Sermon and Worship Resources

Antonyms: keep, claim, continue, stick by, self-control, power through, achieve, defend, bear, hope, acquire, quick visit, adopt, continue along, adhere, remain, pursue, support, take up, keep up, reuse, advocate, stay, persevere, cherish, keep going, carry on

Showing 1001 to 1025 of 1185 results

1001. The Pilgrim’s Thirst for God in a Dry and Weary Land

Psalm 63:1-11

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... in the shadow of your wings (alluding to the symbolism of Yahweh’s cherubim-throne) in connection with God’s help or protection is echoed in another pilgrim psalm (61:3–4; also cf. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1). The expression, My soul clings to you, is literally “I pursue after you” (Hb. dbq ʾḥr; cf. Judg. 20:45; 1 Sam. 14:22; Jer. 42:16; 1 Chron. 10:2), thus reflecting the journey of the pilgrim. (On your right hand upholds me, cf. 73:23.) 63:9–11 To this point the only parties mentioned in the psalm ...

1002. When I Am Old and Gray

Psalm 71:1-24

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... is literally, “those who watch my life,” is much more ambiguous than the NIV’s those who wait to kill me. As noted in the Introduction, psalms often speak in extremes so as to include any form of situation. Thus, while the opponents say, “ . . . pursue him and seize him” and the psalm describes them as my accusers and as those who want to harm me, this could include anything from harming his reputation, to seizing his property, or to homicide. We should note that the fate invoked upon them focuses ...

1003. The Conspiracy of the Nations

Psalm 83:1-18

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... as a nation,” v. 4), the intent of these concluding petitions does not go that far. Wind does not destroy tumbleweed and chaff; it drives them along. And although fire consumes a forest, the point is that it sets the human inhabitants on the run: so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. These images may point to the eventual and hasty retreat of Israel’s aggressors in battle. 83:16–18 The final petitions (vv. 16–18) appear to show the same restraint. While a request is made ...

1004. The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

Matthew 15:21-28

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... point, however, is that Jesus himself separates the two feedings. In Matthew 16:9–10 he says, “Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand … or the seven loaves for the four thousand?” With evidence like that, it seems fruitless to pursue the possibility of duplicate accounts of the same event. Additional Notes 15:21 Tyre and Sidon: The Phoenician city of Tyre was originally situated on a rocky island some twenty-two miles south of Sidon. In 332 B.C. Alexander laid siege to the city ...

1005. Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Matthew 15:29-39

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... , however, is that Jesus himself separates the two feedings. In Matthew 16:9–10 he says, “Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand … or the seven loaves for the four thousand?” With evidence like that, it seems fruitless to pursue the possibility of duplicate accounts of the same event. Additional Notes 15:37 Basketfuls: It is often noted that the basket in the first incident was a kophinos (a stout wicker basket commonly associated with Jewish culture) and the basket in the second ...

1006. Nations to Praise the Lord for His Faithfulness

Psalm 117:1-2

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... liturgical expression. A more literal translation reveals the striking word choice in verse 2: “for his love has prevailed (Hb. gābar) over us” (cf. the noun “warrior,” Hb. gibbôr; and also a literal translation of 23:6: “surely goodness and love shall pursue me”). The psalm almost appears to tease its listeners with the question of who the us is in verse 2. Is it Israel alone, thus making “all you nations” praise Yahweh as mere witnesses of his goodness to Israel? Or does it include them ...

1007. Surrendering to God’s Inescapable, All-Searching Presence

Psalm 139:1-24

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... speaker’s invitation for God to search him at the psalm’s close is not a spontaneous response of piety but a reasoned surrender to God’s inescapable, all-searching presence. Earlier the speaker’s initial response was to escape; now he chooses to draw near to the God who pursues him. But why does the speaker petition God to do the very things he would do or has done in any case (note search and know in vv. 23 and 1, see in vv. 24 and 16, and lead in vv. 24 and 10 [NIV “guide”])? (Note how these ...

