Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4 (2)
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Coaches tell us that what distinguishes average from superior athletes is the will to win. Endowed with equal physical strengths, one reaches the heights of stardom while the other slips into obscurity.
In this chapter, the writer describes two equally endowed Christian runners in the faith race. One succeeded and the other failed. What made the difference? The will to win. One held firmly to Christ, but the other fell by the wayside because of a hard heart.
Group Discussion. What makes the difference between vibrant, growing Christians you know and those who appear to be dull and uninterested in the implications of their profession of faith?
Personal Reflection. Think about what motivates you to develop strong spiritual muscles and the will to win. What goals do you want to reach? Why?
By this time we know how seriously the writer views the perils of our faith race. He plunges into Old Testament history to make his warning even stronger. Read Hebrews 3.
1. What does the writer emphasize about Jesus in verses 1–6 that would encourage us to “fix [our] thoughts” on him (v. 1) and “hold on” to our courage and hope (v. 6)?
2. Why would it be essential for the Hebrews to be convinced that Jesus is greater than Moses (vv. 2–6)?
Short Biography of Moses
Whom do you consider to be great in history? How do they inspire you? How is Jesus greater than them?
3. How do you concentrate intensely on Jesus (v. 1), especially when you are being tested by adversity, neglect or indifference?
4. In verses 7–11 the writer hoists his second warning—unbelief and disobedience. These verses describe the nation of Israel after they crossed the Red Sea. They refused to obey God’s command to take the Promised Land because they were afraid of the military might they would face. So they were forced to wander forty years till that whole generation died off. How does the psalmist describe God’s perspective on the Israelites?
What is the “chain of command” in the military? . . . at work? . . . at school? . . . in your home? . . . In society?
How do the leaders react when they are not obeyed?
What are the consequences of disobedience?
5. In what ways might Christians “test and try” God (v. 9)? Why?
6. How do people act whose hearts have turned away from God?
7. Why do we need encouragement every day to hold fast to Christ?
8. How did God judge the Israelites whom Moses led out of Egypt (vv. 15–19)?
Why did he judge them in this way?
9. How seriously do you think Christians today take disobedience and unbelief? Explain.
10. On the positive side, what advantages are given to the one who has the will to win the race and who shares in all that Christ offers (v. 14)?
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
11. Review the facts about the hardhearted (vv. 8, 10, 12–13, 15–18). Which aspects of this lifestyle come closest to your experience?
12. What are you doing to avoid the peril of “falling in the desert” (v. 17)?
Thank God for his saving grace and for his forgiveness of your sins through your faith in Christ. Ask him to protect you from a hard heart.
Now or Later
Make your own list of qualities that separate people with hard hearts from those with faithful, believing hearts. Then list the names of those whose examples you would like to follow. What do you have to do to get moving?
Receiving God’s Blessings
Hebrews 4:1–13
American financial statistician Roger Babson once observed, “Opportunities are greater today than ever before in history. Young people have greater chances for health, happiness, and prosperity than had the children of any previous generation.” The same is true for Christians in God’s faith race.
Group Discussion. Why do you think some Christians miss out on the chance to find God’s richest blessings?
Personal Reflection. Rate your satisfaction with your Christian life and faith on a scale of 1–10. What impediments must be removed? What new qualities added?
This chapter tells Christians in the race that there is something to fear but also something to strive for—experiencing God’s promised rest now. Read Hebrews 4:1–13.
1. We are told to do our best to reach God’s rest (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5–6, 9–11). How do you picture such rest?
Hebrews A Rest for God’s People / 4:1–13
While the next generation of Israelites did enter and possess the land, this was still only a shadow of the final “rest” that was to come. The Jewish people refused God’s plan and rejected their Savior; thus, the promise of entering his rest still stands—God has made this rest available to Christians. Since God had barred the rebellious Israelites from the Promised Land, the promise stands for those who remain obedient to him. The promise has not been fulfilled, but neither has it been revoked.
For those who have come to trust in Jesus, he gives rest. They first find rest from trying to fulfill all the requirements of the law (see Matthew 11:28). Unshackled from this yoke, they can experience salvation and God’s “rest” today. This rest will be fully culminated in heaven. While Christians presently enjoy “rest” with God, at the same time, we look forward to that day when our final rest will be in face-to-face fellowship with the Father. Christians are promised the full extent of God’s rest:
• heaven
• security and protection because we are God’s people
• relief from earthly struggles and sin
• God’s perfect presence in our lives through the Spirit and eventually face-to-face
Christians must learn from the tragic mistake of the Israelites. The writer of Hebrews warned readers how serious it would be to turn away from Christ by saying let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. This is not a mere encouragement, but a warning sign: Danger ahead! Just as God rejected the rebellious Israelites on the basis of their unbelief (3:19), so he will reject those who turn away from Christ, refuse to believe him, or refuse to follow him.
2. What do you think the promise of entering God’s rest means in verse 1?
3. The tragic fate of the Israelites who perished in the desert serves as the basis of God’s warning to those who have heard the gospel. Why did some who had the gospel preached to them miss their opportunity to receive God’s rest (v. 2)?
4. From what you have observed in Hebrews thus far, how would you describe the faith that is required to receive God’s rest?
5. God rested from all of his work (v. 4), and he offers us a “Sabbath-rest” on the seventh day of the week. What does it mean to you to rest from your work?
6. Verses 6–8 refer to the Israelites. How did they refuse to receive God’s rest?
7. The “word of God” that judges our thoughts and attitudes (vv. 12–13) is the specific promise of God’s rest. How can God’s Word show you the condition of your heart?
8. How should our exposure to God’s scrutiny and our accountability to him affect our thoughts and attitudes (v. 13)?
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
9. What role does Scripture have in your life now?
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.
How would you like to deepen or change that relationship?
10. What would being able to experience God’s rest mean to your life right now?
Pray that God will enlarge your vision of all that he has to give you in Christ.
Now or Later
Take time to think about your worries. List the categories: health, work, marriage and so on. Ask God to help you overcome them in the light of his provision of rest for your soul.[1]
[1]Reapsome, J. (2001). Hebrews: Race to Glory: 13 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders(pp. 14–20). IVP Connect: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press.