Power Shortage Prayers

1 KINGS 18:17-22, 26-30, 36–40

SUBJECT: AUTHORITY IN PRAYER

                                                                                                                       

THEME: regularly engaging the Lord in prayer becomes more inviting when we review our God-given privileges, authority, and power in the light of our Lord’s cross. This is how we begin to appreciate the power we have with God and a satisfying relationship with Him.

INTRODUCTION:

Many believers find it hard to develop intimacy with God because they are not sure they belong in His presence. They are uncomfortable talking with and approaching God; they wonder and even doubt if He really accepts them. You see, not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness for approaching the throne of grace.  Beloved, it is imperative that we understand we are not merely tolerated in God’s presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ. Without overstating the facts, we have a right to be there because of Christ’s cross and blood sacrifice. Consider how Scripture portrays this glorious reality.

Hebrews 10:19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  

Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ. This is not coming into the area of some earthly temple or worship structure, but into the very inner throne room of the Almighty. This is not merely an appeal to St. Peter, St, Paul, or some other ‘saint’, but a direct appeal to the Most High! You and I need no one else to cry out to God except the Lord Jesus! Remember, it is not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! 

The truth of praying boldly with great power and mind-blowing results is wonderfully illustrated in the events on Mt. Carmel during the lifetime of the prophet Elijah. Certainly Elijah was accomplishing extraordinary exploits through prayer!  Unfortunately, the exact opposite is unveiled at the same biblical event—gross powerlessness in godless praying resulting in absolutely nothing. That is correct...though hundreds of 'priests' prayed for hours, cried out loudly, danced to the point of exhaustion, and bleed profusely as a part of their prayer ritual, it still achieved absolutely nothing. It had zero impact on the Most High God. How could this be when they were so sincere and fervent? 

LESSON:

God’s prophet Elijah and King Ahab had been in conflict for some time over idolatry and false worship in Israel before Elijah declared a showdown. Elijah commanded the king to call the Israelites to Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah who were supported strongly by Queen Jezebel. When all parties were assembled, Elijah said to the people, “… How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21). The people did not respond, so Elijah challenged the prophets to a duel of sorts. In the outcome we witness a mind-blowing answer to prayer, and in contrast, we see a massive shameful failure.

CONSIDER AN EXAMPLE OF PRAYING WITHOUT ANY POWER

The prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah were each given a bull to sacrifice. Elijah said, “And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” (1 Kings 18:24).

And the showdown begins….

   1.  The Scene at Carmel is Extremely Revealing in Relation to Prayer.

Imagine the scene.  The prophets of Baal agreed to this plan and they spent all day—from morning until the time of the evening sacrifice—crying out to Baal, leaping about the altar, and cutting themselves with knives, all without any result whatsoever. In these passages, we witness one of the greatest expressions of powerless prayer in the entire Bible.   

      A.  The Fervor of the Prophets.

Great fervor, great length, and great energy in prayer are not necessarily keys to praying power.  They have not even addressed the one and true God, nor do they have a relationship with Him.

           1.  They Cried Out Loudly! 

Four hundred and fifty men "called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon" (vs. 26); but they achieved nothing. They shouted at the top of their voices! In verse 28, we find more details of their fruitless antics: “and they cried loud” exerting incredible energy all the while.

           2.  They Danced Feverishly!   (Vs. 26) “and the leaped upon the altar which was made.”

This was the sacrificial dance performed by these priests round about and upon the altar.

           3.  They Prayed Bloodily!

The first record informs us that they prayed or “called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon” (vs. 26).

Later in the day, they became so frustrated that they "cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.” (v.28)

           4.  They Performed Extendedly!

All day long they cried out to Baal! We read that "they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice," (vs. 29).

All of this effort, but none of it availed even a holy grunt from their gods! Beloved, we must approach the throne of grace by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives us the right to approach God. It is not our long prayers, religious antics, or fleshly fervor that gains us access to God. No nothing but a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ can afford that!

