The book of Hebrews counsels us to come to God for grace in times of need through the ministry of Jesus, our great High Priest, who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. But, was he really tested in all things as we are? Is His humanity genuine? When tested, how did He respond? Examining the Gospel account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness helps us answer these questions. It directs us toward how we should learn to pursue obedience through Jesus in the power of the Spirit. 

Application Questions

• Have you meditated on the reality that Jesus experienced the fullness of human frailty?
• When you experience times of trial or testing, do you see them as God’s gift to you as a means to draw you closer to Himself through Christ?
• Do you believe that Jesus can have genuine compassion for you in your trials?
• Do you fight temptation with Scripture? What is preventing you from doing so?
• Do you trust God enough to allow His timing to reign in your circumstances?
• Are you tempted to take matters into your own hands rather than trusting in God to provide during times of difficulty?

The Gospel accounts of Jesus' response to John's call to be baptized alongside His Jewish countrymen highlight His faithful obedience to the word of God through the power of the Spirit. In His baptism, we see God the Father's approval of His faithfulness and the provision of the Holy Spirit to prepare Him for His ministry of gospel proclamation. Meditating on these episodes motivates us to entrust ourselves to the power of the Spirit to obey His Word. 

Application Questions

• When you hear God’s Word, do you have a firm resolve to obey it?
• Are you aware of the Spirit at work within you to strengthen you to obey God’s Word consistently?
• Are you waiting expectantly for the next step in God’s plan to bring righteousness to earth through His kingdom?
• How well do you know the Old Testament? What is your plan for becoming more familiar with it?
• When was the last time you consciously decided to walk in obedience to God? How did you discern when and how to act?
• In what ways are you living your life dependent upon the Spirit? In what ways can you grow in your relationship and dependence upon Him?

In Isaiah 42 and 49, the first two "Servant Songs," we see two primary goals of Jesus as the Messiah that motivate and encourage Him to overcome difficulties. Jesus' mission involved overcoming obstacles to bring God’s justice and salvation to the nations. Jesus' strength and perseverance were rooted in the Spirit, enabling Him to confront injustice without despair and bring the light of salvation to Israel and the world.

Application Questions

• In what areas of your life are you encountering injustice? How are you responding?
• What encouragement can you gain from meditating on how Jesus the Messiah encountered the opposition He faced?
• Why do you think justice is important to the Spirit of God?
• When you grow weary, do you find strength in the gospel?
• Are you struggling with despair or depression? Will you bring your burdens to a Suffering Servant who knows how to minister to you in your weakness?
• Will you recommit yourself to the mission of Jesus – the proclamation of His glorious gospel of salvation?

The relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit reveals how being full of the Spirit enabled Christ's earthly ministry. Through Isaiah's prophecies, we see how being full of the Spirit equipped Jesus with divine wisdom, understanding, and counsel. This Spirit-empowered life demonstrated God's personal nature and commitment to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilling ancient promises through the incarnation.

Application Questions:

• When you sin, do you look to the grace of God our Savior through the gift of the Son by the Spirit?
• Have you meditated on your personal relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit?
• Is your theology of the baby Jesus big enough to include His role as the Davidic Messiah?
• If you are joined with Christ through salvation, does your prayer life reflect the priority of establishing His kingdom?
• Do you read the Old Testament and, specifically, the prophets regularly? If not, why?
• Are you united by faith with Jesus and therefore able to access the power of the Spirit in His life?
• This Christmas season, will you commit to slowing down and refreshing yourself anew with time with God as you ponder the magnificence of the Incarnation?

Christ empowers sanctification through His perfect humanity, as explored in Hebrews 2:5-18. Simon Pranaitis examines four powerful incentives for believers to persist in their spiritual growth: Christ's redemption of our right to rule, His suffering for our holiness, His victory over Satan, and His role as our High Priest. Understanding how Christ empowers sanctification gives Christians the motivation and means to pursue spiritual transformation despite life's challenges.

Where do you find the motivation to fight sin and pursue holiness?

• Do you contemplate the future reality of the kingdom and how the saints will rule with Christ?
• Does your pursuit of holiness reflect a desire to see the Son of Man coming in glory?
• Do you embrace suffering and allow it to complete God’s work in your sanctification?
• Do you contemplate your spiritual and physical unity with Christ often enough?
• What sins are you battling? Are you waging war with inferior tactics?
• Do you overestimate the power of Satan? If so, how?
• Do you meditate on the victory of Christ as you pray for victory over sin?
• As you return home today and work this week, what areas of weakness are the most in need of the power of the Spirit?
• How are you filling your mind and heart with Christ as you battle sin?
• Will you commit to praying fervently for God the Father to fill you with His Spirit and aid you in your sanctification?

Growing in wise obedience is a crucial aspect of Christian life, exemplified by Jesus' own journey of growth and obedience. This lesson explores how Jesus increased in wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, providing a model for believers to follow. By examining Luke 2:40-52, we gain insights into Christ's authentic humanity and His dependency on the Spirit for growth and obedience.

Simon Pranaitis explores ten compelling reasons for studying Jesus's humanity. He emphasizes how this study glorifies Christ, deepens our relationships with the Trinity, strengthens church unity, and enhances our spiritual growth. Pranaitis highlights that studying Jesus's humanity is essential for understanding the gospel, fighting sin, and improving biblical interpretation. This sermon provides a foundation for a deeper exploration of Christ's human nature and its implications for Christian living.

The ten reasons, supported by scripture, are:

1. Brings glory to Jesus (John 17:1-5)
2. Grows our relationship with the Father (John 14:31, 17:23-24)
3. Deepens our relationship with the Son (John 14:8-9)
4. Encourages daily dependence on the Spirit (Luke 2:40, Hebrews 5:7-8)
5. Stretches our minds to understand difficult doctrine (Titus 3:4-8)
6. Foundational for church unity (Ephesians 4:1-3, 13)
7. Challenges growth in marriage and parenting (Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-21, 6:4)
8. Essential for proclaiming the gospel (John 17:18)
9. Fuels the fight against sin (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Romans 8:3)
10. Improves Bible reading

David Forsyth explores why prayer is the key in James 5:13-20. He examines three prayerful responses Christians should have when facing difficulties: personal prayer in suffering and joy, pastoral prayer for the sick, and pursuing prayer for those straying from truth. Forsyth emphasizes that prayer is the key to connecting with God and demonstrates complete dependence on Him, whether in times of hardship or blessing.

David Forsyth explores James 5:7-12, emphasizing the importance of living in light of Christ's second coming. He highlights three essential behaviors: living patiently, speaking rightly, and thinking theologically. Forsyth explains how the imminent return of Christ should motivate believers to endure hardships, avoid blaming others, talk honestly, and maintain a theological perspective focused on Christ's return.

David Forsyth delves into the sins of wealth as outlined in James 5:1-6. He examines four temptations common to the prosperous: hoarding, fraud, self-indulgence, and oppression. Forsyth warns that these sins of wealth are baked into our culture, potentially robbing believers of joy and blunting their testimony for Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking satisfaction in Christ rather than worldly possessions to avoid the corrosive effects of prosperity.