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Study 16 of 19

Objections Considered—2

Real temptation and dependence are compatible with Christ’s sinless victory.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In chapter 16, Sequeira examines objections considered—2 within the larger question of Christ’s humanity and the everlasting gospel. Whether Christ could resist temptation in fallen humanity and what His being the second Adam requires. The argument overlooks divine power and Christ’s perfect human dependence on the Father. He heads and redeems a new humanity through obedience, not merely by duplicating Adam’s initial circumstances. The reality of His human conflict and His ability to be our sympathetic helper. The study invites the reader to test the author’s argument with Scripture and apply it without losing either Christ’s sinlessness or the priority of grace.

Key points

  • Whether Christ could resist temptation in fallen humanity and what His being the second Adam requires.
  • The argument overlooks divine power and Christ’s perfect human dependence on the Father.
  • He heads and redeems a new humanity through obedience, not merely by duplicating Adam’s initial circumstances.
  • The reality of His human conflict and His ability to be our sympathetic helper.
  • No. Victory demonstrates dependence upon God’s sustaining power.
  • Real humanity and temptation together with unqualified affirmation of Christ’s sinlessness.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 4:15
  • Romans 8:3–4
  • 1 Corinthians 15:45

Chapter reading

Chapter 16 · Read this chapter

    Put it into practice

    • Read chapter 16 before answering and compare the argument with Hebrews 4:15.
    • Write your own explanation before revealing the model answer.
    • Discuss one practical implication with your study group and pray for a Christ-centered response.
    1. Comprehension

      1. Which objections receive further attention here?

    2. Doctrinal Clarity

      2. Why does human inability not prove that Christ necessarily had to sin?

    3. Contrast

      3. How does the author understand Christ’s second-Adam role?

    4. Comprehension

      4. What would be lost if Christ’s temptation were only apparent?

    5. Doctrinal Clarity

      5. Does divine help make obedience an achievement of independent human strength?

    6. Application

      6. What balance must the student maintain in this discussion?

    7. Scripture

      7. Read Hebrews 4:15. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on objections considered—2? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    8. Scripture

      8. Read Romans 8:3–4. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on objections considered—2? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    9. Scripture

      9. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on objections considered—2? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    10. Application

      10. How would you explain this truth to a discouraged church member: Whether Christ could resist temptation in fallen humanity and what His being the second Adam requires.?

    11. Application

      11. What mistaken conclusion should you avoid when applying this chapter’s teaching: No. Victory demonstrates dependence upon God’s sustaining power.?

    12. Application

      12. Name one change in your prayer, Bible study, or ministry that follows from this principle: Real humanity and temptation together with unqualified affirmation of Christ’s sinlessness.