Strength to Overcome Greed

“Overcoming Greed”

Prov. 3:5-6; Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. God prescribes specific practices to escape the trap of greed like contentment, generosity, and appreciation.   

INTRODUCTION:

Do you feel trapped in disappointing cycles? Never satisfied with your income? Perhaps you are encountering myriads of worldly desires? What about the many forms of wickedness working in your heart? Perhaps it’s unchecked cravings for ‘more’ or distractions to your faith? Periodically you sense your struggles are self-induced and soaked with conflicts, but aren’t sure what to do. You may even feel your greed destroying both internal peace and relationships.  

Frustration can be caused by greed. It seems the more people want, the more there is to want. Greed is the insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. Scripture explicitly warns against it, linking the “love of money” to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of “idolatry”. So, how do we experience victory?

MESSAGE: 

I.  FRUSTRATION COULD BE EVIDENCE OF GREED.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This famous passage offers a blueprint for faithful living and decision-making. It contrasts our own limited human perspective with God’s infinite wisdom. We are challenge to place complete, undivided reliance on God; placing our confidence in His character and promises, rather than just acknowledging Him when it is convenient. God urges us to invite Him into every area of our life. ‘Acknowledging Him’ entails intentionally seeking His will, praying about decisions, and aligning your actions with His principles.

“He shall direct thy paths” is a promise the Lord will give genuine direction as we trust Him. Seeking His guidance and wisdom requires prayer and scripture for clarity, and remain open to His leading, even if it differs from your plans. Also, surround yourself with God-fearing counselors to help discern God’s path.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Satan seeks to draw us away from God. Jesus was warning against false leaders, selfish motives, and legalism empowered by Satan that will rob us of peace and truth. Jesus’ promise does not guarantee financial wealth or an easy, trouble-free life. Instead, it refers to a rich spiritual life characterized by inner peace, joy, forgiveness, and a close walk with God that begins now and extends into eternity. While the religious leaders were acting like self-serving ‘thieves,’ Jesus came to bring protection, salvation, and real fulfillment.

But many people respond to this ‘promise’ with frustration that results in compulsive and obsessive behaviors. These ideas are also frequently associated with perfectionism to seize what we treasure. Compulsions and obsessions are traps, not blessings. They drive a person to pursue something until he gains it, regardless of who may be hurt in the process or what damage may be caused.

A.  OUR FRUSTRATIONS ARE OFTEN ROOTED IN GREED.

Luke 12:15, And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

This is Jesus’ definitive warning against greed and the false belief that material wealth equals a successful or secure life. The Bible teaches that frustration rooted in greed is a direct result of placing misplaced trust in wealth rather than God. Because selfish desires are insatiable, greed guarantees continuous disappointment, destroys peace, and traps people in a cycle of endless striving.

1.      The Deception of Disappointments: The pursuit of wealth breeds emptiness. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The very nature of greed thrives on insatiability and traps a person in perpetual dissatisfaction.

2.      The Cause of Multiple Evils: Unchecked craving for money distracts from faith and causes deep internal pain. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The pursuit of wealth often leads to ruin and destructive desires.

3.      Personally Brought on Conflicts: Greed destroys both internal peace and relationships. “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 28:25). The Book of Proverbs also warns that ‘a greedy person stirs up strife’ and ‘troubles his own household’ through dishonest or selfish actions.

If you struggle with a general feeling of frustration…that there's ‘more’ you believe you should have in your life. You find yourself craving more recognition, more approval, more validation, more likes, more opportunities, more rights, more ‘free’ stuff, more privileges, more things, more power, more money, and more appreciation. This desire for more is a form of disappointment, frustration, dissatisfaction, or even irritation.

This is why we have more psychiatrists, try to increase the bank accounts, use tranquilizers, lead mixed-up lives, and use sleeping pills. Some use drugs and alcohol to numb themselves of the disappointments. Take a good look at the average person…their minds and bodies, reveal a life of turmoil and frustration. 

Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the inevitable consequences of greed (Luke 12:13-21): Jesus tells a story about a man who imagine building larger barns to hoard his wealth instead of being “rich toward God” (generous to others in need). The man dies that very night, highlighting the folly of hoarding things you cannot take with you.

B.  IT IS VITAL WE PINPOINT EXACTLY WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

Jesus insisted, ‘We cannot serve both God and money’ (see Matt. 6:24). He urges us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, adding that our life is not defined by the large quantity of assets we may have. Colossians 3:5 equates “covetousness” or greed to “idolatry” because it replaces devotion to God with the worship of material gain.

First, take God’s word on guarding against greed and keeping the proper perspective on wealth:

1.     Proverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."

2.     Proverbs 28:16: "The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."

3.     Matthew 6:19-20: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

4.     1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out..."

5.     Hebrews 13:5: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Secondly, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect about the things that you truly value in life. What would you not want to lose? What do you most desire to have when you are ninety years old?

Most people who identify what they truly value in life will list such things as

• a long, fruitful, and fulfilled life;
• good health and real growth in the Lord;
• a loving circle of family and friends;
• the blessings of eternal life now and with the Lord;
• a sense of achieving God’s purpose and will;
• inner peace and joy; and
• a solid impact on this world for Christ’s sake

I have good news and bad news regarding these things. The bad news is that you cannot get any of these things on your own no matter how much you want or think you deserve them. You cannot buy them from a department store, earn them with your dedication, or acquire them through really trying hard. The good news is that these are the very things that the Lord desires for many of us to have and that He will help us to experience as you trust in Him! (C. Stanley)

Again, greed is that insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. God repeatedly and explicitly warn against it, linking the “love of money” (1Tim. 6:10) to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of idolatry (Col 3:5).

C. GREED CAN BE CONQUERED BY THE BELIEVER!

Instead of falling into the trap of greed, God prescribes “contentment.” True peace comes from a shift in perspective, recognizing that material accumulation does not define a person's worth. God prescribe specific practices to overcome the trap of greed:

1.     Watch Your Heart: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (Luke 12:15). Stay on guard against all forms of greed; there is far more to you than merely your stuff.

2.   Choose this Godly Perspective—Contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Godly contentment is an inward state of peace and satisfaction that relies on God’s control rather than external circumstances. It is rooted in the belief that God provides exactly what is needed for present well-being, it detaches happiness from wealth or changing situations. Paul taught that “godliness with contentment is great gain”, finding ultimate satisfaction in faith in Christ rather than mere possessions.

3.   Give Generously to the Needy: God encourages giving generously and sharing with the poor as a means of breaking the grip of materialism on the soul.

4.   Practice Gratitude Habitually: Believers are called to practice gratitude, recognizing that everything comes from God and that earthly wealth is temporary.

 Conclusion:

If you are dealing with a specific situation and would like to explore practical or spiritual guidance, consider these thoughts:

·        What area of life is causing you to feel this frustration? (e.g., finances, career, personal relationships)

·        Are there specific goals you are currently striving for?

 

 

 

Who You are in Christ

Ephesians 2

Who Are You in Christ Jesus? Just take a moment to ponder that question.... 

Once again, our identity is presented by God to forge unity, and harmony among believers in the same church. These are true confessions we can make to God daily as believers in Jesus Christ. It is vital that we pay attention to how these truths apply to anyone suffering from an over-inflated ego, delusions of grandeur, false self-importance convictions, distorted perceptions of oneself, or a superiority complex.

Caution: these concepts are true, humbling, chastening, corrective, and helpful. Let’s look at each one.  

