Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Christ took the nature of man as it was after four thousand years of the fall — with its weaknesses and liability to temptation — yet He never sinned, because the Person who wore that nature was the sinless Son of God living in unbroken dependence on His Father. This unit holds both truths without surrendering either.
Key points
- He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.
- His sinlessness was maintained by dependence, not by exemption.
- Because He conquered in our nature, victory is possible for us in Him.
Key texts
- Hebrews 4:15
- Romans 8:3
- Hebrews 5:7-8
- John 5:30
- Comprehension
1. State the two truths that must be held together about Christ's human nature.
- Scripture
2. Read Hebrews 4:15. What does 'in all points like as we are' include and exclude?
- Scripture
3. Read Romans 8:3. What weight do you give to 'the likeness of sinful flesh'?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. How did Christ maintain sinlessness — by divine exemption or by dependence?
- Contrast
5. Contrast a Christ who could not sin with a Christ who would not sin.
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Why is this doctrine practical rather than speculative?
- Application
7. Which temptation do you assume Jesus cannot understand? What does Hebrews 4 say?
- Application
8. How does His dependence become the model for your day?