The Danger of Unbelief (PT.2)
Hebrews 4:1-13
Matthew 11:28-30, (NLT)
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
1. The Promise of Rest
Hebrews 3:18-19, (ESV)
And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4:1 (ESV)
Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
Hebrews 4:2, (NIV)
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
2. The Pictures of Rest
Hebrews 4:3-4,
For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, "In my anger I took an oath: 'They will never enter my place of rest,'" even though this rest has been ready since he made the world. We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: "On the seventh day God rested from all his work."
Hebrews 4:5-6, (NLT)
But in the other passage God said, "They will never enter my place of rest." So God's rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God.
Hebrews 4:8,
Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come.
Hebrews 4:7, (NLT)
So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts."
Hebrews 4:9, (NLT)
So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God.
3. The Plan for Rest
Hebrews 4:10-11, (NLT)
For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest.
Hebrews 4:10, (NLT)
For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors
John 10:10,
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
John 14:6, (NIV)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 3:3, (NIV)
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
John 3:7 (NIV)
You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
Romans 10:13, (NLT)
For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
4. The Penalty for Rejecting God’s Rest
Hebrews 4:11, (NLT)
So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
Hebrews 4:2, (NKJV)
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.
Exodus 34:6-7, (NLT)
The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
Hebrews 4:2, (NKJV)
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.
Hebrews 4:11, (NLT)
So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
Hebrews 4:12, (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Psalm 107:20, (NLT)
He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.
Hebrews 4:12, (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:13, (NIV)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.
Psalm 33:13-15, (NLT)
The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.
PSALM 139:1-4, (NLT)
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.
Hebrews 4:13, (NIV)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 9:27, (NLT)
And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgement.
Revelation 20:11-13, (NLT)
And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.
Revelation 20:15 (NLT)
And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Colossions 2:13-15, (NLT)
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
