One Year Journey Through the New Testament
Hebrews 4
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
The Promise of Rest
1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
“So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”
6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
(Hebrews 4:1–10, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- In this chapter, Paul began by drawing a comparison between the faithless Israelites who did not believe God for the promised land of rest and the current readers who risk missing heaven if they live in disobedience and faithlessness.
- God observed a day of rest to establish the Sabbath, and we should not only establish a Sabbath rest for our own lives, but should cultivate a life that looks forward to a true Sabbath in heaven for eternity.
The Word Discovers Our Condition
11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
(Hebrews 4:11–13, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul suggested to the Hebrews that they work to reach that eternal rest. That can only be accomplished through a spiritual focus that resists the disobedience of those who rejected the truth of God.
- Paul then spoke of the piercing nature of the word of God. God’s word cuts through the fog and looks into the depths and intentions of a person’s heart.
- Every thought and action comes under God’s scrutiny, and must be accounted for. This is a somber warning against sinful lives.
Our Compassionate High Priest
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14–16, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- However, Paul went on to offer hope in our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
- He reminds us that Jesus is our advocate, our high priest in heaven. He passed through the heavens to earth to feel our infirmities as a man, and has come through our temptations, without sin, to give us grace and access to His care.
- We can approach the throne of God, the God of grace, to obtain mercy and grace in our times of trouble or need. Call on Jesus, He is waiting for our request!
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 