1.      I am saved, quickened, and made alive…or suddenly awaken to the reality of my sinfulness and life in Christ (Eph. 2:1)

 

The sinner who trusts Christ has been raised and seated on the throne (Eph. 2:1–10), and believing Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled and set into the temple (Eph. 2:11–22). What a miracle of God’s grace! We are taken out of the great graveyard of sin and placed into the throne room of glory.^[1]

 

2.     I was loved by God even when I was living for worldliness, by the devil’s influence, and for myself in carnality like everyone else (Eph. 2:2-3)

3.     I am saved by God’s merciful grace and made alive together with Christ because of God’s great love (Eph. 2:4-5)

 

It comes as a shock to some people when they discover that we are not saved “by God’s love,” but by God’s mercy and grace. In His mercy, He does not give us what we do deserve; and in His grace He gives us what we do not deserve. And all of this is made possible because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It was at Calvary that God displayed His hatred for sin and His love for sinners (Rom. 5:8; John 3:16).^[2]

 

4.     I am raised-exalted and seated-enthroned with Christ in the heavenly realm so I may be an ageless demonstration of His grace and kindness (Eph. 2:6-7)

5.     I am reconciled-a recipient of God’s gracious salvation gift through a simple act of faith in His matchless work and impeccable character (Eph. 2:8-9)

6.     I am free from all bragging, personal determination, prideful efforts, and arrogance for this salvation in Christ (Eph. 2:9)

One reason why salvation is a free gift of God and not earned by works, is given us in the words; “lest any man should boast.” Grace glorifies God. Works would glorify man.^[3]

 

7.     I am re-created in Christ for the good works that God ordained for me to fulfill and complete with/during this incredible new life (Eph. 2:10)

8.     I am delivered by God from alienation regarding heritage, estrangement to God’s promises, and hopeless worldliness and brought into peace, promise, and harmony through the precious blood of Christ (Eph. 2:11-13)

 

When they trusted the Savior, God placed them in Christ Jesus and accepted them in the beloved One. From then on they were as near to God as Christ is, because they were in Christ Jesus. The cost of effecting this marvelous change was the blood of Christ. Before these Gentile sinners could enjoy the privilege of nearness to God, they had to be cleansed from their sins. Only the blood of Christ shed at Calvary could do this. When they received the Lord Jesus by a definite act of faith, all the cleansing value of His precious blood was credited to their account.^[4]

 

9.     I am no longer alienated, but rendered near to God who is uniting all believer’s bringing peace, union, agreement, and cultural connectivity (Eph. 2:13-14)

10.  I am reconciled to God as a new individual regardless of my guiltiness, my offensiveness, and national origins and united with other believers through the cross (crucifixion) of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:15-17)

11.   I presently share a new position—access to God the Father by the Spirit as a fellow-citizen with other saints and belong to and included in God’s household of faith (Eph. 2:18-19)

12.  I am built on the same foundation of Christ, the chief cornerstone, and we share together in the work of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20)

 

Paul has shown that though the Gentiles were formerly outside God’s household, they are now one “new man” with Jewish believers. This new entity is like a temple that is structured on the apostles and prophets, with Christ being the chief Cornerstone; it is indwelt by God through the agency of the Holy Spirit.^[5]

 

13.  I am gifted and enabled by God to contribute to the ever-growing welfare of the Church as a part of the Lord’s living Temple—his Spirit-provided dwelling place (Eph. 2:21-22)

And so the chapter that began with a description of Gentiles who were dead, depraved, diabolical, and disobedient, closes with those same Gentiles cleansed from all guilt and defilement, and forming a dwelling place of God in the Spirit!^[6]

In conclusion, recite these God-centered statements to your Father in prayer.  Your daily confessions, your frequent acknowledgements, and agreements with his views of you as his child will transform your perspective. Try this for a solid month. Consciencely recognize this corrective position for your own ‘freeing’ benefit and mental adjustment. Gradually let go of any over-inflated ego observations…any erroneous delusions of grandeur…all untrue self-importance persuasions… all distorted perception of oneself, and every wrong superiority complex. Reject cultural and political ideas or definitions of yourself. Stop now any efforts to overcompensate for any feelings of inadequacy or shortages from your entire life! You may need to forgive some people (including yourself), but please do not allow their failures, flaws, or 'mindset' define you or limit your potential in Christ Jesus.  Spiritually we are all equal “in Christ” and this includes every believer without a single exception. That means no racial, political, socio-economical, or social factors should outweigh this unity we enjoy in Christ. Unity and not necessarily uniformity! This is a wonderful start!

