The Perfect Rest

THE PERFECT REST

Hebrews 4:11-16

INTRO: We all like to rest. We come in from a hard days work at the office, or off the farm, and we want to sit down, kick off our shoes, and spend some time in rest.

There has been a place provided for us where we can have the rest we want.

Today, let’s think about this PERFECT REST.

I. WORK NECESSARY BEFORE REST.

A. We don’t deserve rest until after we have worked.

1. The harder you work, the more rest you deserve.

a. You prove this daily.

b. You appreciate hard work.

2. God rewards us according to our work for Him.

B. God commanded us to work.

1. Lest we fall (as others) into unbelief (or

disobedience).

2. Then we rightly deserve a good rest and can expect it.

ILLUS: Second Fiddle—p. 744 WBK. Man who won Moody, Scofield, and

Spurgeon. God sometimes uses us best as second fiddle.

II. THE HARDER WE WORK THE BETTER THE REST.

A. When you work hard all day:

1. The rest comes easier at night.

2. The better we rest.

3. The better you feel afterwards.

B. God promises us the same.

ILLUS: Refreshed by working—p. 746 WBK. Story by Ironside. Man worked

hard all day welding. He was tired by noon. Gave money to those in need. He said on Sunday. I was worn out yesterday, but rested today because of yesterday afternoon.

III. OUR REST IS GUARANTEED.

A. Your boss promises you a rest.

1. No way to be sure you will get it.

2. May not get it at all — John working at Red Food Store.

B. Christ guarantees you a rest by his sacrifice.

Conclusion: (Illustration -- Burden Bearers). The camel at the close of the day kneels down to have his burden removed. He kneels at the break of day to receive his burden. The master does not give the camel a burden to great for him to bear.