Never Leave You

Introduction:

- The is our 5^th week of Finding Hope in the Promises of God

- We have HOPE because God keeps ALL His promises & He keeps them because He is holy:

- cf. 1 Peter 1:16 ‘You shall be holy for I am holy’ – Peter quoted Moses’ writings in Lev. 11:44-45

- We began this series w/a study on 1 Cor. 10:13 and how God is Faithful:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

- no matter what situation you face . . . there is hope in this promise!

- The 2^nd week we focused on 2 Corinthians 12:9: Finding Hope in God’s Sufficient Grace

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Point: God has ALL the grace you need (His unmerited favor)

- Our 3^rd study took us to Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7-11:

• We have hope because God commands us to keep ASKING, SEEKING, KNOCKING and we will keep RECEIVING, FINDING, and the door will continually be OPENED!

- Last week (thank Doug for teaching while I was in Brazil) our study focused on HOPE In God’s Promise Regarding Temptation – James 1:13-18

- we usually think of promises as only being POSITIVE – that’s not the case

- when God promises anything, it’s still a promise (e.g. “the soul that sins, it will die” – such is the case with James 1:13-15

[Review the box of PLEASURE vs. the box of CONSEQUENCES diagram]

Point: We have hope in handling temptation to sin because God told HOW to handle it

- Our study this week takes us another promise that is full of HOPE . . . and full of other words like COMFORT, SECURITY, MOTIVATION, etc.

- Open your bible to Hebrews 13 – we are going to find hope in what the Lord promises in Heb.13:5

- we need to discuss a few things about the book of Hebrews:

It is a book that has many, many deep truths that are difficult to grasp and that demand diligent and faithful study. There are things here that are beyond understanding apart from complete reliance on God’s Spirit and sincere commitment to understand His Word.^[1]

1) We don’t know who the author is (it’s not clear) – some say it’s Paul – but the distinct style of Paul’s letter do not fit with the style of Hebrews (but he could have simply changed his style??)

> IMPORTANT POINT: This whole book is about Jesus Christ – which may explain why the author is anonymous – it not that important, it’s the CONTENT that’s important

> but it’s certain it was inspired by the Holy Spirit and the early church included it in the canon of Scriptures

2) We also know the book was written to 3 groups of people:

#1: Hebrew Christians – these folks were true followers of Christ – they had a strong Jewish background (OT Law, history of Moses, David, etc.)

- but this group were TRUE followers of the Messiah!

- and they faced the consequence of their belief/choice to follow Christ (rejection, persecution, etc. – and that’s the way it still is today in many places!)

#2: Hebrew Non-Christians who were intellectually convinced about the person and work of Jesus

- but this group had not necessarily put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ (somewhat like the “HEAD KNOWLEDGE” of God, but not a “HEART KNOWLEDGE”

- John explains how this could happen among this group of Hebrews:

• John 12:41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

- there are still people like that today – they “know about God” (intellectually) but they do not “KNOW GOD” personally through a relationship with Jesus Christ!

- There was also a 3^rd group to whom the author is writing:

#3: Hebrew Non-Christians who were NOT convinced about Jesus – who He was, what He had done

Not only does the Holy Spirit in this book speak to Christians in order to strengthen their faith and to the intellectually convinced in order to push them over the line to saving faith, but He also speaks to those who have not believed at all, to those who may not yet be convinced of any part of the gospel. He seeks to show them clearly that Jesus is in fact who He claimed to be, and this truth is the main thrust of chapter nine.^[2]

- that is specifically pointed out in Hebrews 9:11, 14-15, 27-27 [READ if time allows]

- Our time this morning, we want to look at God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5

[READ 13:1-6 – we’re going to divide out study into 3 major words]

C = Companionship (v. 5

P = Potential (v. 6a)

R = Result (v. 6b)

- this will do our hearts well because of the C . . . P . . . R J

C = Companionship (v. 5)

- before we make the point of ‘companionship’, look at what the author wrote a/b being ‘content’ (

content = to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough[3]

[Note: This is a command – you must chose to obey God, and the author also tells us WHY we should be content]

- so the word “content” in this passage means more than just being “satisfied.”

> “content” refers to the ability of the Christian dependent upon the Holy Spirit to be independent of outward circumstances.^[4]

- this passage reminds me of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes:

• Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. [vanity has the idea of empty]]

[could quote I John 2:15-17 – gives us a reason why we should avoid worldly thinking]

• 1 John 2:15Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.¹⁷The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

- Jesus addressed this subject of ‘contentment’ and/or temporalness of things:

• Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

- Pastor Goode (former Sr. Pastor, w/the Lord now) used to say: Don’t build your life around things that pass away with time!

