CHAPTER FOUR VERSES 1-13

HEBREWS CHAPTER FOUR VS. 1-13 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 4:1  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.    5  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.     10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 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. 13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 

Main Point: Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 

1.   Note the various verses and reasons listed as to why the people were prevented from entering the rest: (2) Not united by faith (did not listen), (6) disobedience, (7) hardened hearts (implied), - As previously covered, there is a concept of apathy or unpersuadableness that does not allow faith to grow. The root word for harden is equated with hardened clay. Can the potter use clay that is hard and brittle?

2.   What was the promised rest? Carefully look at verse 8 in consideration your answer. The context is found in chapter three. The rest would be understood as Canaan to the Hebrew (Joshua). However, within the context of Jesus, the rest takes on a more eternal value, not just a limited human lifetime.

3.   Explain the meaning of verse 10. What application should we make from this verse? God rested from “His Works” in the creation sense, then ultimately in the acquisition (redemption) of mankind. Once creation was completed, He rested (from that work). God continued to work on mankind’s behalf through his son. Jesus, perfected, and fulfilled that work. God can rest from that work (meaning there may still be work to do). Likewise, we are still active in our work through our alliance to God through Christ. Our rest takes place when we are transitioned from these lowly bodies.

4.   How do verses 12-13 connect with the thoughts of verse 11? These teachings have to do with both the physical and nature of mankind. God is the author of this, only he can make these wonderful events happen. Only he understands it completely.

5.   According to verses 12-13, what especially about our lives is of concern to God? “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”
Is this not what God has striven with mankind for? Even when mankind is disobedient, God has shown Himself to be longsuffering and forgiving.
Jehovah has always loved a humble heart. All the examples of people that God views as “after” His heart are the one’s who trust him with all their might.

ADDITIONAL: The preacher is again comparing the rejection of the gospel with unbelief and forced rejection by God. He again equates the works of Jesus with the works of God. It is a joining or completion of physical and spiritual works by the God-Head.