Rest in Christ
07/18/04 AM
Text: Hebrews 4:11-16
Introduction
This lesson is grown from thoughts which began during our Sunday morning Bible class where we are undergoing a study of the book of Hebrews. We recently examined Hebrews Chapter 5 and the phrase “things that accompany salvation” found in verse 9 struck a chord within me. Les did an excellent job in class showing us the hope of eternal life which accompanies our salvation but I began to think of those things which we have in this world which accompany our salvation. I began to examine the scriptures with this in mind and the lesson today is part of my effort to reveal those “things that accompany salvation.”
I. The Invitation to Rest
A. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NKJ
1. The word “labor” implies more than work.
a. Work is a privilege and a source of some measure of satisfaction. Work is to be a part of our lives:
b. “ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11
c. “…if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10b.
d. The root of this word labor is Kopos, kop’-os; meaning a cut, i.e. by analogy toil as reducing the strength, literally or figuratively; by implying pains:--labor, + trouble, weariness.
e. It is work that is so heavy and hard or so futile that it becomes agony. Translated as “weary” in NAS.
f. This is what keeping the Law had become to the Jews of this time.
g. This is what the sinner faces in the world today.
2. “Heavy laden” refers to the over loading of a pack animal or hold of a cargo barge. Those carrying weighty loads hear a personal invitation:
a. Burdens of anxiety, tormented by fear.
b. Sin may have dominion over you. Holding you captive and robbing you of all spiritual or moral beauty.
c. Loads of deep fear.
d. Struggling under a burden of sorrow or disappointment.
e. The burden of self-will.
3. The invitation is to “all” since all are under the burden of sin.
B. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest…” Hebrews 4:11a
II. Let Us Be Diligent To Enter That Rest
A. Because of The Word of God Hebrews 4:12-13
1. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,…” John 1:1, 14a-Jesus IS the Word!
2. Revelation 19:11-16
B. Because We must give account
1. No creature is hidden from Him
2. All things are naked and open to his eyes
3. There are NO SECRETS from him
4. “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” Luke 12:2-3
5. “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25
III. Let Us Hold Fast Our Confession
A. Because we have a great High Priest
1. Not just a High Priest, but a "GREAT" High Priest
2. Of the Order of Melchizedek and so greater than the Law.
B. Because Jesus the Son of God Passed through the heavens
1. As the great High Priest, he entered the most holy of holy places
2. He leads the way for us to enter that place, too.
3. Chapters 5-10 detail the priesthood and sacrifices.
4. Hebrews 9:24-28 sums it up.
IV. Let Us Come Boldly To The Throne Of Grace
A. Because Our Lord is sympathetic
1. Ever met a doctor without any bedside manner?
2. When I am hurting and need help, I want someone who understands!
3. Jesus understands what it’s all about and CARES!
4. Not only because he made us and knew us John 2:24-25
5. But because he experienced life, too. John 1:14a
6. He was tempted, but did not sin.
B. Because He offers not only mercy but also grace!
1. Mercy: not getting what you deserve!
2. Grace: Getting what you don’t deserve!
3. We need them both.
4. We deserve hell: “For the wages of sin is death,...” Romans 6:23a
5. We don’t deserve salvation: “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23b
6. We can come boldly to the through of Grace, confident that Jesus’ blood will cover whatever sin we have committed!
Conclusion
Through the Mercies of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, we have the promise of salvation but God’s Grace provides us so much more: things that accompany salvation:
In this world, rest from our burdens and a yoke that easy and light;
And confidence in the world to come through Jesus as our High Priest and intercessor.
Invitation
We can’t obtain rest anywhere else.
Only from Jesus! Repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS! Be forgiven! Be saved! Come to Him now!
