20-0126p - Detailed Summary

Preacher: Steve Cain

(0:03 - 0:54) Introduction and Jesus as High Priest

The speaker reflects on their role, feeling humbled that people return to hear them. The topic revolves around Jesus being a high priest, tempted like everyone, but without sin.

(0:56 - 1:47) Jesus and the Hope of Eternal Life

Jesus came to condemn sin in the flesh and provide hope for eternal life with God. Hope is more than just desire; it is the anticipation of being with God in heaven.

(1:48 - 3:15) The Path to Sinlessness and Hope

In order to be with God, one must be sinless. God offers a solution through Jesus, who serves as a high priest, presenting humanity spotless before God.

(3:16 - 4:15) Jesus as Our Mediator

Jesus offers worship to God on our behalf, serving as a go-between for humanity. Hebrews 1:1-4 is cited to highlight the importance of Jesus as God’s son, radiating God’s glory.

(4:15 - 5:50) The Special Relationship Between Father and Son

Jesus, being the Son of God, holds a special place in God’s heart. The speaker emphasizes the connection between Jesus and God, "like father, like son."

(5:51 - 7:29) Jesus' Accomplishment: Purification of Sins

Jesus provided purification for sins and then sat at the right hand of God, completing his mission. John 3:16 is referenced to show God’s love for humanity, sending Jesus to save, not condemn the world.

(7:30 - 9:23) Light vs. Darkness

Jesus came into the world as light, exposing the sins of humanity. People often reject the light because it reveals their shortcomings, a message reflected in John 3:19-20.

(9:25 - 10:09) Humanity’s Fear of Exposure

Many fear the light because they don’t want their sins exposed, a sentiment the speaker admits to feeling personally.

(10:10 - 11:10) Jesus’ Mission to Defeat Sin and Death

Jesus came to condemn sin, defeat death (the product of sin), and minimize Satan’s influence. By offering a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus allows us to live a life aligned with God’s will.

(11:11 - 12:18) Walking in the Light

As long as believers walk in the light, Jesus' blood continues to cleanse them of sin. Those who reject the light return to darkness.

(12:30 - 14:50) Jesus and the Sanctification of Humanity

Hebrews 2:9-11 is referenced to explain Jesus' role in bringing many sons to glory through his suffering. Jesus, the sanctifier, makes humanity holy, becoming one with humanity in the process. He is not ashamed to call believers his brothers and sisters because they are part of the same family.

(14:50 - 17:25) Jesus’ Humility and Exaltation

Philippians 2 is cited, describing how Jesus, though equal with God, humbled himself to become human and obedient to death on the cross. As a result, God exalted Jesus above all, and one day every knee will bow to him.

(17:25 - 18:19) The Glory of God Through Jesus' Work

The speaker emphasizes that God’s glory is achieved through His plan and actions. If God is not the one orchestrating events, He cannot be glorified. Jesus' willingness to become human and provide salvation is a key part of God’s plan and brings glory to God.

(18:19 - 20:02) The Word in John’s Gospel

The speaker reads from the beginning of John’s Gospel, focusing on the identity of Jesus as the "Word." Jesus, who is referred to as the Word, was with God in the beginning and was God. Everything was created through Him. Despite Jesus’ presence in the world, the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own people, yet they did not receive Him. However, those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God, not by human effort, but by God’s will.

(20:02 - 21:06) God’s Will and the Incarnation

Jesus became flesh, a direct act of God’s will, allowing humanity to witness God’s glory. The incarnation is also detailed in Matthew and Luke, but the speaker highlights Hebrews 10, which says God made Jesus a body, signaling the importance of His humanity.

(21:06 - 22:09) The Law and the Insufficiency of Sacrifices

The speaker explains that the Old Testament law, with its animal sacrifices, could not fully cleanse people of sin, as sacrifices were a temporary reminder of sin. Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice, came to fulfill God’s will, something the blood of animals could never do.

