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 526 to 550 of 5000 results

526. Jesus Taken Up into Heaven

Acts 1:1-11

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... (v. 10; cf. 10:30; 12:7; Luke 2:9; 24:4). They are introduced with the exclamation, “Look”—not apparent in NIV, but intended to convey a sense of surprise at the providential (cf. esp. 7:56; 8:27, 36; 10:30; 16:1), for Luke wants us to understand that the two “men” were angels (cf. Matt. 28:2f.; John 20:12). What he meant by an “angel” is not so clear. Perhaps all he wanted to say was that there was an overwhelming sense of the divine in what happened (see disc. on 5:19f.; 12:6ff.; cf ...

527. Boasting

2 Corinthians 11:1-15, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... ’s many disguises, see T.Job 6:4; 17:2; 23:1; b. Qidd. 81ab; b. Sanh. 95a, 107a. Paul’s use of the term “minister” of himself (cf. 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 11:23) may have been prompted by the opponents’ own self-understanding, for Paul elsewhere prefers the prophetic title “slave of Christ” (Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:10). If we would doubt that Paul could refer to “apostles” with letters of recommendation from the Jerusalem authorities as “servants [of Satan],” we need recall only Paul’s severe ...

528. Paul’s Second Visit to the Jerusalem Church

Galatians 2:1-10

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... false brothers, it was only for a moment, and it was for the greater good. In fact, their submission to the false brothers was sacrificial—for the sake of the gospel and future converts, that the truth of the gospel might remain with you. In this understanding of the event, circumcision for Titus was neither a requirement on the part of the Jerusalem leaders nor a lapse in principle on Paul’s part but an acquiescence to the demand of false brothers for a greater purpose. The variant reading of 2:5 could ...

529. Sons of God

Galatians 3:26--4:7

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... you came into being and into us you will be resolved again when you have to die” (On the Special Laws 266 [Colson, LCL]). The word also came to be connected with “star” or “constellation” and consequently was at times related to an understanding that the stars or elements influence the course of events. On this see B. Reicke, JBL 70 (1951), pp. 259–76. Delling suggests that for Paul the elements represent “that whereon man’s existence rested before Christ … that which is weak and impotent ...

530. Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Ephesians 1:1-14

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... knowledge of something, followed by the ability to apply that knowledge or wisdom to a right course of action. God has provided the knowledge and ability to know and to do his will. 1:9 God’s gift of wisdom and insight enables the believer to understand the mystery of his will (cf. GNB: “secret plan”). In Colossians, that mystery meant that the Gentiles were recipients of the gospel and heirs of salvation (1:26, 27; 2:2; 4:3). Though this thought appears also in Ephesians (cf. 3:3–6), this epistle ...

531. Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

Ephesians 3:1-13

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... to me for you / 1:25—the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God 3:3—the mystery made known to me by revelation / 1:27—God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles … this mystery 3:4—you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ / 2:2—in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ 3:6—through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus / 1:27 ...

532. Thanksgiving and Prayer

Colossians 1:1-14

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... does not know most of them personally. Although 1:9 forms one of the requests, it stands as a heading for the petitions that follow. Paul begins by asking that his readers be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. This is foundational for the apostle because in biblical thought there is a close relationship between the knowledge of and the doing of God’s will. Those who are being filled in this way will (a) have a worthy walk (1:10a), (b) have a fruitful ...

533. Paul's Labor for the Church

Colossians 1:24--2:5

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... the afflictions of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 1:5; 4:10; Phil. 3:10; 1 Pet. 4:13, for helpful parallels). Paul believes that he is helping to complete what the Messiah began for the church but will not be completed until his return. One other interpretation understands the phrase “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (RSV) to refer to a deficiency in Paul and not in Christ. Paul realizes that his desire to share in Christ’s sufferings and to become like his Lord in death is a continuing process (Phil. 3 ...

534. Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... see note on 2:13); the second, dechomai adds the thought that they had welcomed what they had received (cf. 1:6; 2 Thess. 2:10). Emphasis is laid on the fact that what they received was the word of God. That phrase is repeated (at least, as NIV understands it; see note on 2:13) and Paul further underscores his point by stating that it was not the word of men (cf. Gal. 1:11f.) but was actually “just as” (kathōs) he had described it. Paul could not have expressed himself much more strongly than this. The ...

