1. The first section of Hebrews (1:1-4:13) emphasizes "the superiority of Christ as God's spokesman." 2. Review: a. (ch.1-3) As God's spokesman, Christ is superior to the prophets, the angels, and Moses. b. Because of the Lord's superiority as God's spokesman, Christians must not: 1) allow the things that He says to slip away (2:1) 2) neglect the great salvation that He has revealed (2:3) 3) allow unbelief to result in a departure from God (3:12) 4) imitate the Israelites who were kept out of the land of rest that God promised to them (3:16-19). 3. (4:1-13) Christians are exhorted to enter the rest that God provides. Discussion: I. (4:1-3) WE ARE INSTRUCTED TO FEAR LEST WE FAIL TO ENTER GOD'S REST
A. Because of a lack of faith, many of the Israelites were unable to enjoy the rest that God provided for them (3:16-19; Numbers 1:45-46; 14:26-32). B. God's dealings with the Israelites teach us to fear so we may enter the rest that awaits us. II. (4:4-10) GOD'S REST IS TOO SPECIAL TO DISREGARD
A. (vs.4) God considered rest to be important -- He rested on the 7th day after He completed the Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). B. God later provided a day each week for the Israelites to rest (Exodus 20:8-11). C. God promised a land of rest, Canaan, to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:5-7), and He fulfilled that promise (Joshua 21:43-45). D. Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan; however, this land of rest was not the rest that God entered. E. Another rest [heaven] remains for God's faithful children (Revelation 14:13). III. (4:11) CHRISTIANS ARE TO LABOR TO ENTER GOD'S REST
A. Matthew 7:13-14 B. Luke 13:23-24 C. 2 Peter 1:5-11 IV. (4:12-13) WE MUST HEED THESE INSTRUCTIONS BECAUSE WE WILL BE JUDGED BY GOD'S WORD
