Moving Towards Rest Hebrews 4:1-14 pg 1866 pg 1186

Written to persuade Jewish believers not to be led astray by fear (12:3), false teaching (13:9), and the love of money (13:5). Written to persuade Jewish believers not to be led astray by fear (12:3), false teaching (13:9), and the love of money (13:5). Purpose of Letter

Author is persuading them to consider Jesus (1-10) Author is persuading them to consider Jesus (1-10) Higher than the angels Higher than the angels Higher than Moses Higher than Moses Context

Warning them of the outcome of hardening their hearts (3:7-19) Warning them of the outcome of hardening their hearts (3:7-19) Outcome: Wont enter Gods Rest Context

What is Gods REST? What is Gods REST? Who was in danger of not entering Gods REST? Who was in danger of not entering Gods REST? Could you be in danger of not entering Gods REST? Could you be in danger of not entering Gods REST? Big Questions

REST?WHO?? Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Varying Viewpoints Revelation 21:3-4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:3-4 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

REST?WHO?? Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Present Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Varying Viewpoints Matthew 11: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

REST?WHO? Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Current Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Unbelievers who acted like Christians but didnt really believe (Matt 7:21- 23) Varying Viewpoints Matthew 7: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? 23 And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Matthew 7: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? 23 And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.

REST?WHO? Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Current Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Unbelievers who acted like Christians but didnt really believe (Matt 7:21- 23) Believers who were turning away (1 Cor 3:1-3) (Mark 4:16-17) Varying Viewpoints 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? Mark 4: And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. Mark 4: And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

REST?WHO? Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Current Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Unbelievers who acted like Christians but didnt really believe (Matt 7:21- 23) Believers who were turning away (1 Cor 3:1-3) (Mark 4:16-17) Varying Viewpoints

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest Hebrews 4:1-3a Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling... Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling... Hebrews 3:12 Take care brothers... Hebrews 3:12 Take care brothers... Psalm 95 Who was this written to? 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord... 2 Let us come into his presence... 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, Psalm 95 Who was this written to? 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord... 2 Let us come into his presence... 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,

REST?WHO Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Current Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Unbelievers who acted like Christians but didnt really believe (Matt 7:21- 23) Believers who were turning away (1 Cor 3:1-3) (Mark 4:16-17) Varying Viewpoints

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest Hebrews 4:1-3a Hebrews 3: For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. Hebrews 3: For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

journey toward rest journey toward rest Israels Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land bondag e rest from enemies Deut 12:10 Joshua 23:1 rest from enemies Deut 12:10 Joshua 23:1 Mose s Joshu a 15

1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. Hebrews 4:1-3a 16

3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, As I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest, although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: And God rested on the seventh day from all his works. Hebrews 4: Spiritual Rest Rest from being pursued by a spiritual enemy Rest from being pursued by a spiritual enemy Cessation from spiritual works Cessation from spiritual works Access is gained through belief Access is gained through belief Spiritual Rest Rest from being pursued by a spiritual enemy Rest from being pursued by a spiritual enemy Cessation from spiritual works Cessation from spiritual works Access is gained through belief Access is gained through belief

And again in this passage he said, They [who do not believe] shall not enter my rest. Hebrews 4:5-7

6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, Today, saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:5-7 19

8 For if Joshua had given them [a spiritual] rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Hebrews 4:

journey toward rest journey toward rest Israels Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land MK bondag e rest from enemies rest from enemies rest from works rest from works Mose s Joshu a David

Israels Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land MK Mose s Joshu a Creation Rest Pa st Present/Futu re? David journey toward rest journey toward rest bondag e rest from enemies rest from enemies rest from works rest from works

Israels Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land MK Mose s Joshu a Creation Rest Pa st Present/Futu re? Canaa n Sabbat h David journey toward rest journey toward rest bondag e rest from enemies rest from enemies rest from works rest from works

What would it mean for believers if the REST is referring to future heaven? What would it mean for believers if the REST is referring to future heaven? v1 - lest any of you should seem to HAVE FAILED to reach it v1 - lest any of you should seem to HAVE FAILED to reach it Seems odd. It should read lest any of you WILL FAIL to reach it Seems odd. It should read lest any of you WILL FAIL to reach it Contemplation...

What would it mean for believers if the REST is referring to future heaven? What would it mean for believers if the REST is referring to future heaven? v1 - lest any of you should seem to HAVE FAILED to reach it v1 - lest any of you should seem to HAVE FAILED to reach it If its possible for believers to fail to reach the future heaven, then they lose their salvation If its possible for believers to fail to reach the future heaven, then they lose their salvation Contemplation... Hebrews 10:14 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 strive - spoudazó, to exert oneself, to endeavor strive - spoudazó, to exert oneself, to endeavor If future: Let us therefore exert oneself to enter heaven... If future: Let us therefore exert oneself to enter heaven... John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

REST must be a present spiritual rest offered to all believers REST must be a present spiritual rest offered to all believers Christians are to STRIVE to enter that rest Christians are to STRIVE to enter that rest Conclusion

RESTWHO Future REST in heaven (Rev 21:3-4) Current Rest (Matt 11:28-30) Believers who were at risk of turning away (1 Cor 3:1-3) (Mark 4:16-17) Varying Viewpoints

Believers Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land MK Mose s Joshu a Creation Rest Pa st Prese nt Canaa n Sabbat h David journey toward rest journey toward rest bondag e rest from enemies rest from enemies rest from works rest from works Unbeliever New Committed Mature Jesu s Rom. 5 Romans 6 Romans 7 Romans 8

Where are you? Canaa n Sabbat h Unbeliever New Committed Mature Jesu s

Hebrews 4:12 Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Keep in Gods Word and remain sensitive to its convictions Keep in Gods Word and remain sensitive to its convictions How to Enter Gods Rest 30 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk [of the word], that by it you may grow up into salvation 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk [of the word], that by it you may grow up into salvation

Hebrews 4:13 Hebrews 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Keep in mind that there is an impending believer judgment Keep in mind that there is an impending believer judgment How to Enter Gods Rest

Hebrews 4:14 Hebrews 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Jesus suffered for us (2:9-10) Jesus suffered for us (2:9-10) Jesus was faithful to God in the midst of suffering (3:1) Jesus was faithful to God in the midst of suffering (3:1) Motivation F.B. Meyer To all of us Christ offers rest, not in the (next) life only, but also in this life. Rest from the weight of sin, from care and worry, from the load of daily anxiety and foreboding. The rest that arrives from handing over all worries to Christ and receiving from Christ all we need. Have (you) entered into that experience? F.B. Meyer To all of us Christ offers rest, not in the (next) life only, but also in this life. Rest from the weight of sin, from care and worry, from the load of daily anxiety and foreboding. The rest that arrives from handing over all worries to Christ and receiving from Christ all we need. Have (you) entered into that experience?

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Corporate Prayer

journey toward Rest journey toward Rest Israels Progression Egypt Desert Promise Land Promise Land MK bondag e Rest from enemies Rest from enemies Spiritual Rest Spiritual Rest Red Sea Jorda n Creation Rest Pa st Prese nt Canaa n Sabbat h Messia h Futur e Etern al God

Canaa n Sabbat h Creation Rest Pas t Prese nt Futur e (justificatio n) (sanctificatio n) (glorificatio n)