Hebrews 4:1-13

Introduction:

1. Who among us has not grown weary in this race of faith?

2. In this section of Hebrews (3:7-4:13), the writer encouraged the struggling Hebrew brethren not to lose faith and fail to enter God’s rest as Israel did in the wilderness.

Discussion:

I. Assurance of the Promised Rest

A. As Israel was assured of rest in the promised land, so Christians are assured that His rest remains (4:1-3, 9).

B. Furthermore, our rest is superior to theirs (4:8-10).

C. There are three kinds of rest assured in the NT:

1. From slavery to sin now (Romans 6:7, 16-18).

2. In “Abraham’s bosom” at death (Luke 16:19-31).

3. In eternity with the Lord (Revelation 14:13; 21:1-4).

II. Conditionality of the Promised Rest

A. At every turn, entering His rest is conditioned upon continued faithfulness (3:7-12, 16-19; 4:2-3, 7).

B. Repeatedly he warns of falling short (3:12-14; 4:11).

III. Urgency of Taking Action

A. The writer is clear that “today” is the day (3:7-4:7; 4x).

B. This is the consistent pattern throughout the Bible (Psalms 95:7-8; Romans 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:34; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Ephesians 5:14-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).

C. This calls for diligent pursuit (3:13; 4:11; Luke 13:24).

IV. Clarity of the Conditions

A. With everything at stake, it is imperative that we fully grasp the conditions of reception (cf. Acts 2:37).

B. Thankfully, God freely gave us the answers to the test (4:12-13; John 12:48; 2 Peter 1:3).

Conclusion:

1. What a joy it is to know that God has prepared rest for His own now and for eternity.

2. What a comfort to know we can know how to enter that rest (cf. 1 John 5:13).

3. If we will follow the Hebrew protocol, we are sure to live in His rest now and eternally.