God Makes Promises - and Keeps Them (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
1 December 2019
With hand on Bible people say. "I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This is part of the legal oath made in courts of law. It signifies a person is appealing to a higher authority, in this case the Bible, to affirm that he or she is speaking truthfully.
God made a promise to Abraham and confirmed it with an oath. Consider his promise and oath and also the desired response to them.
The substance of the promise is that God would bless Abraham with multiple blessings (6:14). God came mercifully to Abraham who had an idolatrous background. Abraham did nothing worthy of God coming to him. But God nevertheless came. He is a merciful God. In his mercy he has come to us through Christ Jesus.
God’s promise is guaranteed by an oath. An oath is generally sworn by something or someone greater than ourselves. In a court of law people swear on the Bible to formally certify that one is speaking truthfully. There is recognition of a higher authority - the God of the Bible.
But when God made an oath there was no greater authority than himself. What could he do? He swore by himself! He, as it were, put his whole character on the line. He is holy, righteous and truthful. His own character is set before everyone. If the promise fails, God has failed. But the promise given to Abraham came true. Christ Jesus fulfilled that promise and the world has been blessed with the offer of salvation.
Abraham proved God's promise was true for he patiently endured and obtained the promise (6:15). Abraham had faith. Faith reaps the fruit of God’s promises. Without faith no one can please God; no one will enjoy the fruit of God’s promise.
An oath settles all disputes (6:16). It presupposes the oath-giver speaks truthfully and can be relied on. There should be no doubts as to the truthfulness of the oath-giver. But humans are fallible, and oaths are not always sincere. God however is truthful, and his oath settles all doubts and disputes. He will carry out his promises. God cannot lie (6:17). He is absolutely trustworthy.
Consider what our response should be to God's promise and oath.
Seize the hope set before you (6:18). This hope is an anchor for our souls. Troubled seamen drop anchor and their ship is steadied. We are steadied in life's turbulence if our anchor is Jesus. Take hold of Christ. Let the world go.
We should keep our eyes on Jesus (6:19,20). He is our forerunner (6:20). A forerunner runs ahead and gives people direction and destination. Jesus has entered heaven before us. He is our High Priest forever. Keep your eyes on him and be assured that God's promise and oath are sure and steadfast. Jesus directs us in life. Our destination is heaven. Look always to Jesus our forerunner, our great High Priest.