Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: contest, tournament, match, game, round, heat, fixture, event, meet, encounter, rivalry, competitiveness, vying, contesting, opposition, contention, conflict, feuding, battling, fighting, struggling, strife, war, opposing side, other side, other team, field, enemy, foe

Showing 1 to 25 of 171 results

1. Brotherly Rivalry

Illustration

Michael P. Green

On the American frontier, denominational differences were taken seriously. The story is told of a young Methodist minister who was asked to conduct a funeral for a Baptist. Since ministers were in short supply and he was the only one for miles around, he was unsure what to do. He performed the funeral and wrote to his bishop, asking if he had made the right decision and requesting some general guidelines for the future. His bishop’s reply was brief. “Bury all the Baptists you can.”

2. Sibling Rivalry

Illustration

King Duncan

Abraham Lincoln was walking down the street in Springfield holding the hands of his two sons, both of whom were crying lustily. “What’s the matter with the boys, Abe?” asked a neighbor. Lincoln replied, “The matter with them is the matter with the world. One has a nut, and the other one wants it.”

3. Taming the Tongue

James 3:1-12, James 3:13-18

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... curse against heretics. Yet these more formal curses on people who do certain things are hardly the curse of anger, jealousy, or rivalry used as a weapon to separate or reject groups within the church in interparty strife, much less the casual curse of someone ... is translated positively (John 2:17; Rom. 10:2; 2 Cor. 7:7; 11:2; Phil. 3:6). But this virtue easily merges into jealousy and rivalry, which the same word condemns in vice lists (Acts 5:17; 13:45; Rom. 10:2; 13:13; 1 Cor. 3:3). James seems to indicate ...

4. Two Kinds of Wisdom

James 3:13-18, James 3:1-12

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

5. Family Survival

Genesis 37:1-11

Sermon

Stephen DeFur

... . What we have going on here is not an unusual problem. It happens in every family, but this is not just run-of-the-mill sibling rivalry. Joseph, we're told by the writer of the text, was the son of Jacob's old age. He was Jacob's favorite. You know how ... John 13:11, we're told that in this little community that Jesus was a part of, where shalom was often broken, there was a lot of rivalry and envy and "who's going to be number one?" One day, John 13:11 says, Jesus took off his robe, put a towel around his ...

6. Proper 6

Genesis 25:19-34

Sermon

... not think in terms of the individual. In fact, frequently, the social experiences of an entire clan or tribe would be told as the experiences of one individual. Therefore, it is not surprising that the stories of the rivalry between Esau and Jacob accurately reflect the rivalry between the Edomites and the Israelites. The Edomites descended from Esau, and the Hebrews from Jacob. The stories in Genesis about these two show that though the Hebrews regarded the Edomites as about the closest of their kinspeople ...

7. Stand Together or Fall Apart

Acts 2:42-47

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... is shown trying to discern the non-violent glue that will establish and maintain their identity. Before his death Jesus spoke often about what should be the true nature of this new community. In Mark 10:42-44 he responded to the petty but disruptive rivalry among the disciples by proclaiming that "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among ...

8. In the Shadow of His Brother

John 1:35-42

Sermon

King Duncan

... belongs to someone else. I did hear about another family, however, that had a strange twist on the reality of sibling rivalry. “I don’t want a new baby,” said Brian, the older of two brothers. Brian was adamant when his mother told him that they ... were expecting a new addition to the family. The family had survived the first round of sibling rivalry when Brian’s younger brother, Damian, was born, so his Mom and Dad were surprised that Brian was digging in his heels ...

9. The Possible Dream

Genesis 45:3-11, 15

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... Jacob had to face Esau again, he had been terrified of the retribution he thought lay ahead for him. Now that he's a parent, Jacob seems to have developed a full-blown case of amnesia where sibling relationships are concerned. He is clueless about the rivalry among his own sons, and the part he has played in encouraging their jealousy and discontent. Joseph is the eleventh son of twelve born to Jacob. And, Jacob's favorite. Jacob makes Joseph an expensive coat with long sleeves, which sets him far above his ...

