Jesus: Our Steadfast Anchor

Introduction

Thus far through our series in Hebrews we have seen the author of Hebrews display Christ in a marvelous way! As our Prophet, as our Priest and as our King. As the one who created, upholds, and sustains all things by the word of his power.

Before we get to our passage, I want to ask you a question have you ever received a piece of advice from someone who is far wiser than you?

I remember there was this older man that struck a conversation with me as I was looking at books in the thrift store.

As we were talking he told me him and his wife were celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary. After finding out I was married he said, I have a piece of advice I want to give you. When you and your wife get into an argument think of Christ. He humbled himself and emptied himself. You have to do the same. Do not try to win and argument. Focus on understanding her heart.

Friends those were wise and profound words. In the same way in our passage this morning, I want you to notice that the author of Hebrews gives us a token of advice.

I. Full Assurance of Hope comes from Imitation

II. Imitate Abraham

III. Remember your Steadfast Anchor

I. Full Assurance of Hope comes from Imitation

Friends,

In the beginning of Hebrews 6 the author showed us and Bryan did a fantastic job in bringing forth the truth that we can not lose our salvation. That we are secured in Christ. The passage before the one we will tackle this morning is speaking of those whom were never of us. Those that do not produce fruit, but according to Hebrews 6:8 bear thorns and thistles.

Hebrews 6:8 ESV

But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

However, in our passage this morning the author of Hebrews makes a sharp contrast. Between those who bear thorns and thistles and those who are the beloved, and those who have a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

So in Hebrews 6:9-10 the author shifts his focus to us! How do I know that? Look at the text!

Hebrews 6:9 (ESV)

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation

Why? How is he sure that their are better things for us? Specially things that belong to salvation? Is it because if our acts of charity? Is it because we give our tithes and offerings? Is it because we were raised in a christian home? Is it because we read our bibles and pray fervently?

No, Full assurance is found in God. In his character.

Look at Hebrews 6:10

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)

For God is not unjust so as to overlook [NEGLECT] your work and the love that you have shown for his name (HOW) in serving the saints, as you still do

II. Imitate Abraham Hebrews 6:13-18

Genesis 22:14–17 ESV

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies,

a. Imitate his faith

If I do not keep this promise, may I be cut in half. I am promising by my very character; my eternal Godhead is on the line.” We see something similar in Hebrews. When God could swear by nothing higher, he swore by himself (6:13).

R. C. Sproul

b. Imitate his patient endurance

Hebrews 6:15 ESV

And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

There would be no point in these words of consolation [in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18] if they did not imply the mutual recognition of saints. The hope with which he cheers wearied Christians is the hope of meeting their beloved friends again. . . . But in the moment that we who are saved shall meet our several friends in heaven, we shall at once know them, and they will at once know us.512

J. C. Ryle, Heaven

J. C. Ryle

III. Remember your Steadfast Anchor

Hebrews 6:19–20 ESV

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.

R. C. Sproul

Our confidence is not in our love for him, which is frail, fickle and faltering, but in his love for us, which is steadfast, faithful and persevering.

John Stott