Hebrews 2:14-18

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.  For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The power and purpose of the incarnation is awesome and glorious.  Jesus accomplished, through His incarnation, the defeat of Satan and the victory of believers.  The angles could never have brought about the condemnation of Satan and the liberation of man.  This was the work of Jesus and is the reason that He alone is the object of our worship.  He provided what we so desperately needed.   

CHRIST DESTROYS SATAN AND HIS WORK: Satan’s reign of death and destruction on this sin-cursed world has an expiration date that is certain because of the work of Christ.  His death on the cross has destroyed Satan’s death grip on humanity.  Jesus took on flesh and blood just like our own through the incarnation.  He faced the same kinds of trials, pain, and limitations that we experience; yet He did not sin.  He was the perfect sacrifice that satisfied the justice of God.  Through His death and resurrection, the power of death has been vanquished and we can now have hope of eternal life through faith in Christ. 

CHRIST DELIVERS BELIVERS BY HIS WORK: The death of Christ not only delivers us from the penalty of sin; but also delivers us from the power of sin over us.  Satan’s control over this world, the society in which we live, and our own sinful natures all cooperated to enslave us to sin.  The sacrifice of Christ has set us free from that slavery.  We are not only forgiven of our sin but we are freed from it by the sacrifice and service of Jesus.  He is our representative before the Father having been the One who paid the price of our sin.  He is also making intercession for us before the Father having experienced every temptation we face without having ever given into it.  He knows how to pray for us and help us in our struggles with sin.  One day sin and suffering will cease, and we will enjoy the presence of our Lord forever. 

APPLICATION: Praise the Lord Jesus for His sacrifice on our behalf so we could be forgiven of sin and set free from the power of sin over us.  Be encouraged in our struggle against sin knowing the Christ was tempted in every way that we are, knows how to pray for us, and faithfully intercedes on our behalf.

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