07 Entering God's Rest
A Guided Study
Article artwork created with ChatGPT - Concept and art direction by Steve Ellis
by: Steve Ellis
Main Truth: God's promise of rest still stands. The question is whether we will listen to his Son and respond in faith.
Introduction | God Has Spoken
Hebrews 1:1–2; 3:7–1
Hebrews begins with the announcement that God has spoken through his Son. (Heb. 1:1-2)
Jesus is greater than the angels and worthy of greater honor than Moses.
Last week's lesson examined Israel's unbelief in the wilderness.
Although Israel failed to enter God's rest, his promise still stands.
The Promise Still Stands
Hebrews 4:1–2
The wilderness generation's failure did not cancel God's promise.
Israel heard the good news of God's promise but failed to respond with faith.
Hearing God's message requires a response of trust.
What Is God's Rest?
Hebrews 4:3–5; Genesis 2:1–3
The Preacher connects God's promised rest to the seventh day of creation.
God's rest marks the completion of his creative work.
God's promised rest reaches beyond the land of Canaan.
God invites his people to share in his rest.
A Rest That Remains
Hebrews 4:6–11; Joshua 21:44; Psalm 95:7–11
Joshua led Israel into the promised land, where God gave the people rest.
Generations later, Psalm 95 continued calling God's people to hear his voice.
The rest Israel experienced in Canaan was real but not the completion of God's promise.
A Sabbath-rest remains for God's people (Hebrews 4:9).
Believers begin experiencing God's promise through faith while awaiting its fullness.
The call to make every effort to enter God's rest is an encouragement to persevere in faith, not an instruction to earn God's promise.
The God Who Speaks Knows Our Hearts
Hebrews 4:12–13
God's word is alive and active.
The Preacher connects God's word with his earlier warnings about hardened hearts and unbelief.
God's word exposes our thoughts, attitudes, and motives.
Nothing is hidden from God.
Hearing God's voice requires a faithful response.
Crossing The Context | Today, Listen to His Voice
Hebrews 3:15; 4:1–13
Israel's wilderness experience remains a warning against unbelief.
God's promise of rest extends beyond Canaan and remains open to his people.
Faith involves listening, responding, and continuing to trust God.
The invitation to enter God's rest is still before us.
Main Takeaway:
God has spoken. His promise still stands. Listen to his Son.
Scripture Acknowledgement
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®), Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.