Thematic Bible: Of the wicked


Thematic Bible



Put yourselves to a test; see if you are [really] in the faith [i.e., see if you are genuine Christians]; examine yourselves! Or, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in your hearts, unless [of course] you fail the test [i.e., unless you are counterfeit Christians]. Verse ConceptsAcademicsFellowship With ChristComplacencyProving, Through TestingTestingUnion With Christ, Significance OfCharacter Of WickedSelf ExaminationExamining YourselfJudging OurselvesThe FaithBelieving In YourselfTestsexams

These people oppose the truth just like Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have corrupt minds and are worthless as far as the faith is concerned. Verse ConceptsFalse Teachers, Characteristics OfMind, The HumanCharacter Of WickedReprobatesThoughts Of The WickedThe FaithThose Against TruthAgainst The Truth




To those of you who believe in Him then, this "Stone" is [very] precious. But to those who do not believe [Psa. 118:22 says], "The stone which those in charge of the building project have rejected has been made the principal stone for aligning the whole structure." Verse ConceptsCornerstonesArchitectureMasonsOccupationsUnbelief, As Response To GodChurch, Christ Authority OverCharacter Of WickedCapstoneLove For GodBuildersChrist The RockNot Believing In JesusPrecious






lacking in natural affection, unwilling to be reconciled [to their enemies], slanderers, lacking self-control, brutal, haters of what is good, treacherous [i.e., betrayers], reckless, conceited, [and] lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.













These are people who cause divisions [among God's people]; they follow their natural inclinations [i.e., worldly principles], for they do not have the Holy Spirit [in their lives]. Verse ConceptsInstinctLiving For The MaterialWithout Godnatural LifeEmotionsGoing To Churchdivision



They are the kind of people who enter homes and influence [morally] weak-willed women, loaded down with sins, [and] led on by all kinds of evil desires. Verse ConceptsLicentiousnessCharacter Of WickedCaptivesHeavy BurdensWeak WomenProblem Peoplevulnerabilityimpulsivenessworms


















And people were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these judgments [i.e., the authority to inflict them], but they refused to repent and honor God. [See verse 2]. Verse ConceptsCurses, HumanHardened HeartsHeart, Fallen And RedeemedHeatCharacter Of WickedScorchingProfaning God's NameBlasphemyGod Showed His PowerWeather In The Last DaysweatherNot Glorifying God

And they said many other derogatory things against Him. Verse ConceptsBlasphemy, Examples OfCharacter Of Wicked


Everyone has turned away [from God]. All of them have become worthless. No one is [always] kind; no, not even one person." Verse ConceptsCharacter Of WickedPeople Going AstrayUseless PeopleNot Going GoodNo One Available



In a similar way, every healthy tree produces wholesome fruit; but a diseased tree produces [only] bad fruit. Verse ConceptsBearing Bad FruitSpiritualityFood DecayingA Mans CharacterA Mans ReputationFruit Of CharacterBeing PositivecorruptionMoral Decay


lacking in natural affection, unwilling to be reconciled [to their enemies], slanderers, lacking self-control, brutal, haters of what is good, Verse ConceptsAffection, EvilBackbitingDebaucheryCharacter Of WickedFalse AccusationsDespisersBrutalityViolence In The EarthNothing GoodHating GoodUnlovingNo PeaceAffectionparentinghatersgossiping







But love your enemies and do good things to them; and lend to them without expecting it to be returned, and your reward [i.e., from God] will be great and you will be [considered] sons of the Highest [i.e., God]. For He is kind to unthankful and evil people [as well]. Verse ConceptsCoolActs of Kindnessevil, believers' responses toGood WorksInterestKindnessGod Shows Loving KindnessCourtesyCharacter Of WickedNames And Titles For The ChristianSons Of GodSpiritual AdoptionBelievers As Sons Of GodDo Good!Love Your Neighbour!Loving Your EnemiesReward For WorksTurning The Other CheekEnemiesGood ChildrenRewardGiving Without Expecting Returnexpectations






These people know that God's decrees require that those who practice such things deserve to die [i.e., either spiritual or temporal punishment], yet they not only do the same things [themselves], but even approve of other people who practice them. Verse ConceptsThe DeadCommands, in NTGod, Righteousness OfParticipation, In SinRevelation, Through CreationSin, God's Judgment OnSin, Nature OfCharacter Of WickedConnivanceComplicityKnowing FactsSpiritual DeathDeserving DeathEncouraging OthersKnowing GodMoralitybehaviorpracticeencouragingupliftingothers












[Psa. 5:9 says], "Their throats are like open graves [i.e., they are foul-mouthed]. They have spoken deceitfully." [Psa. 90:3 says], "There is snake venom under their lips [i.e., their words are deadly]." Verse ConceptsEvil SpeakingDeception In Fallen Human NaturePoisonSnakesTongueCharacter Of WickedObscenitySpeaking, EvilFigurative BurialsThings Like SnakesDeceitful TonguesOther References To MouthsDeception







