The Perfect One Hebrews 2:9-10; 5:9 I. Introduction. A. Read and comment on Hebrews 2:9-10; 5:9. 1. Jesus was a perfect(complete) sacrifice. 2. While on earth, Christ lived a perfect life. B. Define "perfect." 1. "Having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect"(Vine). 2. Something on which there can be no improvement. 3. Meets all the requirements for its purpose. 4. For example: the word of God, the faithful disciple, etc. C. Jesus is the Perfect One because of his obedience and life as man and God while on earth. 1. He was a complete person in every way. 2. The example he left can help us in achieving completeness. II. Body. The Perfect One... A. Lived without sin: II Corinthians 5:21. 1. Even though he was man(at same time--God). 2. Almost impossible for us to fathom: John 8:7. 3. Yet--a Christian is attempting to do so: Romans 6:12. 4. When we do sin, he is our advocate: I John 2:1. 5. For us to avoid sin, we need to follow his example. B. Had nothing to hide: John 18:20. 1. Unlike some who have "secret" sins: Ephesians 5:12. 2. Left no cause for shame. 3. Would we be embarrassed if brethren knew how we talked and acted away from them? 4. There are certainly some things others do not need to know. 5. Busybodies reveal what should be kept secret(yet give no basis to accuse): I Timothy 5:13. 6. Let us be as Christ and live so that we have nothing to "hide." C. Exercised restraint under trying circumstances: Matthew 26:63. 1. Did not have to answer the accusation: Matthew 26:61-62. 2. Not easy to restrain when falsely accused. a. Not wrong to defend oneself(Paul did before Agrippa: Acts 26).(Note the basis for the defense.) b. But...at times, better to keep quiet. 3. Defend the truth: as a Christian: Philippians 1:7. 4. How some get upset over the most insignificant remark! 5. To some: a personal affront(insult) is more grievous than an attack on truth. D. Repaid evil with kindness: Luke 22:49-51. 1. Not easy to do! 2. The Lord taught: Matthew 5:38-39. 3. Paul's concern: I Corinthians 6:1, 5-7. 4. Men tend to seek revenge for offenses. 5. Jesus practiced non-retaliation. 6. Christ never said, "Someday, I'll get even..." E. Completely trusted His Father: Mark 14:36. 1. The source of strength for every person. 2. In Jesus--there was a complete surrender("All to thee, I surrender"--appropriate song?) 3. Humans should consider own littleness and grow in trust of God: Psalm 4:5. 4. Wisdom says: Proverbs 3:5. 5. The brevity of man's life affirms: II Corinthians 1:9-10. F. Made the supreme sacrifice for others: Matthew 20:28. 1. How complete? I John 2:2. a. For every assassin, every murderer, every thief, every gossiper and any who ever(that's all of us) committed a sin! b. His blood applies universally to every black, white, yellow, red or brown person. 2. Is it too much to ask of people to obey His truth, follow His way and be a part of His church? 3. Paul said it plainly: Romans 5:7-11. 4. What sacrifice(s) have you made for him/how many will you make? III. Conclusion. A. Song: "I gave my life for thee...what has thou given..." B. Will you give your life to His service?-James L. Yopp