Anchored in the Promises

Prayer

Recap & Reminder: Hebrews 6- Calling us to mature in our faith

Introduction: The Struggles with Broken Promises

Relatable Story: Imagine a close friend who promises to help you move into a new apartment. You've planned your day around their help, only to be let down at the last minute when they cancel with an excuse.

Disappointment: This broken promise leaves you frustrated, disappointed, and alone in a difficult situation. It’s a familiar feeling—people often make promises, but they don’t always come through.

Contrast: But what about God’s promises? Unlike people, whose promises are often broken due to circumstances or changing priorities, God’s promises are unshakable and unbreakable. This sermon will explore the incredible assurance we have in God’s promises, purpose, and provision, all of which are guaranteed and secure.

I. God’s Promise is Unbreakable

Text: Hebrews 6:13–15

“13 For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: 14 “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” 15 Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.”

A. Illustration: Broken Promises

Human Experience: We’ve all experienced the disappointment of a broken promise from a friend or family member. Whether it’s help with a move, a promised visit, or a commitment that is ignored—human promises can fail.

The Reality of Unfaithfulness: We know the pain of being let down by someone’s word, and sometimes it shakes our trust.

God’s Promise vs. Human Promises: But where people fail, God never does. Unlike human promises that are broken, God’s promises are unbreakable.

Hebrews 6:17-18: God swears by Himself because there is no one higher, and His word is certain.

B. God’s Promise to Abraham

The Covenant with Abraham: God promised Abraham that He would make him the father of many nations. Despite the wait and difficulty, Abraham’s faith was rewarded because God’s word is unfailingly reliable.

Romans 4:20-21: "Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."

C. God’s Promise is Secure

When God makes a promise, we can trust that it will come to pass, no matter how long it takes or how difficult the circumstances seem.

Abraham had to wait 25 years to see the promise come to fruition. Hope deferred is not hope denied

God made many promises in Christ…

2 Corinthians 1:20

“20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”

#1) Promise of Eternal Life

John 10:28–29

“28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”

Application: Jesus promises eternal security for those who follow Him. Just as God’s covenant with Abraham was certain, our salvation is as secure as God’s power to fulfill His word. His promises are unbreakable, and nothing can separate us from Him.

#2) Promise of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16–17

“16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”

Application: Jesus promises His continual presence through the Holy Spirit. This is an unbreakable promise that enables us to live empowered lives in Christ. Just as Abraham’s promise was long-term, the Holy Spirit’s presence is with us for eternity, helping us to remain faithful.

#3) Promise of Peace

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Application: The peace Jesus offers is unbreakable because it is not based on circumstances, but on His eternal promise. Like God’s promise to Abraham, this peace is a gift we can hold onto, no matter the storms of life.

#4) Promise of Rest and Strength

Matthew 11:28–30 “28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””

Application: Jesus promises rest for our souls, which is an unbreakable provision in our weary world. Just as God promised Abraham land and descendants, Jesus promises rest and renewal to those who trust in Him. His burden is light because it is carried with Him—what a beautiful, unbreakable promise!

#5) Promise of His Return

John 14:3

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Application: This is the promise of Christ’s second coming, a future promise that gives us hope and certainty in our faith. Just as Abraham trusted that God would fulfill His promise of descendants, we can trust that Jesus will return, as He said, to bring us to eternal glory. This promise is unbreakable, and it secures our hope for the future.

II. God’s Purpose is Unchangeable

Text: Hebrews 6:16–18

“16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. 17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”

A. God’s Purposes Are Set and Sure

The Nature of God’s Purpose: God's purpose is immutable—it cannot be altered or undone. From the beginning of time, God’s plan for creation and redemption was set in motion. His eternal will will not change based on our actions or the world’s shifting circumstances.

Isaiah 46:9–10 “9 Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. 10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”

God’s purpose is unchangeable—nothing can stop…nothing can change it.

B. God’s Purpose in Christ

Salvation in Christ: God’s unchangeable purpose is fulfilled in the salvation through Jesus Christ. His plan to redeem the world and restore relationship with humanity is irrevocable.

Romans 8:28–30 “28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”

God’s purpose for your life is rooted in His salvation plan and is guaranteed by His unchanging will.

C. God’s Purpose is at Work in Our Lives

Even when we don’t see it, God is working out His eternal purpose in us. His plan for our growth and transformation is constant.

Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

God’s purpose for us is unchangeable—it will be accomplished, no matter the obstacles.

III. God’s Provision is Unshakable

Text: Hebrews 6:19-20

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (NLT)

A. Hope as an Anchor for the Soul

The Power of Hope: Hope is a secure anchor for our souls. When life feels unstable, this hope is unshakeable because it is grounded in God’s eternal promises and provision.

Romans 8:24-25: “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Our hope in Christ is an anchor that holds us firm through life’s storms, knowing that God’s promises are unshakeable and His provision will always be there.

B. Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest

The Role of Jesus: Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ongoing intercession for us make His provision unshakable. He has entered the Holy of Holies on our behalf, guaranteeing our access to God.

Romans 8:34: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Jesus’ work of salvation and intercession cannot be undone—it is secure and unshakable.

C. Christ’s Sacrifice is Final and Sufficient

Christ’s Complete Provision: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides us with eternal security. We don’t need to worry about whether God will provide what we need spiritually or materially because His provision in Christ is complete and sufficient.

Hebrews 10:10: "We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

God has already provided everything we need through Jesus—His provision is unshakable.

Building Hope in the Christian Life:

Romans 5:1–6 “1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

How Hope is Built in the Christian Life

1. It Starts with God's Promise

God is trustworthy. His promises are reliable because of His nature (Hebrews 6).

The foundation of hope is who God is, not how we feel.

2. It’s Strengthened by Justification

In Romans 5, hope builds because we are justified by faith — we are made right with God.

That gives peace, access to grace, and a position to stand confidently.

3. It’s Deepened Through Suffering

Romans shows that suffering isn’t meaningless.

Trials teach endurance → endurance shapes character → character produces deeper hope.

It's a refining process: hardship strengthens hope rather than destroys it.

4. It’s Anchored in Jesus

Hebrews describes hope as an anchor, rooted in Jesus’ work in heaven.

Because Jesus has already entered into God's presence for us, our future is secure.

5. It’s Confirmed by the Holy Spirit

Romans 5:5: Hope doesn’t shame us because the Holy Spirit confirms God’s love within us.

We don’t just know about God’s promises intellectually; we experience His love in our hearts.

Application

Trust in God’s Unbreakable Promises

When life feels uncertain, rest in God’s promises. His word is unshakable. Unlike human promises, which are easily broken, God’s promises stand firm, and He will always come through.

Hold On to His Unchanging Purpose

Trust that God is working out His purpose in your life, even when things seem difficult. His purpose is unchanging and His plan for you is secure. You are not alone in the process—He is at work in you.

Rest in His Unshakable Provision

Take comfort in knowing that Jesus has already provided everything we need. The hope we have in Him is secure, and His provision is more than sufficient. Our souls are anchored in His eternal promises.

Conclusion: The Assurance of an Unshakable God

In a world where promises are often broken and purposes shift, we have the assurance that God’s promises, purpose, and provision are unbreakable, unchangeable, and unshakable. No matter what you face, you can trust in God’s Word—His promises will never fail. Our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, who is our eternal High Priest, and we can rest assured that His provision for us is secure and sufficient.

Let’s hold on to that hope today.