For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalAttitudes Of RebellionHeresiesCharacter Of WickedVain TalkMen DeceivingCircumcision PartyMere TalkNecessity Of CircumcisionFutile Faith










lacking in natural affection, unwilling to be reconciled [to their enemies], slanderers, lacking self-control, brutal, haters of what is good, Verse ConceptsAffection, EvilBackbitingDebaucheryCharacter Of WickedFalse AccusationsDespisersBrutalityViolence In The EarthNothing GoodHating GoodUnlovingNo PeaceAffectionparentinghatersgossiping




So, Peter testified and urged the crowd with many additional words, saying, "Save yourselves from [the condemnation coming on] this sinful generation [by responding to this message]." Verse ConceptsCorruption, Of HumanityCommitment, to the worldevil, believers' responses toGenerationsImportunity, Towards PeopleSafetyWarningCharacter Of WickedEvil GenerationsCivilizationSaving OneselfSubsequent Witness To Christ




























For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear. Verse ConceptsFalse TeachingsFalse Teachers, Characteristics OfEarsGuidance, Need For God'sManipulationTeachingCultsApostasy, CauseEvil TimesRefusing To HearSound DoctrineDoctrines of the The Gospelphotographydoctrine





Then when Peter realized what had actually happened, he said, "Now I know for certain that [it was] the Lord who sent His angel to rescue me from Herod's custody and from all that the Jewish people had planned [to do to me]." Verse ConceptsSafetySelf KnowledgeAngels Doing God's WorkChrist Sendingexpectations




[Isa. 59:7ff says], "Their feet [take them where they] are quick to commit murder. Verse ConceptsSheddingRunning After EvilFeet In ActionReady To Kill


[Isa. 59:7ff says], "Their feet [take them where they] are quick to commit murder. Verse ConceptsSheddingRunning After EvilFeet In ActionReady To Kill







And people from all the nations will be assembled in front of Him and He will separate them from one another, like a shepherd separating his sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right side, but the goats at His left.





"Now there was a certain rich man who was dressed in purple [clothing] and soft linen [garments] and who lived every day in pleasure and luxury. Verse ConceptsFriendlessnessClothingClothing, Kinds OfLinenLuxuryAbraham, New Testament ReferencesColors, PurpleRich ApparelPurple ClothesDrawbacks To RichesEating Drinking And Rejoicinglazarus

But Abraham said [to him], 'Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony. Verse ConceptsLimitednessRiches, Ungodly Use OfDeath Of The Saints, Results InPainful MemoriesReversalsGiving Good ThingsBad SituationsGod Has ComfortedOvercoming Adversity

And He told them a parable [i.e., a brief story to illustrate His teaching], saying, "The land of a certain rich man produced a bumper crop, so he thought to himself, 'What should I do, because I do not have any [more] room to store my crops?' Then he said [to himself], 'This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger [ones]; then I will store all my grain and [other] goods there [i.e., farm supplies]. read more.
And I will say to myself, 'Soul, you have plenty of goods [i.e., grain and supplies] stored up for many years, [so], take it easy; eat, drink and have fun.' But God said to him, 'You fool! Tonight your life will be taken away from you. And [then] who will get the things you have stored up [for yourself]?'










But Abraham said [to him], 'Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony. Verse ConceptsLimitednessRiches, Ungodly Use OfDeath Of The Saints, Results InPainful MemoriesReversalsGiving Good ThingsBad SituationsGod Has ComfortedOvercoming Adversity












It is too bad for you people who have plenty to eat now, because you will be hungry [later on]. It is too bad for you people who are laughing now, because you will grieve and cry [later on]. Verse ConceptsLaughterReversalsWoe To The ProsperousFeeding The Poorhunger




And then, on a particular day, Herod, dressed in his royal robes, delivered a speech [to the people] from his throne. The people began shouting, "His is the voice of a god and not a man." Suddenly, an angel from God struck him [with a terrible condition] because he refused to honor God [by what he said in his speech], so he was consumed by worms and died.





































