based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w3d1
Scripture for and Observation of the Journey
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:21-25/SOAP: Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22
15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth.
1 Peter 2:22
Our focus this week comes in the form of a question: What did Jesus Do? We will explore five different answers throughout the week, the first of which is – He lived a sinless life. This truth can be said of no one else, nor can anyone claim it about themselves without making themselves out to be a liar or lacking in understanding of the truth of the Gospel,1 for we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
If we have chosen to follow Jesus, then friends, we have chosen to strive to live an exemplary life. That life can only be well lived when it is lived by the power of His Spirit within us. The Spirit that Jesus told His early disciples would be their advocate, live within them, teach them everything, and remind them of everything Jesus had told them.
Paul speaks of the Spirit to the people of Galatia, teaching them to live by the Spirit so that they will not gratify the desires of the flesh. To the Colossians, Paul wrote, “Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” – This brings us full circle to the second passage from today’s journey, where Peter makes it clear to his readers that no deceit was found in the mouth of our Savior.
Jesus’ sinless life serves as a powerful example for us. While we will never achieve sinlessness on this side of heaven., His example shows us the importance of striving for holiness and relying on God’s strength to resist temptation. Jesus’ life reminds us that we are not alone in this journey but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to guide us and daily work in us to become more like Christ.
Love God Greatly, Love God Greatly, Firm Foundation, p93
Do you want to live and love like Jesus? Take a cue from His exemplary life, strive for holiness, and rely on God’s strength. When you are tempted in any way – do not give in to sin, and – let no deceit be found in your mouth. Sound impossible or too difficult? Remember these words of Paul: “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, God will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Me From the Inside Out 