Session 4 The Unforsaking Christ Hunger for the Holy Session 4 The Unforsaking Christ

Have you ever asked this question? My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning? 2 My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, by night, yet I have no rest. Psalm 22:1-2 Have you ever asked this question?

14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way,

How was Jesus like each of us? Why is this important? so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18 How was Jesus like each of us? Why is this important?

What emotions do you experience when you ponder the truth that Jesus groaned in anguish (Ps 22:1) while on the cross

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 

 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 What is one way Jesus was not like us? What are the implications for you personally that Jesus was fully human yet sinless?

See what great love[a] the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. 

What is the “not yet”? What are we to do while we wait?  We know that when he appears,[b] we will be like him because we will see him as he is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 What is the “not yet”? What are we to do while we wait?

8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 

What is God’s answer when we despair in His silence?  10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 What is God’s answer when we despair in His silence?

6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them 6 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” 8 The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:6,8