1008. Alone and Persecuted

Psalm 142:1-7

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... ; in desperate need is a paraphrase) in society. The actual petitions for God’s intervention are two. One or both of them must be metaphoric, for if taken literally their images are incompatible. The first reflects feelings of being chased (Rescue me from those who pursue me), and the second feelings of confinement (Set me free from my prison, cf. 143:11b in Hb.). Each has a supporting motivation. The first points to the opponents (for they are too strong for me), and the second to God (that I may praise ...

1009. No One Is Righteous before God

Psalm 143:1-12

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... “all the sons of men” (“there is no one who does good, not even one”), still refers to a group of the righteous (v. 5), the opposite of which is the group of evildoers (v. 4). 143:3–6 It is common in the Psalms to describe the enemy as “pursuing,” but in verse 3 he does not merely threaten—he has already put the speaker in a state of virtual death (cf. 69:1–4, 14–15; contrast 22:15; 88:6–8, 15–18, where the state of death is attributed to Yahweh). This image implies a feeling of ...

1010. The Healing of a Boy With an Evil Spirit

Mark 9:14-32

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

... 9:33–34 and 10:35–37, we are shown the disciples still assuming that in a short time they will be in chief positions with Jesus over the kingdom. But based on Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in 8:32–33, the disciples are fearful to pursue the dark predictions Jesus makes. They cannot understand what seems to be a morbid preoccupation of Jesus, not realizing that it is they who are really wrongly preoccupied. The message Mark wanted to communicate with these details of the reactions of the disciples was not ...

1011. Jesus Heals Many

Luke 4:38-44

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... -witness motif (see commentary on 2:22–38). This exclamation recalls the heavenly voice at the baptism (3:22). 4:42–44 Jesus is so popular, his cures in such great demand, that he has to seek out a solitary place. Even so, he is pursued, and when he is discovered, the crowds tried to keep him from leaving them. This enthusiasm for Jesus is due primarily to his healings and aid. In keeping with popular views about the blessings associated with the coming of the Messiah, the people expected such benefits ...

1012. Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

Romans 15:23-33

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... as “an offering acceptable to God” (v. 16). His presentation of the financial offering in Jerusalem symbolized his much greater presentation of the Gentiles to God. 15:30–33 After completing the relief offering, Paul hopes at last to be free to pursue his Spanish mission, stopping in Rome en route “in the full measure of the blessing of Christ” (vv. 28–29). Paul was under no illusions about latent hostility awaiting him in Jerusalem. Neither (apparently) was anyone else. He had already escaped ...

1013. The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:1-14

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... part of John’s Revelation. Their identity is more difficult to ascertain. While cases have been mounted for a variety of historical figures (e.g., Moses and Elijah) and theological categories (e.g., law and gospel), we are best advised to pursue symbolic meanings consistent with the conviction envisioned by John’s precedent commission. This course of action seems especially prudent since the two witnesses are called the two olive trees and the two lampstands—obvious symbols of their important roles in ...

1014. The Cloud Above the Tabernacle

Numbers 9:15-23

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

... of the penalties for violations in the Holiness Code in Leviticus. An additional instruction is that an alien, one who is not an Israelite but living with them, may also properly celebrate the LORD’s Passover. 9:15–23 This concluding section of the chapter pursues the theme of divine guidance—here guidance for the upcoming journey. The text refers to the completion of the tabernacle in Exodus 40, and the cloud that covered it. The cloud as a symbol of divine presence descended on Sinai and came to be ...

1015. The Year of Jubilee

Leviticus 25:8-55

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

... as Yahweh’s distinct people included human relationships. Treatment of others is important in the Priestly theological and ethical perspective. Isaiah 61:1–4 develops the Jubilee theme of hope, as does Luke 4:18–19. Passages in 1 John 3:17 and 4:11 also pursue themes of care for others. Additional Notes 25:30 The walled city is in contrast to villages. If a house is not redeemed before the fulfillment or completion of the year, the sale is permanent. The NIV reading seems to be the best, though some ...

