Hebrews 4 | 11/23 Bible Study

The Promise of Rest

What is the promise of rest? Why should we fear God?

To rest from wandering in the wilderness — but Israel failed, so we should fear that we may fail as well.

Verse 6 says that the promise still stands — how can we reach that promise?

Psalm 95:7–11 KJV 1900

For he is our God; And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, And as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, And said, It is a people that do err in their heart, And they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath That they should not enter into my rest.

The way to enter his rest is through faith (4:2).

The word of God

Why does the author speak about God’s word here?

The word of God dissects your true heart and sinful nature.

I have taken this out of context in the past, ignoring what the word does to my heart.

Jesus the Great High Priest

Why does it matter that Jesus is the Great High Priest?

He has already “gone through the heavens” before us. (has entered the rest)

He can sympathize in our tempation. (understands our need)

He was without sin. (can help us)