Eternal Hope:Jesus Is The Anchor

Read Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.”

PRAY!

We are wrapping up our kingdom values series this morning. Its been a helpful journey to help us remember…. we belong to a completely different kingdom.

-And it's crucial for us as Christ followers to uphold Kingdom values. This world, though broken, is entrusted to us as stewards of God's truth and love.

-Our allegiance to Kingdom values reminds us that our ultimate hope lies not in political outcomes but in God's sovereignty. We are called to love our neighbors, seek justice with humility, and demonstrate grace amidst differences. By prioritizing Kingdom values, we avoid being ensnared by toxic political and this worlds kingdom games and instead bear witness to the transformative power of Christ's love in our communities.

-Today we are going to close with the value of having Eternal Hope.

What is Hope Section:

Read Hebrews 6:16–20

“For people swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute. Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner,

-In Hebrews 6:16–20, the biblical writer intends to instill steadfast hope in his readers to keep them from drifting about aimlessly through the Christian life.

-He does so by identifying three wholly reliable sources of hope as an anchor for the soul: God’s Word, God’s character, and God’s Son. -The Lord not only gives us the promise of salvation and eternal life (John 3:16), but He reinforces it by binding Himself with an oath “so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind” (Hebrews 6:17, NLT).

-God’s Word and nature are rock solid. He is trustworthy, and “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). The dependability of God’s promise and His character bolster our faith so that we can “take hold of the hope set before us” and “be greatly encouraged” (verse 18). -Our hope-inspired encouragement is based on the finished work of Christ. As our high priest, Jesus “has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven. . . . With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever” (Hebrews 9:11–12, NLT).

-Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ has won the ultimate victory over sin and death for us (Colossians 2:14–15; Romans 6:9; 1 John 5:4). Because of Him, we have the promise of eternal life (1 John 2:25).

-I love how verse 19 describes Jesus as our hope. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

-The anchor has been a symbol of hope among Christians since the days of the early church.

-The anchor metaphor emphasizes the stability and safety of Christ as our hope. The writer describes this hope as an anchor that is “firm and secure” (NIV), “sure and steadfast” (ESV), “strong and trustworthy” (NLT). A ship’s anchor allows the vessel to remain fixed and unmoving regardless of the conditions at sea.

-When we look at the landscape of our culture and Christians in the west especially during election seasons, i don’t see a lot of Christ followers who’s hope is anchored in jesus, i see a lot of hopelessness and to much investment in this worlds kingdom/politcal games and believers being tossed around by the politics of this world.

-Our faith in Jesus Christ keeps us from becoming “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6)

-Just as an anchor stops a ship from drifting with the winds and currents, keeping our eyes on the hope of heaven (2 Corinthians 4:16–18) and the “pioneer and perfector of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), who is Jesus Christ, will prevent our souls from wavering and wandering in times of pressure and turmoil.

-God has “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:3–6, ESV).

-As believers, we have “a living hope” and “hope as an anchor” that holds secure because it is tethered to the steadfast Word of God and the unchanging, reliable character of God. He is faithful, and His promises are true (Joshua 21:45; Psalm 33:4; Hebrews 10:23). One commentator imagines the anchor’s rope extending

-Someone once said: “from heaven’s heights back down to earth, where faithful people can ‘seize the hope set before us.’ Like rock climbers scaling an imposing height, Christians steady themselves by trusting God’s promises, holding on for dear life to this cord of hope” With Jesus Christ as our anchor, no power of darkness and no earthly opposition can harm us (Romans 8:31–34).

-We live with hope because we possess the Holy Spirit inside us as a guarantee of our redemption and full adoption as sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:23–25; Ephesians 1:11–14). When this “earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

-Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling . . . so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 5:1–5).

-The hope set before us as an anchor of our soul is that Jesus Christ has already gone before us into the holy of holies where God dwells in glory. God’s Word promises that we will be with Him there one day.

- That future reality is already secured by the finished work of Jesus, our High Priest. He is also our Great Shepherd who “through the blood of the eternal covenant” equips us “with everything good for doing his will” while we are on earth (Hebrews 13:20–21; see also Ephesians 2:8–10). This hope as an anchor holds us steady in this life and secure in the future because it is firmly attached to the eternal throne of God.

-Having hope is a foundational Kingdom value that shapes our perspective and actions in the world. Hope is not merely a wish for a better future; it is a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. In Romans 15:13 (CSB), Paul writes, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." This hope transforms our lives, encouraging us to live in a way that reflects God’s love and grace, even amidst challenges and uncertainty.

-As we navigate the complexities of worldly kingdoms and political landscapes, it is vital to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, the Lamb of God, who reigns supreme. Revelation 19:16 (CSB) declares, "On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

- This powerful image reassures us that no earthly authority can overshadow the sovereignty of Jesus. While we may witness turmoil, injustice, and fear in the world, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control, establishing and dismantling kingdoms according to His divine purpose (Daniel 2:21 CSB).

-When we place our hope in Jesus, we can face the world without fear. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us with these words: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand."

