REST IN CHRIST

February 9, 2021

  1. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

 

  1. Praying from: HEBREWS 4

 

ENTERING INTO REST BY FAITH

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2     For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3     For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4     For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5     And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

UNBELIEF EXCLUDED ISRAEL FROM THE REST OF CANAAN

        6     Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

7     Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

THE REST OF FAITH IN A FINISHED WORK

8     For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9     There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10     For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11     Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

POWER OF “WORD”

      12     For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13     Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 

 

PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST

      14     Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15     For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16     Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

  1. THE REALIZATION—vv. 1–4

ENTERING INTO REST BY FAITH

  1. Problem—v. 1. Fear that we may fall short of the standard God has for entering heaven.
  2. Preaching—v. 2. Doubt destroyed their faith. God’s Word was preached to them, but they rejected it.
  3. People—v. 3. Only those who believe (with both heart and head) will enter heaven.
  4. Promise—v. 4. His work is finished, now He waits for us to enter into heaven with Him.
  5. THE REST—vv. 5–11
  6. Problem—v. 5. Because of their unbelief they did not enter the promised land.

UNBELIEF EXCLUDED ISRAEL FROM THE REST OF CANAAN

  1. Promise—v. 6. Compare their doubt with Hebrews 11:6.
  2. Prophecy—v. 7. People even in David’s time hardened their hearts toward the things of God.

THE REST OF FAITH IN A FINISHED WORK

  1. Place—vv. 8–9. This rest means heaven. Now is the time to “get ready” for heaven!
  2. Persistence—vv. 10–11. Christ has already entered this rest. We are now told to join with Him.

III.   THE REVELATION—vv. 12–13

POWER OF “WORD”

  1. The Word of God—v. 13. Three-fold: (1) Power, (2) Piercing, and (3) Personal. What power there is in His never-changing Word!
  2. The Word of God—v. 13. Nothing can be hidden from Him. Everything is open before Him.
  3. THE REWARDING—vv. 14–16

PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST

  1. Priest—v. 14. Christ, our High Priest has gone to heaven. Let us keep trusting Him.
  2. Perfection—v. 15. This High Priest understands our weaknesses, since He suffered temptation for us.
  3. Praying—v. 16. Come boldly before the throne of grace. Thus we will find grace to help in time of need.

 

  1.    THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27

16:20   “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”

16:24   “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”

16:27   “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”