Hebrews 4:1
Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it.
Therefore
This word serves as a bridge, connecting the previous discourse to the current exhortation. In the context of Hebrews, "therefore" often signals a logical conclusion drawn from earlier teachings. The author has been discussing the faithlessness of the Israelites in the wilderness and their failure to enter God's rest. This word reminds us that the lessons of the past are relevant to the present, urging us to learn from history and apply its wisdom to our spiritual journey.

while the promise
The "promise" here refers to God's assurance of rest, a theme deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Greek word "epangelia" signifies a divine pledge, emphasizing the certainty and reliability of God's word. This promise is not just a historical artifact but a living reality, inviting believers to trust in God's faithfulness. It is a reminder that God's promises are enduring and applicable to all generations.

of entering His rest
"His rest" is a profound concept that transcends mere physical rest. In the Greek, "katapausis" implies a cessation from labor, but in a spiritual sense, it represents the peace and fulfillment found in God's presence. This rest is both a present experience and a future hope, symbolizing the ultimate salvation and eternal life with God. It calls believers to strive for a deeper relationship with God, where true rest is found.

still stands
The phrase "still stands" underscores the ongoing availability of God's promise. The Greek word "apoleipetai" suggests something that remains or is left over, indicating that the opportunity to enter God's rest is not limited to the past but is accessible to believers today. This is a call to seize the moment, to recognize that God's invitation is open and active, urging us to respond with faith and obedience.

let us be careful
This exhortation to "be careful" is a call to vigilance and self-examination. The Greek word "phobeomai" can also mean to fear or be cautious, highlighting the seriousness of the matter. It is a warning against complacency and a reminder to diligently pursue God's rest. This phrase encourages believers to be mindful of their spiritual condition, to ensure that they are walking in faith and not drifting away.

that none of you be deemed
The concern that "none of you be deemed" reflects the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The Greek word "dokei" implies judgment or consideration, suggesting that each believer is accountable not only for themselves but also for their brothers and sisters in Christ. This phrase emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and accountability within the body of Christ, fostering a community that supports one another in the pursuit of God's rest.

to have fallen short of it
"Fallen short" is a sobering phrase that warns against missing the mark. The Greek word "hystereo" conveys a sense of deficiency or failure to reach a goal. In the context of Hebrews, it serves as a caution against unbelief and disobedience, which prevented the Israelites from entering the Promised Land. This phrase challenges believers to examine their faith and commitment, ensuring that they do not fall short of the glorious rest that God offers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. The Recipients
Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the history of Israel. They were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism.

3. The Promise of Rest
Refers to the spiritual rest that God offers, which is a continuation of the rest promised to the Israelites in the Old Testament.

4. The Israelites
The original recipients of God's promise of rest, which they failed to fully enter due to unbelief and disobedience.

5. God's Rest
A concept rooted in the Sabbath rest and the Promised Land, symbolizing peace and fulfillment in God's presence.
Teaching Points
The Urgency of Faith
The promise of entering God's rest is still available, but it requires active faith and obedience. Believers must be diligent in their spiritual walk to avoid falling short.

The Nature of God's Rest
This rest is not merely physical but spiritual, offering peace and fulfillment in Christ. It is a foretaste of the eternal rest believers will experience in heaven.

The Danger of Unbelief
Just as the Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, Christians today must guard against a similar heart attitude that can prevent them from experiencing God's rest.

The Call to Perseverance
The Christian life requires perseverance. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to their faith and not be swayed by external pressures or internal doubts.

The Role of Community
Encouragement and accountability within the Christian community are vital. Believers should support one another in their journey toward God's rest.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the "promise of entering His rest" mean for us today, and how can we ensure we do not fall short of it?

2. How does the concept of rest in Hebrews 4:1 connect with the Sabbath rest described in Genesis 2:2?

3. In what ways can unbelief manifest in a believer's life, and how can we guard against it?

4. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 relate to the rest promised in Hebrews 4:1?

