Anchored in Christ: Perseverance and Hope in Faith

 

Summary

In Hebrews 6, we are called to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and press on to maturity. This passage warns of the dangers of apostasy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in faith. The author of Hebrews reassures the believers of their salvation, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises of God. The promise made to Abraham is highlighted as an example of God's faithfulness, reminding us that God’s promises are unchangeable and guaranteed by His own nature.

The imagery of an anchor is used to describe the hope we have in Christ, a hope that is sure and steadfast, entering into the inner sanctuary behind the curtain where Jesus, our forerunner, has entered on our behalf. This hope is not just a vague wish but a confident expectation based on the finished work of Christ, our great high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, as He is eternal and His sacrifice is once and for all.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing no one in the picture but Jesus, especially in times of trial and temptation. It is a call to focus solely on Christ, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us. Jesus, our great high priest, knows our struggles and stands as our advocate, ensuring that we persevere to the end. His intercession is not a plea to a reluctant Father but a powerful affirmation of His completed work and the application of that work by the Holy Spirit.

The beauty of holiness is also explored, highlighting how, when clothed in Christ’s righteousness, holiness becomes attractive and draws us closer to God. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the confidence we have in Christ’s finished work and the role of the Holy Spirit in applying that work to our lives, ensuring that we are brought safely into God’s presence.

Key Takeaways:

- The call to maturity in Hebrews 6 is a reminder that our faith journey is ongoing. We must move beyond the basics and deepen our understanding and relationship with Christ, avoiding the dangers of spiritual stagnation and apostasy. [00:55]

- God's promises are unchangeable and guaranteed by His own nature. Just as Abraham trusted in God's promise despite seemingly impossible circumstances, we too must hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful. [03:35]

- Jesus is our sure and steadfast anchor, providing us with a hope that enters the inner sanctuary. This hope is not based on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ, who has gone before us as our forerunner. [04:01]

- Our great high priest, Jesus, sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us. His intercession is a powerful affirmation of His completed work, ensuring that we persevere in faith and are brought safely into God's presence. [27:01]

- Holiness, when clothed in Christ’s righteousness, becomes attractive and draws us closer to God. It is a reminder of the beauty of being in union with Christ and the confidence we have in His finished work. [41:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Introduction to Hebrews 6
- [01:17] - Warning Against Apostasy
- [02:30] - Assurance of Salvation
- [03:16] - God's Promise to Abraham
- [04:01] - Hope as an Anchor
- [05:18] - The Holiness of God
- [06:11] - Personal Story: Focus on Jesus
- [08:22] - The Danger of Apostasy
- [09:22] - Confidence in the Believers
- [10:31] - Perseverance in Faith
- [13:21] - Abraham's Example of Faith
- [15:57] - The Anchor of Hope
- [18:41] - Jesus as Our High Priest
- [22:31] - Union with Christ
- [27:01] - Jesus' Sympathy and Intercession
- [33:00] - The Nature of Intercession
- [41:20] - The Beauty of Holiness
- [43:47] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 6:1-20

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#### Observation Questions

1. What does Hebrews 6:1-2 suggest about the foundational teachings of Christ, and why does the author urge believers to move beyond them? [00:55]

2. How does the author of Hebrews describe the hope we have in Christ in verses 19-20, and what imagery is used to convey this message? [04:01]

3. What example does the author use to illustrate God's faithfulness, and how is this example relevant to the message of perseverance? [03:16]

4. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus' priesthood play in our faith journey, and how is it different from the Levitical priesthood? [19:01]

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the warning against apostasy in Hebrews 6:4-6 challenge believers to examine their faith, and what implications does this have for spiritual maturity? [08:22]

2. In what ways does the promise made to Abraham serve as a model for trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible? [14:50]

3. How does the concept of Jesus as our "anchor" provide assurance and stability in the face of life's trials and temptations? [16:49]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of Jesus' intercession for us, and how does this impact our understanding of His role as our high priest? [33:00]

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel spiritually stagnant? What steps can you take to move towards maturity in your faith? [00:55]

2. Consider a promise from God that you find difficult to trust. How can Abraham's example of faith encourage you to hold fast to that promise? [14:50]

3. Identify a situation in your life where you need the assurance of Jesus as your anchor. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of doubt or fear? [16:49]

4. In what ways can you focus more on Jesus during times of trial and temptation, as suggested by the sermon? Are there specific distractions you need to address? [07:42]

5. How does understanding Jesus' role as our high priest change the way you approach prayer and intercession? What practical steps can you take to deepen your prayer life? [33:00]

6. Reflect on the beauty of holiness as described in the sermon. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for holiness in your daily life? [41:20]

