Post by arete on Aug 26, 2014 18:36:02 GMT
Introduction:
There’s a story told of an old man wandering down a lane carrying a heavy burden in a burlap sack. A younger man came by in a wagon and offered a ride to wherever the old man was going. At first, the offer was politely declined, but after some insisting, the burdened man accepted the offer and climbed into the back of the wagon. After some moments, the young man turned to ask where he might take his passenger and saw that this man still had his burlap bag across his own shoulder. When asked why he did not lay his burden in the bed of the wagon, the reply was “I appreciate the ride, but there’s no reason to burden your horse with both me and my package.” Unfortunately, Christians may be guilty of this lack of reason and logic. God offers us rest in Christ, but some see this rest as all future in heaven and try to insist carrying their own burdens in the here and now. We fill our lives with “ministry” or Christian living that we try to empower ourselves. Or worse, we insist doing things our way and reject God’s will and refuse God’s rest. The author to the Hebrews has some things to say to us about God’s rest this morning. Let’s listen up…
Context:
Beginning in chapter 3, the author expanded his teaching of Christ’s supremacy to all things, by showing that Christ is greater than Moses. Christ’s greatness is that of the creator of the house of God and the true son of God. Moses is a servant in God’s house like us. Now in Christ we are adopted as sons, saved by grace through faith in Christ, just like Moses. The author focused on the confidence and hope that God’s children, God’s household have in Christ. The author then gave a solemn warning based on the life of Moses and the Exodus. The warning was about hard hearts. The letter’s recipients were warned to exhort one another to saving faith where needed and to have soft hearts. They were warned that holy fear was a cure for rebellion by the emphasis on Israel’s lack of faith and obedience rooted in a lack of fear. Israel’s ongoing disobedience led to many dying in the wilderness and never entering the Promised Land and God’s rest. Last time in Hebrews, we were reminded that all who have believed in Christ for salvation have entered God’s rest. But some among the Hebrews remain outside of that rest and are facing the same punishment of the disobedient who fell in the wilderness. Let’s now turn to Hebrews 4:6-13…
Body: Hebrews 4:6-13 - ESV
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 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, 10 for whoever has entered God's 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. 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.
Good News & Bad News vv. 6-7
Since therefore… this directly connects the conclusions of this passage with the argument the author has been using comparing Christ & Moses and God’s rest. This is particularly meaningful for the Hebrew audience as the author moves from the land of rest to God’s rest and sets his audience up for the big unveiling of Christ as the high priest through whom we attain God’s rest.
Some have not entered this rest (v. 6a). From this we take it that some have entered that rest. Furthermore, some who have not yet entered his rest will enter it. This could be a shock to a Hebrew reader that they must do something other than be born Jewish to have peace & rest with and in God.
Those who failed to enter God’s rest were disobedient (v. 6b). This is the divider. Among those who were delivered out of Egypt and led by Moses, all but two died in the wilderness. They had received the good news of God’s deliverance. Specifically, they heard it, but it did not change how they lived. They remained disobedient to God and reaped the consequences.
God has appointed the time of rest (v. 7). The author here is not merely talking of entering the Promised Land. He has been quoting the Psalms written after the Exodus. The author is establishing urgency. Don’t assume because you were born Jewish or Christian that you can ride in on someone else’s relationship with God. God is still calling Israel and us to enter his rest if we have not done so. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart.
Illustration:
To walk by faith is to be active in our walking, not to do as we like, but it is an acting by rule. … We must walk by faith, looking upon God's promise and God's call and God's commandments, and not live by opinion… Richard Sibbes
Application:
God’s rest is entered into only by God’s terms. We do not set the standard and we do not call the shots. When we try to enter God’s rest in our own power or understanding, then we are disobedient and we make little of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ. People reject God and embrace disobedience because of a hard heart toward God. They refuse to bow before him or they refuse to accept his terms. They try to bargain with God or establish their deserved-ness in their own righteousness. God’s rest is only entered into through the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that we are sinners deserving only punishment but through Christ’s blood we enter God’s rest in eternal life both now and in heaven.
God’s Rest vv. 8-10
The rest at hand is not Israel (v. 8a). The “if” makes it clear that Joshua is not the one who brought rest by leading the people into Canaan. Any rest came only from God. Also, there is some foreshadowing here. Joshua and Jesus are the same name in both Hebrew and Greek. The author reminds the readers that the one is only a man that did not provide eternal rest. Later in his letter, he will reference them back to the Jesus who is God and has purchased their salvation.
God’s rest is not bound to the land as evidenced by the Psalm 95 reference (v. 8b). When Psalm 95 was written, David ruled over a unified Israel. If the land was their rest, God would not have reminded them of their need to hear him and obey to enter into God’s rest.