      B.  The Failure of Their Prayers.

The children of Israel waited expectantly—no doubt growing restless as the day wore on. The heavens matched their own silence when they had refused to respond to Elijah's initial challenge. Baal, who supposedly was in charge of the weather, did not respond. There was no thunder, no lightning, and no fire! We simply read that “there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” (v.29)  

Likewise, our prayers will only be effective as we operate from the context of a relationship with the true and living God. That means trusting Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of sins, and as a believer-priest engaging God through intercession and prayer. Beloved, our confidence is in the Lord Jesus’ ability to afford us access to God’s ear. No matter how long, how loudly, how fervently, or how eloquently we cry out, God will only hear if we have a right relationship with Him and we approach Him in Jesus’ name. The power that gains the ear of God must essentially be spiritual in its nature and not carnal expressions or powerless rituals.

   2.  The Sarcasm at Carmel Was Extremely Revealing in Relation to Prayer.

1 Kings 18:27, And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. 

For Elijah, this was an electrifying moment!

      A.  Elijah’s Silence.

Initially, Elijah stood by silently. However, by noontime he could restrain himself no longer. He began to taunt the prophets of Baal.

      B.  Elijah’s Statements. 

Elijah used the opportunity to contrast what they unfortunately believed with what was actually happening. If Baal is the god they thought he was why hadn't he responded to all of this frantic noise and motion? After all, there were four hundred and fifty men shouting and dancing! How could any god sleep through that?

The Lord Jesus emphasizes that it is a sin to pray to be seen and heard by others (Matt. 6:5-15). Prayer is secret fellowship with God, although public prayer is certainly authorized in the Bible. However, nobody should pray in public who does not pray in private; for that would be hypocrisy. Jesus points out three common errors concerning prayer: (1) praying to be heard by others (vv. 5-6); (2) praying mere words, empty repetition (vv. 7-8); and (3) praying with sin in the heart (vv. 14-15).

So many people pray as if they are preaching a sermon; instead of talking to God it is obvious they are talking to fellow believers. Some literally use the same words when they are called on to pray in public, and they do the same when praying alone. The mind is not even engaged in such pointless rituals. They devote themselves to nothing and no one; they “say their prayers,” but fail to address God. This is pure powerless ritual! Then some have pet sins they hold in higher regard than God; they actually value their sinful practice more then their relationship to God. How can God possibly listen to prayers from hearts that are really more devoted to sinful habits and practices then to Himself? 

Furthermore, the Bible mentions a number of hindrances to effective prayer. Among them is an unforgiving spirit. God does not forgive us because we forgive others but on the basis of the blood of Christ (1 John 1:9). Please allow me to hasten and say an unforgiving spirit will hinder our prayer life. Such godless attitudes demonstrate that a person has no understanding of the grace of God. God cannot forgive sin that has not been repented of and confessed. Harboring an unforgiving spirit is a gross violation of God's expectations for all His children. If we understand anything about how much God has forgiven our mess, we will forgive others their offenses against us far more readily. Beware, the more we feel justified for withholding forgiveness, the more difficult it will be to forgive. I encourage anyone in such a condition to run back to Calvary and think long and hard about how much God has forgiven them. Since God has dealt graciously with us, we must give grace to other undeserving souls. Our prayers will be powerless until we make this right with God. 

      C.  Elijah’s Strategy. 

The plan of God’s prophet worked! This is largely because the plan came from God originally. Praise the Lord for such courageous servants!

             1.  He Was Not Promoting Pride.

Do not misunderstand me. Elijah did not intend for his sarcasm to be a display of pride and arrogance. Rather, he was teaching Israel an important lesson. The wonderful reality is his strategy worked. Once Elijah challenged them, they shouted louder. Specifically, the Scriptures say, “And they cried aloud”!  They even injured themselves. Perhaps they understood their lives were at stake. If Elijah won this battle, they would be in deep trouble not only with King Ahab but with all of Israel.