Be distressed and grieve and cry [over your sins]; your laughter should turn into grieving and your joy [should turn] into sorrow. Verse ConceptsLaughterSorrowTearsLack Of RejoicingHeavinessChanging Yourselfgrieving










Be distressed and grieve and cry [over your sins]; your laughter should turn into grieving and your joy [should turn] into sorrow. Verse ConceptsLaughterSorrowTearsLack Of RejoicingHeavinessChanging Yourselfgrieving














Put yourselves to a test; see if you are [really] in the faith [i.e., see if you are genuine Christians]; examine yourselves! Or, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in your hearts, unless [of course] you fail the test [i.e., unless you are counterfeit Christians]. Verse ConceptsAcademicsFellowship With ChristComplacencyProving, Through TestingTestingUnion With Christ, Significance OfCharacter Of WickedSelf ExaminationExamining YourselfJudging OurselvesThe FaithBelieving In YourselfTestsexams


For I have often told you before, and am telling you again with tears in my eyes, that many people are living as the enemies of the cross of Christ [i.e., their lives oppose the purpose of Christ's death]. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist


On the outside [of the city] are the dogs [Note: This probably refers to people who practiced sexual perversions. See Deut. 23:17] and the sorcerers, and the sexually immoral people, and the murderers, and the idolaters and every person who loves and practices falsehood. Verse Conceptsevil, victory overethics, and gracedogsDeceit Leading to JudgmentImperfection, And God's PurposesLiesMurderSexualitySin, God's Judgment OnSexual ChastityExclusionNecromancyOutside The CityFate Of IdolatersJudgement On MurderersLoving EvilThe End Of LiarsSexual Immorality Brings PunishmentSorcerygaysSexual ImmoralityBeing GayPetsSexual PurityDrugsmagicwitches

Therefore, brothers, we [Christians] are not the [spiritual] children of the slave woman [Hagar] but of the free woman [Sarah]. Verse ConceptsNames And Titles For The Christian

Then He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it]." Verse ConceptsFoodExaggerationsDoughKingdom Of God, Coming OfParablesWeights And Measures, DryYeastLeavenParables Of ChristLeavenedHidden ThingsThree Other ThingsOther Volume Measureswomanhood

You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. Verse ConceptsPresent Evil AgeAirCommitment, to the worldevil, origins ofSatan, Titles ForPrincesSatan, Kingdom OfUnbelief, Nature And Effects OfSatan, Character OfNames And Titles For SatanSatan, Work OfPathways Of SinPrincehood Of SatanPrincipalities And PowersDanger From MenMighty in its influenceRebellion of Satan and AngelsThe DevilGod Being In ControlThe PastenergydisobedienceSatan As The Prince Of This WorldDemonic Influence

All of us [Jews] also once lived among such people, fulfilling the improper cravings of our physical being and doing what our bodies and minds desired. In this natural [unconverted] state we were deserving of [God's] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. Verse ConceptsAmbition, negative aspects ofFlesh As The Sinful NatureFaultsBeing Born In SindesiresHuman NatureParticipation, In SinSalvation, Necessity And Basis OfSanctification, Nature And BasisSelf IndulgenceSelfishnessSin, Causes OfSin, Universality OfThoughtThe Lust Of The FleshMasturbationSins Of The FleshPassionwrath

"It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you are like white-washed tombs, used for burial [sites], which appear beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of the bones and decaying flesh of dead people. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty

"It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you travel over land and sea [in hope of] making one person a proselyte [i.e., a convert to the Jewish religion]. And when you do convert one, you make him twice as deserving of hell as yourselves. Verse ConceptsExploitationsJudaismMission, Of IsraelPharisees, Beliefs OfPassing OverSonsTravelHypocrites, Description OfGehennaProselytesSea TravelOnly One PersonDouble PenaltyCrossing To The Other SideHypocrisy


and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. Verse ConceptsNames And Titles For The ChristianSatan, Work OfChildren Of EvilFigurative FieldsUseless PeopleGood PeopleChildren Of The DevilPeople Of The KingdomThe Gospel To The NationsGood ChildrenThe End Of The WorldThe WorldPlanting SeedsSeedsSowing Seeds

And people from all the nations will be assembled in front of Him and He will separate them from one another, like a shepherd separating his sheep from the goats. Verse ConceptsGoatsHell, As An ExperienceSeparationShepherds, As OccupationsThe Judgement InvolvesWicked Described AsSeparating AnimalsGathering Other NationsGod Saves From Sin And DeathSheep And GoatsJudgment Of The Nationsdivisiongatheringgroups

Their eyes are filled with sexual lust, and they are never satisfied when it comes to sinning. They entice unstable people and have hearts trained to be greedy [i.e., they continually desire the possessions of others]. [In this condition] they are under God's curse. Verse ConceptsAdultery, Examples OfEyes, Figurative UseDepravity Of ManInstabilityManipulationSelf IndulgenceSexual ChastityCovetousness, Nature ofContinual SinFicklenessEvil EyesFruitless LearningEnticingThose Who Committed AdulteryCovetousnessGreedInfidelityadultry











and said, "You child of the devil; you enemy of all that is right; you are full of deceit and every kind of evil [thing]. When will you stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Verse ConceptsSatan, Agents OfShrewdnessDenunciationsMischiefChildren Of EvilTwistingStraight PathsMen DeceivingChildren Of The DevilEnemies Of GodDemonic Influence



