I remember growing up and attending church in the “Bible Belt” of America. We sang from a Hymnal while a little church lady banged out the tune on the well warn upright piano. The tunes were very familiar and my heart grew fond of them over the years. The lyrics on the other hand were not understood. I knew the words by heart, but they were not part of my heart. I would stand beside my mom and sing with a loud voice, “What a friend we have in Jesus”. I had no idea.

Jesus has captivated my heart for 37 years and counting. I love the Word of God. It’s now when I read the Words of our author (Hebrews 7:25) that I begin to understand the depth of the lyrics to that old classic. Jesus is able to save completely, because He always makes intercession for me. My right relationship with God the Father is because He knows my name. My right relationship with God was born and will live forever solely because of Jesus. As my Sympathetic High Priest, Jesus works continuously to keep me. What a friend I have in Jesus!

HOMEWORK:

Read Romans 8:31-39

How does Paul’s statement in verse 31 support the idea presented in Hebrews 7:25 that Jesus can save forever, or completely, or to the uttermost?

Why does Paul believe that there will never be found anyone who will be able to condemn us before God? (verse 34)

Make a list of all the things that Jesus’ intercessory ministry protects us from. (verses 35-39)

Does this description of the work of Christ on our behalf sound like a one time act or a daily conquering?

My Dad took me fishing in Canada when I turned thirteen. It was a great adventure. Me, my Dad, and six of my Dad’s buddies drove by car for sixteen hours (most of which I slept) to arrive at a train station in northern Ontario. We hopped a freight train for a three hour trek to the Canadian wilderness. The train stopped just long enough for us to throw off our gear at a crossing named North Star Lodge. We were met by a Canadian wilderness and fishing guide named Al. He had an ancient Dodge Power Wagon with a trailer attached to haul our gear. A thirty minute ride on some of the roughest roads I have ever seen found us parked in front of the famous North Star Lodge. It was a series of logs and plywood that looked as old as the forest in which it hid. It was surrounded by a series of lakes that boasted the best fishing in Canada.

Everyone was assigned a job for the week of fishing expeditions. My job was to carry the anchor. There were no roads to the lakes, some of which were over a mile from the lodge. Each morning before daybreak our entire crew would carry the gear, boats, motors, and yes the “anchor” to the lake for a long day of fishing.

I’ll never forget the first morning when Al our guide handed me the anchor and said, “listen kid, that’s the most import thing we take to the lake. Without it, we can’t do nothin’.” Once on the lake I quickly understood Al’s statement. The wind blew at a steady brisk pace all day long on the lakes. Without an anchor to hold you out in the best spots to fish, we would find ourselves floundering on the shore opposite the wind in seconds.

It was a great week! We caught hundreds of fish. All because I had an anchor!

This week’s text describes hope in the promises of God as an anchor of the soul. God desires that we are people of secure hope by means of strong encouragement. The image of our soul anchored to the Mercy Seat is profound. Yes we are commanded to hold fast. But we are, at the same time, given assurance that the anchor is secure at both ends.

HOMEWORK:

Read Philippians 3:12 – 4:1

Does Paul feel secure because he is perfect? (Verse 12)

What is the motivation to press on and take hold? (hit …because…) (Verse 12)

Where does Paul place the emphasis for his efforts, his past or his future? (Verses 13-14)

Paul gives both encouragement and warning. What are we encouraged to do? (Verse 17)

What happens to those who don’t take Paul’s encouragement? (Verses 18-19)

Where’s our hometown and what is the best part of being a citizen? (Verses 20-21)

“I know you can do this!” Hearing words like these can make a profound impact in your life. They are words that express confidence and give hope. When a father or mother or mentor blesses a child or student with these words, it almost always guarantees success. These words instill the drive and endurance that are necessary to achieve a goal. These words cause a person to graduate even if it takes four hard years of study. These words cause a person to bring a company from bankruptcy to solvency with energy to spare for years of successful operation. These words can even cause a person to step out into thin air.

It is God’s desire that His children, “heirs of the promise”, receive strong words of encouragement that create the type of hope that endures to the very end. In the latter example, one cannot be confidant absolutely because burden of success still rests on them. They know there are gaps in knowledge, strength, and understanding.

However, in this weeks text, Hebrews 6:13-18, God promises with an oath, “I will do this!”  God has no weakness and lacks nothing. God cannot lie. He swears with an unbreakable oath. Therefore our confidence in God is absolute. He will do what He promises. By the Blood of Jesus Christ, through the Power of the Holy Spirit, God will see to it that all who “take refuge” in Him, be birthed out of this broken world and live with Him in Glory for eternity!

A means by which He accomplishes this is HOPE!

HOMEWORK:

Read Romans 4:13-25 (This is another account of Abraham’s faith)

Verse 13 declares that Abraham, and everyone else that has the faith of Abraham (vs 16),  is heir of something. What is it?

Verse 17 states two things (or workings) of God that would give us cause to place confidence in His promise to us. What are they?

Abraham is not weakened in faith as he considered how old he and his wife Sarah were. Why is this? (verse 21)

Is this account of Abraham’s faith told only for the sake of Abraham? (verses 22-24)

The following is a definition of hope; circle all the important words and discuss them.

An expectation or belief in the fulfillment of something desired. ^[1]