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 1926 to 1950 of 2275 results

1926. Warnings from Israel's History

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... implies strong compulsive behavior under the influence of the power of evil. Moreover, the NIV rendering of the final words of the verse, as they did, is unjustifiably flat, for Paul repeats the verb “lust” (Gk. epithymeō) to create emphasis on the evil quality of the actions against which he warns, writing, “exactly as they lusted.” 10:7 The words translated as it is written are effectively a technical phrase in Paul’s writings and signal his citation of (sometimes allusion to) portions of the ...

1927. The Believer's Freedom

1 Corinthians 10:23--11:1

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... ”), indicating a nonbeliever. 10:28 The phrase rendered in the NIV as “This has been offered in sacrifice” reads, “This is sacrificial,” referring to the character of the substance rather than to the action of the sacrifice. Paul’s concern is with the offensive quality of the meat because of its association with pagan ritual. He is not commenting on sacrifice per se nor on the eating of meat. Moreover, when Paul adds the phrases for the sake of, his choice of words (Gk. dia) indicates that he is ...

1928. Propriety in Worship

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... mind as strange. Remarkably, in denouncing his opposition Paul cannot cite either revelation or the Lord; rather, he is reduced to custom for his standards and authorization. Indeed, this argument is a kind of natural theology that Paul uses rarely. Despite the peculiar quality of the discussion, however, Paul’s general contention is simple: in worship members of the church are not to act in ways that draw attention to themselves rather than to God. 11:16 In the end, the issues under discussion in this ...

1929. The Resurrection of the Dead

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... THE END. Normally, to telos refers to “the end” in the sense of a consummation or completion of an ongoing process. The readers of this text should recognize that the language of this passage is deliberate and revealing in Gk. Paul signals the future quality of these reflections by using a series of verbs in the subjunctive mood in vv. 24, 25, 27, 28: somewhat lit. “he shall abolish” (v. 24), “he shall put” (v. 25), “he shall say” (v. 27), “all things shall be subjected,” and “God may ...

1930. The Rider on the White Horse

Revelation 19:11-21

Understanding Series

Robert W. Wall

... 17; 14:1; 17:3), the social function of marks indelibly tattooed into human flesh was to indicate a person’s community. A name on a robe, like names on company coats or team jackets today, may also have identified a person’s group; and its quality typically indicated one’s standing within it (cf. James 2:2). The rider’s identity is already known; what this third name, tattooed on his thigh and emblazoned on his robe, indicates is his status as Lord over God’s eschatological community. 19:17–21 ...

1931. The Burnt Offering

Leviticus 1:1-17

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

... instruction for the cult during the monarchy and then for the Priestly community in exile and beyond. According to the Priestly tradents, the sacrificial laws operated to renew the covenant relationship with God and to restore the order begun in creation. The dramatic quality of the text fits these purposes. 1:1 The book begins with God summoning Moses. The terminology is distinctive: The LORD called to Moses and spoke to him. In most other cases of OT divine self-revelation, the Lord “spoke” to someone ...

1932. A Blasphemer Stoned

Leviticus 24:10-23

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

... begins with the story of a man who commits blasphemy and continues with a series of related penalties. This story corresponds to several others in the book of Numbers, stories that raise a legal question and move toward resolution. They have a midrashic quality about them, as they illustrate a principle and its operation. The issue raised here is blasphemy, probably in the tradition of the Decalogue prohibition against the intentional use of the divine name for evil purposes. That seems to be the issue here ...

1933. Fire from the Lord

Numbers 11:1-3

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

... amounts of this substance would be available, and so the provision of enough for the huge camp of ancient Israel is a matter of divine intervention. The small balls, apparently about the size of grayish-white peppercorns, were sweet. Like resin, they had a transparent quality. Israel had come to be dependent on this daily sustenance. The problem now is that the rabble has stirred up dissatisfaction with this gift from God. 11:10–17 The wailing of the people comes to the attention of both Moses and God at ...

1934. Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

Numbers 12:1-16

Understanding Series

W.H. Bellinger, Jr.