So, his master commended the dishonest property manager for his shrewdness. For worldly people are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light [i.e., God's people]. Verse ConceptsCommendationNames And Titles For The ChristianLight Of God's PeoplePraising Specific PeopleMan's WisdomLightMoney Management


[They are like] raging ocean waves, whose shameful actions bubble up like foam. [They are like] shooting stars [whose light quickly goes out], for whom total darkness has been reserved forever. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering


For it is written [Isa. 29:14], "I [i.e., God] will destroy the wisdom of wise people, and will set aside [i.e., hinder] the understanding of intelligent people." Verse ConceptsAdvice, From GodIntelligenceShrewdnessGod DestroyingFalse WisdomWorldly WisdomWisdomDiscernmenttechnologywise



About that time Jesus said [in prayer], "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus' words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. Verse ConceptsChildren, attitudes towardsBabies, Figurative UseGod, Unity OfHeaven And EarthLordship, Human And DivineUniverseWisdom, Source Of HumanWorldly WisdomChildren And The KingdomNature Of GodRelationship Of Father And SonGod's Things ConcealedBabies Used As A Spiritual ImageEducationRelationship TroublesRelationships And DatingTrust In Relationships


But to the ones who have selfish ambition [Note: Some translate these words "are contentious"] and refuse to obey the truth, but [instead] obey what is wrong, [God will bring] wrath, fury, Verse ConceptsGod's IndignationAttention SeekersRejection Of God, Results OfSelf IndulgenceSelfishnessPerforming The TruthContinuing In SinSelf CenterednessRejectionCompetitiondisobedience


And that slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not make preparations [i.e., for his master's return], or do what his master wanted, will be whipped with many lashes. Verse ConceptsAccording To His WillSin, Nature OfSins Of OmissionKnowing God's WillKnowing FactsStrictnessDoing The Right ThingservanthoodNot Serving God






Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying


I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfFall Of Man, Consequences OfBodily Limbsethics, and graceSin, Avoidance OfImpurityLimitations Of The BodyLike MenThey Committed ImmoralityHolinessnatural LifeThe Surrendered lifeSurrenderSanctificationlimitations

But to the ones who have selfish ambition [Note: Some translate these words "are contentious"] and refuse to obey the truth, but [instead] obey what is wrong, [God will bring] wrath, fury, Verse ConceptsGod's IndignationAttention SeekersRejection Of God, Results OfSelf IndulgenceSelfishnessPerforming The TruthContinuing In SinSelf CenterednessRejectionCompetitiondisobedience


And that slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not make preparations [i.e., for his master's return], or do what his master wanted, will be whipped with many lashes. Verse ConceptsAccording To His WillSin, Nature OfSins Of OmissionKnowing God's WillKnowing FactsStrictnessDoing The Right ThingservanthoodNot Serving God







he will also [have to] drink the wine of God's anger, as an undiluted mixture in the cup of His anger. And he will be tortured with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their suffering will ascend forever and ever and there will not be any rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his statue and who receive the mark of his name."

And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him. And he shouted out, 'Forefather Abraham, take pity on me and send Lazarus [to me], so he can dip the tip of his finger in water [and touch] my tongue to cool it, because I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said [to him], 'Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony. read more.
And besides all this, there is a huge chasm situated between us and you so that those who wanted to go from here to there [where you are] cannot do it. And no one can cross over from there to us [over here].' Then the rich man said, 'I beg you therefore, forefather [Abraham], that you would send Lazarus to my father's house, where I have five brothers. Then he could warn them so that they will not [have to] come to this [terrible] place of torment also.'




And His disciples were amazed at what He said. But Jesus spoke to them again and said, "How difficult it is [for anyone] to enter the kingdom of God Verse ConceptsAffluenceChildren, Figurative SenseProsperityAmazement, Of Jesus ChristFalse ConfidenceRiches, Dangers OfEntering The KingdomThe Disciples ReactionsSaying RepeatedlyHard To Be Saved






















I fast [i.e., going without food and/or drink for religious reasons] twice a week and I give [to God's work] a tenth of everything I get.' Verse ConceptsFasting, Of HypocritesAsceticism, People PracticingDisplayingTrusting In WorksTithesTwice A WeekFasting RegularlyTithing ProduceFastingTithes And OfferingFasting And Prayerlucktaxes




Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is "sensible"] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is "sincere"] as doves. Verse ConceptsdovesInnocence, Teaching OnSheep, FigurativeSerpentsSheepShrewdnessSnakesMissionary WorkHarmlessnessSingleness Of HeartThings Like SnakesWolvesBe Wise!Christ SendingChristmas Treereuniting

[So], go on; See, I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Verse ConceptsLambsWolvesChrist Sending