             2.  He Was Presenting a Point. 

You see, carnal and fleshly efforts applied to holy matters will not result in spiritual power and effectiveness in prayer. Beloved, the flesh will never equal the Spirit! Going about holy disciplines and practices our own way will not prove to be effective from God’s perspective. Popular innovations in spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, Bible reading, worship, and self-examination are not effective if they are executed in fleshly and carnal energy. God requires that we pray in the Spirit (Jude 20), and the Spirit aids our prayers in a tremendous way in spite of our weaknesses (Rom. 8:27). Carnal shortcuts to spiritual maturity encouraged in certain "movements" will never yield genuine spiritual fruit!

Praying in the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues, but is “praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled with the Holy Spirit” (George Lawrence Lawlor, Translation and Exposition of the Epistle of Jude, p. 127). It is praying in the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. Eph. 6:18). –J. Walvoord

We are to pray as guided by the Spirit. That is in accordance with the will of God as revealed in the Bible or as privately revealed by the Spirit in a subjective way to the believer. If the guidance is from the Spirit of Grace it will be in agreement with the Bible. God is not confused, beloved. Prayer led by the Spirit is in contrast to prayers which are recited mechanically or spun off without any real spiritual involvement. God is not obligated to respond favorably to mindless and heartless rituals. 

CONCLUSION:

The power for building the Christian life comes from prayer: “praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20). The Word of God and prayer go together in spiritual growth. If all we do is read and study the Bible, we will have a great deal of light, but not much power. However, if we concentrate on prayer and ignore the Bible, we may be guilty of zeal without knowledge. We read the Word to grow in faith (Rom. 10:17), then we use that faith to ask God for what we need and what His Word tells us we may have.—Wiersbe

Regularly communicating with the Lord is an awesome privilege! God-given authority and power in the light of our Lord’s cross is the source of our power. As we explore this wonderful reality, we begin to appreciate the power we have with God. Furthermore, a deepening and roundly satisfying relationship with Him takes shape to our edification.

We do not need to be among the many believers experiencing difficulty developing intimacy with God. We can know with great certainty that we are welcome in the very presence of the Almighty of the universe. Though we should always be reverent, we can be comfortable talking with and approaching God with confidence that He really does accept us. The blood of Christ is key!

Our Lord Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit aid our prayer efforts and empower us and them to make effective appeals to our heavenly Father. Not understanding these privileges can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in the Lord.  God does not simply endure our entering His mighty presence; no, we are escorted in by Jesus Christ himself! Through Christ we have every right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice.  Therefore, without any reservations freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ.  It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! Beloved, the source of our power is not carnal but deeply and wonderfully spiritual.

Too Sure To Quit!

Hebrews 6:9–20

Theme: God has assured us of eternal salvation! Because of this we can press on to maturity in Christ through any difficulty. If you are saved, there is no need to fear being eternally lost again.

Relevance: God sternly challenged these believers to keep maturing in the previous section.  So to avoid any misunderstandings and relieve spiritual insecurity, He sought to encourage His people by assuring them of salvation. He promised them eternal glory, a spiritual inheritance, and access to Himself.  

We also must persevere in spiritual growth. God never challenges us to grow up or you’re going to Hell! To be sure all of us at times feel we are not making the spiritual progress we should, but still we need never fear that God will finally give up on us and condemn us to Hell. Therefore God gave us several solid reasons to be assured of our salvation and glorification.  He also guarantees real access to Him through Christ’s Cross and Priesthood throughout our Christian journey. Therefore, press on to godly maturity (6:1), free of spiritual anxiety and fear, assured that God has made every possible provision for our eternity with Him.

Introduction:

Assurance of salvation means the intellectual and spiritual certainty that you have a relationship with God. You can know for sure that you currently possess eternal life—salvation.

2 Timothy 1:12, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1 John 5:13, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

God wants us to be sure we are truly saved for many reasons. Assurance brings joy (1Jn. 1:4), confidence before God (1Jn. 3:19, 21), comfort of heart (Col. 2:2), and stability and decisiveness (Js. 1:8). Assurance enables us to overcome the world (1Jn. 5:4, 5), and to effectively serve the Lord by telling others about Jesus (Jn.  1:40, 41; 4:28, 29; Acts 16:10). 

