Rest Does Not Follow Disobedience

Intro: why do we disobey? If that question could be answered in its entirety we can save ourselves a lot of heartache and pain. It has never been the plan of God to execute judgment on his people. It has always been the plan of God for his people to live in fellowship and harmony with him so that he could bless them and demonstrate his love in a way that is life-changing.

In our text today the writer of Hebrews gives us three verses of Scripture to remind us of the nature of humanity. It is in these few verses we understand there is a real possibility, and often times acted upon disobedience.

Let me encourage you as we travel through these three verses to search your heart and ask God, “ and my disobedient toward you?”

The Availability Of God’s Rest

Part a

Hebrews 4:11 NKJV

11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

The rest of God is for all that will enter.

Rest is a derivative of right fellowship.

God’s rest brings a oneness between us and our heavenly father.

God’s rest alleviates pain.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The call of God to rest, is one that too often is not capitalized upon.

The Consequence Of Neglecting God Rest

Part b

Hebrews 4:11 NKJV

11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Disobedience is a result of selfishness.

A selfish person will disregard the direction God is putting in their life.

Disobedience has a price to pay.

Hebrews 2:2 NKJV

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

The price is high.

It’s a price we are not willing to pay.

No one wants to be responsible for the payment of our disobedience.

Rest On The Living Word

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

God’s word has power to lead us into a path of righteousness.

The word of God is God according to John 1:1.

John 1:1 NKJV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Knowing that God is alive, means that his word is alive and has power to change the heart on man.

The living word can be surgical.

Cutting out anything that is contrary to the nature of Christ in us.

if followed, will lead us into righteousness and not disobedience.

God Is Not Blind

Part a

Hebrews 4:13 NKJV

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

God is omniscient.

Nothing can be hidden from God.

There are no secret hiding places.

No secret thoughts.

To run from God is the fools misunderstanding of who God is.

The fool said in his heart there is no God but one day he will find out.

There Is A Day Of Accountability

Part b

Hebrews 4:13 NKJV

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

That which we hid will come to light.

Those things that we think no one else knows about God will reveal at the day of accountability.

There will be no hidden sins that day.

Think twice before you disobey God.

The idea of standing before a just and mighty God and taking account of things I could have controlled will be terrifying.

Conclusion:

Disobedience is an act that we have some control over. A momentary lapse in judgment to fulfill a fleshly desire strips us of the right to live the rest of God. It is only until we repent of our sin and find ourselves back in right fellowship that we can enjoy the rest that God wants for us.

Think twice before you act! Know that God doesn’t want to judge us but wants to bless us. It’s only when we live in disobedience, that we force the hand of God to act as a judge in our life.