Hebrews 6:17-20

Introduction: Have you ever lost HOPE? Felt hopeless? Something you could not control? It’s not a good feeling. But there’s HOPE for us when we feel HOPELESS! Many believe Paul to be the writer of the book of Hebrews. Others suggest it was Barnabas, Luke, Jude or even Apollos. Either way the Scriptures are “inspired” by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). The book of Hebrews encouraged Christian Jews not to return to Judaism practices under the Old Testament but rather press on to maturity under Jesus Christ. This is applicable to us today as CHRISTians. We are not to go back into a lifestyle of legalism – operating from the flesh (Gal 1, 2), but to press on to the Spirit-filled life. Experience HOPE today! Paul gives us (3) reasons to have HOPE when we feel HOPELESS:

1. Our Lord Jesus wants you to be CONVINCED! (Heb 6:17)

“17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:”

{The word “Heirs” is “kleronomois,” which means inherit, one who receives, possession by lot or portion allotted to him}

{The word “Immutability” is “ametathetos,” which means unchanging, not to be transferred, fixed}

{The word “Counsel” is “boolay,” which means plan, purpose, will, decision}

**The Anchor Holds**

2. Our Lord Jesus wants us to be CONVINCED so that we can stay ENCOURAGED! (Heb 6:18)

“18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

{The word “Consolation” is paraklaysis which means encouragement, comfort, calling, summons}

• “Fled”- Where are you running to?
• “Hold on” – What are you holding on to?

**The Anchor Holds**

3. Our Lord Jesus wants us to be CONVINCED so that we can stay ENCOURAGED because the “ANCHOR HOLDS”! (Heb 6:19)

“19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”

{The word “Sure” is “asfalace,” which means firm, certain, true, reliable}

• The Anchor holds – when tempted
• The Anchor holds – there’s hope

Conclusion: ** The Anchor Holds**
Jesus is dependable. His Word is unchangeable and totally reliable in life and in death! Therefore, because of our relationship with the living God, we can be CONVINCED and ENCOURAGED because His “ANCHOR HOLDS”!