“Encouraged & Anchored by Hope” (Billy Russell, 12/15/19)

Hope for the Holidays from Hebrews (Jesus is Our Hope)

                           “Encouraged & Anchored by Hope”

                                     

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Heb.6:19)

 

Hope is... the confident (assured, “the blazing certainty” - Morris)

                 expectation (anticipation)

                 God (He is in it, on it, and can be relied upon for it.)

                 keeps His promises. (His word is sure in Christ despite trials!)

 

                          Pictures of Hope from Hebrews 6:9-20

 

Imitate diligence (6:10-12)- Fully embrace a realized hope (v.11). How?

     Through diligent love.

     Through Kingdom work.

     Through faith and patience.

 

Certainty of blessing by oath (6:13-17)- A reminder of our family story!

     God made a promise to Abraham.

     God swore an oath by Himself to keep His promise.

     God kept his promise to Abraham; and ultimately, to us in Christ!

 

Fleeing & seizing (6:18)- therefore, we’re infused with courage in Christ!

     By God’s promise and oath we are blessed.

     We have fled our old way of life.

     We tenaciously seize hold of Christ, our new way of life (our refuge!).

     We are infused with courage by His life in us (encouraged).

 

Anchored (6:19a)- We are securely moored to a firm hope in Christ!

     We are held onto by this hope (God keeps his word to us in Christ).

     Our very essence (soul) is moored to Him! He holds onto us in trials!

 

Jesus, our mediator (6:19b-20)- Jesus mediates between us and God.

     He goes where we cannot go (behind the curtain in the sanctuary).

     He does what we cannot do (mediates)- “... has entered on our behalf.”

     He goes before us on our behalf (intercedes). He gives real help/hope!