In Hebrews assurance enables us to press on to maturity in Christ overcoming the temptations to quit or give up. In our text assurance is related to several different things: (a) it rightfully accompany our salvation (6:9), (b) our service to the Lord and others (6:10-12), and (c) God Himself guarantees our salvation to encourage us (6:13-20). 

Therefore, “let us go on unto perfection!” There are three things God assures us of in this text:

I.                    Assurance of our Salvation (6:9-12)

II.                  Assurance of our Inheritance (6:12-18)

III.               Assurance of our Access to God (6:18-20)

Message:

I.                    Be Assured of your Salvation as you Pursue Maturity (6:1, 9-12).

One Christian said to another, “You know there is nothing better than being saved.” The other gentlemen responded by saying, there is one thing better than being saved. The first brother enquires, “What could be better than being saved?” The second gentlemen said, “It is better to be saved and know you’re saved.” Assurance of salvation is certainly better. And I would add one more thing that is better yet; it is better to know you are saved, and that you can never lose it! Assurance and security are related concepts in the Christian’s experience; both concepts are taught in this passage. Assurance is confidence about your conversion because you trusted Christ and can see evidence of God’s work in your life.

a.       Press on to Maturity—Assurance through Growth (6:1).

                                                               i.      “Perfection” (Heb. 6:1) is not sinlessness or flawless living, but instead it refers to progressing in spiritual growth—growing up (Phil. 3:12-15; Col. 1:28; 4:12). God does not want us to be spiritual babies forever; He wants us to grow up.  Perfection refers to maturity.

1.       This involves growth in knowledge and grace (2Pet. 3:18)—the insight into transformed living and the power to make the changes (1Cor. 4:15-20). We are to grow up in Christ (Eph. 4:15)—He is the Source, Climate or Context, and the Aim and Goal of our spiritual growth.  Living in love toward all men is the essence of spiritual maturity (Matt. 5:43-48).  In doing so we behave like our Heavenly Father!

2.       In order to grow, we must expose ourselves often to the Word of God through our devotions, family altar, church attendance, and personal Bible study (1Pet. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:15; 3:16, 17; 1Thess. 2:13). It is good to have music, programs, fellowship in church, but we must have the Word of God taught and preached to help us grow.

3.       How To See Growth In Christ

Dr. Bonar once said that he could tell when a Christian was growing. In proportion to his growth in grace he would elevate his Master, talk less of what he himself was doing, and become smaller and smaller in his own esteem, until, like the morning star, he faded away before the rising sun. —D. L. Moody

4.       You must understand the basis for assurance of salvation is the Word of God and not your feelings. Genuine Christian experience is another basis of assurance.

a.       1 John 5:11-12, And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

b.       Believers must take God at His Word; believe the record!

c.       Many people struggle with a lack of assurance of salvation because they depend more on their feelings than the Word of God. The problem is feelings change. One day we feel saved, and another day because of circumstances, we don’t feel saved.

d.       You have something more than feelings to go by.  You have the unchanging promises of the Word of God (John 3:14-18; Acts 16:30-34).

                                                             ii.      “Perfection” also anticipates spiritual glorification (Rom. 8:28-30; Phil. 3:20, 21; 1Cor. 15:51-58).

                                                           iii.      Beware of the possibility of falling away (Heb. 6:6). Since there are various degrees of “falling away” believers need to beware. There are many who once were faithful and committed but today they are out of fellowship with God, out of church, and out of His will, enduring the chastening of our Heavenly Father.

b.      Press on with your Ministry—Assurance in and through Service (6:9-10).

                                                               i.      God will make our service fruitful if we abide in Christ (Jn. 15:5). To sense that God is truly using us in service also affords assurance through our Christian experience.

                                                             ii.      God will not forget your service and labors of love.

1.       He is aware of all your works of service to His Name—“I know thy works” (Rev. 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:8, 15).

2.       He knows how you have sacrificed time, energy, money, privileges, and opportunities to advance His will.

3.       God knows when your motives in service are for “His Name” and in “love.”

4.       He knows when you served His people secretly, discreetly, and silently behind the scenes and away from public view.

