Sermon and Worship Resources

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Romans 11:11-24

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... God. Another offshoot of the illustration pertains to the theme of judgment. Consider … the kindness and sternness of God, says Paul (v. 22). Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if ... God finds it difficult to destroy the peoples of the world on account of the Israelites” (Str-B, vol. 3, p. 289 [my translation]). 11:13–16 There are no exact parallels in the OT ... Christ as the root, see Church Dogmatics (II/2), trans. and ed. G. Bromiley and T. Torrance (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1967), p. 286. For ...

2. On Divisions in the Church

1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... all as a group. The words that follow make evident the specific issues of self-deception that Paul has in mind in issuing this stern warning, If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age. The matter over which the Corinthians might ... anachronistic debates about subordinationist christology is to think of texts such as this one in terms of divine agency. Thus, G. B. Caird and L. D. Hurst (New Testament Theology [Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994], p. 303) write, “The concept of agency is an ...

3. The Interpretation of the Vision

Daniel 8:15-27

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... of God has come upon them at last [or “fully”]” (1 Thess. 2:16). The stern-faced king will become very strong, but not by his own power (8:24). Literally, the ... message. This is seen as a strong argument for dating the book to the second century B.C. 8:27 The chapter concludes with an account of Daniel being overwhelmed by the vision ... 8:1–2; Hab. 2:3). For the closely related term ʾakharit hayyamim, “the last days,” see, e.g., Isa. 2:2; Jer. 23:20; 30:24; Ezek. 38:16; Dan. 10:14; Hos. 3:5; Mic. 4 ...

4. The Mystery and Mercy of God

Romans 11:25-32

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... from Jewish apocalyptic circles. A mystery is an end-time event that God reveals to the prophetic seer (e.g., Dan. 2:18–19, 27–30; 1 En. 41.1; 46.2; 103.2; 2 En. 24.3; 4 ... 5; 25:1; 1 Kings 12:1; 2 Chron. 12:1–5; Dan. 9:11; cf. b. Sanh. 10.1). (c) The most recent theory, proposed by Bruce Longenecker, is that of ... be dispensed, as shown in table 2. God showed sternness to Gentiles in the past but shows them mercy in the present, while God is showing sternness to Israel in the present but will show them ...

5. The Coming Judgment Calls for the Saints to Leave Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: Because God will condemn Babylon for its demonic character, prideful self-indulgence, and adulterous influence, God’s people are called to separate from Babylon, lest they too suffer judgment. Understanding the Text The destruction of Babylon the Great continues (17:1–19:5). The angel’s promise to reveal the punishment of the prostitute in 17:1 is expanded in chapter 18 (cf. earlier allusions in 14:8; 16:19; 17:16), especially as it relates to her economic downfall. Babylon’s coming judgment ...

6. The Kings of the South and the North

Daniel 11:2-35

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... the host, stops the daily sacrifice, damages the temple, and throws truth to the ground (8:10–12). He is “a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue,” who “will cause astounding devastation” and “will destroy mighty men and the holy people” (8 ... had taken to Persia after conquering Egypt (Jerome, Jerome’s Commentary on Daniel [trans. G. L. Archer Jr.; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1958], p. 123; see also the Canopus Decree [238 B.C.] and Josephus, Against Apion, 2.48; all three are cited in Montgomery, ...

7. A Workman Approved by God

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Understanding Series

Gordon D. Fee

Exhortation to Resist False Teachers The concern for the “salvation” of “God’s chosen people” expressed in verse 10, plus the exhortation to perseverance, with its warning against apostasy in verses 11–13, bring Paul—and Timothy—back to the hard realities of the situation on Ephesus, with the presence of the false teachers (cf. 1 Timothy). Apparently they continue to plague the church, as Onesiphorus had probably informed him, although clearly not all have capitulated. This concern dominates the appeal ...

8. Apostles of Christ

1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

... ], p. 103). In a scholarly insight with significance for pastoral work, B. Fiore (“ ‘Covert Allusion,’ ” pp. 85–102) identifies 4:3–6, ... writes of God’s knowing the secrets of humanity at Rom. 2:16; 2 Cor. 4:2–4. G. Theissen (Psychological Aspects, pp. 59–66) offers a basic exegetical probe of 4:1–5 that is often ... assumed position of authority and responsibility. Apologetics are absent. As a stern parent facing rebellious, unreasonable children, Paul threatens parental discipline: Shall I ...

9. Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2:17--3:5

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

Paul reflects “the kindness and sternness” of God as he moves from denouncing the Jews and defending himself against their slanders (2:1–16) to revealing his concern for the Thessalonians. He opens his heart, telling them how much they (the missionaries)—and none more than himself—long to see them. But he had been prevented thus far from returning (2:17–20). Therefore, to set their mind at rest and to “strengthen and encourage” them in what he knew to be difficult and dangerous times, he sent Timothy from ...

10. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Mark 6:30-44

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

6:30–44 From early times the feeding accounts have understandably attracted great attention, and continuing scholarly effort is made to try to understand them more fully. There are two feeding accounts in Mark—here, and at 8:1–10, where four thousand are fed—and also two accounts in Matthew (14:13–21; 15:32–39). Luke (9:10–17) and John (6:1–15) each report only the feeding of the five thousand. Much modern scholarly study has been devoted to the sources of the feeding accounts and other complex historical ...

11. The Law of the Temple

Ezekiel 43:13-27, Ezekiel 44:1-31, Ezekiel 45:1-12, Ezekiel 45:13--46:24

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... F. M. Cross, “Samaria Papyrus 1: An Aramaic Slave Conveyance of 335 B.C.E. Found in the Wâdi–ed-Dâliyeh,” Eretz-Israel 18 [1985], pp. 7–17). However, as Ephraim Stern has observed, “It is very likely that the system of weights employed ... For more on the idea that the Law of the Temple and Torah derived from a common tradition see G. Fohrer and K. Galling, Ezechiel (HAT 13; Tübingen: J. C. B. Mohr [Paul Siebeck], 1955), p. 155; M. Haran, “The Law-Code of Ezekiel XL–XLVIII and its Relation to ...

12. Message to Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: Jesus rebukes his church for its compromise that is leading to spiritual death and reassures the faithful few with promises of heavenly citizenship. Understanding the Text The message to the church in Sardis is the fifth (and most negative) in the series of messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3. Jesus confronts a church relying on its past reputation to make up for its present spiritual slumber. Only a few people are commended by the Lord as he attempts to rescue this church from ...

13. 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 ...

14. Ezekiel's Call

Ezekiel 1:1-28, Ezekiel 2:1-3:15, Ezekiel 3:16-27

Understanding Series

Steven Tuell

... different from his earlier experience. After the spirit has commissioned Ezekiel to bear the word of the Lord, indeed after having sternly assured Ezekiel that should he fail to deliver the message entrusted to him the blood of the slain would be on his ... from the southern, Davidic kingdom in 922 B.C., after the death of Solomon (1 Kgs. 12:1–17), and remained independent until its fall to Assyria in 722 B.C.—particularly in the 8th-c. prophets Hosea (1:6; 5:1; 6:10; 11:12), Amos (e.g., 5:1, 3, 4; 6:1, ...

15. Marriage, Sexual Intimacy, and Spiritual Devotion

1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

Big Idea: Husbands and wives must protect each other from sexual temptation and recognize their obligation to take care of each other’s sexual needs. They are co-owners of each other’s bodies. Understanding the Text Although Paul’s discussion on sexual immorality in chapter 6 makes the transition to his discussion on sexual obligations in marriage smooth, chapter 7 introduces a new section that continues through 11:1. After his extended discussion of the Corinthian Christ followers’ troublesome allegiance ...

16. The Day of Atonement: Preparation

Leviticus 16:1-34

Teach the Text

Joe M. Sprinkle

Big Idea: The high priest must be purified before conducting the Day of Atonement sacrifices. Understanding the Text Leviticus 16, on the Day of Atonement, is a transitional chapter, giving a general remedy for the problem of uncleanness described in Leviticus 11–15. It also prepares the way for the laws of holiness that follow (Lev. 17–27). Leviticus 16 is arguably the most important chapter in Leviticus, introducing the Day of Atonement, the highest and most sacred day in the Israelite calendar. Its ...

17. Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ

Colossians 2:6-23

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... Tradition 2:8 Earlier, the readers were cautioned about some of the methods employed by the false teachers (2:4). Now, in a stern warning (see to it), he exposes this heresy even further. First, its effect is to enslave its victims. The word sylagōgeō describes ... following articles: “The Colossian Heresy,” by J. B. Light-foot; “The Isis Initiation in Apuleius and Related Initiatory Rites,” by M. Dibelius; “The Heresy of Colossians,” by G. Bornkamm; “Paul’s Adversaries in Colossae,” by ...

18. All Israel Will Be Saved

Romans 11:25-32

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... a considerable list of exceptions (e.g., deniers of the resurrection, deniers ... B′—They too have now … that they too may now (v. 31) C′—For God has bound … (v. 32; Barrett, Romans, pp. 224–25). These balanced statements give the passage a definite rhetorical structure and reveal the finesse with which Paul concludes chapters 9–11. The passage repeats and culminates two contrasts already mentioned: “objects of wrath” and “objects of mercy” (9:22–23), and “the kindness and sternness ...

19. Doing Good to All

Galatians 6:1-10

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

6:1 Addressing his readers as brothers, Paul turns to a fuller description of how a community living by the Spirit should behave. He first says that if someone is caught in a sin those who are spiritual should restore him gently. In contrast to 5:21, where Paul warned that those who do sinful acts would not inherit the kingdom of God, here Paul addresses the practical situation of a believer doing wrong. This circumstance does not call for the believer to be excommunicated or handed over to Satan (cf. 1 ...

20. Worship and Humility

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

Big Idea: Christian worship must happen in an atmosphere of humility and self-giving. Self-promoting pride desecrates Christ and brings devastation to his community. Understanding the Text The danger of an amalgamation between pagan and Christian worship loomed in the Corinthian setting. After pointing out how clothing (veiling) blurred what should have been a clear distinction between pagan and Christian worship practices (11:2–16), Paul now turns to the issue of the Lord’s Supper itself. The very rooms ...

21. Melchizedek the Priest

Hebrews 7:1-10, Hebrews 7:11-28

Understanding Series

Donald A. Hagner

... had been combined, viz., in Simon the Maccabee and other Hasmonean rulers of the second century B.C. But the high priesthood of Simon was not of the legitimate line, being conferred by ... which is now set aside (lit., “a setting aside occurs”). This stern note of discontinuity with the law of Moses (anticipated in 7 ... The contrast with the repetitive futility of the levitical cultus is immediately evident and telling. See G. Stählin, TDNT, vol. 1, pp. 381–84. 7:28 The “weakness” of the levitical priests ...

22. The Legitimacy and Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood

Hebrews 7:11-28, Hebrews 7:1-10

Understanding Series

Donald A. Hagner

23. God's Wrath Against Mankind

Romans 1:18-32

Understanding Series

James R. Edwards

... his love” (Der Römerbrief, vol. 1, p. 46 [my translation]). Elsewhere Paul recalls “the kindness and sternness of God” (11:22). If the message of wrath is less welcome, it is no less necessary ... against perverting the truth, for once people stop believing in the truth, as G. K. Chesterton once said, they do not believe in nothing, they believe in anything ... through the created order (so Paul), but through an inner moral law. See Str-B, vol. 3, pp. 31–43. Paul, of course, does not say humanity can see ...

24. Paul's Hardships

2 Corinthians 6:3-13

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

Having exhorted the Corinthians to recognize his God-given ministry of reconciliation (5:16–6:2), Paul continues the discussion of his ministry in 6:3–13 by declaring that he is completely innocent of any aspersions that have been cast on his ministry. Paul claims that, in word and deed, he commends himself as a genuine apostle who is motivated by sincere love. 6:3 The new section opens quite defensively. Paul knows that his ministry has come under fire because of his alleged inconsistency and double- ...

25. Looking for Shoots or Roots?

Matthew 11:1-19

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

The more we move into the Advent season, the more our scripture texts bring the Christ-child’s birth closer and closer to us. Yet here in Matthew 11:2-11 we are back to the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. Yet even though this is not part of our text for this week, the mere mention of John’s name should remind us of their cousinly kinship, even of an in utero jump for joy that marked their first meeting--making cousin John the first person to celebrate Advent. As out text opens Jesus has ...

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