Confidence Before The Throne of Grace

Welcome:

Announcements:

†CALL TO WORSHIP based on Hebrews 4:14-16

Pastor Austin Prince

Minister: We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens: Jesus, the Son of God.

Congregation: We will hold fast our confession.

Minister: For he is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, he, in every respect, has been tempted as we are. Yet he lived without sin.

Congregation: Let us then, with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace! Here we will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

†PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION

O Lord our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You alone are worthy of our worship for you are the one true and living God. Your purpose will be established and you accomplished all your good pleasure. Your mercies are great. You are compassionate and gracious; you so loved the world that you sent your only begotten son that whoever believes should not perish. Remember your promise to meet with your people when they have gathered in your name. Draw near to us as we draw near to you. We praise your unfailing love Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

†OPENING PSALM OF PRAISE #146

“Praise the Lord! My Soul, O Praise Him!”

†CONFESSION OF SIN AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON

based on Daniel 4:4-19

At this time, let us confess our sins and ask God for a pure heart that comes only by faith in Christ

Minister: We confess our sins to our holy God. We know that when we confess he is faithful and just to forgive.

Congregation: Most gracious father: you are holy, yet filled with mercy and steadfast love.

And so we confess to you: we have preferred the ways of this world to your ways, and we have rebelled against your wisdom. Incline your ear to our troubles. Hear us when we pour out our sorrows before you. Forgive us, not on the ground of our own righteousness, but on the ground of your great mercy in the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.

It is in his name that we pray, for He is our Savior and the mediator of the covenant of grace. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

“The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:13–14, ESV)

CONTINUAL READING OF SCRIPTURE

Numbers 14:20-45 Paul Mulner, Elder

THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND OUR GIFTS

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

†HYMN OF PREPARATION #395

“O Breath of Life”

SERMON Hebrews 4:14-16 // Confidence Before The Throne of Grace

Text: Hebrews 4:14-16

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Introduction: Confidence in the Face of Need

Last week’s passage called us to fear—not a fear that manipulates or paralyzes, but a sober, spiritual alertness. It warned us against the danger of a hardened heart, of drifting away from God’s promises. We were reminded that left to our own understanding and strength, we won’t make it—and worse, we’ll choose not to.

On Friday, we introduced our kids to *The Sound of Music*. Early on, when the children first meet Maria, a great thunderstorm rolls in. They don’t know her very well at all, but in their fear they all end up running to her room for comfort—because their father’s room wasn’t an option. He had lost his tenderness. He addressed them with a military whistle, expecting discipline, composure, and perfect posture whenever he was near. So when the storm came, they ran to a stranger before they would ever run to him.

This text today would have us know that this is not how our heavenly Father is. At first glance, the call to fear might make us think God is distant or demanding. But that fear was never about His character—it was about ours. We are to fear our own wandering hearts—not our Father’s welcome. We are to distrust our own strength—not His compassion.

This week’s passage calls us to come—to let nothing hinder us from entering the room of our Father to find help in time of need.

As the old hymn says:

> “’Twas the same love that spread the feast

> That sweetly drew us in;

> Else we had still refused to taste,

> And perished in our sin.”

The fear we’re called to is rooted in humility—recognizing our weakness and our desperate need for grace. But here’s the question: If looking at ourselves rightly leads to fear, what should we feel when we look to Christ?

Are we to live always cowering, always unsure, as though help only comes to the most pitiful beggars?

No. Scripture says fear drives us away from self-trust and toward confidence in Christ. The fear of self leads to faith in the Savior. And as we look to Him, we are called to live with boldness—not based on who we are, but on who He is.

That’s what Hebrews now turns to. From warning, the letter moves to comfort. From exposing sin, it proclaims grace. The next several chapters unfold the High Priestly ministry of Jesus—a comforter and helper like no other.

And today’s sermon focuses on this truth: Because of Jesus, we can draw near to God with confidence.

1. Why Can We Be Confident? (v.14)

> “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)

Jesus is our great high priest.

