This Week’s Recovery Application Challenge
Please complete TWIRL 031 prior to participating in this application challenge.
Empowered by the Sympathetic Savior
Below are the key Scripture verses for this week’s application challenge. Three versions of the Bible are each descriptive in their own way to help us to see Jesus the man for who he was as a man so that we can better understand and appreciate what he really did for us through his death; and to gain a better grasp on who he is today advocating on our behalf at the right hand of the Father.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, andcoming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV)
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
- What temptations would you say that Jesus experienced as a human being?
- What temptations experienced by Jesus would be similar to what tempts you?
- According to what you have learned about the human experience of Jesus on the earth, how might Jesus have experienced and/or been tempted by the following ?
- Are there temptations that you experience that you would say Jesus did not experience or was he immune? Please explain.
- Why is it so essentially important that we understand the fully human characteristics of Jesus while he lived on the earth for more than 33 years?
- Can you identify better with Jesus Christ who better identifies with you because He remembers His human experience? Explain.
- How does the fact that Jesus sympathizes with your humanity help you to pray?
- What might you ask of Jesus more fully realizing the extent to which He knows and understands you?
- How would you say that your appreciation of the humanity of Jesus perhaps gives the season of His crucifixion, condemnation, and resurrection some deeper meaning?
- How much more would you say that this appreciation and admiration of what Jesus accomplished for you empower you in your daily life circumstances? Explain.
- Take some time to reflect on and pray over these things.
- Finally, after spending some time in prayerful meditation write down what you are feeling.
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