7. Think about a time when you felt the need for sympathy and support. How can you be a source of encouragement and support for others in your community? [30:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Pressing On to Maturity
The call to maturity in Hebrews 6 reminds us that our faith journey is ongoing. We are encouraged to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and deepen our understanding and relationship with Him. This passage warns of the dangers of spiritual stagnation and apostasy, urging believers to persevere in faith. By imitating those who have inherited God's promises through faith and patience, we can avoid the pitfalls of falling away. The journey to maturity is not just about gaining knowledge but about transforming our lives to reflect Christ more fully. [00:55]

Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel stagnant? How can you take a step towards maturity in that area today?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Unchangeable Promises
God's promises are unchangeable and guaranteed by His own nature. Just as Abraham trusted in God's promise despite seemingly impossible circumstances, we too must hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful. This assurance is not based on our circumstances but on the character of God, who cannot lie. By trusting in His promises, we find hope and strength to endure life's challenges, knowing that He will fulfill what He has promised. [03:35]

Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"

Reflection: What is a promise from God that you find difficult to trust in right now? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 3: Anchored in Christ's Finished Work
Jesus is our sure and steadfast anchor, providing us with a hope that enters the inner sanctuary. This hope is not based on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ, who has gone before us as our forerunner. As our great high priest, Jesus has made a way for us to enter into God's presence with confidence. This hope is a confident expectation, not a vague wish, and it sustains us through trials and temptations. By focusing on Christ, we find stability and assurance in the midst of life's storms. [04:01]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself relying on your own efforts rather than resting in Christ's finished work? How can you shift your focus to Him today?


Day 4: Jesus' Sympathetic Intercession
Our great high priest, Jesus, sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us. His intercession is a powerful affirmation of His completed work, ensuring that we persevere in faith and are brought safely into God's presence. Jesus knows our struggles and stands as our advocate, not pleading with a reluctant Father but affirming the application of His work by the Holy Spirit. This assurance gives us confidence to approach God, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. [27:01]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "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. 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."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you change the way you approach God in prayer? What specific struggle can you bring to Him today?


Day 5: The Beauty of Holiness in Christ
Holiness, when clothed in Christ’s righteousness, becomes attractive and draws us closer to God. It is a reminder of the beauty of being in union with Christ and the confidence we have in His finished work. As we grow in holiness, we reflect the character of Christ, which not only transforms us but also impacts those around us. This transformation is not about striving in our own strength but about allowing the Holy Spirit to apply Christ's work to our lives, bringing us safely into God's presence. [41:20]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: In what ways do you see the beauty of holiness in your life? How can you allow Christ's righteousness to shine through you more clearly today?

Quotes


Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the Dead and eternal judgment. [00:40:13]

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying surely I will bless you and multiply you and thus Abraham having patiently waited obtained the promise. [00:03:03]

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 foreigner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. [00:04:11]

The author of Hebrews is desiring to encourage these Hebrew Christians to see no one in the picture but Jesus. I was a young pastor I was probably 28 or so and in my first congregation there were two sisters. [00:05:44]

He wants first of all to state his confidence about them having warned them about apostasy he says but I'm confident about you some of them were spiritually immature some were thinking perhaps of returning to Judaism in some form or fashion. [00:09:12]

He was convinced that the root of the matter was in them he noticed the change in their lives the desire that they had to aid one another and provoke one another to good works he can see the fruit of the Spirit and the self-sacrificing nature and character of the Christian lives. [00:09:43]

Never never never never never give up however difficult the trials may be however difficult the obstacles may be however daunting the temptations might be to drift away never never never never never give up. [00:11:16]

He wants them to understand this and he makes no bones about it if you go back you will be lost if you go back if you deny the Lord Jesus if you give up on this path there is only lost in us and it's a stern warning. [00:12:48]

He reminds them and he goes to Abraham of course because these are Hebrew Christians and Abraham is the father of the faithful and God gave to Abraham a promise and he reinforced that promised with an oath in his own name. [00:13:42]

We have an anchor that's sure and firm and certain and that anchor is Jesus that anchor is the god man that anchor is the one who died and was buried and rose again and is now sitting at the right hand of God he is sure and stedfast a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. [00:16:49]

We have a promise an old whoever trusts in Jesus whoever rests completely in Jesus and Jesus only we have this sure and stedfast hope that brings us into the inner place where he is we're brought into the very presence of the holiness of God clothed inside and out with the Blessed beautiful righteousness of Jesus Christ. [00:17:37]

We have a great high priest who has made a promise and sealed that promised with an oath that by two immutable things we may have confidence confidence in all that he has accomplished for us and confidence that he will get us home through his sympathy and through his intercession. [00:40:06]

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Transcript
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