ConfidenceHebrews 4:14-16

Confidence, Hebrews 4:14-16

• V.16 sounds like it is talking about, and therefore has application to, prayer.

• But, the context of the whole chapter reveals that the “confidence” to which the writer refers is more toward entering the eternal “rest” of heaven, vv.1-15.

• Do you ever lack “confidence” in your ability to enter the “rest” of heaven?

• These few verses should help.

Confidence, Hebrews 4:14-16

Note a few things mentioned here that are meant to inspire our confidence regarding entering heaven:

1. Jesus, our great high priest, has paved the way for us, v.14a.

a. He has been from humiliation to glory, 2:17;

b. He can be of special help to those who follow that same path, 2:18;

c. His presence before God as our “great high priest” enables Him to petition on our behalf, 9:24; 10:19-21.

2. Therefore, we should “hold fast our confession,” v.14b.

Confidence, Hebrews 4:14-16

Note a few things mentioned here that are meant to inspire our confidence regarding entering heaven:

2. We have a sympathetic high priest, v.15a.

a. He is not dispassionate or unfaithful regarding us, 2:17;

b. He is not impassive regarding our particular difficulties- the Greek word for sympathize here includes the idea of active help, 10:34; 5:1-3;

c. He has been anywhere and experienced anything that we face in regard to temptation, 2:10-18;

3. We have a holy high priest, v.15b.

a. His humanity enabled His sympathy, cf.2:10-18; but,

b. His holiness enabled the power of His example, 7:26-28; 3:1-6 3:7-19.

Confidence, Hebrews 4:14-16

Note a few things mentioned here that are meant to inspire our confidence regarding entering heaven:

4. The boldness (KJV) of our approach is based on: (v.16a)

a. We have a sinless high priest, v.15b;

b. Who is sympathetic to our weaknesses, v.15a;

5. The purpose/nature of our approach is for:

a. grace and mercy, v.16a; because our lives are not without sin, 2Cor.5:21; and,

b. help in time of need, such as temptation, trials (spiritual or physical), doubts, and dying, v.16c; Phil.4:6-7; Heb.4:1-3a.

Are you “confident” in your salvation?

Conclusions?

1. Jesus lived that you might have confidence in your eternal salvation, v.15;

2. Jesus died, ascended, and intercedes that you might have confidence in your salvation, v.14;

3. The grace, mercy, and help you need to have confidence in your salvation is readily available, v.16. So….