5.       It is not the character of God to forget those who have served His people for His Name’s sake!

6.       God encourages us to keep it up while assuring us that He is conscious of all our service and is available to help us in any needed way (1Cor. 15:58).

7.       Assurance Produces More Work

During the first part of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, no safety devices were used, and 23 men fell to their deaths. For the last part of the project, however, a large net, costing $100,000, was purchased and employed. At least 10 men fell into it and were saved. But an interesting development is the fact that 25 percent more work was accomplished when the men were assured of their safety! —Dennis J. De Haan; Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

                                                           iii.      God will reward your service to Him and His people at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2Cor. 5:9, 10; 1Cor. 3:9-15).

c.       Press on with Diligence—Assurance through Experience (6:11).

Why have faith in Jesus if there is no hope for a glorious future? Why love others if it doesn’t matter in the end? If we have no hope in the afterlife, then “we are of all men most miserable” (1Cor. 15:19). But, since we have the assurance of a brilliant future, we press on in Christian experience. So what should be do?

                                                               i.      Every Believer is to diligently pursue maturity making every effort to grow in the Lord and serve others.

1.       Continue to progress in the grace and character of the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit (2Pet. 1:5-8, 11).

2.       “Go On, Sir”

When Arago, the astronomer, was young, he became thoroughly discourage over mathematics. One day he found on the flyleaf of a textbook a few words from the famous D’ Alembert to a student who had been discouraged like himself.

D’Alembert’s advice was very short; it was, “Go on, sir, go on!”

Arago said afterwards that that sentence was the best teacher of mathematics that he ever had. Following it doggedly he went on until he became the leading mathematician of his day. No man has ever exhausted the power that lies in the words, “Go on.” Going ahead, steadily and perseveringly, step by step, is the secret of material, moral, and spiritual success. — Tan, Paul Lee: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

                                                             ii.      Every believer is to possess “the full assurance of hope” (6:11, 18, 19; 2Pet. 1:10).

1.       Hope makes all the difference. The Christian’s hope is a confident expectation.  It is both “set before us” and this “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.” This confident expectation is our future promise and our present comfort!

2.       Our hope is “laid up” (Col. 1:5; 2Tim. 4:8) or stored in heaven, where Christ returned to be with the Father. Our hope will be fulfilled in the future. We look forward to a hope that is awaiting us; yet we also have that hope with us, enabling us to live our Christian lives with unhindered faith and love. Our confidence gives us stronger faith in God and deeper love for others.

                                                           iii.      Every believer is to have a sure expectation (Hope) of a specific “end” or outcome.

1.       What is “the end” or goal of our hope in Christ? 

2.       It is glorification (“sanctification”) and forever with God (Heb. 9:12, 14, 15, 24-28; 10:10, 14). Every believer should be assured of this expectation!

3.       The Sacrifice of Christ took away sin forever and sanctified every believer, which is the will of God.  Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers have a status in God’s presence that is “perfect.”  That is we may confidently approach God through the blood of Christ knowing we are fully accepted on the basis of His single sacrifice.

4.       Be assured of you glorious future!

                                                           iv.      Think of a time when you worked hard to reach a personal goal. What helped you to persevere?  Perhaps you would say, a love one kept encouraging me.  Maybe there was a mentor or a certain accomplished person who inspired you. Perhaps it was a commitment you made and you were determined to see it through. Some persevere through difficulties because they feel they have come too far to quit.  They believe they’ve invested too much money, time, and energy to stop short of realizing their dreams. 

                                                             v.      But as believers, we press on because of a sense of calling (2Pet. 1:3; Rom. 8:29-30). We should be willing to do whatever is required to continue because we know/believe God has summoned us to it. Therefore with passion we believe the journey is worthwhile, as well as the goal.  God repeatedly guarantees our final triumph. He promises us ultimate victory, help in this worthy task—spiritual progress—and the completion of our salvation. Armed with these promises, we can continue in Christ. Assurances help us to continue even when facing serious difficulties in our growth. We should have a sense of calling in this worthwhile endeavor supported by the reassuring promises of God.

d.      Refuse to be Lazy—which results in a lack of assurance and immaturity (6:12). But How?

