There Remaineth a Rest ~ Hebrews 4:5-11
Pastor John Opferman
October 23, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction to Rest
The concept of rest in scripture: stopping from labor, resting in God’s completed work.
The Lord promises His children rest, symbolized in creation where God rested on the seventh day.
Rest through Christ's Finished Work
When we come to Christ, we acknowledge that the work of salvation is complete.
Christ’s journey—tempted in every way but without sin, His substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection—completed the work for us.
His righteousness is now imputed to us, and the works needed for salvation are finished.
Becoming New in Christ
We are new creatures in Christ; our transformation is God’s work, not our own.
By faith, we enter into the rest God offers us, as emphasized in Hebrews.
Understanding "Remaineth" in Hebrews 4
The term "remaineth" signifies something we might have had but left behind.
Rest is continually available to believers; it’s an invitation to cease striving for righteousness and salvation through works.
Hebrews 4:9-10: God’s people are called to enter this rest—believers, not nonbelievers.
The Historical Struggle with Faith and Works
Early Christians struggled with returning to the law, as shown in Acts 15.
Pharisees in the early church tried to enforce Old Testament laws for salvation, which led to disputes.
Peter reminded the church that salvation for Gentiles and Jews alike came through faith alone, without additional burdens of the law.
Warnings against Returning to Legalism
The Hebrew Christians are reminded of the dangers of trying to earn or keep salvation through works.
This struggle is common across church history, as seen in various denominations adding requirements to grace.
When we add works, we abandon the rest that Christ provides.
Christ as the True Source of Rest
Jesus is the fulfillment of Sabbath rest, as seen in Matthew 11 and 12.
By coming to Jesus, we find rest from the labor of self-righteousness.
Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, showing that rest is found in Him, not merely in observing the day.
Entering and Maintaining Rest through Faith
We are saved by faith and invited to stay in that rest by remaining in faith.
Hebrews emphasizes that we must labor to stay in that rest—not by works, but by continually growing in our trust in Christ.
The Paradox of Laboring to Enter Rest
"Labor to enter into that rest" means continually trusting and learning from Christ, not returning to works.
By yoking ourselves to Christ (Matthew 11:29), we engage in a "labor" of faith, not works.
As we learn of Him through scripture, our faith grows, helping us maintain this rest.
Faith as the Key to Transformation
Transformation is not our own doing; it is the work of the Holy Spirit as we grow in faith.
Attempting to change on our own leads to frustration, but trusting in Christ's work brings true, lasting change.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s Rest
Christ’s finished work offers us rest from the burdens of works-based righteousness.
Returning to works for salvation denies the rest Christ offers and the completeness of His sacrifice.
We are called to continue in faith, finding rest in Jesus and trusting in His completed work.
Prayer
A prayer for believers to find and maintain rest in Christ, and for those seeking salvation to place their trust in Him fully.
Biblical References
Hebrews 4:5 – “If ye shall enter into my rest.”
Hebrews 4:9 – “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”
Acts 15:1 – “And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Acts 15:7 – “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.”
Acts 15:8-9 – “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 12:8 – “For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Philippians 1:6 – “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Reflection Questions
What does it mean for you personally to “cease from work” and rest in the completed work of Christ? How might this change your daily approach to faith?
Reflect on Hebrews 4:9-10, which speaks about a rest remaining for the people of God. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you find yourself striving rather than resting?
Jesus calls us to take His yoke and learn from Him (Matthew 11:29). In what ways can you “yoke” yourself to Christ and deepen your learning of Him to experience greater rest?
Have you ever felt pressure to maintain your salvation through works rather than faith? How does the message of resting in Christ's finished work impact this perspective?
Consider the phrase “remaineth therefore a rest.” How can you intentionally “remain” in the rest Jesus provides rather than slipping back into a mindset of self-effort or legalism?
Daily Activities
Daily Prayer of Surrender
Activity: Each morning, spend a few minutes in prayer, surrendering your works and efforts to God.
Application: Acknowledge that your salvation and righteousness come from Christ alone, not your own works. Ask God to help you trust in His finished work and experience His rest throughout the day.
Weekly Sabbath Practice
Activity: Set aside one day each week as a day of rest, avoiding any activities that feel like labor or obligations.
Application: Use this day to reflect on God’s creation, His completed work in Christ, and focus on rejuvenation and gratitude for God’s provision.
Meditate on Hebrews 4:9-10
Activity: Take time each day to read and meditate on Hebrews 4:9-10.
Application: Reflect on what it means to “cease from your own works” and enter into God’s rest. Write down any insights and ways that you can trust more deeply in Christ's finished work in your life.
Set a “Rest Reminder”
Activity: Set a daily reminder on your phone to pause, take a deep breath, and consciously release any anxiety or effort you’re holding onto.
Application: Use this time to remind yourself that Jesus’ work is complete, and you are called to rest in Him. Thank God for the gift of rest in Christ.
Bible Study on Jesus as the Sabbath Rest
Activity: Dedicate a few study sessions to explore the theme of Jesus as the ultimate Sabbath rest, reading passages like Matthew 11:28-30 and Isaiah 30:15.
Application: Reflect on how these truths help you shift from striving to resting in Christ's completed work and journal about how these verses speak to you.
