Finding Rest in God: A Study of Hebrews 4
Hebrews 4 is a chapter in the New Testament book of Hebrews, which is believed to have been written by an unknown author to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and considering returning to Judaism.
In chapter 4, the author continues to discuss the theme of rest and encourages the readers to enter into God’s rest. The author also emphasizes the power of the Word of God and how it can penetrate deep into a person’s heart and expose their innermost thoughts and intentions.
Hebrews 4: 1-16
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.
2 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.
3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”
5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”
6 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,
7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is alive 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.
13 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.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Finding Rest in God: A Study of Hebrews 4.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to enter into God’s rest, but what exactly does that mean? And how can we find rest in God?
First, let’s look at what the writer of Hebrews means by rest. In verse 3, he writes, “Now we who have believed enter that rest.” He goes on to say that this rest is a Sabbath rest, a rest from our own works, just as God rested on the seventh day from His works of creation. So, the rest the writer is referring to is a rest from striving, from trying to earn our salvation or prove ourselves to God. It’s a rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
But how do we enter into this rest? In verse 10, the writer says, “For whoever enters God’s rest also ceases from his own works as God did from his.” In other words, we enter into God’s rest by faith in Jesus Christ. We trust in His work on the cross, not our own works or efforts.
But the writer of Hebrews also makes clear that entering into God’s rest is not a one-time event. It’s something we must strive for and pursue continually. In verse 11, he says, “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” This means that we must actively choose to trust in God’s work and rest in Him, even when circumstances are difficult and we’re tempted to rely on our own efforts.
So, how can we find rest in God in practical terms? Here are a few suggestions:
- Spend time in prayer and meditation on God’s Word. This will help you focus your mind on God’s promises and rest in His faithfulness.
- Practice Sabbath rest. Take intentional breaks from work and technology to rest and recharge.
- Seek community with other believers. Being part of a supportive community can provide a sense of rest and peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
- Trust in God’s sovereignty. Remember that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or difficult. Rest in the knowledge that He is working all things together for good.
Finding rest in God is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual health and well-being. By continually choosing to trust in God’s work and rest in Him, we can experience the peace and rest that only He can provide.
The chapter concludes with the author encouraging the readers to approach God with confidence through Jesus, who is their high priest and sympathizes with their weaknesses. The readers are urged to hold fast to their faith and to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in their time of need.
