This week, Pastor Chris continued our Hebrews series, focusing on Jesus as our faithful High Priest. From the very beginning, God’s plan was to send His Son to live as both fully human and fully divine. Because of this, Jesus understands every struggle and temptation we face, yet still offers us His unwavering love and help. He is our advocate, our constant support, who has triumphed over death and fear on our behalf!
1. Jesus Makes us Family
Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
“Number one, has anybody ever cheated death? Number two, if he did, did he leave the way open for me?” G.B. Hardy
Hebrews 2:11–13 (ESV)
11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Ephesians 2:14–19 (ESV)
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
2. Jesus Destroyed the Power of Death and the Enemy
Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
1 John 3:8 (ESV)
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
Revelation 1:17–18 (ESV)
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
3. Jesus Delivers us from the Fear of Death
Hebrews 2:15 (ESV)
15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
1 Corinthians 15:54 (ESV)
“…Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Hebrews 2:16 (ESV)
16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.
4. Jesus is our Ever-Present Help in Time of Need
Hebrews 2:17 (ESV)
17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Jesus knows about our desires, hurts, pains, fears, betrayals, aches, sadness, and concerns. He knows and is representing us before the Father.
Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)
18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 4:14–15 (ESV)
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
4 Ways to Resist Temptation
- Build a Buffer
- Consider the Cost
Numbers 32:23 (ESV)
23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.
- Make a Plan
Genesis 39:6–7 (ESV)
6 So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.”
- Work the Plan
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean for you personally to be a “fellow citizen with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19)?
- 1 John 3:8 says that Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil.” How do we, as believers, continue to fight against the works of the enemy in our own lives and in the world around us?
- 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” How does this verse change the way you approach challenges or even your own mortality?
Application Questions:
- How do the 4 ways to resist temptation (Build a Buffer, Consider the Cost, Make a Plan, Work the Plan) tie into Hebrews 2:18, which says that Jesus can help us because He was tempted in every way? Which of these strategies do you find most helpful in your own walk?
- What does it look like to “work the plan” in resisting temptation, especially when you’re faced with a difficult situation? Can you think of a time when one of these strategies helped you overcome temptation?