The Promised Rest Hebrews 4:1-16

A Lesson on Rest A promise of rest remains for those in Christ –The children of Israel failed to enter their promised rest and spiritual Israel can as well (Hebrews 4:1) For we are evangelized as well as they (Hebrews 4:2 Milligan) –The promise of entering rest is ours as well as theirs –Gods word was heard by them, but it was to no avail since they fell into unbelief –Their failure resulted from an unbelief which was produced by their failing to hear the word of God with faith

Those Who Would Not Enter Gods wrath would not allow the wilderness rebels to enter rest (Psalm 95:11) –Thompson says the phrase from the foundation of the world helps us see Gods plan was conceived before time and will be fulfilled in the last days Apparently, rest was an idea inherent in the world since the creation –Note: that is when God rested (Genesis 2:2) –It is reserved for those who are truly faithful in service to God (Hebrews 4:3-5)

Heaven: The Rest to Come All, except Joshua and Caleb, failed to enter the promised rest (Hebrews 4:6-8) –Some unfaithful died as late as the encampment at Baal-Peor (Numbers 25) Psalm 95:7-11 shows David, while in the promised land, wrote to warn the people against unbelief lest they fail to enter the promised rest –Emphasis is placed on today because the promised rest is now available –David spoke of the rest that will totally satisfy, not physical, but spiritual

Gods Promised Rest Over and above the types of rest under the old covenant, there remains a promise of Gods rest for those who are obedient (Hebrews 4:9-10) –Mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 11:28-30 –The idea is rest at the completion of ones lifes work (2 Timothy 4:6-8) –Lightfoot says, As God in the beginning entered his sabbath, they too will enter theirsthat they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them (Revelation 14:13)

Pursuing Gods Rest Since we know the rest does await us, we ought to work diligently to obtain it (Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10) –In using the word diligent, the writer was describing a hastening to do a thing and a use of all of ones might –If we fail to give our all to attain the goal, we have the bad example of the Israelites which shows us we will fail

The Word of God Gods ability to see into the depths of mans soul is seen in his powerful word (Hebrews 4:12) –It is the incorruptible seed of the kingdom, by which we are born (1 Peter 1:23; Luke 8:11-15) –Faith, which is essential to pleasing God, (Hebrews 11:6) is gained by hearing it (Romans 10:17) –It was delivered by Jesus and should dwell richly in our hearts (John 17:8, 14, 17; Colossians 3:16) –By it, we can find salvation (John 5:24; Acts 20:32) –It was the good news carried to the whole world and delivered by Timothy (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47-49; 1 Tim. 4:5-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-5), yet worthless if we refuse to do it (James 1:18-25)

The Word Is Alive and Powerful Gods word carries a forceful, living message for today –It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), sharp enough to divide the essence of man, able to judge a mans very purpose in life and can cause one to be seen as he really is because it reveals his thoughts and feelings The word has those powers because it comes from God, who had it written and is able to see all things, nothing being secret from him (Hebrews 4:13) –We must remember this is the God with whom we must deal

Our High Priest Our High Priest shows the strength of the Christians confession (Hebrews 4:14; 7:25) –He is Jesus Christ the Son of God who has already passed through the heavens and is in the ultimate place of glory, being with God –He is there to make intercession for us –He is a glorious High Priest who is loving, compassionate and understands the feelings and weaknesses with which people are confronted –He actually understands temptation more fully than man because he met and overcame it (Hebrews 4:15; John 8:29, 46; 10:32; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5)

Approach the High Priest Without Fear For all the reasons previously mentioned, Christians should have no fear as they approach their High Priest and ask for help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16) Under Moses law, only the priests could draw near to God However, under the covenant of Christ, every believer is a priest and the way to the throne of grace is opened to all