Sermon and Worship Resources

Antonyms: loss, disadvantage, debt, lack, need, payment, resource, want

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1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... budget on a peer. In any case, you shopped with your own preferences in mind, bought something you would have wanted, and then felt distressed to see it go to the originally intended recipient. In the same way, we often ask for spiritual gifts that would be of benefit to us in increasing our sense of worth, solving our problems, or gaining the respect of others. If we do receive such gifts, we often feel tempted to use them for our own agendas and to better our own lives. Rarely do we eagerly desire the ...

2. Elihu

Job 32:1--37:24

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... :3). If rendered in this usual fashion, Job would be accused here of claiming that a human is not of benefit to God when trying to please him. The nearest parallel to these words is found in Eliphaz’s rebuke of Job in 22:2–3: “Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man benefit him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?” The verb normally used in Job to mean “receive profit” is yʿl, and the verb skn is never found ...

3. Eliphaz Condemns and Counsels Job

Job 22:1-30

Teach the Text

Daniel J. Estes

... to observe all human activity (Job 22:12), but Eliphaz falsely charges Job with saying that God’s sight is obscured by clouds, so that God cannot see what is occurring in the human realm of life (22:14). Interpretive Insights 22:2–3 Can a man be of benefit to God? This is the first of eight rapid-fire questions that Eliphaz poses to Job in 22:2–5. As in his earlier speeches (4:2, 6–7; 15:2–3), Eliphaz gives Job no time to answer his queries, but now his questions become even more aggressive ...

4. Paul’s Request for Onesimus

Philemon 1:8-25

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... conclude that Paul is playing on these words for the purpose of requesting Onesimus for himself. If so, the thought that he is expressing could be either, “may I have Onesimus from you,” or, “as Onesimus has been profitable to you, you be of benefit to me.” The phrase refresh my heart recalls a similar expression in verse 7, where Philemon’s love “refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Here Paul appeals to Philemon’s love, but for a personal reason. The acceptance of Onesimus by Philemon would ...

5. The Escape

Drama

Douglas W. Orbaker

... Roman soldier. Poor fellow. Just doing his duty when ... Well, anyway, being a victim of circumstances, I was convicted of the crime and sentenced to die. But I’m innocent. You see, I love the Roman government, and if released, I’m sure I could be of benefit to it. My people, the Jews, they loved and respected me before this awful experience, and if relesed, I could surely influence them for Caesar. I would be eternally grateful to you if you can have me released. My family does have some money which ...

6. Salvaging Our Lives

Genesis 29:15-30

Sermon

... the waves crashing on the shore, he began to think about his situation more closely. The exquisite design and order of the beach reminded him of God. His next insight was that God had given him some unique experiences that could, if shared with others, be of benefit to them. He resolved at that moment to share his experiences with others and not worry about making a living. Buckminster reasoned: if God really has use of me, then He will not allow my family to starve; He will see to it that my resolve ...

7. A Daffy, Magnificent Hope

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Sermon

... a group of doctors who survived the horrors of slave labor in a World War II concentration camp. Each night they secretly came together and shared their knowledge in a small medical society. They believed someday what they were learning and sharing would be of benefit to the world. While scores of other prisoners around them died every week, almost all of the doctors lived. As Menninger put it, "They were kept alive by hope." Is it any wonder the most lively committees and organizations of the church are ...

8. The Benefits of Christianity for Nonbelievers

2 Samuel 6:1-23

Sermon

Donald Zelle

"Oh, I don't believe in all of this religious stuff," said a young woman, planning her wedding with a pastor. "I just want to be married!" How many brides are like that, we don't know. If the estimate is correct, that 90 percent of all weddings take place within churches with a clergyperson officiating, then there must be many such brides, because 90 percent is far greater than the percent of Americans who belong to churches, to say nothing of those who practice Christianity regularly. This bride is one of ...

