What Confidence Can Do
What Confidence Can Do
1. Draw Near with Confidence
Hebrews 10 marks a turning point in the book. After showing that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice and our perfect High Priest, the writer now explains what those truths should produce in our lives. Because Jesus has made a new and living way into God's presence, believers no longer have to stand at a distance. The invitation is to come near with confidence.
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus..." (Hebrews 10:19)
The old covenant limited access to God's presence. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once each year with the proper sacrifice. Through Christ's sacrifice, the curtain has been opened, access has been granted, and every believer is welcomed into the presence of God.
Draw Near to God
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..." (Hebrews 10:22)
Our confidence is not built on our own goodness but on the finished work of Jesus. Hearts are made clean because of His sacrifice, not because we've earned His acceptance.
Instead of running from God when we fail, we're invited to run toward Him. Christian maturity isn't measured by needing God less. It is measured by how quickly we run to Him when we recognize our need.
Hold Fast to Hope
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
Faith isn't anchored to changing emotions or favorable circumstances. It is anchored to the faithfulness of God.
There will be seasons when feelings fluctuate and doubts arise, but confidence rests in God's character rather than our consistency. Our hope remains secure because He keeps His promises.
Encourage One Another
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works..." (Hebrews 10:24)
Spiritual growth was never intended to happen in isolation. Believers are called to intentionally encourage, strengthen, and care for one another.
Gathering together isn't simply about attending church services. It's about investing in people, noticing their needs, offering encouragement, praying together, and helping one another continue following Christ faithfully.
Just as a burning coal gradually loses its heat when separated from the fire, Christians become spiritually vulnerable when disconnected from the body of Christ. Community helps keep faith strong.
2. Guard Your Heart
The writer follows his encouragement with one of the strongest warnings in Hebrews.
Don't Ignore God's Grace
The warning addresses those who knowingly reject Christ after receiving the truth. There is no greater sacrifice available because Jesus alone provides salvation.
The issue isn't someone who sins, repents, and returns to God. The warning concerns a heart that continually rejects Christ and refuses His grace.
To reject Jesus is to reject the only hope of forgiveness.
Take the Warning Seriously
The purpose of the warning is not condemnation but loving correction.
God's warnings are expressions of His grace. They invite self-examination and repentance before hearts become hardened.
Every believer should regularly ask:
Am I walking closely with Christ?
Am I trusting His finished work?
Is there an area of my life where I have become resistant to His leading?
The invitation remains the same: confess sin, receive His grace, and fully submit every area of life to Him.
3. Go the Distance
After the warning comes encouragement.
Instead of reminding believers how much farther they must go, the writer reminds them how far God has already brought them.
Remember God's Faithfulness
The early believers had already endured hardship because of their faith.
They experienced public ridicule, suffering, persecution, and the loss of possessions. Yet they continued following Christ because they knew they possessed something far greater than anything this world could offer.
Their joy wasn't found in comfortable circumstances but in the lasting inheritance they had in Christ.
Don't Throw Away Your Confidence
"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." (Hebrews 10:35)
Confidence isn't something believers must manufacture.
It has already been provided through Christ.
Fear, doubt, discouragement, and hardship may attempt to bury that confidence, but they cannot remove what Jesus has already secured.
The call is simply to continue trusting what is already true.
Endure with Hope
Following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life.
Sometimes God removes the trial.
Other times He walks with His people through it.
Either way, endurance becomes possible because hope rests in Christ instead of circumstances.
Joy and peace are available even while perseverance is required.
Keep Believing Until the Finish
Hebrews 10 concludes with a powerful declaration:
"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls." (Hebrews 10:39)
Believers are called to live with confidence because Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation.
Confidence remembers God's faithfulness.
Confidence draws near to God.
Confidence holds tightly to hope.
Confidence encourages others.
Confidence guards the heart.
Confidence endures through hardship.
Confidence keeps believing until the finish line.
Because of Jesus, confidence isn't something we hope to find someday—it is already ours. The invitation is simply to live in it.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Greater Than
Sermon Title: What Confidence Can Do
Date: July 26, 2026
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Hebrews 10:19–39
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