Sermon and Worship Resources

Job 26:1--31:40

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... Job is vowing never to “curse God to his face” as the Satan had claimed he inevitably would. “Deceit” is more “rebellious treachery” than deceptive misleading. I will never admit . . . In the second part of his vow (v. 5), Job resolves never to surrender his integrity in the face of false accusation. The verse opens in the Hebrew with the interjection khalilah li, “accursed to me.” Here Job’s self-imprecation stands in the text. Our translators evidence some of the hesitancy of the ancient ...

1027. Epilogue

Job 42:7-17

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... nuggets out of the verbal mother lode of the friends’ speeches, this verse cautions us that God himself has weighed these words and found them wanting. God affirms Job’s words, but he never validates Job’s claims of righteousness. Thus, even after surrendering his hope in his retraction, Job never receives vindication. Despite all of the restoration that does take place in the end for Job, the epilogue does not return to the prologue’s oft-repeated evaluation of Job as tam weyashar, “blameless and ...

1028. The Lord’s King and Rebellious Peoples

Psalm 2:1-12

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... rebellion. If the kings do not serve (ʿbd), they will be destroyed (ʾbd). To survive and to obtain God’s blessing, these kings must change their social status to that of refugees under his appointed messiah. This is a stumbling block for all human beings, to surrender position and power voluntarily. There is no avoiding the fact that Psalm 2 threatens the use of force, which may not be a popular notion today. But we must be clear that Yahweh uses force only when provoked in the face of defiance. And we ...

1029. Oaths

Matthew 5:33-37

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... necessity of speaking the truth at all times. Jesus inevitably penetrates behind all legislation to the essential principles it intends to express. To codify his teaching is to destroy it. His “rules” reach far beyond any ability of external regulation to satisfy. They call for nothing short of complete inward surrender to God’s purpose and nature.

1030. A Mother's Request

Matthew 20:20-28

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... of many”). It would be difficult to express the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ death in clearer language. Büchsel concludes his article on the subject with the statement, “The understanding of Jesus’ death as a ransom for us is a basic element in the Church’s confession which it cannot surrender” (TDNT, vol. 4, p. 349). Additional Notes 20:22 Cup: The cup is a familiar Jewish figure for judgment (Ps. 75:8) and suffering (Isa. 51:17). Ps. 116:13, however, speaks of a “cup of salvation.”

1031. The Kings of the South and the North

Daniel 11:2-35

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... III returned, he won a great victory over Scopus at Paneas, one of the sources of the Jordan River (later called Caesarea Philippi in Roman times: Matt. 16:13; Mark 8:27). Scopus moved the remnant of his army to Sidon, where he was besieged and forced to surrender in 198 B.C. The Egyptian army was powerless to resist (11:15). The invader, Antiochus III, could do as he pleased; no one could stand against him (11:16). (Similar things are said of Persia [8:4], Alexander the Great [11:3], and Antiochus IV [11 ...

1032. More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:28-39

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... a sign not of failure but of God’s will. Come what may, answers Paul, no adversity shall separate us from the love of Christ. Victory takes place through suffering, not apart from it. Our tribulations and sufferings serve God’s purpose when they are surrendered to him (For your sake). We are more than conquerors through him who loved us (v. 37). More than conquerors, itself a militant expression, means that God works through harsh realities (v. 28), and the present tense in Greek means that he does not ...

1033. Israel Without Weapons

1 Samuel 13:16-22

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... loyal troops took part in ongoing skirmishes with the larger and far better equipped Philistine forces. These forces were free to send raiding parties in every direction except that in which Saul’s troops lay. The lack of an immediate surrender or a Philistine takeover speaks well for Saul’s statesmanship and military prowess. The insert explaining the dearth in Israel of blacksmiths capable of making metal tools and the exorbitant prices charged for supplying expertise is realistic. Only leaders could ...

1034. The End Times

Daniel 12:1-13

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... 13). The text goes on to explain the vision, not in positive descriptions of the saving deeds of God, but in negative terms listing the vile acts of Antiochus: the taking away of “the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot” (8:13). Therefore, the question is asking when the persecutions will cease. Similarly, what follows the question in Daniel 12 concerns the demise of Epiphanes: when the one who shatters ...