1016. Punishment for Disobedience

Leviticus 26:14-46

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

... rebellious people, but now has rest and will enjoy its sabbaths. The image in verse 36 is breathtaking. Fear will be so prevalent that even a windblown leaf will strike terror into the hearts of exiles. They will run and fall even though not pursued. They will suffer physical and mental disease and defeat, and they will be devoured in exile. The consequences are extensive and devastating. Even the land of exile will devour you; its resources will not be available to these people. The last phrase of verse ...

1017. The End Times

Daniel 12:1-13

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... to Amos, which in turn accounts for the connection between the two parts of the verse. So, what is Daniel 11–12 all about? Certainly, what is absolutely unique is the way these chapters, unlike other predictions in Scripture, include minute specifics. The author relentlessly pursues his purpose: simply to show that history has a telos—an end, a goal. He saw all of the secular events from the Persian era onward as leading up to his day in such a way that there was a crescendo of intensity. All of ...

1018. The Plague of Darkness

Exodus 10:1-20

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... (11:10). Additionally, before the plague of the locusts (v. 1), God claims to have hardened Pharaoh’s heart immediately after the narrator twice states that Pharaoh and his officials hardened their own hearts. Later in the narrative, after Pharaoh had begun preparations to pursue the people to the sea (14:8), the text states that the Lord again hardened his heart. The Lord promised to harden Pharaoh’s or the Egyptians’ hearts in the future (“I will harden,” 4:21; 7:3; 14:4, 17). The balance of ...

1019. Leadership in Israel: Judges and Kings

Deuteronomy 16:21--17:7

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

... Mal. 2:9). Do not accept a bribe (cf. Ps. 15:5; Prov. 17:23; Isa. 1:23; 5:23; 33:15; Ezek. 22:12). As against such practices, commonly decried elsewhere, Deuteronomy hoists its own banner in verse 20, (lit.) “Justice, justice, you shall pursue!” and motivates it with the familiar concern for prosperous life in the land. This last phrase of the verse should not be taken lightly as a stock phrase. Deuteronomy uses it repeatedly in chapters 5–11 as a major motivation for covenant loyalty and fulfillment ...

1020. Law Courts

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

1021. Witnesses

Deuteronomy 19:15-21

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

... deliberate murder of verse 13. The law thus enshrines a legal principle of fundamental magnitude: the innocent should not be punished, and the guilty should not go unpunished. Significantly, it notes that anger and haste are likely causes of injustice being done (pursue him in a rage, v. 6). The most notorious cases in recent British legal history of wrongful arrest and imprisonment of persons later shown to be innocent were the result of public anger at IRA terrorist outrages and the pressure on British ...

1022. Elijah Taken Up to Heaven

2 Kings 2:1-18

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... of Baal. It is an appropriate ending since it reminds us of Elisha’s place in the story of Israel taken as a whole. His prophetic credentials having been established, he is now ready to pick up where Elijah left off in the war against Baal. It is to pursue that war that he returns to Samaria. Additional Notes 2:1 Gilgal: It is not made clear if the LORD has any reason for sending Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel and then on to Jericho. All three cities appear in 2 Kings, however, as locations where there are ...

1023. Healing of the Water

2 Kings 2:19-22

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

1024. Elisha is Jeered

2 Kings 2:23-25

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

1025. Israel Exiled because of Sin

2 Kings 17:7-23

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... the beginning demanded Do not worship any other gods (vv. 35, 37–38). What is clear by the end of the chapter, then, is that the exile of Israel has not led to any improvement in the religion of the people who dwell in the land. They pursue their path of “worshiping” the LORD while serving their idols. Nothing has changed. Additional Notes 17:4 So king of Egypt: It is much more likely, given the form of the Hb. and the normal practice of the authors elsewhere in Kings of referring to foreign kings ...

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