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In all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Text: Hebrews 4:15

OUR STRUGGLES WITH SIN

The apostle Paul exemplified well what it means to struggle with sin, and struggle he did! The following text illustrates how he felt when he struggled with sin.

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me
from this body of death?
I thank God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Romans 7:24-25a

How does Jesus help us in our struggle with sin? The author of Hebrews offers a glimpse of the special ministry of Jesus. He is introduced as our great High Priest.

WHAT KIND OF HIGH PRIEST IS JESUS?

Knowing that this concept of Jesus as our great High Priest was fairly new to his readers, the author of Hebrews painted a vital portrait of Jesus.

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise
with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,
yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15

1. What Jesus is not!

a) He is not unable to sympathise with our weaknesses.

b) He is not unaware that as human beings we have many weaknesses.

2. What Jesus is!

a) He can and does sympathise with our many weaknesses.

b) He put on flesh and was “made a little lower than the angels” (Cf. Hebrews 2:9)

c) He was also sorely tested (“tempted”) when He was in the flesh,

i) He suffered hunger (Cf. Matthew 4:2).

ii) He experienced tiredness and needed sleep (Cf. Matthew 8:24)

iii) He endured much physical suffering when He was crucified (Cf. Matthew 27)

d) He was without sin.

i) His sinlessness was necessary; He could not otherwise be our Saviour.

ii) His not sinning must give us encouragement and hope.