24 ...He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26  For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27  who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

I. Salvation is Reversing the Effects of the Fall

A.  Justification = Accomplished escape from hell and the death penalty incurred by sin, and restoration of our relationship with God. (Tit 3:5; Rm 5:9)

B.  Sanctification = Progressive deliverance from sin habits and restoration toward pre-Fall holiness and Christlikeness. (I Pt 2:2: Phil 2:12)

C. Glorification = Future restoration of glory and rulership with Christ in His kingdom. (Heb 9:28; I Pt 1:5)

II. Sanctification is Becoming Christlike 

Christ’s intercession is more for our holiness than our happiness.

Rom 8:27 He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Rom 8:34  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Phil 4:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Col 4:12  Epaphras, bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

III. Some Components of Christlikeness (necessary for service)

A. Holy (fidelity in observing the obligations of piety) {We’re tempted to slack off rather than press on}

1 Timothy 2:8  I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Titus 1:8  but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded (governed by objectives), just, holy, self-controlled,

B. Harmless (not evil =innocent, without guile or fraud, free from guilt) {We’re tempted to treat symptoms rather than causes.}

Col 3:5 Therefore put to death... fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

1 Tim 6:10 love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, pierced themselves...many sorrows.

1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Romans 13:10  Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

2 Timothy 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.

1 Cor 13:5  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

2 Cor 13:7 I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable...

James 3:8  But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

1 Peter 3:10  For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

1 Cor 15:33  Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

Hebrews 5:14  solid food belongs to the mature, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

C. Undefiled (not stained/dyed) {We’re tempted to indulge our desires for temporal power [security/significance], pleasure and possessions}

Jude 1:8 Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.

Titus 1:15  To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

Heb 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short...grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

D. Separate from Sinners (depart) {We’re tempted to conform from influence for acceptance.}

2Cor 6:17  Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."

Rev 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

E. Higher (exalted) {We’re tempted to take the low road}

1Phil 4:5  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 7...taking the form of a bondservant...8...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death...9  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,

Questions for Discussion/Reflection/Response:

1. Why would Jesus need to pray for us? If He asked  you for a prayer request, what would you say? Do you think His prayers are answered?

2. In what ways should believers be separate or different from their contemporaries? Where do we have the most difficulty separating?

3. What’s the significance of  Jesus being tempted like we are, yet being without sin? (Heb 2:18; 4:15)

4. How would you rate yourself on the five traits above in #III.? In what ways could you change? What should you emphasize?

5. Are we supposed to be interceding for others? What should we pray? To what extent should we “wrestle”?