Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: thirstiness, dryness, parched, craving, strong desire, longing, yearning, avidity, hunger, voracity, keenness, eagerness, lust, appetite, passion, love, crave, want, covet, desire, hunger for/after, lust for/after, hanker for/after, have one's heart set on

Antonyms: aversion, distaste, apathy, dislike, hatred, antipathy, disgust, disregard, abhorrence, acrimony, wet, animosity, animus, antagonism, bad feeling, bitterness, be averse to, detestation

Showing 2076 to 2100 of 2173 results

2076. When We're Estranged from God

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sermon

King Duncan

It’s an old story, but it bears repeating. An armed robber accosted a French priest on a dark, back street in Paris and demanded his wallet. As the priest opened his coat to reach for his wallet, the thief caught sight of his clerical collar, and immediately apologized. “Never mind, Father, I didn’t realize you were a priest. I’ll be on my way.” The priest was relieved, of course, and good-naturedly offered the man a cigar. “No, thank you, Father,” the robber said, “I gave up smoking for Lent.” (1) One of ...

2077. Getting out of the Doldrums

Luke 6:17-26

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

The classic children’s book, The Phantom Tollbooth (1961), tells the story of a young boy named Milo. One dull, rainy afternoon Milo receives the anonymous gift of a cardboard fold-and-cut tollbooth. Bored Milo builds the tollbooth and “drives through” it with his toy car. Immediately Milo disappears from his room and finds himself traveling along a strange road in a new land. But despite this miraculous relocation, as the road continues on and on, and the countryside rolls by and by, Milo begins to grow ...

2078. Jesus and the Man Born Blind

John 9:1-41

Sermon

James W. Moore

I came across a “fascinating list” that carried this intriguing title: “Great Truths About Life That Little Children Have Learned.” Let me share a few of these “great truths” with you. (1) “ No matter how hard you try you cannot baptize a cat.” (2) “When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair.” (3) “Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato… or an egg.” (4) “You can’t trust dogs to watch your food for you.” (5) “Don’t sneeze when somebody is cutting your hair.” (6) “School ...

2079. Have You Checked Your Love Levels Recently?

Mark 9:2-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Before he was a NASA astronaut and commanded the ill-fated Apollo 13 flight, the one that never landed on the moon but miraculously made it back to earth, Jim Lovell had already experienced being “lost in space.” As a Navy pilot out on a routine nighttime flight, his aircraft suddenly lost all of its navigational systems. Miles away from his ship with nothing to guide him back to the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La, Lovell decided to go completely dark. He turned off all of his cockpit lights and peered ...

2080. The Church in Antioch

Acts 11:19-30

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

Luke now leaves the “acts of Peter” for the time being. He will return to them again in chapter 12, after which, except for a brief reappearance in chapter 15, Peter passes out of the narrative and Paul becomes the focus of attention. The author’s purpose in these present chapters (8 to 12) is both to tell the story of the church’s early expansion (exemplified by certain carefully selected events) and at the same time to prepare the ground for the story of the Pauline mission. Thus he has given an account ...

2081. Paul and Silas In Prison

Acts 16:16-40

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

See introduction to the previous section. 16:16–17 The missionaries appear to have gone week by week to the place of prayer for a number of weeks, and as they did so, they were followed on several occasions by a demented slave girl whose shouting made them the center of public attention. The force of the Greek of verse 17 is that she “kept on following” and “kept on shouting” about them. Luke describes her in a curious way (not apparent in NIV): She had “a spirit,” he says, “a python” (v. 16). The word “ ...

2082. Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

Acts 20:13-38

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

In this section is found the only example in Acts of an address given by Paul to Christians (cf. 14:22; 18:23). In it we see him as the pastor and friend of the Ephesians, and no other passage in this book shows greater feeling than this. There is a remarkable vividness about the speech, the reason for which is obvious: it is the only speech in Acts about which we can be reasonably sure that the author himself heard what was said. Even so, he has imposed his own style upon it. But in this speech more than ...

2083. The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

We come now to the heart of the letter, where Paul attempts to put right some wrong ideas about the Parousia (see Introduction). How Paul learned about the problem we are not told. In 3:11 he speaks of having heard a report that some in the church were idle. If this report were more recent than the one brought by Timothy, it might have included the issues dealt with in this section (see Introduction on The Sequence of the Letters). This is one of the most difficult passages of the NT to interpret, largely ...

