Community Bible Study Engaging Hebrews Lesson Five Notes

GODS PROMISED REST

Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-13 Memorize Gods Word: Hebrews 4:12 Hebrews 4:1-2 The Past As a Warning Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 1. What does the author warn against in Hebrews 3:19-4:2? Hebrews 3:19 (ESV) 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

2. Why is the authors warning still so important for Christians today (4:1)?

3. Why is it not enough to only hear the gospel?

Hebrews 4:3-6 Gods Past and Present Rest 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, As I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest, although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: And God rested on the seventh day from all his works. 5 And again in this passage he said, They shall not enter my rest. 6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 4. According to John 5:12-21 and Ephesians 1:17-21, what sort of work is God continuing to do?

5. Read John 14:23-27. What aspects of Gods rest do you find in the passage?

Hebrews 4:7-9 The Meaning of Today 7 again he appoints a certain day, Today, saying through David so long afterward, in the words 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 of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 6. Review Hebrews 4:1-9. Locate and briefly describe the different rest in this passage.

7. What is the author suggesting when he says a Sabbath rest remains (4:9)?

8. Read Joshua 1:1-3; 13:1 and Judges 1:1; 2:6-13. What does Hebrews 4:8 confirm?

Hebrews 4:10-11 The Work of Resting 10 for whoever has entered Gods rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 9. According to John 6:28-35, what work must those who follow God do? (See also Galatians 3:1-3.)

10. How do you understand that we must strive to enter that rest (Hebrews 4:10-11)?

11. According to 2 Peter 1:4, what are two results of believing and obeying Gods promises?

Hebrews 4:12-13 Respecting the Word of God 12 For 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. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 12. What qualities of Gods Word do you find in 4:12?

13. What does the Word of God do?

14. How could verse 13 a. Be a warning?

b. Offer comfort?

15. From 4:12-13, what do you learn about God that has an impact on you personally?

Applying what you have learned. In chapter 4, Gods universal, infinite knowledge is emphasized: No creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account (4:13). How fearful and threatening this would be if God were not perfectly loving and willing to forgive and forget our sins. He who confesses [his sins] and forsakes them will obtain mercy (Proverbs 28:13). As believers, we can bare our souls to God and know that He will not withdraw His love. It is impossible to hide or sins from God; if we try to do that, we are only deceiving ourselves. How open and honest is your relationship with God?