We have [the hope of God's promises] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain[.] Hebrews 6:19
I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 6:13-20 - the author of Hebrews builds on v12 (which shares how believers inherit God's promises) by describing how solid God's promises are - that He is faithful. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God is so good and gracious. He knows that people are prone to be weak in their faith. So He gave Abraham (see also Genesis 22:16-17) not just a promise but also an oath to reassure him (and his descendants, including all believers) that He is faithful - vv13-18. It seems as if God is distributing grace in advance by sharing this reassurance. We know Abraham needed reassurance. He was not perfect and his faith wavered. Vv17-19 also share how it is "impossible for God to lie," how this gives us "strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us," and how this hope serves as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."
- What do we learn from the text about people?: People waver in their faith and the only way to not waver is to abide, to walk continuously and closely with God. God then transforms our hearts, minds, and lives to think and live more in His image (Romans 12:2). We are then encouraged and hopeful as we rest in the certainty of God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), particularly how the victory over sin and death - for every believer - is already assured.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and You are faithful! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save and deliver faithfully on all of Your promises. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
