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 1501 to 1525 of 4942 results

1501. Eliphaz

Job 4:1–5:27

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

4:1–14:22; 15:1–21:34; 22:1–27:23 Review · Three Cycles of Dialogue: Job has no idea how true his last few words are. He has spoken them of his past. He will soon discover that they anticipate his future. The frustrating dialogues with the friends lie ahead—agitating trouble has indeed come. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar will by and large collectively affirm a traditional doctrine of divine retribution: God rewards good and punishes evil. Job will declare his innocence. The friends will increasingly grow ...

1502. Warnings Against Folly

Proverbs 6:1-19

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

The next lesson, in 6:1–19, treats several topics related to financial affairs (6:1–5), work (6:6–11), and negative character traits (6:12–19), followed by another lesson on sexual morality (6:20–35). A common tone unites the chapter, as the father warns his child, either explicitly or implicitly, against loans (6:1–5), laziness (6:6–11), evildoers (6:12–15), a catalog of detestable actions (6:16–19), and the prostitute (6:20–35). In the first section (6:1–5), the parent/speaker begins exceptionally by ...

1503. More Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 26:1-28, Proverbs 25:1-28, Proverbs 27:1-27

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

25:1–29:27 Review · The Later Colomonic: A second “Solomonic” proverbial collection begins in 25:1, extending through 29:27. These were “compiled” or edited two centuries after the reign of Solomon, during the reign of Hezekiah. 25:1–27:27 Review · The first subsection of this collection is on relating wisely to rulers, neighbors, family, and social menaces. In these chapters God is rarely mentioned (only 25:2, 22) and numerous comparisons are used (in the NIV, “like” occurs more frequently in chaps. 25–27 ...

1504. Time and Eternity

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

3:1–22 Review · Next Qoheleth turns to the examination of how time, viewed against the backdrop of eternity, affects human efforts to engage in profitable activities. 3:1–8 · He begins with a highly structured “Catalogue of Times” (Fox, 193), which affirms and illustrates that “there is a time for everything” (3:1–8), certainly the book’s best-known text. The poem begins with an initial summary claim regarding time and every human purpose (Hebrew hepets; 3:1). It is disputed whether this verse is to be ...

1505. Social Relationships: Oppression, Toil, Friendliness

Ecclesiastes 4:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

4:1–16 Review · Next, Qoheleth examines life in society. Chapter 4 can be analyzed as a coherent unit. If one subdivides it into four subsections (i.e., 4:1–3, 4–6, 7–12, 13–16), each of them displays the following features: (1) a thematic emphasis on the value of companionship, (2) no mention of God, (3) no positive resolution to the observed problem, (4) the verb “I saw” (4:1, 4, 7, 15), (5) the inclusion of a “better than” saying (4:3, 6, 9, 13), and (6) a reference to “two” (4:3, 6, 8–12; cf. 4:13). He ...

1506. Wealth is Meaningless

Ecclesiastes 5:8--6:12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

5:10–6:9 Review · Qoheleth concludes his examination of foundational human activities with an extensive and highly structured analysis of wealth. This section can be subdivided into three distinct scenarios involving wealth on the basis of the threefold use of “I saw” (5:13; 5:18; 6:1) as well as the striking verbal and conceptual parallels between 5:10–12 and 6:7–9. Two negative portraits (5:13–17; 6:1–6) frame a positive one (5:18–20). These three observations are in turn framed by an introduction and a ...

1507. Recognize that Bad Days Can Bring about Good

Ecclesiastes 7:1--8:1

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

6:10–10:20 Review · Positive Attitudes in the Light of Injustice and Uncertainty: After examining the major areas of life in his quest for lasting—or even limited—gain, Qoheleth proceeds in the second major section of the book (6:10–10:20) to inculcate positive attitudes regarding “how should we then live,” a foundational query of Francis Schaeffer. This presents a special challenge in a world marked by “transience” (Fredericks’s translation of hebel) and uncertainty and marred by injustice. In particular ...

1508. Jeremiah's Complaint

Jeremiah 12:1-4, Jeremiah 12:5-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

The second of Jeremiah’s seven personal laments touches on God, the wicked, the prophet himself, and the land (12:1–4). Jeremiah uses court language and asks for justice, or right dealing. “Righteous” is a term of relationship describing integrity and uprightness. On what grounds can God prosper evil persons? It is an old question. The wicked discount God by claiming that God will not have final jurisdiction over them. The prophet protests his innocence, a feature of other laments. Moral corruption has ...