It is true that our heavenly Father regards all of us, His children, in the same way. We are equals…special, but not individually unique. We are privileged and exalted because of who God is, not in or of ourselves. This strike at a point of pride, but let it! We all enjoy elevated gracious blessings and not mere individual earthly rights in God’s eyes. The honors that we have do not favor one over the other but are evenly distributed to all believers alike “in Christ.”

Go ahead and admit these ideas to our heavenly Father. Adopt this correct perspective for yourself; embrace these God-given ideas fully. Personally witness God's wonderful truth transforming your understanding of yourself and freeing you from elevated arrogance, fault-finding comparisons, and paranoid fears. In the name of Christ Jesus be free from hoax-laden cover ups, double-standard pretenses, two-faced hypocrisies, national or cultural expectations, fraudulent lifestyles, fakeness, and other delusional ideas rooted in distorted perceptions of reality. God, your heavenly Father, wants you to be ‘free’ indeed!

 

 

---

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 17.

^[2] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 19.

^[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 70.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1920.

^[5] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 628.

^[6] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1924.

God is Good

 

God is Good

Psalm 145:9; 107:9; 34:8

This concept is a fundamental theme in the Christian Faith; it is often expressed through praise, worship, and acts of service to others. 

Notice a more in-depth description:

Regarding God's Character:

God is inherently good, meaning that He is incapable of evil or wrongdoing. His very nature is described as perfectly good, righteous, and full of integrity. 

The Bible repeatedly highlights the goodness of the God. Psalm 145:9 states, "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." A declarative statement highlighting His essential generosity to all creation. Psalm 107:9 asserts, "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness," demonstrating His faithful provisions. He is always true to His promises. This faithfulness provides security and stability for us, knowing that God will never abandon us. Additionally, Psalm 34:8 encourages, "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Yes, God is ‘good’ and in ultimate control of all things, yet He allows for human choice and responsibility by extending this warm invitation. This sovereignty does not negate His goodness but demonstrates His power, wisdom, and our opportunity. 

God is good! We are encouraged to correctly perceive Him as ‘good’ and free of all and any bad. God's good character encompasses attributes like love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Again, not merely an attribute, but His ‘goodness’ is the very essence of His being, prompting His activities and exchanges with people. This goodness is seen in His providing, His willingness to offer forgiveness, and His desire for the welfare of all creation. Summarily, God's good character is the groundwork for His relationship with people, offering love, affording forgiveness, and providing hope. 

The Bible painstakingly emphasizes God's goodness:

• Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." 
• Psalm 31:19: "Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!" 
• Psalm 107:1: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." 
• Nahum 1:7: "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." 
• Lamentations 3:25: "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." 
• Romans 2:4: "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" 
• Ephesians 2:7: "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." 
• Titus 3:4-5: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." 

God really wanted us to grasp this fundamental truth about Himself: He is good! He said this, demonstrated it, illustrated it, punctuated it repeatedly throughout the Bible so that we would not miss the fact that He is good. Goodness is not merely an abstract concept but also a reflection of God's activities and interactions with the world. This includes His acts of creation, provision, and salvation. Whether its formation, redemption, or consummation God is always good, doing good, and bringing about good. He even works all things together for our good because we love God deeply, are brothers and sisters of His Son, the Lord Jesus, and he has a brilliant purpose for us in Christ. So many other doctrines are correctly expressed and explain, but this idea must not be forgotten by us who claim to believe God’s Word. He is good; God is good! The devil is evil, sin is evil, the World system is bad, the flesh is bad, but God is good all the time!

The Bible is filled with examples of God's goodness, from the creation account where God declares everything He made to be "very good" to the explanations of His faithfulness and provision throughout history. Specific statements like Psalm 23:6, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" and Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good" highlight this beautiful truth. 

