Chapter 4: Entering God's Rest

Introduction

Chapter 4 continues the theme of entering God's Rest, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. It draws on the example of the Israelites, who failed to enter because of disobedience. The chapter warns us to be diligent so that none of us fail to reach it.

Overview of Hebrews 4

Hebrews 4 can be divided into three main sections:

1. The Promise of Rest (verses 1-10)
2. The Power of God's Word (verses 11-13)
3. Jesus as the Great High Priest (verses 14-16)

The Promise of Rest (Hebrews 4:1-10)

Verses 1-2: The chapter begins with a warning to fear missing out on God's rest, emphasizing that the promise still stands. The good news was proclaimed to the Israelites, but it did not benefit them because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.

Verses 3-5: Believers enter that rest through faith. The scripture references God's rest after creation and the disobedience of the Israelites, who were denied entry into His rest due to unbelief.

Verses 6-10: The promise of rest remains open because God set another day, calling it "Today." This section encourages believers to strive to enter that rest to avoid the disobedience that kept the Israelites from entering.

The Power of God's Word (Hebrews 4:11-13)

Verses 11-13: The author urges readers to make every effort to enter God's rest and avoid disobedience. God's word is described as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Jesus as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Verses 14-16: The chapter concludes by presenting Jesus as the Great High Priest, who has ascended into heaven. Believers are encouraged to hold firmly to their faith and approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides mercy and grace to help in time of need.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the implications of the promise of rest still being available to us today, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:1-2?
2. How does the concept of God’s rest since creation in Hebrews 4:4-5 influence our understanding of Sabbath and rest?
3. In what ways does the description of God's word in Hebrews 4:12-13 affect how we engage with Scripture?
4. How does understanding Jesus as our Great High Priest, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16, impact our approach to prayer and receiving God's grace?

OT Verses Quoted in Hebrews Chapter 4

• Hebrews 4:3 - "In my anger I took an oath: 'They will never enter my place of rest,'" - Psalm 95:11
• Hebrews 4:4 - "For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: 'On the seventh day God rested from all his works.'" - Genesis 2:2
• Hebrews 4:5 - "But in the other passage God said, 'They will never enter my place of rest.'" - Psalm 95:11
• Hebrews 4:7 - "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts." - Psalm 95:7-8

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Faith and Obedience: Entering God's rest requires faith and obedience. The failure of the Israelites serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's word.
2. The Living Word: God's word is powerful and discerning, able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Believers must engage with Scripture actively.
3. Jesus Our High Priest: Jesus' role as our High Priest provides believers with confidence to approach God. His understanding and sympathy towards our weaknesses encourage us to seek His grace and mercy.

Conclusion

Hebrews 4 emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in entering God's rest, drawing a parallel between the Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land and the possibility of believers today missing out on God's eternal rest. The chapter underscores the power of God's word and the significance of Jesus as our Great High Priest, who intercedes for us and provides the means for us to confidently approach God's throne of grace. Believers are encouraged to strive diligently to enter God's rest, heeding the warnings and promises provided in Scripture. The key to entering His rest is in verse 3:14, "...trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."