1509. Much Bad News, Some Good

Jeremiah 16:1--17:18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

These two chapters are a mixture. God privately instructs Jeremiah not to socialize; God speaks publicly about keeping the Sabbath. The people of God will be exiled; but there will be a restoration. A prophet turns to God in his frustration; Gentiles turn en masse to God in conversion. There are mini essays; there are proverblike sayings. However, the theme remains unchanged: sin is pervasive and judgment will be certain and terrible. God gives Jeremiah three commands about his social life (16:1–13). The ...

1510. Submit to Babylon’s Yoke!

Jeremiah 27:1-22, Jeremiah 28:1-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

The northerner Babylon has come. Jeremiah has preached repentance (25:5). Now he “meddles” in foreign policy and urges submission to Babylon rather than resistance or revolt. This unusual counsel, given not as a politician but as a prophet, is pressed on the visiting envoys, on Zedekiah himself, and on the priests and people. Each group is instructed to submit to Babylon; each is warned not to heed false prophets. The sign act of carrying a wooden yoke makes the message memorable: surrender to ...

1511. Edom’s Judgment Pronounced and Reaffirmed

Obadiah 1:1-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

Unlike other prophetic books, Obadiah’s oracle contains no information about the time or place of its origin, nor does it include any autobiographical data about the prophet. The brevity of the superscription matches the brevity of the book, perhaps to focus attention on the message rather than on the prophet himself. The word used to describe Obadiah’s prophecy (“vision”) is a technical term having to do with receiving a revelatory word from God. More than mere human sight, this visionary experience is ...

1512. The Lord Comes and Reigns

Zechariah 14:1-21

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

Chapter 14 returns to the final siege of Jerusalem. Besides adding some particulars omitted in chapter 12, chapter 14 has a different purpose. Both chapters show that much more is at stake than the defense of Jerusalem and the destruction of the enemy. In chapter 12 the impact of Christ’s coming brings God’s people to repentance and faith. In chapter 14 Christ’s coming is seen in its impact on the world at large, in the establishment of a worldwide kingdom where Christ alone is king. The repentance of ...

1513. The Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

5:1–7:29 Review · Jesus’s first discourse—the Sermon on the Mount: The first major section of 4:17–16:20 highlights Jesus’s teaching ministry. It is no accident that Matthew begins his narration of Jesus’s ministry with an extended teaching by Jesus. Matthew structures his Gospel in part by arranging most of Jesus’s teaching into five major blocks, or “discourses” (see “Structure” in the introduction). In this discourse, often called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples (along with the ...

1514. The Parable of the Sower & Weeds

Matthew 13:1-23, Matthew 13:24-30

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

13:1–53 Review · Jesus’s third discourse—the Parables Discourse:Having narrated the rejection of Jesus’s messianic identity by Jewish leaders who represent “this generation” (11:16–24; 12:1–14, 22–45) as well as the wondering response of the Jewish crowds (12:23), Matthew follows up with an extended discourse by Jesus that comments on the varied responses to his kingdom message and also reveals more about the kingdom that Jesus is initiating. Called the Parables Discourse because it includes eight of Jesus ...

1515. Before the Sanhedrin

Acts 22:30--23:11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

To clarify the nature of the accusations made by the Jews, Paul is brought before the chief priests and the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:11). Paul’s opening words are significant (23:1). In stating that he has fulfilled his “duty to God,” Paul declares that he is directly responsible to God, not to those who claim to represent him. The note on his “good conscience” also highlights that he is only responsible to God. In Paul’s letters and in other New Testament writings, this phrase does not refer to mere subjective ...

1516. Introduction

Romans 1:1-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

Paul begins his letter with an epistolary opening, which was customary for Greek Hellenistic letters (1:1–7), and an introductory section, in which he expresses thanksgiving to God, indicates the reason for writing the letter, and describes the background for his planned visit to Rome (1:8–15). In 1:16–17 Paul succinctly summarizes the main theme of the letter. 1:1–7 · Sender, address, and salutation: The first word, typical for ancient letters, is the name of the sender. Paul introduces himself with his ...

