Off the Shelf Sunday School--Hebrews
Warren Mueller
Christian Author & Lake Ecosystem Scientist. Manager Environmental Assessments at Ameren (Retired).
Faith Brings Peace with God (4:1-8)
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh days God rested from all his work.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. Therefore, God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.??(NIV)
1.?????God promised the Israelites that he would lead them into a land of abundance (milk and honey). However, they did not trust God, and so that generation perished in the desert (except for Josuha and Caleb who had faith). Likewise, many times we see obstacles, rather than opportunities to learn to trust in God. (Dt 6:3; Num 32:6-13)
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2.?????God created everything and then he rested. He did everything needed to make a perfect world for Adam and Eve. Likewise, Jesus has done the work needed to restore mankind to the perfect place God has designed. Disobedience causes man to fail and to not enter into God’s rest. (Gen 2:2-3)???
3.?????Today, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prayers, the Bible, other Christians and through giving us wisdom and insights to do his will. It is important to recognize and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Disobedience will harden us so that we are less likely to hear and obey his commands.???
4.?????Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, but he could not give them rest. They had to fight many battles, endure hardships and face opposition from the surrounding nations. Likewise, Christians have a promise of future rest and rewards in heaven. Like the Israelites in the Promised Land, we enjoy fellowship with the Holy Spirit and other believers, but we must endure persecution and evil attacks.???