"THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"

Chapter Four

Since many Israelites failed to enter their Canaan rest because of unbelief, the author says we should fear lest we come short of our promised rest: heaven (1-10). Diligence is also required, and the third of six warnings is given: a warning against disobedience in view of God's living and powerful Word (11-13). A positive motivation is then given: our great High Priest, Jesus, who enables us to obtain mercy and grace as needed (14-16).

POINTS TO PONDER

• The Sabbath rest, the Canaan rest, and the heavenly rest
• The living and powerful Word of God
• The privilege of prayer with Jesus as our High Priest

REVIEW QUESTIONS

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1. What are the main points of this chapter?
• The promised rest He 4:1-10
• A warning against disobedience He 4:11-13
• Our great High Priest He 4:14-16
2. Since we have a promise of rest, why should we fear? (1)
• Lest we come short of it
3. Why did the word fail to profit many Israelites? (2)
• Because they did not have faith in what they heard
4. What three different "rests" are spoken of in this chapter? (4-10)
• Sabbath rest (He 4:4), Canaan rest (He 4:8), Heavenly rest (He 4:9-10)
5. What "rest" remains for us? What is required of us to enter it? (10-11)
• The heavenly rest; diligence, lest we disobey and fall like many in Israel
6. How is the word of God described in this chapter? (12)
• Living and powerful
• Sharper than any two-edged sword
• Piercing even to the division of soul and spirit
• A discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart
7. To whom must we give account? (13)
• The One who sees all
8. Why should we hold fast our confession? (14-16)
• We have a great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God
• He sympathizes with our weaknesses, because He was tempted (though without sin)
• We can approach God's throne boldly, obtain mercy and grace in time of need