The result of these truths is that a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people (v. 9). The phrase “Sabbath rest” is unique to this passage in all the Bible. The author invents a new word to emphasize the uniqueness of what God offers through Jesus Christ.
Those who enter God’s rest follow his example and rest from their work (v. 10). But what does that even mean? “God’s rest centered upon recognizing that his work of creation was now completed; Christians enter into his rest through recognizing that Christ’s work of redeeming them from sin has also been completed (ESV SB).” The Jewish sacrificial system and the Pharisees attempts to earn God’s favor are not the reality of salvation. In Christ we find rest knowing that he has completed the work of the saving of our souls.
Illustration:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
Application:
God’s rest is a reality for both now and our future home in heaven. (EXP) - “Those who live in God’s rest live in it here and now by faith, but what they know here is not the full story. That will be revealed in the hereafter. There is a sense in which to enter Christian salvation means to cease from one's works and rest securely on what Christ has done. And there is a sense in which the works of the believer, works done in Christ, have about them that completeness and sense of fulfillment that may fitly be classed with [Sabbath Rest].” In life then we have rest in God, but also we find the ultimate rest of God when we are brought into his presence to live with him forever.
The Goal & the Guide vv. 11-13
Because of this entire section, the author has some advice for us. Because what he has said is true and amply backed up by Scripture then…
Let us strive for that rest and against disobedience (v. 11). The word translated “strive” focuses on a conscientious discharging of an existing obligation. In other words, we are not working on our own to earn our rest, but because Christ has earned it for us, we reject disobedience, avoid discipline, and embrace obedience to God.
We have a guide in our striving, the Word of God (v. 12). The focus is on all God has said, for us that means the written word of God will be our guide to obey and please God and avoid discipline.
1. Living and active: Like God, his word is not dead. The eternal truth of Scripture is alive and applicable to every place and every time. The Word is active by instructing us and convicting us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Sharp…piercing to the division of soul & spirit; joints & marrow: This phrasing is a colorful and memorable way to explain that the Word pierces and penetrates us body, mind and soul. No part of us whether material or immaterial is above or beyond the authority of God’s word.
3. Discerning thoughts and intentions: the innermost parts of us are laid bare by the word of God. We cannot bluff our way out of disobedience. We cannot fool God. He sees us for who and what we are and not merely the mask we portray to the world around us.
No one escapes God’s notice; all must give an account to him, including his children (v. 13). All must stand before God and give an account. The unbelievers who hear the author’s words should be stirred to fear God’s righteous judgment on their unbelief and disobedience. The children of God should have loving fear of a loving Father who will discipline and chasten his children all for their good and wholly out of his love.
Illustration:
When God calls a man, He does not repent of it. God does not, as many friends do, love one day, and hate another; or as princes, who make their subjects favorites, and afterwards throw them into prison. This is the blessedness of a saint; his condition admits of no alteration. God's call is founded upon His decree, and His decree is immutable. Acts of grace cannot be reversed. God blots out His people's sins, but not their names. —Thomas Watson
Application:
God’s rest is a guaranteed inheritance of his children. He does call us to strive and faithfully live in his rest and remain obedient. He has given us a standard to guide our striving. He does hold us accountable to rest and obedience. For those who are not his child, disobedience leads to death. For we who are his children, disobedience leads to discipline. All stand uncovered and exposed to God. He will judge us rightly by the true conditions of our heart. His children should have a heart of love and a desire to obey their father. When we stray, he is loving as he corrects us, corrects our way and brings us to his rest.
So What Now?
Are you resting in God now? At first, this is a salvation question – are you resting in Christ alone for the saving of your soul? But that’s not all. Christ’s burdens are not crushing weights. He shoulders the yoke that lies light upon our backs. Do not destroy yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually and claim that it is ministry or Christian life. If you are destroying yourself, then you are not resting in Christ.
Are you resting in God according to his terms? Rest is not laziness. Rest is not found in disobedience. Striving for rest may seem like a contradiction, but it’s not. We must be faithful in our tasks, burdens and ministry and find the joy and rest that God provides in Christ. If we do things our way, we will be burned out and exhausted. God’s way is joyful in hardship and restful even under strenuous effort.
Are you trusting in God for your future rest in heaven? Does heaven hold any allure? Do you long to go to your true home with your Father? Do not get too attached to this world or any of its values. You are an alien and a stranger in this strange land.
Are you sinning against God by refusing his rest? Are you insisting on holding ragged burlap burdens in your own power and in your own pride? Face it. If you insist on being the power behind your life and ministry, it’s pride that is wearing you down. It is not holy to burn out. It is not righteous or pious to be ground down into the earth. Repent of such sin. Find true rest in Christ and insist on righteous and holy rest for yourself and your loved ones. Find the joy of simply being in the presence of your Father without trying to earn his grace or obligate him for his favor.
