Understanding eternal rest:
I. Eternal Rest:
is it (and isn’t it)?
A. Heaven is
Hebrews 4:1 NIV84 Therefore since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
B. Heaven is
Hebrews 4:1 NIV84 Therefore since the promise of entering his rest still stands…
C. Heaven is
Hebrews 4:6 NIV84 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest…
Hebrews 4:7 NIV84 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David…
Hebrews 4:9 NIV84 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God…
Q: Are you excited about Heaven?
Notes:
II. Eternal Rest:
do I get it (and miss it)?
A. Be in
Hebrews 4:2 NIV84 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
Hebrews 4:3 NIV84 Now we who have believed enter that rest…
Q: Are you trusting in the “chair” of Jesus?
B. Be
Hebrews 4:6 NIV84 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience. (Also James 2:14, 18)
Q: Are you “in faith” and obeying what you know? If not, why?
Notes:
III. Eternal Rest: Why does it matter?
A. It affects
Hebrews 4:10 NIV84 For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Also Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 KJV)
B. It affects the
Hebrews 4:12 NIV84 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:13 NIV84 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:11 NIV84 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. (Also John 1:1; Rev. 19:13-15)
Q: Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation?
Notes:
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe a time when you were absolutely exhausted. How did you recover?
2. Heaven is described as our “Eternal Rest.” List three things about Heaven that excite you.
3. How are your faith and works related? Can you have a true faith without works? (See James 2:14-18)
4. Hebrews 4:11 encourages us to “make every effort to enter that rest.” What do you think that means? Are you doing that?
5. Tell your salvation stories to each other (How you became a Christian).
Next Week’s Verses: Hebrews 4:14-5:10