5. What practical steps can we take to encourage one another in our faith journey, ensuring that we all strive to enter God's rest?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 95
This Psalm is referenced in Hebrews 3 and 4, warning against hardening hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness.

Genesis 2:2
God's rest on the seventh day of creation is a foundational concept for understanding the rest offered to believers.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary to come to Him for rest, connecting the Old Testament promise to the New Testament fulfillment.

Numbers 14
The account of the Israelites' rebellion and failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief.

Joshua 1:13
The promise of rest in the land of Canaan, which serves as a type of the ultimate rest in Christ.
Fear of Failing to Realize the Promised RestW. Jones Hebrews 4:1
The Two GospelsD. Young Hebrews 4:1
A Check to PresumptionThe Congregational PulpitHebrews 4:1-2
Believers in Israel and in ChristJ.S. Bright Hebrews 4:1, 2
Cause of the Unprofitable Hearing of the WordAlex. Nisbet.Hebrews 4:1-2
Christ's Legacy of RestM. Henry.Hebrews 4:1-2
Coming Short of the Promised RestT. J. Judkin, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
Faith Increased by FaithA. J. Begel.Hebrews 4:1-2
Faith not to be Mixed with FanciesD. Dickson, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
Faith, the Necessary GraceWilliam Colvill.Hebrews 4:1-2
Fear and RestA. Saphir.Hebrews 4:1-2
Fear of PerishingD. Dickson, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
Fearful of Coming ShortC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 4:1-2
Hearing Bat not ProfitingC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 4:1-2
Necessity for Religious CautionG. T. Noel, M. AHebrews 4:1-2
Not Being Mixed with FaithBp. Phillips Brooks.Hebrews 4:1-2
On Hearing the Word PreachedJ. Sinclair, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
Preaching and PractisingJ. Parker, D. D.Hebrews 4:1-2
Profitable MixtureC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 4:1-2
Profitless HearingW Jones, D. D.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Appearance of FailureH. Melvill, B. D.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Christian's Privilege, Danger and DutySketches of SermonsHebrews 4:1-2
The Danger of Falling Short of the Heavenly RestJ. P. Wright, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Fear of Losing the Promised RestNeville Jones.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Gospel Must be BelievedThe ChurchHebrews 4:1-2
The Gospel of RestA. B. Bruce, D. D.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Gospel Preached Under the Old TestamentS. Mather.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Mercy of the GospelG. Lawson.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Preached GospelJohn Owen, D. D.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Promise of Entering into God's RestE. D. Solomon.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Promised RestAbp. Wake.Hebrews 4:1-2
The Word Preached, Net ProfitlessA. Boyd, M. A.Hebrews 4:1-2
Unprofitable HearingBaxendale's AnecdotesHebrews 4:1-2
Use of FearH. W. Beecher.Hebrews 4:1-2
The More Terrible Result of Apostasy from Christ Seen in the Better Rest to Which Christ LeadsC. New Hebrews 4:1-11
People
David, Hebrews, Joshua
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Admitted, Anyone, Careful, Entering, Failed, Fallen, Fear, God's, Guard, Haply, Judged, Leaves, Lest, None, Perhaps, Promise, Reach, Remains, Rest, Seem, Short, Stands, Though, Unable
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 4:1

