A DIVINE SUPPORT SYSTEM (4)

Hebrews 4:16

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.  There are two truths about the Christian’s rest that we must constantly keep in mind.

1.    It takes labor for us to enter therein (Heb. 4:11).

2.    It is possible for the child of God to come short of that rest (Heb. 4:1).

 

B.   If we were attempting to get into that rest all by ourselves, the task might seem impossible.  We, however, do not have to “go it alone.”  God has given what I refer to as “A Divine Support System” (Heb. 4:12-16).

1.    The Sword of the Spirit (Heb. 4:12)

2.    The Sight of His Eyes (Heb. 4:13)

3.    The Son as our High Priest (Heb. 4;14-16)

 

I.         THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT (Heb. 4:12)

 

II.       THE SEEING EYES OF GOD (Heb. 4:13)

 

III.      THE SON, OUR HIGH PRIEST (Heb. 4:14-16)

 

A.  If anything keeps us from our rest, it will be sin in our lives.

 

B.   God has made provision for this sin through a high priest, Jesus Christ.  In this section, we learn three things:

1.    The Priest (Heb. 4:14)

2.    The Perception (Heb. 4:15)

3.    The Prayer (Heb. 4:16)

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

a.    Command:  Come boldly

1)     Boldly

a)    Strong (3954):  all out spokenness, frankness, bluntness, with the addition of assurance

b)    Thayer:  freedom in speaking, unreservedness is speech…free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage boldness, assurance

2)    Examples

a)    We should remember Abraham who boldly appealed unto God for the salvation of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:16-33)

b)    Paul prayed three times for the removal of his thorn in the flesh (II Cor. 12:7-8).

b.    Place:  unto the throne of grace

c.    Benefits:  that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1)     Mercy

a)    Strong (1656):  compassion

b)    Thayer:  kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them

2)    Grace

a)    Strong (5485):  graciousness

b)    Thayer: good will, loving-kindness, favour, of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

CONCLUSION

 

A.  God wants us to make it to heaven.  He has given us a divine support system that cannot be matched.

 

B.   If we do not make it, it will be because of our own unbelief and disobedience.