In the Old Testament, the high priest’s role was to enter the temple on behalf of the people. He would cleanse himself first, pass through the veil, and offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. It was messy, weighty, and repeated yearly. Even at its best, it was only a temporary mercy pointing forward.

And let’s be clear: the sacrificial system wasn’t about appeasing an angry deity. It was about a holy God offering mercy. God didn’t demand sacrifices through gritted teeth, spitting with anger—He offered a substitute for them with tears. He cannot ignore evil or sweep it aside, but He can provide a way to deal with it.

Sin is the cause of all that’s broken—every tear, betrayal, and death—and justice demands sin be judged. And if sin must be judged, then you and I must be judged—unless someone stands in our place.

That’s exactly what Jesus does.

He doesn’t just pass through a curtain into a temple. He has passed through the heavens. He has entered the true throne room of God, bearing not the blood of animals but His own. He is not only our priest—He is the Son. And His sacrifice is perfect and complete. It does not need repeating. It is finished. This is a mercy to us from God. 

> “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…” (John 3:16)

Because Jesus represents you, now you can be confident. Not in yourself or your record (remember that should bring uncertainty and suspicion and fear)—but in Him we have confidence. He is your Great High Priest who stands before God on your behalf.

So much of the dynamic here is to look away from the self and look to Christ. Like Peter trying to walk on the water, when we look at our own efforts we sink and we are uncertain and we are incapable, but when we look to Christ we can stand. In the same way, we must keep our eyes on Him. Don't look at your faith, faith is looking to Christ. It is here, in His work, that we can be confident, and we can enter his throne room confidently. 

So what kind of throne are we drawing near to?

2. What Is the Throne of Grace? (v.16)

> “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Verse 13 reminds us: nothing is hidden from God’s sight. We will all give an account. We stand spiritually naked before Him.

That throne is a place of perfect judgment. And that should terrify us—unless we remember who is sitting there.

> Before the throne of God above,

> I have a strong and perfect plea,

> A great High Priest whose name is Love,

> Who ever lives and pleads for me.

Jesus transforms the throne of judgment into a throne of grace.

And at that throne, we find two things: mercy and gracious help in time of need.

Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. We deserve judgment, but the blow falls not on us—it falls on the Lamb. The sinless One becomes sin so that sinners like us can become the righteousness of God

> “He was wounded for our transgressions… and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5–6)

Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Not only are we pardoned—we are adopted. We’re not just given a clean slate—we’re given Christ Himself. He is our help in every need.

The gospel is not simply that our record is cleared. It’s that we belong to Jesus—and He is near, supplying help, strength, and guidance.

But how do we know He truly understands our need?

3. Why Confidence? Because Jesus Knows You (v.15)

> “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus doesn’t just represent us—He understands us.

He knows what it’s like to be hungry, tired, and rejected. He knows the pull of temptation. He knows betrayal, loneliness, grief, and the ache of sorrow. He knows what it’s like to suffer faithfully.

Whatever you face this week, Jesus knows your frame. And He not only understands—He offers help.

He isn’t distant. He isn’t too busy. He isn’t indifferent. He is near. He is able. And maybe this week you’ll blow it—maybe you already have. He is still there—with mercy.

If you’re stepping into something daunting or still wrestling with past failure—He is ready with mercy and grace.

Application: Drawing Near This Week

Today and this week, we are to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence.

As a daily reminder, remember how the Lord taught us to pray: “Our Father, who art in heaven…” Remember that Christ, your Great High Priest, has called you brother. The throne room of God is the place you can run to without hesitation—where you will always find mercy and help.

When temptation presses in and you feel like giving up or giving in, look to Christ. He knows the weight of temptation—far more than we do—because He never gave in. He promises help, not just with advice, but with power and comfort. He who promised is faithful. Hold fast your confession. You are never alone. There isn't a situation that you can face that He isn't willing and able to help. Pray for Christ to take glory in helping you through it. He is sympathetic and ready to lead you out. What a relief against the lie that tells you that you have to indulge, you have to fear, you have to keep to the wrong path until the pressure relents. At the apex of that pressure, keep holding to Christ -- He will get glory by leading you through.