2084. The Death of David

1 Chronicles 29:26-30

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

With this last section we come to the conclusion of David’s reign and life. In the previous section his successor as king was enthroned and anointed, and it was therefore time to conclude the David narrative. 29:26–30 The narrative about David’s reign started in 1 Chronicles 10:14 with the death of Saul. There David was called “son of Jesse.” The Chronicler uses that title here again to complete the circle at the end of David’s reign. The basic information about his reign (length, capital cities) is ...

2085. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 12:1-28

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

12:1 Antithetic and juxtapositional. The sages are emphatic in teaching the need for discipline and openness to reproof. Discipline (mûsār) is a mark of love (13:24), but it is also parallel to corporal punishment. It has a wide range of meaning, such as “instruction” or correction (as the word pair in this verse suggests). Stupid is, literally, “brutish, like an animal.” 12:2–3 Antithetic. These verses are an affirmation of traditional retribution theory. 12:4 Antithetic and chiastic. Noble character is ...

2086. Test the Spirits

1 John 4:1-6

Understanding Series

Thomas F. Johnson

In a style typical of the Elder, a subject introduced at the end of the previous section (the Spirit, 3:24) becomes the main issue at the beginning of the next. Throughout 4:1–6 the Elder is concerned to help his readers correctly discern truth from error (4:6b) and true prophetic speaking (4:2) from false (4:1a, 3). This effort is part of the writer’s larger project to strengthen the Johannine Christians and to assure them of their right standing with God (4:4, 6) in the face of the continuing attacks on ...

2087. The Exorcism of a Child Develops a Humble Model for Faith

Mark 9:14-32

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: This event is another fulcrum in the book, as three primary Markan themes coalesce: (1) the power and compassion of Christ, (2) demonic conflict, and (3) discipleship failure. Understanding the Text This is a classic example of the mountaintop/valley experience. The innermost circle of disciples experienced the glory of God in Jesus, as great a spiritual “high” as anyone in history has known. Now they are about to join the rest of the Twelve as they descend into the valley and face one of the ...

2088. Jesus Claims God-Given Authority to Condemn the Leaders

Mark 12:1-12, Mark 11:27-33

Teach the Text

Grant R. Osborne

Big Idea: In 11:27–12:34 Jesus responds to a series of questions and challenges from the religious leaders. Jesus answers their first two challenges, concerning the source of his authority (11:27–33), and then he goes on the offensive, using an allegorical parable to accuse them of plotting to kill him (12:1–12). Understanding the Text The central event on Tuesday of passion week is a series of five controversies that take place in the temple court. This event has two foci: (1) the leaders are trying ...

2089. Two Memorable Healings

Luke 5:17-26, Luke 5:12-16

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: Jesus brings not only physical healing and social restoration but also spiritual liberation by the forgiveness of sins. Understanding the Text These two episodes develop Luke’s portrait of Jesus the healer, a theme that was alluded to in 4:23 and spelled out in 4:40, and that will remain a prominent feature of his ministry throughout the time in Galilee and on the road to Jerusalem. In 4:40 we learned of Jesus’s ability to heal “various kinds of sickness,” and here that bald statement is filled ...

2090. Power over Illness and Death

Luke 7:11-17, Luke 7:1-10

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: Jesus has unique authority to heal, which extends even to raising the dead. Understanding the Text After the controversies of 5:17–6:11 and the collection of teaching on discipleship in 6:12–49, Luke now resumes his account of Jesus’s public activity in and around Capernaum with two instances of Jesus’s spectacular healing power. These two healings are of men, one of whom is already dead; in 8:40–56 Luke will tell of the healing of two women, one of whom is already dead. Luke often likes to ...

2091. “Who Is This?”

Luke 9:10-17, Luke 9:1-9

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: Jesus shares his mission with his disciples, but his unique authority is further recognized and is demonstrated in another astonishing nature miracle. Understanding the Text The Twelve disciples chosen by Jesus in 6:13–16 have hitherto been merely his companions and audience; now they become his agents as he extends the scope of his mission. In 10:1–12 that delegation of his mission will be further expanded. The reader is thus prepared for the eventual continuation of the movement after Jesus’s ...

2092. Two Testing Questions

Luke 20:27-40, Luke 20:20-26

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: In response to two questions designed to trap Jesus, he gives replies that not only avoid the traps but also convey important teaching. Understanding the Text Once Jesus has reached Jerusalem, he has set himself up as a regular teacher in the court of the Gentiles (19:47; 20:1). This has quickly provoked the temple-based leadership into challenging his authority (20:1–8), to which Jesus has responded with a parable that in turn questions their legitimacy as leaders of Israel (20:9–19). The two ...

2093. Getting Ready for the Passover

Luke 22:7-38, Luke 22:1-6

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: It is at Passover time that Jesus is to die, and he is determined to have a last Passover meal with his disciples before his death occurrs. Understanding the Text In 21:37–38 Luke rounds off the account of Jesus’s teaching in the temple courtyard, which began at 20:1. With the mention of the Passover in 22:1 the long-anticipated climax of the story (see 9:22, 31, 44, 51; 13:31–35; 18:31–33) begins, as these verses relate the plotting of the Jerusalem authorities, the fateful decision of Judas ...

2094. The Roman Verdict

Luke 22:66--23:25

Teach the Text

R.T. France

Big Idea: The Roman governor, under pressure from the Jewish leaders and crowd, reluctantly condemns Jesus to death. Understanding the Text In 18:32–33 Jesus predicted that he would be handed over to “the Gentiles” for execution, and that prediction also now comes true. Hitherto, the whole move against Jesus has come from the Jewish leaders and has taken place within Jewish circles, but now the political reality demands that, in order to have Jesus executed, they must involve the Roman governor. But while ...

2095. The Gospel of God in Christ through Paul

Romans 1:1-17

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

Big Idea: Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was divinely chosen to preach the gospel of God in Christ, the end-time fulfillment of the twofold Old Testament promise of the restoration of Israel and the conversion of the Gentiles. Understanding the Text Romans 1:1–7 forms the first half of Paul’s introduction to Romans (1:8–15 is the second half). The introduction, or prescript, to ancient letters consisted of three parts: identification of the author, identification of the recipients, and a salutation or ...

2096. Message to Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: Jesus rebukes his church for its pathetic self-sufficiency and exhorts them to repent and open their hearts to him for restored fellowship and a share in his victory and authority. Understanding the Text The message to the church in Laodicea is the seventh (and final) in a series of messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3. Influenced by the local culture, the church considers itself wealthy and self-sufficient, but Jesus’s assessment differs markedly. He repeatedly utilizes images from ...

2097. The Four Horsemen

Revelation 6:1-17

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: As Christ opens the first four seals, God allows human sinfulness to run its course, resulting in warfare, violence, bloodshed, economic hardship, and death. Understanding the Text Just as the vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1 leads into the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2–3, so the throne-room vision of Revelation 4–5 prepares the way for God’s righteous judgments that commence in chapter 6. Jesus, the worthy one (5:2–5), now begins to open the scroll by breaking the ...

2098. The First Four Trumpet Judgments

Revelation 8:6--9:21, Revelation 8:1-5

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: God responds to the prayers of his people by pouring out the first four trumpet judgments on an unbelieving world. Understanding the Text We see three sets of judgments in Revelation: seals, trumpets, and bowls. In both the seal and the trumpet judgments, we find a 4 + 2 + 1 pattern with an interlude coming before the last element: Pattern…Judgments…Revelation Text 4…Seals 1-4…6:1-8 2…Seals 5-6…6:9-17 --…Interlude…7:1-17 1…Seal 7…8:1 4…Trumpets 1-4…8:2-12 2…Trumpets 5-6 (Woes 1-2)…8:13—9:21 --… ...

2099. The Lamb and the 144,000

Revelation 14:1-5

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: One day believers will stand in the presence of God and the Lamb and celebrate with a new song of redemption. Understanding the Text In chapter 13 the dragon stands on the seashore and calls forth the two beasts to wage war against the saints (13:1–10, 11–18). Chapter 14, the last part of the extended interlude of 12:1–14:20, opens with the Lamb standing victorious with his faithful followers on Mount Zion. The war and struggle of chapter 13 appear in bold contrast to the victory and celebration ...

2100. The Warrior Messiah Conquers the Two Beasts and Their Followers

Revelation 19:1-21

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: Jesus, the Warrior Messiah, will return in power and glory to conquer his enemies. Understanding the Text In this passage, God’s final victory over evil continues to unfold (19:6–20:15). After the announcement of the Lamb’s wedding in 19:6–10, we read of Christ’s second coming in 19:11–21. He is portrayed throughout this passage as Warrior, Judge, and King, who returns in glory and power to defeat his enemies and establish his universal reign. The first part of this unit (19:11–16) emphasizes ...

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