Luke 10:38-42 ESV – Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Benediction
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24,25
There’s a story told of an old man wandering down a lane carrying a heavy burden in a burlap sack. A younger man came by in a wagon and offered a ride to wherever the old man was going. At first, the offer was politely declined, but after some insisting, the burdened man accepted the offer and climbed into the back of the wagon. After some moments, the young man turned to ask where he might take his passenger and saw that this man still had his burlap bag across his own shoulder. When asked why he did not lay his burden in the bed of the wagon, the reply was “I appreciate the ride, but there’s no reason to burden your horse with both me and my package.” Unfortunately, Christians may be guilty of this lack of reason and logic. God offers us rest in Christ, but some see this rest as all future in heaven and try to insist carrying their own burdens in the here and now. We fill our lives with “ministry” or Christian living that we try to empower ourselves. Or worse, we insist doing things our way and reject God’s will and refuse God’s rest. The author to the Hebrews has some things to say to us about God’s rest this morning. Let’s listen up…
Context:
Beginning in chapter 3, the author expanded his teaching of Christ’s supremacy to all things, by showing that Christ is greater than Moses. Christ’s greatness is that of the creator of the house of God and the true son of God. Moses is a servant in God’s house like us. Now in Christ we are adopted as sons, saved by grace through faith in Christ, just like Moses. The author focused on the confidence and hope that God’s children, God’s household have in Christ. The author then gave a solemn warning based on the life of Moses and the Exodus. The warning was about hard hearts. The letter’s recipients were warned to exhort one another to saving faith where needed and to have soft hearts. They were warned that holy fear was a cure for rebellion by the emphasis on Israel’s lack of faith and obedience rooted in a lack of fear. Israel’s ongoing disobedience led to many dying in the wilderness and never entering the Promised Land and God’s rest. Last time in Hebrews, we were reminded that all who have believed in Christ for salvation have entered God’s rest. But some among the Hebrews remain outside of that rest and are facing the same punishment of the disobedient who fell in the wilderness. Let’s now turn to Hebrews 4:6-13…
Body: Hebrews 4:6-13 - ESV
6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 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, 10 for whoever has entered God's 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. 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.
Good News & Bad News vv. 6-7
Since therefore… this directly connects the conclusions of this passage with the argument the author has been using comparing Christ & Moses and God’s rest. This is particularly meaningful for the Hebrew audience as the author moves from the land of rest to God’s rest and sets his audience up for the big unveiling of Christ as the high priest through whom we attain God’s rest.
Some have not entered this rest (v. 6a). From this we take it that some have entered that rest. Furthermore, some who have not yet entered his rest will enter it. This could be a shock to a Hebrew reader that they must do something other than be born Jewish to have peace & rest with and in God.
Those who failed to enter God’s rest were disobedient (v. 6b). This is the divider. Among those who were delivered out of Egypt and led by Moses, all but two died in the wilderness. They had received the good news of God’s deliverance. Specifically, they heard it, but it did not change how they lived. They remained disobedient to God and reaped the consequences.
God has appointed the time of rest (v. 7). The author here is not merely talking of entering the Promised Land. He has been quoting the Psalms written after the Exodus. The author is establishing urgency. Don’t assume because you were born Jewish or Christian that you can ride in on someone else’s relationship with God. God is still calling Israel and us to enter his rest if we have not done so. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart.
Illustration:
To walk by faith is to be active in our walking, not to do as we like, but it is an acting by rule. … We must walk by faith, looking upon God's promise and God's call and God's commandments, and not live by opinion… Richard Sibbes
Application:
God’s rest is entered into only by God’s terms. We do not set the standard and we do not call the shots. When we try to enter God’s rest in our own power or understanding, then we are disobedient and we make little of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ. People reject God and embrace disobedience because of a hard heart toward God. They refuse to bow before him or they refuse to accept his terms. They try to bargain with God or establish their deserved-ness in their own righteousness. God’s rest is only entered into through the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that we are sinners deserving only punishment but through Christ’s blood we enter God’s rest in eternal life both now and in heaven.
God’s Rest vv. 8-10
The rest at hand is not Israel (v. 8a). The “if” makes it clear that Joshua is not the one who brought rest by leading the people into Canaan. Any rest came only from God. Also, there is some foreshadowing here. Joshua and Jesus are the same name in both Hebrew and Greek. The author reminds the readers that the one is only a man that did not provide eternal rest. Later in his letter, he will reference them back to the Jesus who is God and has purchased their salvation.
God’s rest is not bound to the land as evidenced by the Psalm 95 reference (v. 8b). When Psalm 95 was written, David ruled over a unified Israel. If the land was their rest, God would not have reminded them of their need to hear him and obey to enter into God’s rest.
The result of these truths is that a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people (v. 9). The phrase “Sabbath rest” is unique to this passage in all the Bible. The author invents a new word to emphasize the uniqueness of what God offers through Jesus Christ.
