Hope as an Anchor
Introduction
Example of TV Show
Sadly many were left disappointed and some damaged
Where do you put your hope?
In the covid vaccine?
A sports person?
If we put our hope in something worldly, we will be disappointed
The Christian has a great hope
A great message that we are all called to preach
The book of Hebrews illustrates this great message and speaks of Jesus
Examples of what it shows us
Focusing on v13-20
9 areas
God’s Power (v13, v16)
Seen throughout Scripture
Isaiah 43-46 – reading select verses
God is not like us
Demonstrated through Elijah at Mount Carmel
Pharoah, Nebuzzhenar, Gideon, Samson, David, etc
There is no one like God
v16 – God is greater than us
John 1:14 and other examples in John
Ultimately displayed on the cross
God’s Provision (v14)
God loves to bless
God’s blessings:
Before the fall – examples
After the fall – examples
After the flood – examples
Throughout history
Many examples of God’s blessings throughout Scripture – Psalm 136, John 1:16, James 1, Rom 8:28, Malachi 3:10
God’s Promise (v14)
The promise given to Abraham who had to wait
Are we people that cannot wait?
He gives to those who wait patiently
Trust in His plan, ways and timings
Examples from Heb 11 – Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Issac, Joseph
Other examples – David
Do we fail to trust in God’s promise to us and fail to wait patiently on Him?
God’s Purpose (v17)
Is confirmed with an oath
Heb 13:8 – Jesus is unchanging
God’s purpose is unchanging
Is clear to believers – revealed in His word
Examples
Is good – Jer 29:11
Is about what He is doing in us
God’s Perfection (v18)
He cannot lie
Example of school lesson
God is good and perfect – this is the corner stone of our faith
Though it can be doubted by many
The Bible is clear on God’s goodness and it is illustrated through scripture
Gives us hope and great encouragement
I need great encouragement
We have a great encouragement
We must hold onto this truth
God’s Peace (v19a)
Hope as an anchor
An anchor to heaven – to move forward
Not an anchor in the sea – to keep us still
Example of the anchor man
A firm hope that cannot be broken
A secure hope that cannot slip
We cannot deny the faith and hope that is in us
I know this in my own life
Others can testify to this truth also
We have a peace that passes understanding
A peace that allows us to rest completely in God
No other faith offers a certain hope
They are based on human effort
Personal example – There is no certainty
This is why we are called to share the great gospel message
God’s Place (v19b)
This is where our hope is
God’s tabernacle
David wanted to be in God’s presence – this is echoed in many psalms
The inner sanctuary – heaven
The curtain has been torn and we can now come into God’s presence in Jesus Christ
God’s Preparation (v20a)
We have a certain hope because Jesus has prepared the way for us
He has gone ahead as the forerunner
He has gone to prepare a place for us
We can follow Jesus to heaven
He intercedes for us
God’s Priest (v20b)
Jesus – is God’s priest
Priest and King
Melchizedek – explanation
Closing Remarks
All we need to do is put our trust in Jesus