... , and dedication in relationship with God. This comment contrasts with the brutally honest dialogue between God and Moses in chapter 11. Perhaps this passage should lead us to redefine humility similarly. The complaints of Miriam and Aaron are contrasted to Moses’ qualities. The image of God in this chapter is noticeably anthropomorphic. God has overheard the complaint of Moses’ siblings and calls a meeting of the three leaders at the Tent of Meeting. Then God descends in a pillar of cloud and stands ...

1935. David, Nabal, Abigail

1 Samuel 25:1-44

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... (15:12). Near there a wealthy farmer conducted his business. Nabal, meaning “foolish,” is almost certainly a nickname applied to suit his character. He had all the stamina and determination of his ancestor Caleb but had inherited none of his sterling qualities. Nabal was a selfish, unlikable brute. His wife, Abigail, is portrayed as an ideal partner, both intelligent and beautiful. This chapter lets us know that in the dispute between David and Saul the people were beginning to take sides. Saul’s ...

1936. David Destroys the Amalekites

1 Samuel 30:1-31

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... suggests that they had more significance to him than the earlier reference indicated. David, who had been the scapegoat (v. 6), about to be stoned for failing to prevent such a loss, was now acclaimed as the author of a great victory. The capricious quality of human nature is evident in this chapter. 30:21–25 David may not have had great success in personal relationships, but he had tremendous diplomatic skills. He knew how to inspire soldiers and how to create loyalty among his followers. The two hundred ...

1937. David Flees

2 Samuel 15:13-37

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... up unit. Trusting in God and organizing resistance are not presented as mutually exclusive options. Absalom, secure in his own confidence, had already seen Ahithophel defecting to his side. There was no reason for him to doubt that Hushai had also recognized his superior qualities and done the same. But Hushai remained David’s friend. 16:1–4 Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, comes back into the picture. Whether or not his support for David is genuine is unclear. As a Saulide, he, like Shimei (vv. 5–8 ...

1938. Job's Reply to Eliphaz

Job 6:1–7:21

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... readers, with our ability to keep the weakened and suffering human body alive almost indefinitely, Job’s anticipation of the release of death may not seem more understandable than shocking. There is a truth in the tension between length of life and quality of life that we need to consider carefully. Job does not contemplate suicide—even assisted by a physician—but desires divine action to end his suffering. This is perhaps akin to Job preparing a statement precluding the use of “heroic measures ...

1939. Zophar

Job 11:1-20

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... on 9:1–2 in §26 with regard to tsdq and the discussion on 13:17–18 in §44 with regard to mishpat. 11:4 The Heb. for flawless, zak, describes oil in Exod. 27:20 and frankincense in Exod. 30:34 that are of the best quality, “clear” or “pure” enough to be used in the ritual practices of the tabernacle. Job’s beliefs are lit. “things I have received” (Heb. leqakh, “receive, accept”), probably referring to the wisdom teaching that has formed Job’s education and understanding. 11:5 How I ...

1940. Job’s Reply to Zophar

Job 12:1--14:22

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... an intentional reference to those (among the priests?) who depend on long hereditary pedigree for their position and authority. God overthrows them, although the meaning of the Hebrew slp is more “twist, distort; mislead.” 12:20 God removes the essential qualities of guidance from those on whom human society depends. God “removes the lip/language” of the trusted advisers (Heb. mesir sapah leneʾemanim), people relied on for words of sage advice. God likewise takes away the discernment of the elders ...

1941. Job's Third Reply to Bildad

Job 26:1--31:40

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... of the book to affirm Job’s blameless innocence. While it is obvious that the intention of this phrase is to mark the conclusion of Job’s presentation of his case, the use of this particular verb offers a not-so-subtle affirmation of the blameless and complete quality of Job’s words. Those commentators who depict Job as in the wrong and who see God’s theophany as a rebuke of Job’s attempt to place God in the wrong do not note the clear connection this final statement makes with the view of Job in ...

1942. Elihu

Job 32:1--37:24

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... complicated by humanity’s lack of comprehension of God’s purposes. The number of his years. While stopping short of a concept of eternality, this statement clearly communicates the OT belief that God surrounds all human history before and behind. This enduring quality of God undergirds his sovereignty. All others—including the world itself—will wear out like a garment (Ps. 102:25–28), but God is from everlasting to everlasting (Ps. 90:2–4). The term behind the expression is past finding out ...