                                                               i.      Refuse to respond slowly to Christ or to learn truth slowly (Heb. 5:11).  See “dull.”

                                                             ii.      Refuse to remain immature and unskilled with the Word of righteousness (Heb. 5:12-14).

                                                           iii.      Refuse to regard the basics of the faith, without choosing to advance in the faith (Heb. 6:1, 2; 4: 11-16).

                                                           iv.      Refuse an immature and insecure ‘Christian’ experience.  Great spiritual anxiety, unrest, unfruitfulness, worldliness, and doubting marks the life of a Christian who is not growing in the Lord (2Pet. 1:8, 9). Some suffer quietly wondering if they are truly saved. Others are plagued with such great upheaval in their soul, that they will anxiously confide in another in an effort to find peace. But when God begins to change things deep down inside of us and we begin to behave differently as a result of this, it is solid evidence of genuine conversion.

                                                             v.      Woman Who Grew Backwards

The lady who grew backward was a woman who lived in Virginia some years ago. In the Virginia Medical Monthly her doctor told the story:

She had grown normally, married, and had three children. Life was happy until the husband and father died when the children were in high school. The mother doubled her devotion to the children. She changed her clothes to those of a girl of twenty, joined in her children’s parties and fun.

In a few years the children noticed that as they grew older their mother was growing younger. Psychiatrists call it “personality regression,” which means “a person walking backward.” Usually such people stop going backward at a certain age.

But not this woman. She slipped backward at the rate of one year for every three or four months of time that went forward. Although she was 61 years old she acted and talked like a 6-year-old. She was sent to a sanitarium, where she insisted on wearing short dresses, playing with toys, and babbling like a child.

Then she became like a three-year-old; she spilled her food, crawled on the floor, and cried “Mama.” Backward still farther to the age of one, she drank milk curled up like a tiny baby. Finally, she went back over the line and died. —Selected; Tan: Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

II.                  Be Assured of your Inheritance by God’s Promises, Confirmation and Character (6:12-18).

In verse 12, God says, “through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Then in verse 17, he refers to the “heirs of promise.” Believers are heirs and they can expect an inheritance from God (Acts 26:18)! We are further described as “heirs of God” and “joint-heirs with Christ” who will inherit glory (Rom. 8:16-18).  God’s will includes believers receiving this inheritance (1Pet. 1:3-5; Heb. 10:10). It is guaranteed by God Himself! So what should we do to be assured of this inheritance?

a.       Follow Good Examples of Faith and Perseverance (6:12).

                                                               i.      The believer must do his part. We must not be lazy but apply ourselves to the spiritual resources God has given us. We have the promises from God. We should exercise faith and patience and claim these promises for ourselves! Like Caleb and Joshua, we must believe God’s promise and want to go in and claim the land! –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

                                                             ii.      We know the promises God made to us are secure because He cannot lie and has confirmed them by His own nature, character, and oath. Since these promises are secure, we should not be sluggish, allowing our feet to drag and our spirits to lag. We must press on, imitating all true believers who through faith and patience inherit the promises. See Hebrews 11.

b.      Follow Abraham’s Example of Endurance to Realize What God Promised (6:13-18).

So what does Abraham’s example teach us? Abraham is a great example of faith and patience in God’s promise (see v. 12).

                                                               i.      He was Assured by God’s Promise to Him (13-14).

1.       He waited 25 years from the time the promise was first made until Isaac, the promised son, was born (see Gen. 12:4; 21:5).

2.       We likewise should be convinced by the promises of eternal life and complete salvation in Christ (Heb. 7:25; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:8-12; 1Jn. 5:9-13)

                                                             ii.      He Endured Until He Received what God Promised (15).

1.       All believers are heirs of the promises through Abraham’s spiritual Seed—Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:29; 4:7). We too must endure in faith and patience because we are the heirs of the promises!

2.       We have the promise of eternal salvation. This is for all who believe on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. When God made a promise of a seed to Abraham, the promise found its full and ultimate fulfillment in Christ (Gal. 3:13-16, 26-29), and all the blessings that flow from union with Christ were therefore included in the promise.

