the time of the day of the Lord (2:1–12) and a thanksgiving for the divine ...

481. Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ

Romans 5:12-21

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

Paul now embarks on a bold typological contrast between Adam and Christ. He continues the train of thought already begun in chapter 5, however, for verse 12 begins, “on account of this,” or therefore, which links 5:12–21 to 5:1–11. Paul’s purpose is to illustrate that the work of redemption has universal significance. The focus shifts from our redemption in the first person plural in 5:1–11 to the two seminal figures of humanity, Adam and Christ, in the third person singular. Heretofore the gospel has been ...

482. Samuel's Farewell Speech

1 Samuel 12:1-25

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Samuel Addresses the People: Using speeches like this one of Samuel’s to indicate important staging points, such as the end of the age of the judges, is common in the so-called Deuteronomic History. There are particular parallels here with the way in which Moses hands over power to Joshua and with Joshua’s final speech (Deut. 31; Josh. 23). This speech is included because it makes points of which the reader is expected to take note. Whether it records Samuel’s words or is a later composition does not ...

483. Nebuchadnezzer’s Dream of a Tree

Daniel 4:1-18

Understanding Series

William Nelson

The King Becomes a Beast-Man and Then Recovers: In terms of form, chapter 4 starts out as a letter from King Nebuchadnezzar addressed to all people everywhere. It begins in the first person with praise to God (4:1–3). Next, the king relates in his own voice the story of his dream (4:4–18). Then the account shifts to the third person for Daniel’s interpretation (4:19–27) and for the narrative of how the dream was fulfilled (4:28–33). Finally, the text reverts back to the first person as Nebuchadnezzar ...

484. Whose Son is the Christ?

Mark 12:35-40

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

12:35–37 After responding to his opponents’ questions, Jesus now asks one of his own concerning popular Jewish messianic expectation. In 8:27 Jesus asked his disciples how he was viewed by others and then how they viewed him (8:29). They reply to the latter question that they believed him to be the Messiah (8:29b). The material that follows these questions shows that Jesus wished to correct what he regarded as wrong notions about the Messiah (8:31–33) by affirming the necessity of his suffering and ...

485. The World Hates the Disciples

John 15:18--16:4

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

Jesus’ Love and the World’s Hatred: Just as it is possible to imagine a stage of the tradition when the only farewell discourse was 13:31–35, so it is possible to imagine a stage when the discourse extended to 14:31 but no further. There is a smooth transition from that verse’s summons to “leave” to the statement in 18:1 that Jesus “left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley.” At the end of chapter 14, the reader expects the group to leave and the discourse to end. Instead, the discourse ...

486. Jesus Sentenced to be Crucified

John 19:1-16, John 18:28-40

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

The sentencing of Jesus to death takes place within the framework of a series of exchanges between the Roman governor Pilate and the Jewish religious authorities. The time is from early morning (18:28) to noon (19:14) of the day after Jesus’ arrest. The structure of the narrative is determined by the fact that the Jewish authorities, for reasons of ritual purity, would not go inside the palace that served as Pilate’s headquarters (v. 28). Contact with the dwelling of a Gentile—even a temporary dwelling, ...

487. The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5:1-33

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Introduction to Israel’s Covenantal Constitution: The Decalogue · Here opens Moses’ second discourse (chs. 5–26), the central section of the whole book. It is subdivided into two main parts. Chapters 5–11 are a broad exhortation to covenant loyalty and obedience, following up and amplifying the theocratic and covenantal challenge set forth in chapter 4. Chapters 12–26, with their subheading in 12:1, are more detailed legislation, much of which renews, expands, and sometimes modifies laws already given in ...

488. Elijah Taken Up to Heaven

2 Kings 2:1-18

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Elijah Gives Way to Elisha: Elijah’s days have been numbered ever since 1 Kings 19:15–18. The end of the war with Baal-worship will not come about, we know from that passage, until Elisha has succeeded his mentor and Hazael and Jehu have appeared on the scene. We are now to hear of the first of these events, as the prophetic mantle passes from Elijah to Elisha. As Elijah has called fire down from heaven in chapter 1, so in chapter 2 he will be lifted in fire up to heaven, and Elisha will be authenticated ...

489. Healing of the Water

2 Kings 2:19-22

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

490. Elisha is Jeered

2 Kings 2:23-25

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

491. A Song of Praise

Isaiah 26:1-21

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Devastation and Renewal for the Whole Land: The word massa’ no longer introduces the prophecies, but not until chapter 28 do we return to the direct, confrontational challenges to the people of God that dominate chapters 1–12. Chapters 24–27 thus stand out from the material on either side. The canvas broadens yet further than it had in chapters 13–23, but the tone of these chapters continues. The prophecy depicts further disaster and devastation, but makes fewer references to specific peoples. The effect ...

