I. The Entrance to Rest is Through Faith (Hebrews 4:1-3)
The author of Hebrews uses the word “rest” to describe God’s safety, security, and salvation. In chapter 3 he points out the unbelief and disobedience of the Israelites caused them to not enter into rest or the land beyond the Jordan River that was promised them. The same applies to us today as well. We will not enter into rest unless we are obedient to God. I love what Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29 “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.”
a. What should we fear? We should fear unbelief. v.1 We should have a healthy fear that we or a loved one could miss the eternal rest of Christ! We believers should be so concerned about our salvation and the salvation of others that we consistently put this to the forefront of our lives! Do you have faith in Christ? Does your faith cause you to look different than the world? Does it cause you to look forward to being with Christ? Hebrews is calling us to a biblical Christianity! It’s calling us to a Christ-Centered life of vigilance and to persevere. It’s calling us to check our cling to Christ! Are you in Christ? This is a healthy fear.
b.The message of rest has to be heard and heeded v.2
c. The greatest fear is not believing the promises of God. v.3
II. The Entrance to Rest Must be Found with Urgency (Hebrews 4:4-7) God has created rest v.4 We were created to enjoy Christ! a. The believer will find rest vv.5-6
b. This rest urgently needs to be found today v.7 Why so urgent? Because tomorrow is
never guaranteed!
III. An Eternal Future Rest is Promised for Believers (Hebrews 4:8-10)
IV. The Word of God Exposes the Entrance to Rest (Hebrews 4:11-13)
The Word of God is excellent in exposing sin and our need for salvation! The Word of God is very clear of what a saved person should be like!
How do you know you’ve found rest?
How do you know that you are saved in Christ?
1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
I’m going to go through this last section very quickly, but I’ve added the scripture on your listening guide so that you can go through this with your loved ones. If it’s hard to picture not spending time together here on earth, can you imagine not seeing them in eternity with Christ? This can be a biblical check-up per say!
Believers walk in the light (1 John 1:6-7). Ask, “Do I affirm the truths of Scripture, and desire to obey them?”
Believers confess their sin (1 John1:8-2:1). Confession here doesn’t mean to recite every wrong that we have ever done. Rather, it means to agree with God about our sin. That means that true believers hate their sin; they don’t love it. They acknowledge that they are sinful, and yet they know they are forgiven.
Believers strive to keep the commandments (1 John 2:3-4; 5:2-3). The term here refers to a watchful, servant obedience. Here the believer desires to obey truths he deems precious. It involves a proactive approach to obedience. The Christian studies Scripture in order to understand and obey it. Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Believers love the church, the people of God (1 John 2:9-11; 3:10, 14-15; 5:2). Ask yourself the question, “Do I love God’s people and desire to be around them?”
Believers affirm God’s Word (1 John 2:20-23; 4:2, 6). John here teaches that no true believer will fall into any serious, Christ-denying error or heresy.
Believers strive to be holy (1 John 2:29; 3:3-4, 6-9). These verses certainly aren’t talking about sinless perfection, or even the frequency or duration of sin. The term sin in these verses describes one who lives an immoral, ungodly, unrighteous life as a matter of continual practice, and carries the attitude of hardened hate for God’s righteousness.
Believers want to win the lost (1 John 4:19-21; Matthew 4:18-22; 28:18-20; Mark 1:17; 16:15, Luke 24:47, John 20:21, Acts 1:8; 4:12-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-4). “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” CH Spurgeon. “Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you’re not saved yourself, be sure of that!” CH Spurgeon.
Believers have the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:13; 5:10-11; Galatians 5:22-23). This is an over-arching test summing up all the others. Is there evidence that the fruit of the Spirit is present in your life?
If you’ve answered those questions with a yes, you will enter the rest that Christ has for you! If you can’t answer those questions, let’s pled with God for faith before it’s too late!