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Let Us Therefore Be Diligent

Text: Hebrews 4:11-16
2 April 2017

THE “REST” THAT GOD HAS PROMISED

1. This word was used again and again in Hebrews 3-4

a) The word “rest” – Greek, “katapausin”
“So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter into My rest’ ”   Hebrews 3:11
“And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, But to those who did not obey?”   Hebrews 3:18
b) The word “rest”- Greek : “sabbastismos”
“There remains a rest for the people of God”   Hebrews 4:9
i) It may also be translated “rest”
ii) It is only used here in this text in the NT
iii) It may be understood as “full rest”
iv) It is best understood in the context of the rest that one will find in heaven

2. Two aspects of “rest” highlighted

a) The Sabbath rest   (Hebrews 4:4-5)
b) The eternal rest   (Hebrews 4:9)

WHO MAY ENTER INTO GOD’S REST?

1. There is a promise of “rest”   (Hebrews 4:1)

2. This “rest” is found in the gospel   (Hebrews 4:2)

3. The gospel must be received with faith   (Hebrews 4:2)

4. The people who will enter into God’s rest

a) There is a sense of “fear”   (Hebrews 4:1)
b) There is “faith”   (Hebrews 4:3)
c) There is “diligence”   (Hebrews 4:11)

PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT ENTER INTO GOD’S REST

1. No faith   (Hebrews 4:2)

2. Hardened heart   (Hebrews 4:7)

3. Disobedience   (Hebrews 4:11)

NO ONE CAN DECEIVE GOD

1. Nothing is hidden in His sight   (Hebrews 4:13)

2. All things are open to the Lord   (Hebrews 4:13)

3. We are accountable to God   (Hebrews 4:13)