Sermon Notes - 1.9.11 The Promise Still Remains

Sunday 1/9/2011
Pastor A.L. Harris
“The Promise Still Remains”
Hebrews 6:12-15

The Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians to urge them not to succumb to pressure. Pressure can pull you out of character, cause you to compromise, and say things that do not line up with the word. Pressure can cause you to second guess the thing you thought you knew.

Pressure can take the form of financial struggles, job loss, trying to keep a business afloat in a turbulent economy, marital crisis, etc.

In spite of what you have been through in 2010, remain faithful in 2011 because the promise still remains. The Promises of God never expire, they will always remain. There is never an expiration date on the promise.

While waiting on the promise:
1. Avoid becoming slothful.
• Slothfulness is spiritual laziness which can include not praying and reading the Word. Slothfulness can cause you to start saying things that don’t line up with the word.
2. Remember your past.
• Remember those that have gone before you. Remember what God did for others in your life. He will do the same for you. If he brought me out of that, he will bring me out of this. If he did that, he will do this. There has always been someone who has gone through what you are going through. Don’t be afraid to tap into people.
3. Know God is sovereign.
• Hebrews 6:13 “For when God made a promise to Abraham…” this implies that God is sovereign. Sovereign: supreme rule and authority, independent of any governing authority, and needing approval from no one. Because God is sovereign he can turn water into wine, walk on the water, and raise a man from the dead. God doesn’t ask the devil, the devil has to ask God. The promises of God remain sure because he is sovereign.
4. Know God swore.
• Hebrews 6:13 “…Because he could swear by none greater, He swore by himself.” God out of his own mouth made a declaration/solemn oath. He tied covenant with himself and was his own witness. God swore and when God swears, that settles it. God is the only one who can swear because he is sovereign. He is the only one who can keep his promise. Nothing can stop God from getting to you and fulfilling his promise for your life.
5. Stay Patient.
• Hebrews 6:15 “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Waiting teaches us to trust in God and strengthens our faith. Patience is steadfast endurance to wait with expectation. Stay faithful and stay patient while waiting on the promise.