10. Our Common Life in Christ

Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... How can it be so? Paul answers that in vss. 2, 3, and 4. Listen: “Fill up my cup of happiness by thinking and feeling alike, with the same love for one another, the same turn of mind, and a common care for unity. There must be no room for rivalry and personal vanity among you, but you must humbly reckon others better than yourselves. Look to each other’s interests and not merely to your own.” (Phil. 2:2-4 NEB) That’s tough, isn’t it – but that is what is required if our common life in Christ is ...

11. Haman's Plot to Destroy the Jews

Esther 3:1-15

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... of ancient rivals against each other. It is clear that the conflict that is about to erupt is one rooted in ethnic rivalry—a rivalry that is understood biblically to date back to the earliest days of the conquest (Exod. 17:8–16). That passage ends ominously ... destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes (3:6). This statement confirms that an ethnic rivalry is underfoot. Haman’s anger (qtsf) is reminiscent of the king’s anger over Vashti’s insubordination (1:12; 2: ...

12. David Returns to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 19:9-43

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

... relations with the surrounding tribes and confirmed David’s reputation as a worthy ally to have. 19:41–43 The whole of Israel, north and south, wanted David back as king. However, there is no question yet of a happy ending. The bitter rivalry between the tribes continued even as they sought to reassert loyalty to David, and angry words were exchanged. Judah’s having taken the leading role in the ceremonies at the Jordan was a matter for particular resentment. Creating conflict between different groups ...

13. Play The Fool

1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Sermon

Richard Hasler

... a new dimension to our Christian lifestyle? Could it be possible that our own daily discipleship should have a sophomoric quality about it? Are we called to be "wise fools"? In our lectionary text today Paul continues sharing his concern about rivalry in the Corinthian congregation. He cannot understand why different groups are rallying around various leaders who have served the congregation in one way or another. Using the metaphors of the building and the temple he explicitly states that neither Paul nor ...

14. Envy - Where Is The Grass Greener?

Gn 4:1-26, Mt 20:1-16, Philip 4:10-20

Sermon

R. Curtis Fussell

... childhood friend Larry, whom he hadn't seen in over ten years. In their teens Robert and Larry had a friendly rivalry going between them. So Robert came up with this idea of trying to impress Larry that he had become extremely wealthy ... gave what he could, what he had to offer, just as Abel did. Others have then said it is really not a story about envy, nor sibling rivalry, nor God; no, it is a story that says that the Israelites as shepherds are better people than farmers. But the Bible doesn't say that ...

15. The Waste In Comparison

Genesis 37:1-11, 12-36

Sermon

... who were committed to slavery when he wrote, "You can't hold a man down without staying down with him." There is a fable retold by William White of the violent potential of jealousy.1 Two merchants judged their success by comparing their profits. Their rivalry grew each year. God sent an angel to one of the merchants, telling that merchant that God had chosen him for a great gift. "Whatever you desire you will receive," the divine messenger promised. He could have wealth, health, whatever. There was a catch ...

16. Proper 14

Genesis 37:12-36, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Jonah 2:1-10, Matthew 14:22-36, Romans 9:1-5; 10:5-15

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... Sermon Angle. Jacob loved his youngest son better than the rest. Predictably, this led to jealousy and hatred on the part of the other brothers. There is bound to be a certain amount of rivalry for parents' attention, but when parents clearly favor one child, it is a prescription for disaster. Though the brothers did an evil thing to Joseph, the father must also share some of the blame. Though parents can't help their feelings, they can shun obvious favoritism. A sermon on this ...

17. A Habitat For Humanity

2 Samuel 7:1-17

Sermon

Arthur H. Kolsti

... when many felt things were just falling apart in Israel. But this is not a story that wallows in nostalgia. It tells of the days of David the way they were. The dark side of life is much in evidence as one reads on about the undercurrent of rivalry and corruption during the days of David. The whole document was a call to hold fast in all times to the promise and the vision. The last verse of chapter six should really be part of the reading, for that verse is the essential preface. "And Michal the daughter ...