- This promise assures us that we are not alone in the face of uncertainty. Instead of succumbing to anxiety over worldly matters, we are called to embody a Kingdom mindset—one that reflects trust in God's providence and a commitment to living out His values of love, justice, and mercy. Through our hope in Christ, we become beacons of light in a dark world, inviting others to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.

Now lets look at this future hope we have as well!

The Future Hope Section:

Read Revelation 21:1-7

We have a few things we should walk aways with after reading this:

The Promise of Restoration

-Revelation 21 paints a vivid picture of God’s ultimate plan for restoration, contrasting sharply with the current state of the world, marked by suffering, injustice, and despair. In this chapter, we see a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells among His people, wiping away every tear and eliminating pain, death, and sorrow (Revelation 21:3-4 CSB).

-This promise of renewal stands in stark relief against the turmoil and brokenness we experience today, where chaos often seems overwhelming and hope can feel elusive. The present world, filled with strife and suffering, is not our final destination; rather, it serves as a reminder of our longing for the perfect restoration that God has promised.

-This vision of hope encourages believers to endure during difficult times. Knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that a glorious future awaits can provide the strength and perspective needed to persevere. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (CSB), "For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory."

-This assurance helps us to focus not on the fleeting challenges we face, but on the eternal promise of God’s presence and peace. In holding onto this hope, we are empowered to navigate hardships with resilience, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Christ and that we are destined for a reality where every injustice will be righted and every tear will be dried.

No More Fear

-Knowing Jesus as the ultimate King dispels our fear of worldly rulers and the tumultuous events that often dominate our lives. Revelation 21:4 assures us that in His presence, "he will wipe away every tear from their eyes; death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more," signifying a future free from the sorrows that plague humanity today.

-This profound promise reminds us that our hope is anchored in Christ, who reigns above all earthly powers and authorities. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, we can rest assured that Jesus is sovereign, orchestrating all things according to His divine purpose. As we embrace this truth, we find courage to confront the challenges of our time, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Him, and that no worldly event can diminish the hope we have in His eternal kingdom.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Things

2 Corinthians 4:18: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."Discuss the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, status, and achievements.We must to evaluate what truly holds value in our lives.

Living with an Eternal Mindset

-Adopting an eternal mindset is crucial, especially as we approach significant events like the 2024 election. In a time of political uncertainty and division, focusing on God's promises and the hope of His Kingdom can provide peace and stability, regardless of the election outcome.

- By grounding ourselves in daily prayer and reflection, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, which reassures us that He is ultimately in control. This spiritual practice helps us remember that our hope is anchored not in political leaders or parties, but in Christ, who reigns above all earthly powers.

-Engaging in community and service that reflects Kingdom values becomes even more vital during political seasons. As tensions rise and divisiveness often takes center stage, choosing to act with love, compassion, and service can set us apart as ambassadors of Christ.

-Rather than becoming consumed by political agendas, we can focus on what unites us as believers—our shared mission to love and serve others. This commitment not only strengthens our own faith but also fosters connections within our communities, reminding us that our purpose transcends political affiliations.

-Prioritizing spiritual growth and discipleship over material gains or political outcomes shifts our focus to what truly matters in life. It encourages us to ask ourselves, “How does this align with my eternal hope in Christ?” By filtering our thoughts and actions through this lens, we can approach the election and its aftermath with a sense of calm and purpose.

-Regardless of who wins the election, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and to actively reflect God's love and values in the world. This perspective allows us to navigate the complexities of our political landscape with hope, knowing that our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven and that God's Kingdom will prevail, no matter the earthly circumstances. Jesus is king above all kings now, the Alpha and Omega, Lord of lords, and in control of all things now, and still will be come Wednesday morning.

Some things we must do:

-Spend time with God and His Word (Psalm 119:11). We would not expect our cars to go a thousand miles on a single tank of gas. Yet, we think a quick prayer or a tweeted Bible verse is sufficient to sustain an eternal perspective for weeks or months.

-We need continual refilling of truth. Romans 12:1–2 calls it the “renewing” of the mind. Spending time in the presence of God invites Him to reveal areas of our lives that are not surrendered to Him. We acknowledge and confess those and then replace the lies we’ve believed with truths from His Word. This continual “washing” of the Word (Ephesians 5:26) keeps our priorities in agreement with God’s and helps maintain an eternal perspective.

-Stay conscious of the fact that this world is not all there is. It is easy to lose ourselves in daily cares and desires. But those who live with an eternal perspective are equally aware that every day counts down toward our final journey.

-We must intentionally redirect our thoughts toward that which is eternal, judging the value of decisions based on their eternal significance. Colossians 3:1–3 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

-God has commanded that we live with an eternal perspective. If holding an eternal perspective came naturally, He would not need to command it. So we choose to continually set our minds on things above. As we develop a habit of setting our minds on eternal things, we begin to handle things differently from those with earth-bound perspectives. As the eternal mindset becomes part of us, other people notice and one day may ask, “How can I, too, gain an eternal perspective on life?”

Questions:

1.How can focusing on our eternal hope shape our reactions to current events and challenges?

2.What fears do you find yourself grappling with in today's world, and how does understanding Jesus’ sovereignty help you confront those fears?

3.In what ways do you experience God’s Word, character, and the presence of Jesus as anchors in your life?