Hebrews 6:13-20
Introduction:
1. We have seen a wide range of pleas for continued faithfulness in Hebrews.
2. In this section, the writer appeals to the unswerving faithfulness of God as the anchor of the soul, the antidote to the sluggishness of the prior warning (5:11-6:12).
Discussion:
I. The Promise
A. The writer used God’s promise to Abraham to encourage his readers (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17-18).
B. After his patient endurance, Abraham received the promise through his descendants, and they needed the same endurance (10:32-36).
II. The Purpose
A. The promise to Abraham had a purpose far beyond simply rewarding Abraham.
B. God intended the heirs to receive the promise by the faith of Abraham (6:17; Romans 4:13-25; 8:12-17; 9:6-8; Galatians 3:16-22, 26-29).
III. The Anchor
A. Promises are only as good as the promiser.
B. The promises these Hebrew Christians embraced could not be more certain.
1. He swore by Himself, the highest authority.
2. He cannot lie (cf. Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2).
3. He is able to deliver (Hebrews 1:1-3; 2:14-15; 4:14-16; 5:6-10; 6:19-20).
C. For this, we have strong consolation in a sure and steadfast hope (6:18).
Conclusion:
1. In addition to the warnings in previous calls for endurance, the writer has given repeated positive affirmations of God’s provisions (2:14-15; 4:14-16; 6:13-20).
2. If we want our souls to be secure, we must have our souls anchored to Him.
Further Food for Thought
1. Have you ever tried to tie something down in a storm with insufficient tethering?
2. Since we know material things must be anchored sufficiently to avoid disaster, how much more ought we to anchor our souls in view of eternity before us?