1943. Thanksgiving for the King’s Victories in Battle

Psalm 21:1-13

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... the king (the request of his lips in v. 2 and he asked you in v. 4). (The interplay of the king’s “asking” [Hb. šʾl] and Yahweh’s “giving” [Hb. ntn] is prominent in 20:4–5; 21:4; 2:8.) In other words, these qualities derive directly from the king’s personal relationship with Yahweh. The confession, you . . . made him glad with the joy of your presence (lit. “your face,” v. 6) highlights this intimacy. 21:7 This verse appears to address neither the LORD nor the king; both are referred ...

1944. Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... text) are the salt of the earth. Salt was a basic and necessary item in ancient culture. It was used as a preservative, as a purifier, and as a seasoning. In the immediate context Jesus seems to be saying that those who live out the qualities listed in the Beatitudes will permeate the world and retard its moral and ethical decay. As Tasker notes, the most obvious general characteristic of salt is its essential difference from the medium in which it is placed (p. 63). The righteous conduct of believers keeps ...

1945. The Fulfillment of the Law

Matthew 5:17-20

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... Jesus to point out at the beginning of his sermon the relationship of his teaching to the law. Verse 17 is programmatic. Jesus did not come to do away with the Law and the Prophets but to bring out by word and deed the quality of life they were intended to produce. Filson correctly concludes that Jesus’ freedom in interpreting and applying the law “fulfills” it by giving “the fullest expression to the divine intent in the ancient utterances” (p. 83). As the Hebrews divided their Scriptures, the ...

1946. A Victory Procession and Instruction for Temple Entry

Psalm 24:1-10

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... difficult to make sense of what is going on in Psalm 24 without acquaintance with ancient Near Eastern traditions and Israelite ritual worship. Who is involved in the dialogue concerning Yahweh’s entry in verses 7–10? Why is there such interest in his militaristic qualities? And what does this have to do with his establishing the earth on water (an odd conception!) in verses 1–2, and what does any of this have to do with prerequisites for worship that sound so legalistic? The occasion of the psalm is ...

1947. Blessed Are Those Whose Transgressions Are Forgiven

Psalm 32:1-11

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... ledger (Lev. 25:27, 52; 1 Kgs. 10:21; 2 Kgs. 12:15; 22:7). For most readers, however, what the blessing offers by way of forgiveness it takes away by the condition of applying it to a person in whose spirit is no deceit—a quality with which few of us can identify. There are three possible explanations. First, this line appears to lie outside the normal metrical structure of the poetry (though the metrics of this psalm are generally uneven). It may be a later scribal gloss. Second, it parallels somewhat ...

1948. Images of War, the Hunt, False Accusation, and Wild Beasts

Psalm 35:1-28

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... delights in the well-being (lit. “peace,” contrast v. 20) of his servant. The third and final cycle closes with a vow of praise that draws attention to God’s righteousness, a divine attribute that was upheld earlier in support of a petition (v. 24). This denotes no mere static quality but a dynamic character and ability that “puts things right.”

1949. In Praise of the King at His Wedding

Psalm 45:1-17

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... to the royal court, the speaker continues his praise by describing the court’s awe-inspiring furnishings. Yet the audience to whom these praises are addressed, including the king himself, hear of not only the symbols of power but also the moral qualities that are to characterize his rule. In his military garb, he is to “ride . . . in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness.” In other words, his military exploits are to be governed by these attributes—no mention is made of the quest for ...

1950. A God Who Judges Unjust Judges

Psalm 58:1-11

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

... wicked in the verses immediately following are clearly human (note “birth” and “the womb,” v. 3). 58:1–5 The opening verses lament that the judging of these rulers is characterized by injustice. It is not done uprightly (lit. “with equity”), a quality that characterizes Yahweh’s judging in the psalms of Yahweh’s kingship (96:10; 98:9; 99:4). And not only that, they promote violence. They are described as “venomous” and out of control. 58:6–9 The central section consists of petitions ...

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