Point: Focus on God and what He says – think from an eternal perspective – there is HOPE in the ‘long run’ (eternity)

- You might be asking the question:

Q: What does this have to do with “Companionship”?

Answer: The promise that God makes here about never leaving us nor forsaking us gives us the HOPE that we can do what He is telling us to do in v. 1-5!!

* (in other words)His presence assures us that we can be content! – but we have the responsibility to RESPOND to that PROMISE!

- that may be why the author gives us the reason why the child of God can and should obey these admonitions

• “for He Himself has said” [are intensive in the Greek text]

- in other words, God is the one doing the talking – HE gives the promise and guarantee Himself – which means . . .. YOU NEED TO LISTEN & ACKNOWLEDGE HIS WORDS!

A. His POWER gives us hope:

- the 1^st part of the promise: I will never desert (leave) you is a very interesting phrase/word

• I will never desert (leave) you = meansto give up, loosen, unfasten

> The word “leave” is not the usual word which means “to leave” (that the next word)

> the author uses a different word which means “to send back, to relax, to loosen, not to uphold, to let sink

- this word “desert” (leave) is preceded by two negatives in the Greek text

[Note: In English, that would make the word POSITIVE . . . but which in Greek, it actually strengthens the word and makes it stronger]

IMPORTANT: In the Greek language, it’s not possible to be any stronger than this!

- what He is about to say WILL NOT EVER EVER be broken

- God was saying it like this:

• “I will not, I will not cease to sustain and uphold you.”

Point: He will do whatever He has to do to sustain you and uphold you!

> and be assured that He has the POWER to accomplish whatever He pleases!

- then God goes on to say . .. “I will never forsake you”

B. His PRESENCE gives us hope!

“forsake” is actually made up of 3 Greek words meaning “to leave”

• leipo (Λειπο) has the idea of forsaking one
• kata (κατα) suggests rejection, defeat, helplessness, and
• eg (ἐγ) refers to some place/circumstance in which a person may find himself helpless, forsaken.

‘forsake’ = in its totality means (1) to abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless, leave destitute, leave in the lurch, let one down

* Practical definition = (2) the idea of forsaking someone in a state of defeat or helplessness in the midst of hostile circumstances.

- here’s an interesting not:

> There are three negatives before this word, making the promise one of triple assurance. It is, “I will not, I will not, I will not let you down, leave thee in the lurch, leave you destitute, leave thee in straits and helpless, abandon you.”

Point: God will come to our rescue when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances because He is always with us and His power, wisdom (other attributes) are available to us.[5]

- All this can happen because of . . .

C. The PERSON of the Holy Spirit makes this possible!

- God is always with us because of the Holy Spirit

Ill: Brazil – I couldn’t be with Laurie and she wasn’t with me

- when Jesus ascended back to heaven, He told the disciple, “I will send you another comforter (KJV) or NAS:

• John 14:16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.”

- later on in the life of Christ, just prior to His crucifixion, Jesus was teaching the disciples:

• John 16:12 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.¹³ "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.¹⁴ "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

- Paul reminds us that at the point of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells our bodies

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

- that’s how God can keep this promise … THROUGH THE PERSON and POWER of the Holy Spirit (3^rd person of the Trinity)

- He indwells us /// we are the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor. 6:19-20

- Sometimes, we tend to neglect the Person of the Holy Spirit – other churches/demonations tend to over emphasize the Holy Spirit to the point of neglecting Jesus!

-His purpose was clearly stated by Jesus:

• John 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”

> He’s still the 3^rd Person of the Trinity and is equal with God the Father,& God the Son

- the Psalmist put it this way and reflects EXACTLY the point of this passage in Hebrews 13::

• Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.²⁷ For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.²⁸ But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

- not only do we have hope due to God’s Companionship with us . . . He is a faithful Friend

- but His presence brings something else to the table . . .

P = Potential “the Lord is my Helper”

- think about the resources coming from the God Who made this promise

Input: What are some of the attributes of God that are available to you at all times because God is always with you?

- Verses on God is my rock or rock of my salvation

• Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

[Note: Psalm 63 – Right after we landed, Pastor Viars, Dave Selvey, and I went by the hospital to see Jamie Johnson – PV read to her Psalm 63 (READ IT)

- the final result of God’s COMPANIONSHIP & POWER lead

R = Result (v. 6b)

• Hebrews 13:6 so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"

- there is a statement of confidence in the Lord being his (our) Helper (especially difficult times)

* There will be no fear of what man can do!