1035. Praying for Endurance and Healing

James 5:1-6, James 4:13-17, James 5:7-12, James 5:13-20

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... as reactionary fossils who did not like the modern trends in worship. They were seen as dangerous visionaries who believed that God, not strategic alliances, would protect the nation. Some were even thought to be weak-kneed traitors who suggested surrender (e.g., Jeremiah). Many people probably said, “I admire his convictions, but he seems to be rather masochistic, virtually demanding martyrdom by going public.” Others were glad when the prophet was dead and gone. The suffering itself was far from ...

1036. Praying for Endurance and Healing

James 5:7-12, James 4:13-17, James 5:1-6, James 5:13-20

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... as reactionary fossils who did not like the modern trends in worship. They were seen as dangerous visionaries who believed that God, not strategic alliances, would protect the nation. Some were even thought to be weak-kneed traitors who suggested surrender (e.g., Jeremiah). Many people probably said, “I admire his convictions, but he seems to be rather masochistic, virtually demanding martyrdom by going public.” Others were glad when the prophet was dead and gone. The suffering itself was far from ...

1037. Praying for Endurance and Healing

James 5:13-20, James 4:13-17, James 5:1-6, James 5:7-12

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... as reactionary fossils who did not like the modern trends in worship. They were seen as dangerous visionaries who believed that God, not strategic alliances, would protect the nation. Some were even thought to be weak-kneed traitors who suggested surrender (e.g., Jeremiah). Many people probably said, “I admire his convictions, but he seems to be rather masochistic, virtually demanding martyrdom by going public.” Others were glad when the prophet was dead and gone. The suffering itself was far from ...

1038. Ahab Defeats Ben-Hadad

1 Kings 20:13-34

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... themselves and by the wall of Aphek, which falls, Jericho-like, on those who have sought refuge in the city (cf. Josh. 6, esp. 6:15 for seventh day upon which battle was joined). Ben-Hadad’s officials produce a second plan (v. 31): surrender! Doubtless more because he has no alternatives rather than because he still trusts their judgment (cf. the origin of “plan A” in vv. 23ff.), Ben-Hadad allows them to proceed (vv. 32–33), clothed to signify penitence (sackcloth, cf. 21:27) and submissiveness ...

1039. A Prophet Condemns Ahab

1 Kings 20:35-43

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... themselves and by the wall of Aphek, which falls, Jericho-like, on those who have sought refuge in the city (cf. Josh. 6, esp. 6:15 for seventh day upon which battle was joined). Ben-Hadad’s officials produce a second plan (v. 31): surrender! Doubtless more because he has no alternatives rather than because he still trusts their judgment (cf. the origin of “plan A” in vv. 23ff.), Ben-Hadad allows them to proceed (vv. 32–33), clothed to signify penitence (sackcloth, cf. 21:27) and submissiveness ...

1040. Shallum King of Israel

2 Kings 15:13-16

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... open and he smote all its pregnant women, he cut open.” The general direction of the translation is probably correct, although the subject of “did not open” must strictly, in the context, be Menahem. The thought is perhaps that he failed to persuade them to open the gates (i.e., surrender).

1041. Menahem King of Israel

2 Kings 15:17-22

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... open and he smote all its pregnant women, he cut open.” The general direction of the translation is probably correct, although the subject of “did not open” must strictly, in the context, be Menahem. The thought is perhaps that he failed to persuade them to open the gates (i.e., surrender).

1042. Pekahiah King of Israel

2 Kings 15:23-26

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... open and he smote all its pregnant women, he cut open.” The general direction of the translation is probably correct, although the subject of “did not open” must strictly, in the context, be Menahem. The thought is perhaps that he failed to persuade them to open the gates (i.e., surrender).

1043. Pekah King of Israel

2 Kings 15:27-31

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... open and he smote all its pregnant women, he cut open.” The general direction of the translation is probably correct, although the subject of “did not open” must strictly, in the context, be Menahem. The thought is perhaps that he failed to persuade them to open the gates (i.e., surrender).