1517. Love, for the Day is Near

Romans 13:8-14

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

13:8–10 · Paul returns to love as the fundamental criterion of behavior. Loving others—being actively concerned for others, having affectionate regard for and interest in others—is an obligation (13:8a). The people to be loved are Christians, but also the neighbor who is the enemy (12:14, 17, 21). The reason and motivation for loving others is given in verses 8b–10. Believers who love others have fulfilled the law; they have properly done what the law asks (Rom. 8:4; cf. Matt. 5:17–20). The commandments of ...

1518. Prayer and Worship

1 Timothy 2:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

2:1–7 · The prayer of all for all:When Paul thinks of the church gathered, he thinks of its being a praying community. He calls for prayer for all people and for those in authority. The short-term goal of the prayer for authorities is that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (2:2). However, this is not the “peace and quiet” of middle-class complacency. Paul wants the best platform possible for pressing upon all people that God “wants” them “to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2:4). As ...

1519. Submit Yourselves to God

James 4:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

4:1-3 · Continuing his analysis of the quarrels that have broken out among his readers, James now traces the source of these bitter disputes to evil “desires.” Sin, James has reminded us, comes from within, from our “own evil desire” (1:14); so too the specific sin of quarrelsomeness. These desires are fighting within us, waging “war against your soul,” as Peter puts it (1 Pet. 2:11), and this fighting within also results in fighting without (4:1). The precise meaning of verse 2 depends entirely on how we ...

1520. John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Matthew 3:1-12

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

John the Baptist: At the close of chapter 2, Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus returned from Egypt and took up residence in the Galilean town of Nazareth. The time would have been shortly after the death of Herod in 4 B.C. Chapter 3 begins with the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist some twenty-five to thirty years later. What had been going on in the life of Jesus during this time? Except for one incident, the Gospels remain silent. They were never intended to be taken as biographies. The only thing ...

1521. Jesus and John the Baptist

Matthew 11:1-19

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

11:1–6 Verse 1 of chapter 11 marks the transition to a new section in Matthew’s Gospel. Once again we find the same formula that was used at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (kai egeneto hote etelesen ho Iēsous; cf. 7:28). Up to this point the public ministry of Jesus has met with success. Now the atmosphere changes, and hostility begins to manifest itself. Having finished giving instructions to the Twelve, Jesus departs (apparently alone) to teach and preach in nearby towns. From this point on, healings ...

1522. The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-23

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

Parables of Jesus: In chapter 13 we come for the first time to Jesus’ favorite method of teaching, the parable. The seven parables recorded in this chapter form Jesus’ third discourse as arranged by Matthew, There are in the first three Gospels about sixty separate parables. In the LXX the Greek parabolē almost always translates the Hebrew māšāl, which denotes a wide variety of picturesque forms of expression, including the proverb, metaphor, allegory, illustrative story, fable, riddle, simile, and parable ...

1523. Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Mark 8:1-13

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

8:1–10 This is the second feeding account in Mark (cf. 6:30–44). The repetition of the same sort of miracle in so compressed a narrative as Mark and the similarities of the two accounts have provoked a great deal of scholarly study. Since our objective here is to try to understand what Mark intended by including these two accounts in his Gospel, we shall not discuss the various suggestions about the oral or written sources that Mark may have used for these stories. Mark 8:14–21 makes it evident that Mark ...

1524. The Lord's Supper

Mark 14:12-26

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

14:12–21 These verses tell of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with his disciples and of Jesus’ foreknowledge of Judas’ treachery. The overall purpose of the narrative is to dramatize that the one who betrayed Jesus was actually a disciple who shared Jesus’ company and ate with him. Mark probably saw in this account an allusion to Psalm 41:9–10 (which is cited specifically in John 13:18). The fact that the disciples were not given a name or an address in order to comply with Jesus’ ...

1525. The Triumphal Entry

Luke 19:28-44

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

This section comprises four parts: (1) the Triumphal Entry (vv. 28–40), (2) the lament over Jerusalem (vv. 41–44), (3) the Cleansing of the Temple (vv. 45–46), and (4) a summary of Jerusalem’s reaction to Jesus’ teaching in the temple area (vv. 47–48). The journey to Jerusalem is finally concluded. Now we see Jesus presenting himself to the Jerusalem religious establishment as the first phase of passion week. But before Jesus will be arrested (22:47–53), he will have a brief teaching ministry in Jerusalem ...

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