3.       We Have The Promise of “Entering Into His Rest” (Heb. 4:9-11).

a.       This is the rest God gives to believers involving His peace, confidence of salvation, dependence on His power, and assurance of a future home in heaven (Matt. 11:29).

b.       Since Christ Jesus, the Son of God, has completed the work of redemption and is at rest, we must accept it, rely on it and enter into His rest. Accept Christ’s peace for the conscience, the heart, and the mind by faith.

4.       We Have the Promise of a Compassionate High Priest in heaven affording us Full Access to God (4:14-5:10).

a.       Because Jesus is both God and Man, He is an adequate link between us and the Father. So the Scripture says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (v. 16).

b.       When we fail and are ashamed, or when we are overwhelmed and need help desperately, we need never draw back. Jesus, human like us, will understand. And Jesus, God as is the Father, is able to aid us.

                                                           iii.      We must Receive God’s Encouragements to Press On with Confidence—Be Convinced by His Confirmation (6:16-18). God not only gave Abraham a promise, but He confirmed that promise with an oath to guarantee its fulfillment. The promises of God are affirmed for our benefit also (6:13-17).

1.       Consider an Oath of Confirmation in Court (6:16). An oath in court has convincing power among people and usually settles any dispute.

2.       Consider an Oath of Confirmation by an Honest God (6:13-18).

a.       It was Affirmed by the Character of God Himself (v. 13) “He sware by Himself”.  When God made that promise, He swore by Himself since He could swear by no one greater. God pledged Himself, His own nature and character, to carry out this promise, and therefore its fulfillment is assured.

b.       It was Affirmed by the Commitment of God Himself (v. 14) “I will” God would personally see to the fulfillment of this promise by His own will and might. Again the fulfillment of the promise is not dependent on human performance, but God’s alone.  This is an unconditional promise.

c.       It was Affirmed by the Consideration of God Himself (v. 17) “God willing more abundantly to shew…” The word “willing” (v. 17) refers to a desire that is based upon the reasoning faculties and does not arise from the emotions. God, facing human weakness, was minded to guarantee His promise with and oath. Aren’t you thankful for God’s consideration of our slowness to believe and respond to Him?

3.       Consider the Strong Consolation God Gave Us (6:18).

a.       God demonstrated incredible consideration for our human weakness in making an oath. Since the oath has convincing power among men (v. 16), God disregards the insult implied in man doubting His Word, and condescends to human infirmity, confirming His Word by an oath.

b.       Why? God wanted His believing people to be absolutely assured that what He promised would come to pass.  Actually His bare promise would have been enough, but He wanted to make clear it’s greater importance by adding an oath to the promise.

c.       The word “immutability” means God will not change His position as to His promise. Having made the promise, He will stand by it. He is not a turncoat. He will not change His position because that promise rests upon His counsel, which is also, unchangeable. 

d.       Albert Barnes said, “The immutability of his counsel” refers to His fixed purpose. He meant to show in the most solemn manner that his purpose would not change. The plans of God never change; and all the hope which we can have of heaven is founded on the fact that his purpose is immutable.–Barnes’ Notes

e.       The Triune God in council convened brought forth this counsel to the effect that the soul might find a sure refuge in the Lord Jesus. This counsel is immutable. —Wuest, Kenneth S.

III.               Be Assured of your Access and Security through Jesus Your Savior (6:18-20).

In the remainder of chapter 6 we have four figures to drive home the utter reliability of the Christian hope: (1) a harbor of refuge, (2) an anchor, (3) a forerunner, and (4) a High Priest.

a.       Jesus is Our Harbor of Refuge and Security in Salvation (6:18).

                                                               i.      The phrase “fled for refuge” (Heb 6:18) suggests safety and security!  We have fled to Jesus Christ, and He is our eternal refuge.

