1. The Promise of Rest Josh. 1:13 The LORD your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land. Israel received that rest, Josh. 21:43-45. The rest was a gift, a part of the inheritance. Rest that is relief, release and satisfaction. Freedom from anxiety. A legitimate delight in celebrating what has been accomplished. Ex. 31:17: God rested and was refreshed.

2. The Promise of Rest Another kind of rest was not received Heb. 4:8-9. They refused the rest for your souls (Jer. 6:16). Deut. 33:12: Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD rests in safety-- the High God surrounds him all day long-- the beloved rests between his shoulders (NRS). This kind of rest grows out of right relationship.

3. Rest For Your Souls Jesus promises rest Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt.11:28). He is promising rest in this life. Mk. 10:28-30; 1 Pet. 1:3-8; Phil. 4:10-11. But today is still fighting the good fight Eph. 6:20-20. Pilgrimage Heb. 11:13. The heavenly city is still future Heb. 11:10,16.

4. Rest For Your Souls There remains therefore a rest for the people of God (Heb. 4:9) This comes after death (2 Thes. 1:7). Context of Hebrews 3-4. Rev. 14:13 rest for those who die in the Lord. Even that is not the fullness of the promise 2 Cor. 5; 1 John 3:2; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1- 7; Rom. 8:19ff.

5. Rest For Your Souls There remains therefore a rest for the people of God (Heb. 4:9) Dont think of mere inactivity. Rest from the struggle against evil. Rest from the affliction that mars this life. Rest that can only be found in the eternal presence of God (cf. Eccl. 3:11). Only the faithful will enter into this rest (Heb. 3:12; 4:1).

6. Rest For Your Souls What about us? You can have rest by coming to Jesus, Mt. 11:28-30. Learn of Him, believe & obey, Mk. 16:16. Be faithful, Heb. 4:11.