“Entering into God’s rest (Pt. 2)”
SERMON Title: Entering into God’s rest (Pt. 2)
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:1-11 (ESV)
Introduction:
Last week, we looked at the invitation to rest by God for His people. However, the people of Israel were unable to enter into God’s rest because of their hardened hearts. The key to entering God’s rest is genuine faith - a faith that only Jesus can provide for us. This week we will examine deeper into what this rest looks like and if we do not have it, what may be hindering us from responding freely to God’s invitation for us to enter into His rest.
Overview:
Invitation to God’s rest
Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. - Hebrews 4:1
God’s promise to enter His rest is available to us.
Defining God’s Rest
Puritan commentator John Owen describes 5 aspects of God’s rest:
Peace with God which leads to a satisfied soul and conscience
Freedom from a slave-like spirit in bondage
Deliverance from the burden of the mosaic law
Freedom of true worship of God according to the Gospel
Rest that God Himself enjoys
Rest that is intended for those with genuine faith
For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as He has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’ although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.” - Hebrews 4:2-3
Some people don’t have rest because they have never given their lives to Jesus Christ.
Those who receive it by faith and are united by faith can experience this rest.
Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again He appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” - Hebrews 4:6-8
Jesus the True Joshua
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His. - Hebrews 4:8-10
Although Joshua led the people of Israel to the promised land, he would ultimately not bring them to the place of God’s true rest.
Jesus is the one who leads people to God’s true rest.
Application:
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:11
We must strive to enter this place of rest by putting our faith in Jesus that He has brought peace and rest to those who believe in Him. This rest may not look like worldly rest but it involves a heavenly rest of not only your body but of your spirit.
Sermon reflection questions:
What has been your experience with God’s rest recently?
Have you thought about intentionally resting or taking the Sabbath? What makes it difficult to practice? Why would it be helpful for you?
