Two more Christmas gifts from God

A. To free people from slavery to sin.(14-16)

1. All people are in bondage to sin.

John 8:34 NASB95

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

Hebrews 9:27 NASB95

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

John 3:18 CSB

Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

2. God became fully human. (14a)

3. Jesus's sacrifice made Satan powerless. (14b)

4. Jesus' sacrifice sets people free from slavery to sin. (15-16)

B. To become a merciful and faithful high priest.(17-18)

1. Jesus had to become a man. (17a)

2. As High Priest, Jesus made permanent atonement for sin. (17b)

3. In a pastoral role, Jesus helps us overcome the practice of sin. (18)

Hebrews 5:2 NASB95

he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness;

Hebrews 4:15–16 NASB95

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.

1 Peter 5:7 NASB95

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

John 1:12 NASB95

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,