18. Joseph: Don't Bury Me Here

Genesis 50:22-26; Exodus 13:19-22; Joshua 24:32

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... -grabber" because he was born hanging onto his brother's heel. As a second-born twin, I am not sure it's a compliment to be compared to Jacob, but I do tend to identify with this story. And if you ever want to read a tale of classic sibling rivalry, take a look at this one! From Jacob was born a third generation of sons, literally by the dozen—which become the 12 tribes of Israel, until Abraham's descendants filled these hills, "As many as the stars of heaven, and as innumerable as the grains of sand on ...

19. Bart and Homer, Father and Sons

1 Samuel 20:24-42

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... . The very first family in the Bible, that of Adam and Eve, struggled with spousal betrayal and the first case of sibling rivalry and family violence in the biblical narrative and the human story. Noah and his family survived the flood, but the joy was ... It's a story of the deep love and abiding friendship between Jonathan and David. It's a story of seething jealousy and threatening rivalry between Saul and David, the one who would be king. It's a story of loyalty and devotion mixed with hatred and family ...

20. Proper 20

Mark 9:33-37, Mark 9:14-32, James 4:1-12, James 3:1-12, Proverbs 31:10-31

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... are "disorder and vile practices." b. It is wise to be good vv. 17-18. Harvest of being good: righteousness and peace. 2. Peace in the church (3:13-18). Need: It should not be, but many a church is afflicted with internal war: divisions, cliques, rivalries. It is often said, "The church is split right down the middle." Sometimes the pastor is caught between the warring factions and he is forced to seek another field. In this sermon we can consider the causes of the internal dissension and show how peace can ...

21. The Vision of God

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Sermon

Gibson “Nibs” Stroupe

... the gospel is the measuring stick. In describing his vision, Paul plays down its details and its ability to stand alone on its own authority. Even though he lists his vision as the climax of his boasting, Paul wants to announce that the rivalry is not between competing visions of God. The rivalry is between visions of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live them out. He begins by talking about himself in the vision in the third person: "I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to ...

22. Gift

2 Corinthians 8:16--9:5, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... in this way would their gift be an expression of grace. Hence, Paul is not simply commanding them (although he has the authority to do that); he appeals to them by means of the example of others like the Macedonians, hoping to create a friendly rivalry between brothers (see above on vv. 1 and 3a). The Corinthians are thereby given an opportunity to prove the genuineness of their love for the apostle (cf. v. 7). Love, in this case, is not primarily an emotion, but rather solidarity that comes to expression ...

23. The Death of David

1 Chronicles 29:26-30

Understanding Series

Louis C. Jonker

... , and All-Israel should seek Yahweh in obedience. Only then will they find rest and peace. The David narrative has a strong theological focus, but prominent indications of the processes of identity negotiation also lie in the background. The tribal rivalry between Judah and Benjamin may underlie the identification of Araunah’s threshing floor as the site of the future temple. On the one hand, the Chronicler features Benjamin as an inclusive All-Israel prototype, while, on the other hand, he establishes ...

24. Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel

Philippians 1:12-30

Understanding Series

F. F. Bruce

... what he recognizes as the genuine gospel, whatever their motives may be. Why should some preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry? Perhaps they were envious of Paul’s achievement in carrying the message through so many provinces in such a brief space of ... who preached out of goodwill (who were mentioned last in v. 15) and then (in v. 17) on those who preached out of envy and rivalry (who were mentioned first in v. 15). The former were actuated by love for Paul. They recognized that God had sent him to Rome ...

25. Jacob and Esau

Genesis 25:19-34

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

... closer to his or her own interests. Isaac loved Esau, for he brought Isaac the wild game that he relished, while Rebekah loved Jacob, who was her companion at chores. 25:29–31 The narrator presents an episode at the center of the twins’ rivalry. It probably took place toward the end of their teens. The results of this incident profoundly affected their destinies. As was his custom, Jacob was at home cooking some stew. On this day Esau returned famished from hunting. Apparently he had searched long and ...

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