Bible Studies

Hebrews Lesson 5

by Thomas Kirkpatrick
06/15/22
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Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the Letter to the Hebrews mirrors some of the Biblical themes that other writers have expressed in the New Testament. Paul describes that some false teachers have taught that the second coming of Christ had already occurred, and therefore believers have missed their rest. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) The author of Hebrews reminds us of the warning to the believer not to lose their rest because of disobedience. (Hebrews 3:12-13) In verse 1, the writer reassures his readers that God’s rest is still available. He also warns that we should fear if we have fallen short of receiving by disobedience.

In the previous chapter, we are reminded that the Israelite people came to the borders of the Promised Land but fell short of trust in God’s Word and promise. They disobeyed His command by a lack of faith. They feared the task of defeating the Canaanite people, and they stumbled. Because of this failure of faith in God’s promise, they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land and wandered for forty years. (Numbers 13-14). The point of their lack of faith and obedience to God was the loss of their inheritance. They did not lose their salvation, as God did not send them back to Egypt; they missed the greater reward of having their own land to live in.

We see the lack of faith causes losses in other writings of the New Testament. Paul teaches that our faith justifies us so we can have peace with God. (Romans 5:1) The peace of God also guards our hearts against disobedience. (Philippians 4:6-8) Faith is seen as the key to Jesus saving us, as we have to have faith to come to Him. (John 6:39-40) If we hold fast to our faith, we will receive greater rewards. (Revelation 2:26-27)

Two hundred forty-seven years after the conquest of the Promised Land, King David encouraged the people to enter into the rest that God offered by God. (Psalm 95) It is a statement that the rest of the Promised Land was not onetime but is available today. (Hebrews 4:8)

Going back to Old Testament scriptures, the author states in verses 3 and 4 that God did not rest until His created work was completed on the sixth day and the seventh day He rested. The Israelite people had only lost their rest in the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. If they had completed their work, as God had, they would have received their rest. (Hebrews 4:6) God’s rest is not about relaxation or leisure but the rewards we have coming to us once we complete our work. (Hebrews 4:9-10) Christians must be active in their effort to obey God while we still have time. (Hebrews 4:11) The Christians should not follow the example of the Israelite people and lose their inheritance by disobedience or lack of faith.

Our ability to accomplish the work of God is to obey the Word of God. (Hebrews 4:12) Not only where Jesus leads us but the commands of the written Word of God. We should not confuse selfish piety with living a godly life. (Matthew 7:20-23) Our outward actions can fool others, and we can even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. (Hebrews 4:13) The Word of God is living and can separate our thoughts and intentions knowing what is righteous and what is wicked. All of our thoughts and actions, our words and deeds will be judged by God. (Matthew 12:36)

The importance of having a personal relationship with God is that our Lord sympathizes with our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus has experienced the same sufferings, temptations, and struggles that we are. (Philippians 2:8) Jesus, as a man, has suffered all we have without sinning. (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus is the perfect example we should follow. (Hebrews 2:10) Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is our perfect sacrifice. (Hebrews 2:14)

As we communicate with our Lord, we develop the confidence to approach Him earnestly in prayer. He knows the trials and challenges of a human begin. Jesus has empathy towards us and understands that the fracture of sin flaws us in our nature. (Hebrews 2:18) We fear Jesus out of respect for who He is, but we are not afraid to approach Him with our failures and needs. (Hebrews 4:16)

Chapter 4 closes with reference to Joshua. Joshua led the Israelite people into the Promised Land. As a result of His faith and obedience, God provided him with everything he needed to accomplish his mission. Joshua even found out that Jesus was on His side. (Joshua 5:13-15) Those who stumbled and fell into disbelief lost their faith in God and lost their entrance into the Promised Land. Joshua and those faithful with him exemplified the ultimate reward of confident faith in God’s Word.

Discussion Topics

Question: What can cause us to lose our reward?

Answer: Disobedience.

Question: What is lost by a lack of faith?

Answer: Justification.

Answer: Salvation.

Question: What does God’s peace guard against?

Answer: Disobedience in the heart.

Question: How do we receive greater rewards?

Answer: Holding fast to the faith.

Question: God did not rest until?

Answer: His work of creation was finished.

Question: The Christian should not rest until?

Answer: We have completed their work.

Question: The Christian’s ability to accomplish God’s Word depends on what.

Answer: Word of God. Both written and spoken.

Question: Who will judge all words and deeds?

Answer: God.

Question: What is the benefit of a personal relationship with Jesus.

Answer: He has suffered all that we have and will.

Question: What does constant communication with Jesus create?

Answer: We can come boldly to Him in our prayers.

Opinion Question

What did faithless disobedience cause, and what did obedient faith receive?

First Baptist Church of Durant (2020)