Those who enter God’s rest follow his example and rest from their work (v. 10). But what does that even mean? “God’s rest centered upon recognizing that his work of creation was now completed; Christians enter into his rest through recognizing that Christ’s work of redeeming them from sin has also been completed (ESV SB).” The Jewish sacrificial system and the Pharisees attempts to earn God’s favor are not the reality of salvation. In Christ we find rest knowing that he has completed the work of the saving of our souls.
Illustration:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)
Application:
God’s rest is a reality for both now and our future home in heaven. (EXP) - “Those who live in God’s rest live in it here and now by faith, but what they know here is not the full story. That will be revealed in the hereafter. There is a sense in which to enter Christian salvation means to cease from one's works and rest securely on what Christ has done. And there is a sense in which the works of the believer, works done in Christ, have about them that completeness and sense of fulfillment that may fitly be classed with [Sabbath Rest].” In life then we have rest in God, but also we find the ultimate rest of God when we are brought into his presence to live with him forever.
The Goal & the Guide vv. 11-13
Because of this entire section, the author has some advice for us. Because what he has said is true and amply backed up by Scripture then…
Let us strive for that rest and against disobedience (v. 11). The word translated “strive” focuses on a conscientious discharging of an existing obligation. In other words, we are not working on our own to earn our rest, but because Christ has earned it for us, we reject disobedience, avoid discipline, and embrace obedience to God.
We have a guide in our striving, the Word of God (v. 12). The focus is on all God has said, for us that means the written word of God will be our guide to obey and please God and avoid discipline.
1. Living and active: Like God, his word is not dead. The eternal truth of Scripture is alive and applicable to every place and every time. The Word is active by instructing us and convicting us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
2. Sharp…piercing to the division of soul & spirit; joints & marrow: This phrasing is a colorful and memorable way to explain that the Word pierces and penetrates us body, mind and soul. No part of us whether material or immaterial is above or beyond the authority of God’s word.
3. Discerning thoughts and intentions: the innermost parts of us are laid bare by the word of God. We cannot bluff our way out of disobedience. We cannot fool God. He sees us for who and what we are and not merely the mask we portray to the world around us.
No one escapes God’s notice; all must give an account to him, including his children (v. 13). All must stand before God and give an account. The unbelievers who hear the author’s words should be stirred to fear God’s righteous judgment on their unbelief and disobedience. The children of God should have loving fear of a loving Father who will discipline and chasten his children all for their good and wholly out of his love.
Illustration:
When God calls a man, He does not repent of it. God does not, as many friends do, love one day, and hate another; or as princes, who make their subjects favorites, and afterwards throw them into prison. This is the blessedness of a saint; his condition admits of no alteration. God's call is founded upon His decree, and His decree is immutable. Acts of grace cannot be reversed. God blots out His people's sins, but not their names. —Thomas Watson
Application:
God’s rest is a guaranteed inheritance of his children. He does call us to strive and faithfully live in his rest and remain obedient. He has given us a standard to guide our striving. He does hold us accountable to rest and obedience. For those who are not his child, disobedience leads to death. For we who are his children, disobedience leads to discipline. All stand uncovered and exposed to God. He will judge us rightly by the true conditions of our heart. His children should have a heart of love and a desire to obey their father. When we stray, he is loving as he corrects us, corrects our way and brings us to his rest.
So What Now?
Are you resting in God now? At first, this is a salvation question – are you resting in Christ alone for the saving of your soul? But that’s not all. Christ’s burdens are not crushing weights. He shoulders the yoke that lies light upon our backs. Do not destroy yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually and claim that it is ministry or Christian life. If you are destroying yourself, then you are not resting in Christ.
Are you resting in God according to his terms? Rest is not laziness. Rest is not found in disobedience. Striving for rest may seem like a contradiction, but it’s not. We must be faithful in our tasks, burdens and ministry and find the joy and rest that God provides in Christ. If we do things our way, we will be burned out and exhausted. God’s way is joyful in hardship and restful even under strenuous effort.
Are you trusting in God for your future rest in heaven? Does heaven hold any allure? Do you long to go to your true home with your Father? Do not get too attached to this world or any of its values. You are an alien and a stranger in this strange land.
Are you sinning against God by refusing his rest? Are you insisting on holding ragged burlap burdens in your own power and in your own pride? Face it. If you insist on being the power behind your life and ministry, it’s pride that is wearing you down. It is not holy to burn out. It is not righteous or pious to be ground down into the earth. Repent of such sin. Find true rest in Christ and insist on righteous and holy rest for yourself and your loved ones. Find the joy of simply being in the presence of your Father without trying to earn his grace or obligate him for his favor.
Luke 10:38-42 ESV – Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Benediction
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:24,25