                                                             ii.      My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, so burdened with sin, and distrest, till I heard a sweet voice saying, “Make me your choice!” And I entered the Haven of Rest.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace, and faith taking hold of the Word, my fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul—The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

Chorus: I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I’ll sail the wide seas no more; the tempest may sweep o’er the wild, stormy deep—In Jesus I’m safe ever more. –Osbeck: Amazing Grace

b.      Jesus is Our Anchor of Hope and Security in Heaven (6:19).

                                                               i.      What anchors are to a ship in stormy water, the conscious presence of Christ is to a Christian during the storms and stresses of daily living. Christians have never been promised an exemption from any of life’s storms. The Scriptures teach that “man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). It is our reaction to life’s storms that reveals the level of our spiritual maturity. We can either become bitter and belligerent, or we can use the experience to develop greater spiritual strength as we learn to rely more fully on our Lord. –Osbeck: Amazing Grace

                                                             ii.      Our hope in Christ is like an anchor for the soul. The anchor was a popular symbol in the early church. At least sixty-six pictures of anchors have been found in the catacombs. The Greek stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote: “One must not tie a ship to a single anchor, nor life to a single hope.” Christians have but one anchor - Jesus Christ our hope (Col 1:5; 1 Tim 1:1).

                                                           iii.      However, this spiritual anchor is different from material anchors on ships. For one thing, we are anchored upward - to heaven - not downward. We are anchored, not to stand still, but to move ahead! Our anchor is “sure” - it cannot break - and “steadfast” - it cannot slip. No earthly anchor can give that kind of security!

                                                           iv.      In the storms and trials of life this hope serves as an anchor of the soul. The knowledge that our glorification is as certain as if it had already happened keeps us from drifting on the wild waves of doubt and despair. The anchor is not cast in the shifting sands of this world but takes hold in the heavenly sanctuary. Since our hope is the anchor, the meaning is that our hope is secured in God’s very Presence behind the veil. Just as sure as the anchor is there, we shall be there

c.       Jesus is Our Forerunner in the Presence of God on our behalf (6:20).

                                                               i.      Paul now clinches the argument: our Savior is our “forerunner” who has gone ahead to heaven so that we may one day follow! (Heb 6:20) Jesus has gone into the inner shrine and His presence there insures the ultimate entrance of all who belong to Him. It is no exaggeration to say that the simplest believer on earth is as certain of heaven as the saints who are already there.

                                                             ii.      Anderson-Berry writes:

The word translated “forerunner” is found nowhere else in the New Testament. This expresses an idea never contemplated in the Levitical economy, for the high priest entered the holiest only as a representative. He entered where none could follow. But our Forerunner is a pledge that where He is, we also shall be. As Forerunner He (1) announced our future arrival there; (2) took possession of heaven’s glories on our behalf; and (3) has gone to be able to bid His people welcome when they come, and to present them before the Majesty of heaven.

d.      Jesus is Our Everlasting High Priest with God providing everlasting life, security, and access to the Father (6:20).

                                                               i.      The fourth figure is that of High Priest. Christ is “within the veil” as our High Priest. We can therefore come boldly to His throne and receive all the help that we need. In fact plan to live within the veil with God!

                                                             ii.      Our Lord has become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. His eternal priesthood guarantees our eternal preservation. Just as surely as we have been reconciled to God by His death, so surely are we saved by His life as our Priest at God’s right hand (Rom. 5:10).

                                                           iii.      Because Jesus is our High Priest, we are freed from doubts and uncertainties, and can go on in our Christian lives, confident of our salvation. —Richards, Larry

Conclusion:

Do not misunderstand, live in confidence because we are saved and have full access to God secured for us by Jesus (4:14-16). God desires for us to know we have a relationship with Him. Our access to Him is guaranteed by His oath (6:17), so that we who have fled to Christ and have taken hold of our hope may be greatly encouraged (6:18). This hope affords us a firm and secure anchor for our soul. Our hope enters the inner sanctuary of His Majesty—the holy of holies—behind the holy curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf as our Forerunner (6:18–20). In the Presence of God, Christ our High Priest, ever lives making intercession for every believer. For these reasons we should have assurance of our salvation—confident that we are indeed saved.