- think about what “man can do” . . . HINT: Look what they did to Jesus . . . to the disciples . . . to the local church in Acts and other forms of persecution

• 2 Corinthians 5:8 Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord.

Point: Even if it leads to death . . . the promise still stands

• Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

* There is a motivation to purity! – the presence of God motivates us to purity

Cf. 1 John 3 – I will come again .. . . has this hope purifies himself .. .

Conclusion:

Q: Do you acknowledge God’s presence in your life?

- what motivation does that have to with. . . :

Resisting temptation

Using your gifts ability to serve

Motivating you to grow (FCI classes / Men of Faith / Women’s Ministry / Small Groups

Finding Hope in the Promises of God

Hebrews 13:5

Introduction:

1) We don’t know who the ___________ is (it’s not clear)

2) We also know the book was written to 3 groups of people:

#1: Hebrew _____________

#2: Hebrew Non-Christians who were ______________convinced about the person and work of Jesus

• John 12:41These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

#3: Hebrew Non-Christians who were ______ ___________ about Jesus – who He was, what He had done

C = _______________________ (v. 5)

content = to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough[6]

> “content” refers to the ability of the Christian ___________ upon the Holy Spirit to be ___________ of outward circumstances.^[7]

• Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. [vanity has the idea of empty]]

• Luke 12:15And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

Q: What does this have to do with “Companionship”?

* His presence ___________ us that we can be content!

A. His ___________ gives us hope:

• I will never desert (leave) you = to give up, loosen, unfasten
• “I will not, I will not cease to sustain and uphold you.”

B. His ________________gives us hope!

‘forsake’ = (

1) to abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless, leave destitute, leave in the lurch, let one down

(2) the idea of forsaking someone in a state of defeat or helplessness in the midst of hostile circumstances.

C. The ________________ of the Holy Spirit makes this possible!

• John 16:12 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.¹³ "But He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.¹⁴ "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

• Psalm 73:25Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.²⁷ For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.²⁸ But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

P = _________________ “the Lord is my Helper”

Input: What are some of the attributes of God that are available to you at all times because God is always with you?

R = _______________ (v. 6b)

* There will be no __________ of what man can do!

* There is a motivation to ____________!

Conclusion:

Q: Do you ___________________ God’s presence in your life?

Introduction:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

1) We don’t know who the author is (it’s not clear)

2) We also know the book was written to 3 groups of people:

#1: Hebrew Christians

#2: Hebrew Non-Christians who were intellectually convinced about the person and work of Jesus

• John 12:41These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

#3: Hebrew Non-Christians who were NOT convinced about Jesus – who He was, what He had done

Not only does the Holy Spirit in this book speak to Christians in order to strengthen their faith and to the intellectually convinced in order to push them over the line to saving faith, but He also speaks to those who have not believed at all, to those who may not yet be convinced of any part of the gospel. He seeks to show them clearly that Jesus is in fact who He claimed to be, and this truth is the main thrust of chapter nine.^[8]

C = Companionship (v. 5

P = Potential (v. 6a)

R = Result (v. 6b)

C = Companionship (v. 5)

content= to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough[9]

> “content” refers to the ability of the Christian dependent upon the Holy Spirit to be independent of outward circumstances.^[10]

• Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. [vanity has the idea of empty]]
• Luke 12:15And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

Q: What does this have to do with “Companionship”?

* His presence assures us that we can be content!

• “for He Himself has said”

A. His POWER gives us hope:

• I will never desert (leave) you= to give up, loosen, unfasten
• “I will not, I will not cease to sustain and uphold you.”

B. His PRESENCE gives us hope!

‘forsake’= (

1) to abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless, leave destitute, leave in the lurch, let one down

(2) the idea of forsaking someone in a state of defeat or helplessness in the midst of hostile circumstances.

C. The PERSON of the Holy Spirit makes this possible!

• John 14:16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.”
• John 16:12 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.¹³ "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.¹⁴ "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
• Psalm 73:25Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.²⁷ For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.²⁸ But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

P = Potential “the Lord is my Helper”

Input: What are some of the attributes of God that are available to you at all times because God is always with you?

• Psalm 18:2The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

R = Result (v. 6b)

• Hebrews 13:6so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"

* There will be no fear of what man can do!

• 2 Corinthians 5:8Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord.
• Galatians 1:10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

* There is a motivation to purity!

Conclusion:

Q: Do you acknowledge God’s presence in your life?