If you believe your situation is unique or too far gone, if you’ve hesitated to come near because you doubt His concern or ability—remember this: His throne is a place of mercy. He is able to sympathize. He is willing to help.

So draw near. In weakness, in temptation, in fear—draw near.

Conclusion: How Should We Approach God?

Let me ask: How do you come before God?

Some never come. They believe God could never accept someone like them. They see only wrath, never grace. They don’t look to Christ—they look only at themselves.

Others come sheepishly, as though they don’t belong. Do you ever feel that way—even in church? As if you’re a fraud?

But to come nervously is to suggest Jesus didn’t do enough. That His sacrifice was incomplete. But it wasn’t. His work is finished. The call is to come confidently.

Still others come flippantly, overconfident in themselves. They’ve lost reverence. But again, their eyes are on themselves—not on Christ.

Hebrews offers something better. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Great High Priest.

So how do we approach the throne?

Not flippantly—as if we deserve to be there.

Not fearfully—as if Christ hasn’t done enough.

But confidently—because He has done enough. Because the work is finished. Because He beckons you to come and find rest in Him. 

When you look to yourself, you’ll either shrink in shame or swell with pride. But when you look to Christ, you see a Savior who understands your weakness, intercedes for your sin, and offers grace for every need.

So don’t stay away. Don’t run to a stranger. The Father’s door is open.

> “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

> that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Amen.

†HYMN OF RESPONSE #514

“O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go”

†CONFESSION OF FAITH

based on Matt 16:16; Mk. 16:9; John 20:28; I Cor. 15:1-6; Rev. 22:13

Minister: Christian, what do you believe?

Congregation: This is the good news that we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold it fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, and that He appeared first to the women, then to Peter, and to the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; he is our Lord and our God.

Congregation is seated.

MEMBERSHIP VOWS: RYAN AND AMY ELLERBROEK

From the beginning, Jesus envisioned his followers not as isolated individuals, but as a people—called together, formed into a community, bound by a shared life in him. He gave us not just a message, but a body to belong to. This wasn’t incidental. It was essential. In Christ, we don’t merely receive private salvation; we are joined to a family. He is our head. We are his people. And in the Lord’s Supper, that reality is made visible—we take part in one bread, share one cup, and confess one faith.

The church, then, is not simply a gathering—it is a signpost. It points forward. It previews the day when Christ will return and reign. If someone asks, “What does God’s kingdom look like?” the answer should be, “Come and see his people.” In the church, heaven breaks into earth in small but powerful ways.

That’s why church membership matters. It’s not just a formal step or a name on a roll—it’s a covenant. To treat it casually is to blur the witness we bear. If we welcome all without regard to belief or ignore behavior that denies Christ’s call, we end up misrepresenting him. Membership is a weighty joy because it puts our lives in the light.

The first three vows declare the foundation of your faith: that apart from Christ, you are lost in sin and need rescue; that Jesus alone is your hope; and that God’s word is your rule for life and truth. These vows don’t create your salvation—they confirm it.

The final three vows speak to how that salvation bears fruit. You commit, by the Spirit’s help, to walk in obedience. You promise to offer your time, your resources, and your care to the life of this church. And you willingly place yourself under the shepherding of Christ’s appointed leaders, trusting that submission to them is part of your deeper submission to him.

We rejoice this morning in Ryan and Amy’s desire to join the fellowship of this body and to help us paint that truthful picture of Christ’s kingdom for all the world to see. Ryan and Amy, you can join me up here now.

I will present these vows to the Ellerbroeks this morning and I also present them to each of you who are already a member of this body (they are printed on the back of your bulletin).

That’s why we all do well, reminded what we have vowed to do, to participate. While you remain seated, I’d encourage you to listen carefully to each as they are read and to join your voice with Ryan and Amy by also saying, “We do.”

MEMBERSHIP VOWS

1. Do you confess that you are a sinner in the sight of God; that you deserve His punishment; that you are unable to save yourself; and that you are without hope of salvation except for God's love and mercy?

2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of sinners; and do you receive and trust in Him alone for your salvation?

