Return to Series

Sermon Introduction

The writer of Hebrews warned the recipients about failing to enter God’s rest through unbelief. The ancestors suffered God’s judgement. In His wrath, they did not enter into His rest. In the eyes of God, unbelief is wickedness. It is evil, which God detests. Therefore, God’s justice fell upon them. 

Therefore, the author of Hebrews admonished them to fear while there is still time. Some of them might have failed to receive the promised rest (4:1). And the promised rest is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom God called God.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

Hebrews 4:1-13 NASB

1 Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in 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 said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “And Godrested 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 preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 He again fixes 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, so that no one will fall, through following 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 open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Notes

The writer of Hebrews warned the recipients about failing to enter God’s rest through unbelief. The ancestors suffered God’s judgement. In His wrath, they did not enter into His rest. In the eyes of God, unbelief is wickedness. It is evil, which God detests. Therefore, God’s justice fell upon them. 

Therefore, the author of Hebrews admonished them to fear while there is still time. Some of them might have failed to receive the promised rest (4:1). And the promised rest is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom God called God.

1. The author explained about those who heard good news but gained nothing from it. The reason, they did not exercise faith. What they received was punishment for not believing, which was, failure to enter His rest. But those who believe in the gospel enter into His rest (4:2-3).

2. The author explained God’s concept of rest. The ancestors failed to receive God’s rest. Even if they entered the promised land through Joshua, they did not receive His rest. Those who enter God’s rest have rested like God on the seventh day, no works (4:4-10).

3. The writer urged diligence in entering God’s rest. None should follow the example of disobedience, because God’s word is like a sharp sword that will judge the thoughts of men. And no one can hide from Him because His justice will seek them (4:11-13).

Application

1. Let us understand the gospel for how can we believe in something we do not understand. Many of us may know about the gospel or heard the gospel, but we cannot honestly believe it because we do not understand it. If we know the gospel by heart, then we can explain it according to the Scriptures.

2. Today, let us receive God’s rest by believing in the gospel. Let us not be like those who failed to enter His rest because of unbelief. Their disobedience was a result of unbelief, and their unbelief was disobedience. Our obedience should spring forth from faith, which does not try to earn rest.

3. Let us be diligent to enter His rest with the fear of the Lord. If we disobey, His word like a two-edged sword will find us and judge our every thought. Let us not think that we are safe and secure when we disobey God. His powerful word will find us wherever we hide. There is no escape from its judgement.

Discussion Guide

1. The author spoke about people who heard good news but failed to benefit from it. Explain why.

2. How did the author explain God’s concept of rest? Explain.

3. The word of God is like a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Explain its meaning based on the immediate context.

4. How may one enter into His rest?