     1160   God, unchangeable
     7430   Sabbath, in NT

Hebrews 4:1-2

     8743   faithlessness, nature of
     8835   unbelief, nature of

Hebrews 4:1-5

     5537   sleeplessness

Hebrews 4:1-11

     5059   rest, eternal

Library
February 22. "He that Hath Entered into his Rest Hath Ceased from his Own Works Even as God did from His" (Heb. Iv. 10).
"He that hath entered into His rest hath ceased from his own works even as God did from His" (Heb. iv. 10). What a rest it would be to many of us if we could but exchange burdens with Christ, and so utterly and forever transfer to Him all our cares and needs that we would not feel henceforth responsible for our burdens, but know that He has undertaken all the care, and that our faith is simply to carry His burdens, and that He prays, labors, and suffers only for us and our interests. This is what
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 18. "All Things are Naked and Open unto the Eyes of Him with whom we have to Do" (Heb. Iv. 13).
"All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb. iv. 13). The literal translation of this phrase is, all things are stripped and stunned. This is the force of the Greek words. The figure is that of an athlete in the Coliseum who has fought his best in the arena, and has at length fallen at the feet of his adversary, disarmed and broken down in helplessness. There he lies, unable to strike a blow, or lift his arm. He is stripped and stunned, disarmed and disabled,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 23. "An High Priest Touched with the Feeling of Our Infirmities" (Heb. Iv. 15).
"An high priest touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. iv. 15). Some time ago we were talking with a greatly suffering sister about healing, who was much burdened physically and desirous of being able to trust the Lord for deliverance. After a little conversation we prayed with her, committing her case to the Lord for absolute trust and deliverance as she was prepared to claim. As soon as we closed our prayer she grasped our hand, and asked us to unite with her in the burden that was
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 22. "Touched with the Feeling of Our Infirmities" (Heb. Iv. 15).
"Touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. iv. 15). Some of us know a little what it is to be thrilled with a sense of the sufferings of others, and sometimes, the sins of others, and sins that seem to saturate us as they come in contact with us, and throw over us an awful sense of sin and need. This is, perhaps, intended to give us some faint conception of the sympathy that Jesus felt when He had taken our sins, our sicknesses and our sorrows. Let us not hesitate to lay them on Him! It
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Throne of Grace
In order to such prayer, the work of the Holy Ghost himself is needed. If prayer were of the lips alone, we should only need breath in our nostrils to pray: if prayer were of the desires alone, many excellent desires are easily felt, even by natural men: but when it is the spiritual desire, and the spiritual fellowship of the human spirit with the Great Spirit, then the Holy Ghost himself must be present all through it, to help infirmity, and give life and power, or else true prayer will never be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Heavenly Rest
"My rest," says God: the rest of God! Something more wonderful than any other kind of rest. In my text it is (in the original) called the Sabbatism--not the Sabbath, but the rest of the Sabbath--not the outward ritual of the Sabbath, which was binding upon the Jew, but the inward spirit of the sabbath, which is the joy and delight of the Christian. "There remaineth therefore"--because others have not had it, because some are to have it--"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." Now,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

How Should we Make Use of Christ, in Going to the Father, in Prayer, and Other Acts of Worship?
In short, for answering of this question, I shall lay down those particulars: 1. There should be a lively sense of the infinite distance that is between the great God and us finite creatures, and yet more betwixt the Holy Ghost and us sinful wretches. 2. There should be an eyeing of Christ as the great peacemaker, through his death and merits having satisfied justice and reconciled sinners unto God; that so we may look on God now no more as an enemy, but as reconciled in Jesus. 3. There should be,
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Entrance into Rest.
Hebrews 4:1.--Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Hebrews 4:11.--Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. I want, in the simplest way possible, to answer the question: "How does a man enter into that rest?" and to point out the simple steps that he takes, all included in the one act of surrender and faith. And the first step, I think, is this: that a
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

What Now is Become of this True Church, or Where must the Man Go...
What now is become of this true church, or where must the man go, who would fain be a living member of it? He need go nowhere; because wherever he is, that which is to save him, and that which he is to be saved from, is always with him. SELF is all the evil that he has, and God is all the goodness that he ever can have; but self is always with him, and God is always with him. Death to self is his only entrance into the church of life, and nothing but God can give death to self. Self is an inward
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

