A Full Assurance of Hope
A Sermon on the Assurance of Hope from Hebrews 6:11-12
Scripture
11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Sermon Description
The Christian was always meant to have full assurance and happiness. In this sermon on the assurance of hope from Hebrews 6:11–12 titled “A Full Assurance of Hope,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives into the epistles and discovers how they were written for the assurance of believers. He also focuses on the circumstances of uncertainty that surrounded these believers and what hope they received. Dr. Lloyd-Jones touches on the three assurances of faith, understanding, and hope, with special focus on the full assurance of hope. He encourages the preaching of sanctification by preaching the hope and the glory of Christ. This is not a message that is subjective to human feelings. Christianity is primarily and essentially other-worldly and the Christian should put aside earthly prospects to follow Him. The Christian is encouraged to know of the “first fruits” and meditate on the Scriptures. “Endure by seeing Him who is invisible.” Faith is the substance, and hope is the outcome of this faith. What is meant by the “state of hope”? When all else gives way, Christ is the solid rock that can be stood upon. God provides the diligence and faith that is necessary. Look to Him and have full assurance unto the end.
Sermon Breakdown
- The greatest need of every Christian is assurance - full assurance of faith, understanding and hope.
- The epistles were written to establish believers in their faith and provide assurance.
- Assurance of faith is primary and foundational. We must believe in Christ for salvation.
- Assurance of understanding is needed to avoid false teachings and gain insight into God's dealings.
- Assurance of hope is the ultimate form of assurance and the focus of this sermon.
- Hope here does not mean a general spirit of optimism or hoping to be saved. It refers to the objective hope of eternal life in Christ.
- Our hope is the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life. This is the Christian's blessed hope.
- We have only a foretaste of our hope in this life through the Holy Spirit. Our full hope will be realized at Christ's return.
- We should show diligence in gaining assurance of our hope by immersing ourselves in Scripture.
- We must have faith in God's promises, oaths and purposes to gain assurance of hope.
- We have Christ as our forerunner who has entered into glory to prepare a place for us. We are also in Christ, so we share in His victory.
- We need patience and endurance to maintain our assurance of hope in the face of trials and temptations.
Other Sermons
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.