535. Warning Against Falling Away

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

Understanding Series

Donald A. Hagner

... must be made to see the seriousness of what they are contemplating. The severity of his statement is to be explained by the situation and context of the readers. If they are to remain faithful to their confession in the face of persecution, they must understand the nature of apostasy. This is not a time for words concerning God’s grace and the possibility of restoration. In any event, because it is both difficult and uncertain, a way back ought not to be counted upon. Can Christians, then, fall away and ...

536. Prophecy of Scripture

2 Peter 1:12-21

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... for himself. True prophecy never came about as a result of some individual’s personal ideas: it never had its origin in the will of man. The impulse came from the Holy Spirit of God. When the OT prophets spoke, they were not passing on some understanding or view of their own. They were revealing a message from the Spirit: they spoke from God. It was for this reason that their words must be closely heeded. It follows, therefore, that readers of the Scriptures must look to the same divine Spirit to inspire ...

537. Israel Fights the Remaining Canaanites

Judges 1:1-36

Understanding Series

Cheryl A. Brown

... , on a promise that he will be treated well (cf. Josh. 2:1–21; 6:17, 25). 1:25 They put to city to the sword: This verse raises perhaps one of the most difficult issues relating to interpreting Judges and other OT books. How do we understand not only God’s condoning of killing and stealing—two prohibitions in the Ten Commandments—but more so his commanding the people to “put the city to the sword”? How could the LORD be with those who committed such atrocities? There are no simplistic answers to ...

538. Saul Takes His Life

1 Chronicles 10:1-14

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

... to this issue at the end of this section. A few other passing references to Saul are included in Chronicles, namely, in 1 Chronicles 11:2; 12:1, 2, 19 (twice), 23, 29 (twice); 13:3; 15:29; 17:13; and 26:28. It will enrich our understanding of the narrative in this particular section if we also take note of some of the subtleties of these other references. In 11:2 All-Israel addresses David at Hebron, indicating that they have regarded him as their military leader for some time already, “even while Saul ...

539. Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 22:17--24:22

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... verses 3–9. 24:3–4 Probably house is not to be identified too strictly. It can refer to the physical building and also to the qualities necessary for an ideal home. In view of the references to wisdom and her house in 8:1 and to the qualities (wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in that order in 3:19 and 23:3) with which God created the world (3:19), the saying can have a wider application, such as to the harmony and peace of the hearth. 24:5–6 The MT is difficult in verse 5: “a wise person is ...

540. I Am a Rose of Sharon

Song of Songs 2:1-17

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Huwiler

... accurately translated as an ambiguous, fragmentary exclamation: “His left arm under my head, his right arm embracing me.” By using present tense is, the NIV interprets this as a description of what is taking place as the verse is spoken. It is equally possible to understand it as remembrance of a past event: “His left arm was under my head, and his right embracing me.” Or it maybe anticipation of a future or possible event: “Oh, that his left arm were under my head, and his right arm embracing me ...

541. A Message About Babylon

Jeremiah 50:1--51:64

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... Babylon has been imposing on others will now be imposed on that great empire. The defeat of Babylon will result in the shaming of its deities. Rather than considering the possibility that these gods have allowed the defeat of Babylon as was the faithful Judean’s understanding of Yahweh’s relationship to the defeat of Judah, the defeat of Babylon was thought to be a sign of the impotence of the gods of Babylon. The chief god of the city of Babylon, and thus of the empire that expanded from that city as ...

542. The Last Day of the Feast

John 7:45--8:11, John 8:12-30

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

... to Jesus’ voluntary death on a cross to take away sin. Not until they have lifted up the Son of Man on that cross will they know who Jesus is and realize that he has spoken the very words of God (v. 28). The reference to a future moment of understanding only serves to accent their present ignorance. Who are you? they ask Jesus (v. 25), and they are told that all along from the very beginning of his ministry he has been making himself known, if only they would listen (v. 25). There is much he could say now ...