Really embracing this idea of God can be challenging when life goes sideways and crazy. In fact, our circumstances can cause us to spin out of control if we do not have a correct view of God. Part of the problem is we tend to interpret God through the lends of our problems and struggles. We are inclined to classify Him as good if He is ‘blessing’ us and those we love. We also see Him as bad when unexpected things pop up and we are obviously not in control. But the character and nature of God remains static and uninfluenced by the changes we are registering. When every day hurts expressively, we fail to see God in and of Himself is still ‘good’ and unchanged. This world is broken by sin and often those consequences touch even the lives of righteous people who do right and are obedient to God. It is not that God is in less control or subject to the problems; in His sovereignty He permits the ugly, painful, and unimaginable in even the most godly saints lives for His own good purposes. Study carefully the first message of the Bible in the book of Job to see this for yourself. Even if God came down to us and personally answered our questions of ‘why the bad’ we may not appreciate the answers, or we will have to confess our ignorance in the brilliant light of His goodness!

Enter God's Rest (Part 1)

Lesson Five

Enter God’s Rest

Hebrews 4:1–13

 

Theme: Since Christ Jesus, the Son of God, has completed the work of redemption and is at rest, we must accept it, rely on it and enter rest with Him. Accept Christ’s peace for the conscience, the heart, and the mind by faith.

 

Reflection

Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question. 

1. What misconceptions do people have about finding true peace? 

There are several misconceptions related to true peace. One delusion is the notion that peace is primarily external and must be arranged or constructed in society through amicable interactions. While it is desirable to live in a peaceful society, God has far more in mind than social peace and political stability. Another misconception is that substantial peace must be earned or worked to secure through religious duties and rituals. Many religions, all based on this same flawed philosophy of works, exist in the world because of the quest of the human soul for peace with God. But real peace is ours through faith in Christ and by God’s grace and love, not our efforts to earn it or perform satisfactorily. Another approach is that people attempt to find a kind of peace in a liquor bottle, drugs, activities, or even a certain place. They want to escape the ugliness and dreadfulness of reality by numbing themselves to it…even for relatively short periods. The fact is their minds and perceptions are temporarily impaired, but reality remains uninfluenced in any positive ways. The truth is real peace can only be ours through faith (confidence, reliance, and trust) in Jesus Christ and the Word of God. God provides an inner rest and repose for the mind, heart, and soul of those who believe Him.

 

Bible Reading

Read carefully and thoughtfully Hebrews 4:1–13.   

To those who fail to see themselves as Jesus’ brothers, and to understand the thought of Hebrews 3 and 4, it may seem frightening. Such people might cringe as they imagine these verses describe God examining them, to highlight each hidden fault. But this is not the point at all! The writer has just explained rest. That rest goes beyond the promise of Palestine to Israel. God’s rest is a rest of soul and spirit, a rest of thought and attitude. The inner person is to be at rest as well. And we can rest, for nothing is hidden from God’s gaze. He knows our deepest, most secret needs, and with His Word lays bare that need—and guides us into rest. –The Teacher's Commentary

 

     Commentary

This chapter continues the theme of rest that was begun in 3:11. The word “rest” is used in five different senses in this section: (1) God’s Sabbath rest of Gen. 2:2 and Heb. 4:4, 10; (2) Canaan, the rest for Israel after wandering for forty years (3:11, etc.); (3) the believer’s present salvation rest in Christ (4:3, 10); (4) the overcomer’s present rest of victory (4:11); and (5) the future eternal rest in heaven (4:9). God’s Sabbath rest is a type of our present rest of salvation, following the finished work of Christ on the cross. It is also a picture of the “eternal Sabbath” of glory. Israel’s Canaan rest is similar to the life of victory and blessing we gain as we walk by faith and claim our inheritance in Christ. There are in this chapter four exhortations relating to the life of rest. –Wiersbe, Warren W.: Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament

The nature of rest. The word “rest” is used in Hebrews 3 and 4 in three distinct senses. First is the usage we’ve seen. Entry into the Promised Land, so large a feature of Old Testament history, is a portrait—a tangible example—of the idea of rest.

