Staying Hopeful in Tough Times (Rev. Dr. E. Wayne Hanks)
Hebrews 6:11-20
Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:11-20 NLT)
Some of the Jewish Christians were beginning to fade, and the author (whom many believe was the Apostle, Paul) wrote to give them assurance in their faith.
What are some things to stay hopeful?
1) Vs 11 - "Keep on loving others"
There are some who seem unlovable, yet we must hold fast, for the sake of the kingdom. "In honor preferring one another."
Eg. - Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle, tells if Easter Sunday service, relaxing at the end of service, saw a man, sensing he needed to talk, was hesitant because of his condition and stench. Started to give money, the man said, "I just want Jesus, not your money." He was not seeing a man in need of Christ, just a bum looking for a handout. Jim wept for his own failure to serve. "If you don't love this smell, I can't use you," God spoke to Jim. That began the story of redemption for David, which almost ended with Jim's insensitivity.
Keep on loving others. We must not get full of ourselves. As we give love to others, our hope level rises.
2) Vs 12 ". . . you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance." Refuse spiritual dullness and indifference.
3) Practice faith and endurance. Vs 13 "Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind."
Imagine Abraham's test of faith, the endurance required of him. Remember - the teacher is always silent when the test is being given. Don't be surprised when you can't hear God during tough times. You're taking the test.
4) Vs 18 "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie" God finds it impossible to lie. We know Abraham held fast to that promise.
Romans 4:18
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (Romans 4:18 NLT)
The Greek word for "oath" means "a fence or enclosure that binds someone."
5) Vs 19 "This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. "
Integrity. Sincerity. These mark God's promises to us. Video of example, Alyssa., blind since birth, who holds fast to her trust in God. "If I could see, I don't think my faith would be as strong. . . . I'm used to being helped by people I can't see." Gifted singer and worship leader. Song, "Tell Me If I'm Beautiful." "I know the first face I'm gonna see is Jesus."
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