Hebrews

4.1-16

Chapter four continues the theme of hearing the voice of God and "not hardening your hearts." Expounding on the declaration of the LORD from Psalm 95, we read of The Believer's Rest, which is only available by faith. As you read the chapter, look through the lens of this outline. First, the Availability of Rest (v.1). Second, the Basis of Rest (vv.2-7) - How do I get there? Personal Faith (v.2), Sovereign Decree (v.6), and Immediate Action (v.7). Third, the Nature of Rest (vv.8-10). And finally, Fourth, the Urgency of Rest (vv.11-13). God desires that we have rest, but it is not available to us without faith. His appeal comes whereby we know that He has endured all things and is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (v.15). The invitation is compellingly simple: "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:16.

CHAPTER 4

The Believer’s Rest

1 Therefore, let us fear, lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have fallen short of it.
2 For indeed we have had good news proclaimed to us, just as they also; but the word that was heard did not profit those who were not united with faith among those who heard.
3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
“AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH,
THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,”
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For He has spoken somewhere in this way concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”;
5 and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.”
6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news proclaimed to them failed to enter because of disobedience,
7 He again determines a certain day, “TODAY,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
“TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that.
9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.
11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall into the same example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we have an account to give.

Jesus Our Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us take hold of our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin.
16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.