(22:09 - 24:15) Jesus’ Humanity and Sacrifice

The speaker insists that Jesus was 100% human, necessary for Him to fully accomplish God’s plan. If Jesus were anything less, His mission would be incomplete or fraudulent. Jesus had to be fully human to defeat sin and death and accomplish God’s will, with the speaker referencing Hebrews 10 where Jesus acknowledges the body prepared for Him.

(24:15 - 26:09) Jesus’ Temptation and Humanity

Jesus had to experience every form of temptation humans face in order to be truly one of us. If He reserved any part of His divinity while on Earth, He would not fully share in the human experience. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of temptation, noting that it varies for everyone, but emphasizes that Satan knew how to tempt Jesus effectively, yet Jesus resisted.

(26:09 - 27:06) Perseverance Through Trials

The speaker references James 1, which encourages believers to consider it joy when facing trials because testing develops perseverance. Jesus faced many trials and temptations, learning obedience and growing in perseverance through His human experiences.

(27:06 - 29:33) Perseverance Leading to Maturity and Completion

The process of perseverance through trials leads to maturity and completeness, a concept reflected in both James and the life of Jesus. James 1:12 highlights that those who persevere through trials receive the crown of life, just as Jesus did.

(29:33 - 30:48) Temptation and Sin

The speaker explains that temptation does not come from God but arises from our own desires. Temptation, when unchecked, leads to sin, which then leads to death. The speaker stresses that

every good gift comes from God, who does not change. Jesus, as the firstfruits of God’s creation, passed the test, while humanity often falls short.

(30:48 - 33:14) Jesus' Obedience and Free Moral Agency

The speaker reflects on how Jesus, despite His popularity and the temptations that come with it, remained humble and obedient. The concept of free moral agency is discussed, emphasizing that both humans and Jesus have the ability to make moral choices. While humans often make the wrong choices, Jesus always chose obedience.

(33:14 - End) Jesus' Humanity and Free Will

The speaker concludes by emphasizing that Jesus, like all humans, had free moral agency. This capacity to choose was essential for Him to be fully human and fulfill His role as the perfect sacrifice. Jesus' obedience in the face of temptation is contrasted with the frequent failure of humans to resist sin, underscoring the significance of His sinless life.

(33:42 - 34:09) Jesus' Free Moral Agency and Obedience

Jesus exercised free moral agency but always chose to do God’s will. If Jesus had given in to human nature or free will in a sinful way, he would have sinned, which would contradict his perfection.

(34:13 - 34:46) Jesus as the Light

Jesus, as the light of the world, was rejected because the world found him repulsive due to his perfection. His perfection came from his refusal to sin or give in to worldly desires, unlike human nature.

(34:51 - 35:31) Jesus' Earthly Ministry and Perception

Some people could perceive Jesus as the Christ and sought him for life and forgiveness, recognizing him as their High Priest even before his death. These followers clung to Jesus because they knew he had the words of life.

(35:35 - 36:30) Jesus' Death as a Curse

Jesus' death on the cross made him a curse, not due to sin but because of the manner of his death, as anyone who dies on a tree is considered cursed. He accepted this curse to save humanity.

(36:34 - 37:02) Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension

Jesus, being sinless, was resurrected by God. After his resurrection, he ascended to heaven, took his blood, and offered it in the true Holy of Holies as a sacrifice for human sins.

(37:02 - 37:53) The Lord’s Supper as Remembrance

The Lord’s Supper is designed for believers to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. When partaking in communion, believers participate in the sacrifice Jesus made and his ongoing intercession for their sins.

(37:53 - 38:35) Jesus' Intercession for Humanity

Jesus intercedes for believers in heaven, asking God to forgive their sins. He promises to confess the names of those who confess him before others to God.

(38:35 - 39:13) The Future Transformation of Believers

It is unclear what believers will be like in the resurrection, but they will be like Jesus. The promise of eternal salvation with God is the ultimate hope for Christians, and they should hold onto this faith.

(39:14 - 40:13) Encouragement to Hold on to Christ

Believers are urged to hold on to their faith in Christ, as this is their hope and glory. The invitation to put on Christ in baptism and let him be their intercessor and High Priest is extended, ensuring his righteousness is credited to them.