3. Do you accept the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, as the written Word of God; and that it is the only perfect rule of faith and how to live?

4. Do you promise to trust in the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit so that you can live all of life as a Christian, following the example set by Jesus Christ?

5. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

6. In loving obedience, do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of this church, promising to seek the peace, purity, and prosperity of this congregation as long as you are a member of it?

Please take a moment today after the service or at the lunchtime to welcome Ryan and Amy.

Please stand:

THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Minister: Lift up your hearts!

Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.

Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

Congregation: It is right for us to give thanks and praise!

THE INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

The Lord invites you to this table if you love him and trust in him alone for salvation. It is for those who belong to Christ through repentance, faith, baptism, and continuing union with his church. If you are truly sorry for your sins, sincerely believe in Jesus as your Savior, and desire to live in obedience to him as Lord, you are invited to come with gladness to the table of the Lord. “O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.”

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Congregation is seated.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND THE SHARING OF THE SUPPER

Minister: Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.”

Congregation: By your divine presence, by the holy sacraments, by all the merits of your life, sufferings, death, and resurrection, bless and comfort us, gracious Lord and God. Amen.

Minister: Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Drink from this, all of you. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Congregation: Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup together, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Minister: Christ, the Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

Congregation: Grant to us your peace. Amen.

[motion to eat and drink]

†OUR RESPONSE #572

“Gloria Patri”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen, amen.

†BENEDICTION: GOD’S BLESSING FOR HIS PEOPLE

Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Go in confident peace, for the Lord is with you. Amen.

Grace Notes Reflection

Ever pushing us to see Christ’s supremacy, Hebrews 4 now points us to Christ as our Great High Priest. Over the next few chapters, there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the mechanics of His priestly work, but our text for this week (4:14–16) focuses on the outcome of that work — the ability for us to enter before the throne of God with confidence.

The throne of God is the seat of His holy judgment, but for those who come to God through the Son, that throne is now a throne of grace. Because of Christ, sinners are welcomed there — they will find mercy there, and they will always find help there in time of need.

The mercy of God should be seen in the death of Christ, lest you think that you cannot come. Because the High Priest intercedes for us with His own blood, there is forgiveness for you — come confidently to the throne of mercy.

The active and sympathetic help of Christ should also be seen, lest we think that God is indifferent, or that our situations are too unique for His understanding. Christ, as our High Priest, has been tempted in every way as we are, yet He is without sin. He knows our frame and our difficulties, but He does not use that knowledge — or His victory — as a means to shame us in our failures. He uses it to encourage us and help us.

As High Priest, Christ is interceding for us at all times at the throne of grace. When the lie comes that there is no way out of the pressure of temptation, that you are bound to give in, or that relief will only come through indulgence, look to Christ; He is there to provide sufficient help for every trial.

Hebrews is always pushing us deeper into what it looks like to walk by faith. And here's the critical distinction: we are not to look at our faith — we are to look with our faith. When we look at our faith, we see all its weaknesses: our faltering emotions, inconsistent efforts, and constant fluctuation. But when we look with our faith, we see Christ — steady, sufficient, and strong.

That’s the point of this text. The strength of your faith may rise and fall, but faith is not about itself — it’s about its object. Whether it’s a child’s faith, a weary faith, or a bold faith, all true faith is welcome before the throne, because all true faith is fixed on Christ.

So take comfort today in looking with your faith, not at it.

Looking at your faith can lead you astray. You might feel unworthy and stay away, thinking you’re too far gone — but that’s simply a form of self-focus. Or you might come sheepishly, unsure if you really belong — as if Christ’s work as High Priest wasn’t enough to cover you. Again, that’s a failure to look to Christ. And on the other end, some may come flippantly, assuming they have every right to waltz into God’s presence on their own merit. But that, too, is a misunderstanding.

The right posture is confidence — not in ourselves, but in Christ. We come boldly, not because of our track record, not because our faith feels strong, but because He is strong and His work is complete.

So today, look with your faith. Fix your eyes on Christ. Come to the throne of grace — and come with confidence. Your High Priest is there.

And He is enough.