492. Epiphany 2

1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-12, John 2:1-11

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Isaiah 62:1-5 The Lord marries his people. Picture the situation: The Exiles have returned from Babylon and find their capital in ruins along with the temple. The prophet brings comfort and assurance that Yahweh will remedy the situation. The analogy of marriage is used. The Lord will re-marry his people and give them a new name as a bride gets a new name from her husband. Israel is the bride and Yahweh is the groom. Married to Yahweh, the bride-Israel will no longer be desolate ...

493. Epiphany 3

Lk 4:14-21 · 1 Cor 12:12-31a · Isa 61:1-6 · Neh 8:1-10 · Ps 19

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the returned Exiles. The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the return of the Exiles under Governor Nehemiah during the reign of Artaxerxes. Under Nehemiah the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and various reforms were introduced. He is known for his relationship with Yahweh and his frequent prayers. Today's pericope tells us of the gathering of the people for the reading of the Mosaic law by Ezra, the priest and scribe. ...

494. Epiphany Of Our Lord

Mt 2:1-12 · Eph 3:1-12 · Is 60:1-6, 9 · Ps 72

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

THIS WEEK'S TEXT Revised Common: Isaiah 60:1-6 · Ephesians 3:1-12 · Matthew 2:1-12 Roman Catholic: Isaiah 60:1-6 · Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 · Matthew 2:1-12 Episcopal: Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 · Ephesians 3:1-12 · Matthew 2:1-12 Lutheran: Isaiah 60:1-6 · Ephesians 3:2-12 · Matthew 2:1-12 Seasonal Theme: Gifts of God's Spirit Theme For The Day: The Gift Of Guidance. The Magi were guided to the Christ by the light of the star. We are guided to our eternal destiny by the light of the Holy Spirit. Suggested Sermon Text: ...

495. Epiphany 3

Lk 4:14-21 · 1 Cor 12:12-30 · Neh 8:1-10 · Isa 61:1-6

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the returned Exiles. The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the return of the Exiles under Governor Nehemiah during the reign of Artaxerxes. Under Nehemiah the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and various reforms were introduced. He is known for his relationship with Yahweh and his frequent prayers. Today's pericope tells us of the gathering of the people for the reading of the Mosaic law by Ezra, the priest and scribe. When the people ...

496. A Shepherd Who Became a Sovereign

2 Samuel 12:1-31

Sermon

R. Blaine Detrick

In the beginning, God created his world and his people. Mankind fell into sin in the Garden of Eden. God worked out a plan of salvation. To institute that plan, he selected a man and determined that through that one man, he would build a nation - a nation to accomplish his redemptive purpose. That man was Abraham. Through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God was building a chosen people. During Joseph’s lifetime, God preserved his people in a desperate time of famine by taking them down into the ...

497. Proper 26

Mark 12:28-34, Hebrews 9:11-28, Ruth 1:1-22

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Ruth 1:1-18 This is the first of two selections from the book of Ruth. The story is laid in the time of the Judges, a time of violence. However, at the time of Ruth, there was peace between Israel and Moab. Because of a famine in Israel, a husband takes his wife and two sons to Moab. In the course of time the husband and sons die, leaving three widows: Naomi, Ruth and Orpah. In this passage, Ruth refuses to leave Naomi and they both return to Bethlehem. Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 In ...

498. Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam

2 Chronicles 10:1--11:4

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

The Kings of Judah: With the narratives of David and Solomon (1 Chron. 11–29 and 2 Chron. 1–9, respectively) the Chronicler has thus far succeeded in establishing a very clear prototype of Israelite kingship. This kingship rests in the eternal promise made to David by Yahweh, the deity of Israel. And it finds its highest expression in the kingship of Solomon, who sits on Yahweh’s throne. Solomon established a cultic center by building the temple in Jerusalem, where both the tabernacle and ark of the ...

499. The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

We come now to the heart of the letter, where Paul attempts to put right some wrong ideas about the Parousia (see Introduction). How Paul learned about the problem we are not told. In 3:11 he speaks of having heard a report that some in the church were idle. If this report were more recent than the one brought by Timothy, it might have included the issues dealt with in this section (see Introduction on The Sequence of the Letters). This is one of the most difficult passages of the NT to interpret, largely ...

500. Overseers and Deacons

1 Timothy 3:1-16

Understanding Series

Gordon D. Fee

Qualifications for Overseers To this point, Paul has addressed some concerns related to the community at worship and corrected some abuses generated by the activities of the erring elders. Now he turns to the elders themselves and sets forth some qualifications for “office.” He begins, in verses 1–7, with a group called episkopoi (“overseers”); then moves in verses 8–13 to a group called diakonoi (“servants,” “deacons”), with a note also about some “women” in verse 11. It is altogether likely that both “ ...

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