Topical Bible: Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under

◄ Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian faith, the concept of temptation is a significant aspect of the human experience, reflecting the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. Temptation is understood as the enticement to sin, to deviate from God's will, and to pursue one's own desires contrary to divine instruction. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings on temptation, emphasizing the need for vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's strength to overcome it.

Central to the Christian understanding of overcoming temptation is the role of Jesus Christ as the intercessor for His people. The New Testament presents Christ not only as the Savior who redeems humanity from sin but also as the High Priest who continually intercedes on behalf of believers, providing them with the strength and grace needed to resist temptation.

Christ's Intercession

The intercessory role of Christ is highlighted in several passages of the New Testament. In the Book of Hebrews, Jesus is depicted as the great High Priest who sympathizes with human weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15-16 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

This passage underscores the dual nature of Christ's intercession: He understands the human condition and provides the necessary grace to withstand temptation. His sinless life serves as both an example and a source of empowerment for believers.

The Advocacy of Christ

In addition to His role as High Priest, Christ is also described as an advocate for believers. In 1 John 2:1 , the apostle John writes, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Here, Christ's advocacy is portrayed as a continual presence before the Father, pleading on behalf of those who belong to Him.

The Promise of Deliverance

Christ's intercession is not only a source of comfort but also a promise of deliverance from temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 , the apostle Paul assures believers, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This promise is rooted in the faithfulness of God and the intercessory work of Christ, who ensures that believers are never left without the means to overcome temptation.

Prayer and Watchfulness

The teachings of Jesus also emphasize the importance of prayer and watchfulness in resisting temptation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41). This exhortation highlights the necessity of spiritual vigilance and reliance on divine assistance, which are made effective through Christ's intercession.

Conclusion

The intercessory role of Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing believers with assurance and strength in the face of temptation. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and ongoing advocacy, Jesus Christ empowers His followers to resist the enticements of sin and to live in accordance with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 22:31,32
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 17:15
I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sharing Christ's Life
... He intercedes, also, daily for his people ... Temptation after temptation have I endured
until it appeared as if I must ... First, because Christ leads a justified life ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/sharing christs life.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... but the next day the strength of temptation is such ... He shall see of the travail of
his soul." "He ... because they seek not mercy, but Christ intercedes for them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled"
... Me you cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation. ... of one who has divine
authority, Christ gives His ... As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 73 let not your.htm

Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden.
... He intercedes for them, that they may be kept from ... The Spirit of Christ calls them
out from the world ... than we now occupy; and yet Adam fell before temptation. ...
/.../chapter xv canticles 4 12 the.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... us to the conclusion that throughout all the temptation Christ was conscious ... one)
died a martyr's death for his loyalty to the story of Christ's resurrection ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... them from the soul-destroying evil of every sin, of ever temptation. ... my glory.' This,
therefore, is a reason why Christ Jesus our Lord intercedes to have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

The Friend of Sinners
... numbered, not with those who repel temptation and resist ... for them, and for only such,
Jesus Christ came into ... sentence tells us that JESUS INTERCEDES FOR SINNERS ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... But above all, the advocateship of Jesus Christ declares us to ... that he will not lightly
or easily lose his people. ... cause, and to recover us from under, and out ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

V. ...
... that is tried by fire to the trial of faith by temptation and suffering ... on them;
and that, not through ourselves, but through Christ, who intercedes for us ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... rather to be a living epistle of Christ, such as ... to keep your children out of the
way of temptation. ... Mark how Abraham intercedes for Ishmael, because he loved ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm