Introduction: In Hebrews 4, we are reminded of the rest (here in this world and the one to come) that God offers to His people, a theme that resonates with the rest He provided at creation and the rest Israel sought in Canaan land, the same rest believers look forward to in heaven. This chapter calls us to enter God’s rest by faith, warning us not to fall short by disobedience or the hardening of our hearts. It also shows us Jesus as our great high priest, who understands our weaknesses and extends the invitation to each of us to approach God’s throne with confidence.
I. The Promise of Rest (Hebrews 4:1-10)
In these verses, the Hebrews writer cautions us not to miss the promised rest due to disbelief (hardening of heart), as the Israelites did when they failed to trust God’s promise of the Promised Land (Hebrews 4:1-2). This rest is now, as God has set a day called “Today” to hear His voice and not harden our hearts (Hebrews 4:7). We read in Psalm 95:7-11, the warning not to harden hearts as in the rebellion (during the wilderness wandering of the Jews). God rested on the seventh day from His work (Genesis 2:2), and that rest symbolizes the spiritual rest we can find in Christ (Hebrews 4:4-5). Those who believe enter that rest, ceasing from their works, just as God did from His (Hebrews 4:3, 10). We read in Genesis 2:2, about God’s rest on the seventh day (the sabbath day) after creation of the world and all there is was completed. Psalm 95:7-11 – The warning not to harden hearts as in the rebellion. Also, we read in in Matthew 11:28-30 about the rest Jesus gives, He says to come to Him all that labor and are heavy laden, He will give you rest, His yoke is easy and not burdensome.
II. The Promised Rest and the Powerful Word of God (Hebrews 4:11-13)
We see in these verses, people must make every effort to enter that rest, so we do not fall by following the same pattern of disobedience through our unbelief (Hebrews 4:11). In other words, don’t miss heaven because of your unbelief, believe, trust and be saved. The word of God is alive and sharper than any two edged sword, judging our thoughts and attitudes (Hebrews 4:12). I 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read that all scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, even if we think these verses is speaking to the Jews, it applies to all people. Nothing is hidden from God; we are fully exposed to Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13). We see in Psalm 139:1-4, God knows us completely, nothing is hidden from Him that we do or think. And in Joshua 22:5 encourages believers to love the Lord, walk with the Lord, keep His commandments, serve Him with all your heart, and cleave to God.
III. Jesus, Our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
In the final verses, we read about Jesus is the great high priest who has ascended into heaven; we must hold firmly to the faith we profess (Hebrews 4:14). We read in Psalm 110:4 of the promise of a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18), Jesus is that high priest the Psalmist was speaking of in that verse. He empathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, just like us, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Philippians 4:6-7, we also read about encouragement to approach God with requests and thanksgiving. And in Ephesians 3:12, the Bible tells us we have access to God with confidence through our faith in Jesus.
Conclusion: Hebrews 4 gives a message of hope and a call to action. It reminds us of the rest that God has promised and the urgency to enter it by faith, not repeating the mistakes of the past. The chapter peaks with the revelation of Jesus as our empathetic high priest, who knows what we go through in this life time, and empowers us to approach God’s presence with confidence. As believers we should hold fast to our faith, rest in God’s promises, and live in the truth that His word reveals about our lives.
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