1044. Jehoiakim King of Judah

2 Kings 23:36--24:7

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... rebels. 24:8–17 It is his son Jehoiachin who succeeds him and pays the price for his rebellion. The armies of Babylon march on Jerusalem and besiege the city, as the Assyrians had done before them (2 Kgs. 18–19). Jehoiachin is no Hezekiah (v. 8). He surrenders (v. 12) and is carried off into exile, along with all the treasures from the temple and the palace (v. 13; cf. 20:17–18 and the additional note to 1 Kgs. 14:26). Solomon’s gold, which once flowed into his empire in fabulous quantities (1 Kgs ...

1045. Jehoiachin King of Judah

2 Kings 24:8-17

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... rebels. 24:8–17 It is his son Jehoiachin who succeeds him and pays the price for his rebellion. The armies of Babylon march on Jerusalem and besiege the city, as the Assyrians had done before them (2 Kgs. 18–19). Jehoiachin is no Hezekiah (v. 8). He surrenders (v. 12) and is carried off into exile, along with all the treasures from the temple and the palace (v. 13; cf. 20:17–18 and the additional note to 1 Kgs. 14:26). Solomon’s gold, which once flowed into his empire in fabulous quantities (1 Kgs ...

1046. Zedekiah King of Judah

2 Kings 24:18-20a

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... rebels. 24:8–17 It is his son Jehoiachin who succeeds him and pays the price for his rebellion. The armies of Babylon march on Jerusalem and besiege the city, as the Assyrians had done before them (2 Kgs. 18–19). Jehoiachin is no Hezekiah (v. 8). He surrenders (v. 12) and is carried off into exile, along with all the treasures from the temple and the palace (v. 13; cf. 20:17–18 and the additional note to 1 Kgs. 14:26). Solomon’s gold, which once flowed into his empire in fabulous quantities (1 Kgs ...

1047. The Fall of Jerusalem

2 Kings 24:20b--25:26

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... rebels. 24:8–17 It is his son Jehoiachin who succeeds him and pays the price for his rebellion. The armies of Babylon march on Jerusalem and besiege the city, as the Assyrians had done before them (2 Kgs. 18–19). Jehoiachin is no Hezekiah (v. 8). He surrenders (v. 12) and is carried off into exile, along with all the treasures from the temple and the palace (v. 13; cf. 20:17–18 and the additional note to 1 Kgs. 14:26). Solomon’s gold, which once flowed into his empire in fabulous quantities (1 Kgs ...

1048. A Prophecy Against Egypt

Isaiah 19:1-25

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... Assyria and not just to Israel is breathtaking. The recurrence of Israel (contrast Judah in v. 17) indicates that the prophecy’s vision is for the whole nation. The other side of the theological promotion of Egypt and Assyria and Israel’s consequent surrender of its unique position is that Israel itself will be one of the international “big three.” The blessing’s concern for Abraham’s people itself still stands. The prophecy is a spectacular example of one that never came true. It was presumably ...

1049. Jeremiah Thrown Into a Cistern

Jeremiah 38:1-13

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... of a pro-Egyptian political party, one that looked to Egypt for hope against the Babylonian threat. These men are deeply disturbed by Jeremiah’s preaching. He sounds like an agent of the Babylonians, telling the people that they will survive only if they surrender. Those who resist and stay in the city will die by sword, famine or plague, the three scourges of a military siege (see Additional Notes at 14:2). In a word, Jeremiah is claiming that the defeat of Jerusalem by the Babylonians is something ...

1050. We've Got a Friend in High Places

1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28, Ephesians 1:15-23

Sermon

King Duncan

... Spirit, Christ is our constant companion today as we seek to live for him. Years ago author and devout Christian Bruce Larson wrote a very helpful book titled, Believe and Belong. In that book he told about one exercise he used over the years to help people surrender their lives to Christ. He said that for many years he worked in New York City. During this time he used his office to counsel with people who were struggling with their faith. Often he would suggest they walk with him from his office down to ...