To-Morrow
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."--Heb. iv. 9. J. S. Kunth, 1700. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 There is a Day of rest before thee-- Thou weary soul, arise and shine. Awhile the clouds hung darkly o'er thee, Awhile the captive's chains were thine. Behold, the Lamb of God will lead thee To still green pastures round the throne; Cast off thy burden, rise and speed thee, For soon the battle storm is done-- For soon the weary race is past, And thou shalt rest in Love at last.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

The Sabbath Year
Gerhard Ter Steegen Heb. iv. 10 Oft comes to me a blessed hour, A wondrous hour and still-- With empty hands I lay me down, No more to work or will. An hour when weary thought has ceased, The eyes are closed in rest; And, hushed in Heaven's untroubled peace, I lie upon Thy breast. Erewile I reasoned of Thy truth, I searched with toil and care; From morn to night I tilled my field, And yet my field was bare. Now, fed with corn from fields of Heaven The fruit of Hands Divine, I pray no prayer,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Whiter than Snow
Gerhard Ter Steegen Heb. iv. 14 To heart and soul how sweet Thou art, O great High Priest of God! My heart brought nigh to God's own heart By Thy most precious blood. No more my countless sins shall rise To fill me with dismay-- That precious blood before His eyes Hath put them all away. My soul draws near with trust secure, With boldness glad and free; What matters it that I am poor, For I am rich in Thee. Forgotten every stain and spot, Their memory past and gone, For me, O God, Thou seest
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Old-Testament Gospel Heb 4:02

John Newton—Olney Hymns

John Newton the Word Quick and Powerful. Heb 4:12,13

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Statement of Faith.
1. We believe in one Unbegotten [428] God, Father Almighty, maker of all things both visible and invisible, that hath His being from Himself. And in one Only-begotten Word, Wisdom, Son, begotten of the Father without beginning and eternally; word not pronounced [429] nor mental, nor an effluence [430] of the Perfect, nor a dividing of the impassible Essence, nor an issue [431] ; but absolutely perfect Son, living and powerful (Heb. iv. 12), the true Image of the Father, equal in honour and glory.
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Power of God's Word to Convict Men of Sin.
In Hebrews 4:12 we have a Scripture which draws attention to this peculiar characteristic of the Bible--"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, andis a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The writings of men may sometimes stir the emotions, search the conscience, and influence the human will, but in a manner and degree possessed by no other book the Bible
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

The Great High-Priest.
"Having then a great High-priest, Who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high-priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need. For every high-priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Rest
THE Master had much to say to his beloved children about this festival of God. It was of this that he delighted to tell them. Whilst the pestilence, and the war, and the persecution of Rome, were desolating the city, Master Tauler dwelt in the gladness of the bridal chamber, and told to the weary and sorrowful around him, the things that he had seen and heard. And thus it came to pass that many entered in, and found themselves in that inner chamber of rest, and peace, and joy, and to them "the curse
Frances Bevan—Three Friends of God

Our Compassionate High Priest
"Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."--Hebrews 5:2 The high priest looked Godward, and therefore he had need to be holy; for he had to deal with things pertaining to God. But at the same time he looked manward; it was for men that he was ordained, that, through him, they might deal with God; and therefore he had need to be tender. It was necessary that he should be one who could have sympathy with men;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Sixteenth Day for the Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Sabbath Schools
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Power of the Holy Spirit in our Sabbath Schools "Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children."--ISA. xlix. 25. Every part of the work of God's Church is His work. He must do it. Prayer is the confession that He will, the surrender of ourselves into His hands to let Him, work in us and through us. Pray for the hundreds
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice Chester, Justice Blundale, Justice Beecher, Justice Snagg, Etc.
After I had lain in prison above seven weeks, the quarter-sessions were to be kept in Bedford, for the county thereof, unto which I was to be brought; and when my jailor had set me before those justices, there was a bill of indictment preferred against me. The extent thereof was as followeth: That John Bunyan, of the town of Bedford, labourer, being a person of such and such conditions, he hath (since such a time) devilishly and perniciously abstained from coming to church to hear Divine service,
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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