Hebrews 4

Heb 4:1-3 NASB  Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.  (2)  For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.  (3)  For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.

  • Chapter 4 begins with “Therefore” which implies that the remaining text depends on the points made in Chapter 3.  What were the points made in Chapter 3 that the author wants us to connect to the following verses?
  • Compare this translation with the NIV translation for Chapter 4:1.  What differences to you see?
    • What does it mean to you that the authors suggests that we should have fear (greek phobo)?
    • Is there a difference between the implication that we could be “found to have fallen short” as compared to coming up short?  Is one form implying judgment and the other not?  The NIV translation is a possibility but the word used in the original Greek (doko) usually means “seems to” or “to suppose” or to think, imagine or consider to.
  • Why are we to be concerned that me may seem to fall short of the promise? (Verse 2)
  • Note that the author certainly means the Gospel as good news, but also seems to be referring to God’s word shared from time beginning in the scripture as well – what do you think when praying about this verse in the broader context of Chapter 4?
  • What was the deciding factor that made the good news powerless?
    • Was it faith?
    • Was it in the unity provided by faith?
    • Who were the ones who were needing the unity of faith?
    • Does this apply to our lives today?  How?
  • Verse 3 – what is the difference between this translation and the NLT “We who believe”?
    • Do you think the tense makes a difference?  (by the way the correct tense is present- we who believe)
    • How does that make a difference?
    • Look at the final clause of verse 3.  Who’s works are referred to?  How does that connect to the rest promised here?  The Tyndale bible translates this phrase as “And that spake he verily long after that the works were made from the foundation of the world laid;”  New Living Translation renders this verse as “even though this rest has been ready since He made the world. ”  Consider what you believe this phrase to mean knowing that the absolute meaning is really not clearly known.

Heb 4:4-7 NASB  For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”;  (5)  and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.”  (6)  Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,  (7)  He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

  • What does it mean to you that God rested after his work of creation?  What are the characteristics of that rest – consider all that was done in Genesis 1-2 and what His rest may mean?
  • Given this meaning of rest, what does it mean that some shall not enter God’s rest?
  • There are two groups referenced in verse 6, what groups are those?
  • Do you see how the “good news” mentioned could include the Gospel and also God’s word throughout time?
  • What is the factor that restricts those from entering God’s rest?
  • Is that restriction from entering rest permanent?  How do you know?
  • What does mean to you that God could speak to anyone “TODAY” and they have a choice to not harden their hearts and enter into that rest?

Heb 4:8-11 NASB  For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that.  (9)  So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  (10)  For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.  (11)  Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

  • What does this reference to Joshua mean?  When did Joshua live in respect to David? What does it mean to you that the “land of milk and honey” was not the rest that David suggests?
  • What do you think is meant by “resting from his works”?
  • The last word in verse 11 is apeitheria also means unbelief as wall as disobedience.  What does this mean to you?
  • Can you reconcile the concept of diligence (Greek also means earnest, eager) to enter rest?  How does that compare with God’s 6 days of work and 7th day of rest?  Does this give you a deeper understanding of rest and maybe even work?

Heb 4:12-16 NASB  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (13)  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.  (14)  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  (15)  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

  • We can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Greek meaning – the act of speaking in frankness and freedom) because:
    • The word of God is living, active and can judge the heart and no creature is hidden from Him
    • We have a high priest who is able to hear our confessions and is in heaven now serving that atonement role and who can sympathize with us
  • All leading to the chief gift of what in verse 16?  “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
    • Consider closing your eyes and praying to God right now – lift up anything in your heart that may be hardened.  We know that He waits, ready to receive us and give us that mercy and grace that we so desperately need so approach him with freedom and honesty now.
  • What character of God is revealed in these passages?
  • What character of Jesus is revealed in these passages?
  • What will you take with you today to apply in your life?