We continue our Chapter Memory Study today in Hebrews 4. In many ways this chapter is a continuation of the thought pattern of chapter 3 (as we will see in the discussion of 'rest'). The outline is based on the 'I' of 'Son is Mediator'.
- Into His rest (1-13)
- Into His throne-room (14-16)
- Into His rest
- Hebrews 4:11-12
- 11Let us therefore strive [be diligent] to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Into His throne-room
- Hebrews 4:15-16
- 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need
While this first section has been titled 'Into His Rest', this issue of God's rest first appears back in 3:11,18 amidst the discussion of the punishment of unbelief and rebellion. The people of Israel were prevented from entering 'rest' (the promised land) because of their rebellion against God in the desert following the exodus. While 3:12 planted the idea in our minds that this idea of rest has not been put to rest (so to speak), the first verse of chapter 4 lays it out lucidly; the promise of rest still stands. You can still receive it, and you can still miss it. For the good news (not necessarily only the Gospel, but including the general good news of from God in the OT) came to them as it comes to us. The key to gaining the benefit of the good news depends upon whether or not we believe ('united by faith' 4:2).
The word 'rest' appears 8 different times in this first section (vv1-13). So, what is meant by 'rest'? In the context of the historical reference to Israel, 'rest' seems to mean the fulfillment of God's promise. They still had to fight for the land and work the land, so 'rest' does not mean vacation or retirement. Verses 4-10 bring in two different approaches to 'rest'.
- God's 'rest' on the 7th day of creation is meant as a model for us to follow. But in the same way that God did not cease to do any work from then on, we are not to merely fall idle and lazy. God's rest signifies completion, not exhaustion.
- If this promised 'rest' was ONLY the promised land, then Joshua would have delivered that to the people after the conquering of the promised land. But David, many years later, warns us not to harden our hearts lest we are not allowed into His rest. So there must remain a Sabbath rest for God's people (9).
So what is our Guide in this striving? God's Word. It is living, active, discerning, and illuminating. He only can divide to the deepest parts of our being. He only can know our hearts and motives. Nothing is hidden from Him, and all will be judged by Him. He is our Guide. He can lead us, by His Word, into His rest.
To conclude, there seems to be 4 different 'rests' discussed in 3:11-4:13:
- Canaan rest; the rest Israel was promised but forsook by the sin of disbelief.
- Sabbath rest; the rest God exemplified on day 7 of creation and directs us to observe
- Present rest; in Christ's strength we can have a rest from weariness and heavy yokes (Matt 11:28-30)
- Eternal rest; the rest believers taste now, but will fully experience in the presence of Christ for eternity.
The second section of this chapter, 'Into His Throne-room', is short but potent. The writer brings back the description of Christ as our High Priest. Having proven His worthiness as our High Priest (3:17), the writer now reminds us that Christ is the only one who is able to give us access to the rest of God. Our great High Priest passed through the heavens (after dying and resurrecting) after a life on earth that consisted of every temptation and trial that we have or ever will experience; yet He did not once give in or sin. He alone can advocate for us because He lived the full human life and beat it. For this reason only can we draw near to the throne of God, with confidence in Christ alone, to find the mercy and grace we need to follow Him faithfully to the end. This boldness and confidence is not, cannot, be prideful or flippant. It is not any of our own doing, but that of Christ.
How does this affect my worship?
How often do we sing 'draw near to God' or 'God, please draw near to me'? How can that even happen? It goes back again to what I am finding is a critical verse about worship; Romans 11:36. "For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things". True worship of God is only possible by His work through us. We are saved by the free gift of grace that we cannot earn. Only then can we offer our lives as a living sacrifice. But we only have access to God (His throne of grace) because Jesus has made the way. So our worship is from Him (because of His work) and through Him (sustained by His work) and to Him (in honor of His work). There are many ways to express ourselves to God; praise, adoration, submission, exaltation, thanksgiving..... But let us never forget to draw near, with confidence yet utter humility, to the throne of God for not just what we get, but Who we meet.How does this affect my discipleship?
My 5 main foundations of discipleship are that it is:- Biblical
- Relational
- Intentional
- Sustainable
- Reproducible
There's a reason Biblical is first. The Word of God is the key to our growth. We must let it 'dwell in us richly' (Col 3:16). We must hear it (Rom 10:17), hide it (Ps 119:11), and heed it (Jam 1:22). I must be the foundation upon which followers of Christ follow Christ. It is living and active; alive and well.
May you draw near to Him, and He to you,
Ethan
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