D. Christ Superior in Mediation. Hebrews 4:14 – 10:18
(Aaron and Melchizadec)

1. Because of His Qualifications. Hebrews 4:14-7:25

Paul explained –

a. His Priesthood – We learned of His High Priesthood –

1). Declared. 4:14-16
2). Compared. 5:1-10 Paul then exhorted –

b. His People – They were challenged – 5:11-6:20 We noted the –

1). Rebuke. 5:11-14 Paul confronted their –

a). Indifference. 5:11
b). Immaturity. 5:12,13
c). Idleness 5:14 He then –

2). Reproved. Hebrews 6:1-8 Some had not believed.
Some were believing, but not acting. Paul wrote to charge them to be good testimonies to the unbelieving and to convince them that of their salvation they could be –

a). Sure. 6:1-3 The Foundation is sure. We are to –
b). Study. Hebrews 6:1 “…go on to perfection…”
The Word is sufficient.
Standing on the sure foundation and studying the inspired Word of God, we are to be –
c). Steadfast. Hebrews 6:4-8

(1). Explanation. 6:4-6 We know that we are Secure
We learned that if we can lose our salvation, the death of Jesus on the Cross was not powerful enough to save us forever and He would have to die again for us to be saved again!
We also learned that the believer is to have a testimony of salvation among the unbelievers. The evidence should be plain to see!

(2). Illustration 6:7,8 Paul illustrated this security

Concluding with the realization that the blessings of God come upon all, but not all believe and accept the goodness of God.

Knowing that rebuke and reproof is not enough, he began to correct them with this –

3). Exhortation 6:9-20 Paul counseled them to give –

a). Attendance to their salvation. 6:9-12 Spoke to the –

(1). Evidence of their salvation. 6:9

Even though Paul described a dangerous and forbidding landscape caused by unbelief (…though we thus speak…), he was describing the worst condition while expecting the best. Those still in unbelief should be encouraged by the blessings of God upon the believers and, seeing the goodness of God, turn to Him in repentance and faith! He then gave them –

(2). Encouragement in their salvation. 6:10
“…For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love…”

Today we begin by noting the –

(3). Endurance in their salvation. 6:11,12

Paul also exhorted them to consider the –

b). Assurance (of their salvation) 6:13-20 Based on the testimony of –

(1). Familiar example. 6:13-15

(a). The promise given.

Paul referred to the faith of Abraham, reminding the readers of his faith in following God, leaving his home and leading his family to follow the Lord at 75 year of age. (Genesis 12:1,4) They would remember his faith in the birth of Isaac when he was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 (Genesis 21:2,3). They would remember Abraham’s faith in God when at the top of the mountain, he prepared to sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son, to the Lord. They knew of his complete faith in God at this trying time

Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

Genesis 22:13-14 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Under the most difficult circumstances, Abraham trusted God. Why? Because God is faithful!

(b). The promise realized. 6:15
“…after he patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”

Jesus commended Abraham for his faith, and rebuked the Pharisees for their unbelief! Look at what they had seen, yet they remained in unbelief!

John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

How did Abraham see the day of the Lord? He heard the Lord while dwelling in the city of Ur, the city Haran, the land of Canaan that God promised to him and his heritage, the face to face conversation about Lot being in the city of Sodom, the birth of Isaac. Time and time again God was faithful to His promises to Abraham. Abraham had faith that God would do what He promised and seeing these promises extend into the future – he was glad!

The promises of God are sure and just as Abraham believed God, we also should believe Him. Paul reminded them of God’s –

(2). Faithful promise. 6:16-18

(a). God’s confirmation. 6:16-18a Twofold – His promise and His oath.

Paul referred twice in these verses to the immutability of God. The word means ‘unchangeable’. God’s promises are sure. We are assured also by the fact that it is impossible for God to lie. He is truth. It is not that God does not lie, He cannot lie. He is absolutely holy and pure. This two-fold promise refers back to

Hebrews 5:5-6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

God Himself promised –
His Person –“… the Son of God…” , and His position, “…Thou art a priest for ever…”

In these promises is the –

(b). Believer’s consolation. 6:18b

[1]. Relieved from fear. “…strong consolation…” Because of the –
[2]. Refuge in Him. (Run to Him for safety) and we have –
[3]. Received the promise – “…lay hold upon the hope set before us.”
Everlasting life!
We are to trust God and press forward because of the –

(3). Finished work. 6:19,20

Follow the anchor chain. It does not lead from our spirit and soul across the seas, oceans, and continents, up the road from the coast, just outside the city of Jerusalem to the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. That tomb is empty! We follow our anchor chain past the heavens, and through the veil into the very Throne Room of God where our Anchor sits at His right hand! The promise of our hope is Him. “…sure and steadfast…”

The Anchor is our Saviour, we being forever connected to the Solid Rock, The Foundation Rock, the Corner Stone…

And on the throne beside Him is Jehovah, God our Father –
Jehovah – Jireh He sees and supplies for our needs before we know them.
Jehovah – Nissi He is our Banner. Calling us to gather around Him.
Jehovah – Shalom His is our Peace
Jehovah – Shammah He is there Dwelling among us
Jehovah – Tsidkenu Our Righteousness.

The Connection is God the Spirit. He lives in us, seals us, protects us, teaches us, leads us, comforts us.

Not a possibility, not a probability, but He is sure and steadfast, just as are His promises –

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Are you saved?
Are you faithful to do what you know God’s will is for your life?
Are you trusting Him?
Are you serving?