9. The Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

With Proverbs 2, the parental speaker begins a positive recommendation of wisdom, which encompasses three lengthy exhortations (chaps. 2–4). Proverbs 2 lays the foundation, describing the source and primary benefits of wisdom, while chapters 3–4 offer more detailed descriptions of the values of wise behavior. One striking emphasis in Proverbs 2 is the acquisition of wisdom as the result of both intensive human effort and divine endowment, while the remaining instructions focus on the first of these two, ...

10. For Whose Benefit?

Luke 24:36-49

Illustration

King Duncan

John Gardner, Former Secretary Health, Education & Welfare, once said something very wise. He said, "In the absence of criticism every organization ends up being managed for the benefit of the people who run it: most schools tend to be run in such a way as to serve the purposes of the teachers; the Navy tends to be run for the benefit of naval officers; the vested interests of postal employees are the predominant factor in controlling and directing the future of the post office; the policies and practices ...

11. The Benefit of the Doubt

John 20:24-31

Sermon

Johnny Dean

Well, I guess Easter is over for another year. The lilies are gone, attendance is down from last week, the new has worn off the Easter dresses and suits, and the candy has long since been devoured. Things are pretty much back to whatever passes for normal these days, back to the old, pre-Easter routine. And in churches all across America today, pulpits are being filled by substitute preachers. Our denominational leaders advise us that it is wise for preachers to take some time off the week after Easter. ...

12. Benefits of Laughter

Illustration

Staff

The Library of Life, Love and Laughter (Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana) has compiled some fascinating statistics. Did you know.... Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles? The most common and recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who does the research for this sort of thing? Wouldn't you love to have his job? I could see his college transcript. Freshman year he takes classes like Upturned Mouth 101. Later he studies the Abnormal Psychology of Smiles, like The Smirk: A Smile Gone ...

13. Further Benefits of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:1-35

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

3:1–2 The NIV wisely prints verses 1–12 as couplets of two verses, with the second verse of each couplet providing some kind of motivation. Thus the command in verse 1 is followed by a promise of long life and prosperity, which is the ideal goal envisioned by the wise. It has been said that the kerygma of the book of Proverbs is life (cf. Murphy, “Kerygma”). The teaching of the sage is further expanded in verse 12, which refers to the Lord’s discipline. 3:3–4 Cf. 6:21 and 7:3. Love and faithfulness are ...

14. The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5:1-33

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Introduction to Israel’s Covenantal Constitution: The Decalogue · Here opens Moses’ second discourse (chs. 5–26), the central section of the whole book. It is subdivided into two main parts. Chapters 5–11 are a broad exhortation to covenant loyalty and obedience, following up and amplifying the theocratic and covenantal challenge set forth in chapter 4. Chapters 12–26, with their subheading in 12:1, are more detailed legislation, much of which renews, expands, and sometimes modifies laws already given in ...

15. Personal Rights and Christian Testimony

1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

Big Idea: Personal rights must be put aside when they hinder an effective witness to unbelievers, or if they endanger the faith of immature believers. Even theological arguments that disclose certain behaviors as immaterial to the Christian faith become irrelevant in light of the greater assignment to imitate Christ. Understanding the Text The transition from chapter 8 seems quite abrupt. Is Paul taking a ninety-degree turn from a question about participation in Corinthian parties (eating meat) to his ...

16. Proverbs of Solomon

Proberbs 10:1--22:16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

10:1–29:27 Review · Proverbial Collections: Advanced Instruction in Wisdom: If one views Proverbs 1–9 as a basic introduction to proverbial wisdom, then chapters 10–29 serve as the advanced course. Or, to express it differently, the prologue presents and commends wisdom, while the collections that follow illustrate the scope and variety of situations in which wisdom is advantageous (without absolutely guaranteeing success) if employed properly and in a timely manner. Proverbs 1–9 also gives the reader a ...

