The Days of the Messiah in His Flesh: His Perfect Obedience to the One True God
A comprehensive Bible study outline focusing on the dual nature of Jesus Christ, exploring how the one true God manifested in human flesh to live a life of perfect, sinless obedience as the Son.
1. The Mystery of the Incarnation: God Manifest in the Flesh
1.1 The Identity of the One True God in Christ
Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1; John 1:14
- The eternal Spirit of God tabernacled in genuine human flesh.
- Jesus is not a second divine person, but the one true God Himself revealed in humanity.
1.2 Understanding the Father and the Son
Verses: John 14:9-10; Galatians 4:4
- The term 'Father' refers to the omnipresent deity, while 'Son' refers to the human manifestation begotten in time.
- The distinction between Father and Son is a distinction of deity and humanity, not of separate persons.
2. The Reality of His Human Obedience
2.1 The Submission of the Human Will
Verses: Luke 22:42; Hebrews 5:7-8
- As a real man, Jesus possessed a human will that had to submit to the divine will of the Father.
- His prayers represent the genuine dependence of the human nature upon the indwelling Spirit of God.
2.2 Overcoming Temptation and Suffering
Verses: Hebrews 4:15; Philippians 2:8
- Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet remained completely without sin.
- His obedience was perfected through suffering, demonstrating the triumph of the Spirit over the flesh.
3. The Redemptive Purpose of His Obedience
3.1 The One Mediator and Representative
Verses: 1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 5:19
- Only a sinless human could serve as the mediator to reconcile humanity to God.
- Through the obedience of the one man, Jesus Christ, many are made righteous.
3.2 Fulfilling the Law of Righteousness
Verses: Matthew 3:15; Matthew 5:17
- Jesus perfectly kept every commandment of the Law, fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf.
- His active obedience established the new covenant, satisfying the righteous demands of the law.
4. The Exaltation of the Obedient Son
4.1 The Supreme Name and Authority
Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:36
- Because of His perfect obedience unto death, the human manifestation has been highly exalted.
- The name of Jesus is revealed as the single name of authority for salvation and worship.
4.2 One Throne and One Lord
Verses: Revelation 4:2; Revelation 22:3-4
- In heaven, there is only one throne, occupied by the one true God who is Jesus Christ.
- The glorified humanity of Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God for all eternity.