1. Confidence Hebrews 4:14-16

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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….