17. Offerings for Priests and Levites

Deuteronomy 18:1-8

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Leadership in Israel: Priests and Prophets: After the two sections on “secular” leadership (the judge and the king 16:18–17:20), we now have two sections on the “spiritual” leadership provided by the priest and the prophet. Priests and Levites The responsibilities of the tribe of Levi were broadly twofold: the service of the sanctuary, especially the role of the priests at the altar; and the preservation and teaching of the law (cf. Lev. 10:11; Deut. 10:8; 33:10; 2 Chron. 15:3; 17:8f.; 35:3; Neh. 8:7–9). ...

18. The Attitude of Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Sermon

James Merritt

Rudyard Kipling was a best selling English author at the turn of the century. He wrote one of the best books for children of all time, entitled, The Jungle Book as well as the poem "Gunga Den." He made a tremendous amount of money with his writings. A newspaper reporter came up to him one time and said, "Mr. Kipling, I just read that somebody calculated that the money you make from your writings amounts to over $100 a word." Kipling raised his eyebrows and said, "Really, I certainly was not aware of that ...

19. Looking Out for Others

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Sermon

Donald Charles Lacy

Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the Apostle Paul does well. The often-pesky church at Corinth desperately needed such a skill, written and practiced in charity. To follow his inspired advice comes as a gift to all of us, 2,000 years ago or today. The individualistic Christianity, largely the work of Protestants, has been and is both a bane and balm, for us. To do our own thing is commendable and perhaps essential but it can prove utterly ...

20. A Lesson from Dr. Seuss

Romans 6:1-14

Sermon

King Duncan

“Congratulations, today’s your day. You’re off to great places. You’re off and away. You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Those rhythmic words of advice come from the delightful little book by Dr. Seuss titled Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1) “You’re on your own,” he continues. “And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.” It’s up to us, says Dr. Seuss. The world is ours and we are free to choose what kind ...

21. Body

2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

In 2:14–4:6, the first step in his defense of the legitimacy of his apostolic claim, Paul repeatedly refers to heavenly realities he has known as an apostle: He has entered the heavenly throne room of God; he speaks in the presence of Christ; and he has seen the glory of God in the face of Christ (cf. 2:14, 17; 4:6). The emphasis in the previous section has thus been on the glory of Paul’s apostolic ministry. The problem is that Paul’s body does not manifest the glory of God in a tangible way. According to ...

22. Building a Successful Life

Matthew 7:24-29

Sermon

King Duncan

An elderly woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. Though he looked weathered and feeble, he had a content smile on his face. “I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look,” she said. “What’s your secret for a happy life?” “Well, I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day,” he said, waving a wrinkled hand through the air, with a smoldering cigarette between his thumb and finger. “I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise.” “That’s amazing!” said the ...

23. When The Baker Becomes the Bread!

John 6:51-58

Sermon

Robert Leslie Holmes

A story is told of a well-to-do man of a former generation who on his brisk early morning walk would daily meet a workingman on his way to the factory. One day as they passed each other, the wealthy man added to his usual nod-of-the-head greeting these words of complaint, "I have no choice but to make this walk early each morning to get a stomach for my meat." The workingman responded, "And I must walk this early each morning to get meat for my stomach!" The reality is that neither man was truly satisfied ...

24. Ignite: The Fire Burns Brightly

Acts 2:42-47

Sermon

James Merritt

I am going to let you in on a little secret that very few people know about me and that is I am deathly afraid of fire. I prefer colder weather to warmer weather. If I had to choose between being in a sweater at 45° or being in a bathing suit at 95° I would choose what is called “sweater-weather.” I have an inordinate fear of fire and heat. My mother thinks it may be because when I was just a six-month-old baby she accidently spilled hot coffee all over my stomach. She says that is the only time she heard ...

25. The Priority of Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

Big Idea: Unless Christ’s loving character becomes evident in the use and application of any and all of the Spirit’s gifts, their practice becomes worthless for God’s kingdom and mere demonstration of Christian immaturity. Understanding the Text Although God grants his gifts as an act of grace and not on the basis of merit, there is a dynamic relationship between the effectiveness of the gift and the life of the Christian.1Paul treats this connection between spiritual gifts and the quality of the believer’ ...

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