543. The Triumphal Entry

John 12:12-19

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

... into Jerusalem suggests that in a very real sense (just as the Passover notice in 11:55 intimated) the Passion narrative is already under way. The appropriateness of the Zechariah quotation, and therefore of kingship as the proper category for understanding Jesus, was only apparent to his disciples, the narrator adds, after Jesus was glorified (v. 16). Glorified is an expression embracing in itself both Jesus’ death and his resurrection. His glorification is complete only when he has been raised from ...

544. Firstfruits and Tithes

Deuteronomy 26:1-15

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

... and honor are for Yahweh. The Hebrew reads “He will set you high above all the nations he has made for praise and for a name and for honor.” The NEB/REB translates this, quite legitimately, “to bring him praise and fame and glory.” This understanding of the very purpose of Israel’s existence, which will be fulfilled only by its obedience to the covenant, is expressed with the same phraseology by Jeremiah in his acted prophecy (Jer. 13:1–11; cf. 33:9). If these close parallels are allusions to ...

545. The Lord's Devastation of the Earth

Isaiah 24:1-23

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... 17, but in 23:1, 10, and 13 the same word meant “the land.” Here in chapter 24 KJV has “earth” thirteen times (including v. 1), but “land” in verses 3, 11, and 13. If you were a Judean hearing the prophecy, you would not be sure which way to understand it. Is this a depiction of disaster on the land of Israel, or on the world as a whole? As the chapter unfolds, the ambiguity deepens. On the one hand, verse 4 also uses the word that specifically refers to the world. But then verse 5 sounds like a ...

546. Signs and Oracles of Judgment

Ezekiel 4:1-5:17, Ezekiel 6:1-14, Ezekiel 7:1-27

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... penalty (e.g., Gen. 4:13), but it is difficult to tell what the significance of 390 years of punishment might be. Note, too, that the Septuagint (LXX), has adikian, which means “guilt” or “violence.” It is better, then, to read with the NIV and understand Ezekiel, by this sign-act, to be taking upon himself the sin of the house of Israel (v. 4; although, as we will see, the forty years of ʿawon assigned to Judah call for a different interpretation). Remember that this is a priestly function: the ...

547. Tyre, Sidon—and Israel

Ezekiel 26:1-21, Ezekiel 27:1-36, Ezekiel 28:1-19, Ezekiel 28:20-26

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... refer to many coastlands, it is likely that the original referent was the island of Rhodes, rather than the inland Arabian city of Dedan. 27:16 Aram. Some Heb. manuscripts, and the Syr. Peshitta, read “Edom” instead. Again, the confusion of d and r is easy to understand (see Ezek. 16:57, where this same confusion of place names is evident in the versions). The LXX lacks the word, and so is of no help here. The NIV and NJPS have stayed with the majority witness of the Heb., while the NRSV goes with the ...

548. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-42

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... not all the instructions that Jesus provides for the twelve apostles are applicable to Matthew’s audience, including contemporary readers (e.g., mission to Israel only, no extra clothing [see comments on 10:32]), it seems clear that Matthew wants followers of Jesus to understand that their ministry is to be patterned in particular ways on Jesus’ own mission. First, the picture of Jesus as a shepherd to Israel (2:6; 9:36) connects with his call to the Twelve to go to the “lost sheep of Israel” (10 ...

549. Jesus as God’s Wisdom Is a Hidden Reality

Matthew 11:20-24, Matthew 11:25-30

Teach the Text

Jeannine K. Brown

... –13). What about this theme for preaching and teaching Matthew? It is a good reminder for us that no one sits outside the scope of God’s restoration activity. In fact, those whom we might be most likely to write off as unresponsive to and unable to understand Jesus and his kingdom message may be precisely those to whom God is revealing Jesus. 3. As Wisdom personified, Jesus offers rest for all those who will follow his ways. In contrast to those who teach the law in ways that are onerous and who fail to ...

550. The Model of Jesus for Discipleship Service, Not Self-Seeking

Mark 9:33-37, Mark 9:38-41, Mark 9:42-50

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

... one of Peter’s children]), indicating that he considers this child to be important and a member of his family. 9:38 we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. This is understandable. Jewish exorcists often invoked the names of archangels or Old Testament figures such as Solomon to drive out demons, so it would make sense that a great “prophet” like Jesus would also be named. Still, there is a question about whether this was a Jewish ...

Showing results