Jesus: The Sinless Savior 1 John 3:1-5
Three Great Truths God has come in the flesh Such was done to remove sin Jesus was without sin
His Sinlessness Relates to His deity (2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2) Relates to His being Savior (John 8:28; 29, 46) Relates to His humanity (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22)
Sinlessness of Jesus Reassures us of perfection in midst of sin Machines break down, people are unreliable, etc. Jesus did not sin (1 John 3:5)
Sinlessness of Jesus Enhances the dignity of divine law Man’s laws are deficient, but not God’s (Romans 7:12) His perfect obedience pronounced the Law good (Matthew 3:15)
Sinlessness of Jesus Plays a crucial role in our atonement His righteousness is not substituted for ours He is a sinless High Priest (Hebrews 7:26) He was a pure sacrifice (Isaiah 53:9; Hebrews 9:13, 14; 1 Peter 1:18, 19)
Sinlessness of Jesus Gave mankind an ideal example Necessary role model (1 Peter 2:21, 22) Understands our temptations (Hebrews 4:15, 16)
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Cultural climate Jews were a dominated group of “have not's” Neither condemned political power, nor pitied Himself Maintained proper priorities (Luke 2:49; John 9:4)
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Religious climate Compare with Paul (Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:4-8) Grew up with a deep respect for religion Today people have to be entertained
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Exposed to institutionalism Influence spread from Jerusalem Stifles individual effort (Matthew 15:9)
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Witnessed gross immorality Religion was a formality (Matthew 23:12-33) Can be compared with the indulgences of the Catholic church, or the tolerance of sin by some denominations and brethren (Ephesians 5:11)
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Observed confusion about authority Consider the Sabbath issue (Matthew 12) Or, the matter of ceremonial cleansing (Mark 7:1-5)
Sinless Under Adverse Conditions Misunderstood even by friends Missed the point of His mission (Matthew 16:21-23) Many forsook Him (John 6:66-68)
Reasons For His Sinlessness Not His deity Tempted in all points (Hebrews 4:15, 16; James 1:12-15) If it were His deity, he is not our example (1 Peter 2:21, 22)
Reasons For His Sinlessness Concerned about right and wrong Knew the Word (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:4; John 8:28, 9:4) Concerned about authority (Matthew 21:23-32)
Reasons For His Sinlessness Actively served His Father Consider David’s sin (2 Samuel 11:1) His work was to obey the Father (John 4:34)
Reasons For His Sinlessness Prayed often Poured out His heart to God (Matthew 26:39) We are to pray often (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Conclusion Why do we sin? We know about it (James 1:12-15) God helps us overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13) Profit from looking at His sinlessness He is our example Will we benefit from this look?