Heb 4:14-16 sermon draft

**Confidence Before the Throne of Grace**

**Text: Hebrews 4:14–16**

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### **Introduction: Confidence in the Face of Need**

This week 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 would have us know that this is not how our heavenly Father is. We might think so, especially since last week our charge was to fear. But that fear was a fear of our own feebleness—not of His compassion or ability to help. 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.

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.

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 message focuses on this truth: Because of Jesus, we can draw near to God with confidence.

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### **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, 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—He offered them with tears. He cannot ignore evil or sweep it aside, but He can provide a way to deal with it.

If sin is the cause of all that’s broken—every tear, betrayal, and death—then 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.

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

Because Jesus represents you, you can be confident. Not in yourself or your record—but in Him. He is your Great High Priest who stands before God on your behalf.

So what kind of throne are we drawing near to?

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### **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 grace.

* **Mercy** is not getting what we 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 righteous in God’s sight.

> “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.

And how do we know He truly understands our need?

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### **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 to meet you with grace.

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### **Application: Drawing Near This Week**

This week, 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.

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.

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### **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.

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.

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.