I encourage you to take the time to look up the scripture references listed here, as well as, be led by the Lord to look up additional references on your own. The point here is to study the Bible, so that means, literally, open up your Bible (or use an app) and read it. Additionally, my heart is that you will be taught by the Lord, not by me. So take the time to meditate, dwell on, think through the concepts started below for you. Let God’s word sink deep into your heart and allow Him to take you where He leads.
Hebrews 4 is the focus chapter for this study.
Read the first verse in Hebrews 4.
– What is God promising us?
– Do you think there is a difference between the promise of His rest and the promise of entering His rest? Which one is stated here?
Maybe there’s not a difference, but it causes me to stop and ponder. To me, “entering His rest” sounds active, like walking through a door. You have to do something. You have to enter. The rest of this verse draws us to be on guard against not being active in pursuing this rest.
Not sure about you, but either one sounds awesome! I really like to rest. I like to rest a lot. I like rest more than work, that’s for sure. As my dad always said, “work is a dirty four letter word.” So rest is it for me! However, I don’t think rest can fully be understood until the understanding of how work plays into it. I know when I’ve been hard at work all day, I like to kick my shoes off, change into comfy clothes, and relax.
Read Hebrews 4:2-3.
– Who is “they”? (reference Hebrews 3 to answer)
– What’s the key factor shown here as a difference between those who entered His rest and those who didn’t? (hint: it should be combined with)
– What is the doorknob that opens the door to His rest?
Depending on the Bible version on you are reading, the synonyms here are: faith, belief, trust, confidence. But faith in what? belief in what? trust in what? confidence in what? Or should I ask in “whom.” (See Believe Me for a snipet of belief.) Please take the time to consider what it is that you are believing in or putting your faith in most these days? It is your income, your job, your family, your reputation, your confidence, your plans? For me, it varies from day-to-day, or almost moment-to-moment depending on what is right in front of me. It takes effort and being on purpose to NOT trust in these things because honestly, we live in this world, right?
Read Hebrews 4:4-12.
Re-read verse 11. Do you see the urging, insistence, driving, as if someone has a stick and is poking you to move forward? Make every effort! Be diligent! Be on purpose!
– What are we to be on purpose about?
– What was the doorknob again?
Do you see how there is an intense active part to play in entering His rest? Make every effort to believe Him. He is your provider. He wants to bless you. He has plans for you. He is your strength. He is your refuge. He is ________. Fill in the blank for your situation today (and every day). Put faith in Him. What can He can do? What is He telling you? What is He telling you to do?
To put our confidence in Him every moment of every day takes effort and a constant reminding to go to Him instead of trusting what we know or what we see at the time.
Verse 12 almost seems to be out of place or out of context doesn’t it? Re-read verse 12.
– Why do you think this verse is here, in the paragraphs of rest and belief?
I think this verse is put here on purpose. It is pointing to the Word of God. The Word of God will not only help in knowing God’s character and His promises, and to direct you in what God is speaking to you right now, but will also help determine what your heart is truly trusting at the moment. It’s time to be honest with yourself – in light of God’s Word spotlighting your heart. What are you believing? Does it line up with God’s Truth?
Conclusion
– Where do you feel most at rest?
I like it that He asks us to be diligent in entering His rest, but He also just makes us do it.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3a NIV)
In Him, and Him alone is true rest. The rest that restores, refreshes, and brings new life.
Breathe in deeply. Hold it. Exhale.
Rest in Him today. He’s got this!