The Second Great Tool God Has Given to Us to Enter into that Rest ~ Hebrews 4:11-16
Pastor John Opferman
November 13, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:11-16.
Context: Continuing from previous discussions on the theme of “rest” in Hebrews.
Main Idea: Understanding the deeper rest God offers through faith and not by works.
Laboring to Enter God’s Rest (v. 11)
Definition of Rest: Rest signifies a cessation of striving and trust in God’s completed work.
Not Physical Rest: Not referring to Sabbath rest or ceasing work one day a week.
Spiritual Rest: Freedom from striving for salvation through works; it’s about belief and faith.
Call to Labor in Faith:
Avoiding Unbelief: The warning is not against lack of effort but against falling into unbelief.
Faith vs. Works: Faith, not works, brings entry into God’s rest.
The Power of God’s Word (v. 12)
Characteristics of God’s Word:
Alive and Powerful: The Word is active, effective, and transformative.
Piercing: It penetrates deeply, dividing soul and spirit, reaching the core of our being.
Discerning: It reveals our inner thoughts, intentions, and motives.
Purpose of the Word:
Building Faith: Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Conviction of Sin: It exposes our guilt and leads us to seek God’s grace.
God’s All-Knowing Nature (v. 13)
Nothing Hidden: Everything is open and visible to God.
Awareness of Our Needs: God sees and knows all that we experience and need.
The Word as a Mirror: Through the Word, God examines us, revealing areas for growth in faith.
Jesus, Our Great High Priest (v. 14)
Jesus as the Great High Priest:
Role of the High Priest: In Jewish tradition, the high priest mediated between God and humanity.
Uniqueness of Jesus: Unlike earthly priests, Jesus’s sacrifice is once for all; He sits in the heavenly realm.
Our Advocate: Jesus intercedes for us, holding fast to our profession of faith.
Comparison to Other Priests:
Moses, Joshua, Aaron: None could lead Israel into true rest; only Jesus provides lasting peace.
Labor of Faith: Our labor is to maintain faith in Jesus’s completed work, not in our own efforts.
Jesus’s Empathy and Understanding (v. 15)
A High Priest Who Understands:
Experienced Temptation: Jesus was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin.
Relating to Our Struggles: He is empathetic, having shared in human experiences and sufferings.
Implications for Believers:
Trust in His Help: Jesus’s understanding enables us to come to Him confidently in times of weakness.
Support in Trials: Jesus offers support because He knows what it is to be human and face temptation.
Approaching the Throne of Grace with Boldness (v. 16)
Access to God’s Throne:
Bold Approach: We are invited to approach God’s throne boldly, without fear.
Not Due to Our Righteousness: We approach because of Jesus’s righteousness, not our own.
Throne of Grace:
Grace and Mercy: God’s throne is a place of mercy where we receive unearned forgiveness and favor.
Help in Time of Need: God provides what we need precisely when we need it, without us needing to earn it.
Conclusion
Application of Rest:
Trust in Jesus’s Completed Work: Our rest is secure because Jesus has finished the work of salvation.
Hold Fast to Our Faith: Continually trust Jesus, avoiding the trap of self-reliance.
Engage with the Word and Prayer: Let the Word build faith and prayer connect us with God’s grace.
Final Encouragement:
Embrace the Freedom in Christ: God calls us to retire from striving for salvation and rely on His completed work.
Enter Into Rest: True peace comes from surrendering to God’s grace, letting go of our efforts, and allowing Jesus to carry our burdens.
Biblical References
Hebrews 4:11 - "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:13 - "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
Hebrews 4:14 - "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
Hebrews 4:15 - "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Reflection Questions
What does “entering God’s rest” mean to you personally, and in what ways might you be striving instead of fully resting in His promises?
How has your approach to God’s Word been shaped by the understanding that it is “alive and powerful”? In what ways do you see it working to reveal and transform your thoughts and heart?
When you reflect on Jesus as our great high priest who empathizes with our struggles, how does that impact your confidence in approaching Him with your needs and weaknesses?
In what specific areas of your life might you need to “hold fast” to your faith, relying on Jesus’s finished work rather than your own efforts or anxieties?
How can the concept of the “throne of grace” change the way you pray, and how does it encourage you to approach God boldly, trusting fully in His mercy and help in times of need?
Daily Activities
Faith Journal Exercise
Activity: Each day, write down one area where you feel burdened or anxious.
Application: Reflect on how you may be relying on your own efforts in this area rather than resting in God’s promises. End with a prayer, asking Jesus to help you release this burden and trust fully in Him.
Memorize Key Verses
Activity: Memorize Hebrews 4:12 and Hebrews 4:16, repeating them each morning.
Application: Let these verses remind you daily of God’s power and your access to His throne, shaping your mindset and your response to any challenges.
Scripture Meditation Practice
Activity: Dedicate 10–15 minutes to meditate on a passage, such as Hebrews 4:11-16.
Application: Ask God to reveal insights and strengthen your faith through the Word, deepening your sense of rest and confidence in His promises.
Daily Prayer of Boldness and Trust
Activity: Start each day with a prayer asking for grace, help, and guidance.
Application: Visualize approaching God’s throne boldly, trusting that He provides mercy and grace for every challenge and decision you’ll face that day.
Gratitude Reflection for Jesus’s Sacrifice
Activity: Write a letter of gratitude to Jesus, acknowledging His role as your high priest and His empathy for your struggles.
Application: Use this letter as a reminder of His sacrifice and provision, turning to it whenever you need encouragement or a reminder of the rest He offers.