It was an appropriate picture. God had promised the land to Abraham and his descendants. During the years of Israel’s slavery in Egypt, pagan peoples had populated and improved the land. They had built houses, planted vineyards and orchards, and tamed the wilderness. Yet their lifestyle more and more evidenced the grossest of sins. The time of their judgment by God corresponded with Israel’s release from slavery. In coming into Canaan, Israel would be God’s instrument of judgment on sin—and would inherit riches for which she had not labored. The people would sit under trees they had not planted and drink wine made from grapes of vines they had not cultivated. They would come into a land where the work had been done—and they would rest.

Like Israel of old, you and I in Jesus have been delivered from slavery. Sin’s power in our lives has been broken, and we are called by God to enter a “Promised Land” experience, in which we will rest. We are to enjoy the benefits of the work Jesus has done for us. The Christian life is not one of struggle to carve out a bare living in the wilderness. The Christian life is one of appropriating all the benefits of the spiritual abundance that Jesus so richly provides.

A second connotation of “rest” is seen in the application of the term to God’s own rest on completion of Creation. The Jewish teachers had noted a fascinating feature of the Genesis account. For each of the first six days, the text speaks of “evening and morning.” The beginning and the end were clearly marked off. But the seventh day has no such demarcation. The rabbis took this to mean that God’s rest has no end. With the creative work complete, God is not inactive, but He no longer creates, for that work is done.

Strikingly, it is His rest (4:5) that believers are invited to enter! We are to come to the place where we appropriate fully what God has done, and while never becoming inactive, we do stop laboring. The load of a Christian life that some experience as a struggle is lifted. The pressure of trying harder is gone. –The Teacher's Commentary

      Outline

In this section, there are three primary segments.  First is a review of Israel’s example of unbelief and their consequent failure to enter God’s rest (Heb. 4:1-9). Secondly, as Christians we are challenged to follow Christ (Heb. 4:7-11), and thirdly, submit our inner most hearts to the scrutiny (examination, search, analysis, laying bare) of the Word, and believe (trust) God to personally appropriate—fittingly adopt and depend on without reservation—the heavenly and spiritual blessings of His everlasting rest (Heb. 4:12-13).

 

I.                 Understand that God Still Offers the Promise of His Rest to His People (Heb. 4:1-6, 9).

a.      Fear the Possibility of Coming Short of God’s Rest (4:1).

b.      Take Advantage of the Good News of Rest by Exercising Faith in this Promise (4:2-3).

c.      Bear in Mind God’s Rest is Still Available (4:4-6, 9).

d.      Beware of Unbelief and Unresponsiveness to God’s Word (4:6)

II.               Respond Now in Faith to God’s Offer; Let us Labor to Enter His Rest (Heb. 4:7-11).

a.      God Has Been Patient with Israel’s Slow Respond to His Offers (4:7, 8).

b.      God Expects an Immediate Response to His Offer of Rest (4:7).

c.      We must Labor to Enter into His Rest to Avoid Falling in Unbelief (4:11).

III.             Trust God’s Word to Reveal Unbelief, Detect Genuine Faith, and the Needs of our Hearts (Heb. 4:12-13).

a.      Trust the Word to Expose the Thoughts and Motives of our Hearts (4:12).

b.      Trust God to Help You Understand the Condition of Your Heart (4:13).

 

Discovery

Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.

2.  Why didn't the Hebrews enter God's rest? (Heb. 4:1-3)                                      

Having reminded his readers that the generation which came out of Egypt did not enter into the rest of Canaan because of unbelief, the writer now proceeds to warn them of a possible failure on their part of entering into rest in Messiah. —Wuest, Kenneth S.:

A.    A Reflective Command for Believers to Follow (v. 1-9)

1.      Our Recourse—“Let us therefore fear”

a.      Should be influenced by our focus on Christ as Apostle and High Priest (3:1)

b.      Should be influenced by the superiority of Christ’s revelation over Moses’ (3:2)

c.      Should be influenced by the failure of Israel to enter rest because of unbelief and hardened hearts (3:7-19)

d.      Should be influenced by the fact that the opportunity to enter God’s rest still stands (4:1)

                                                              i.     Believers today may enter and enjoy their spiritual inheritance in Christ. We must be careful lest we fail to believe God’s Word, for it is only as the Word is “mixed with faith” that it can accomplish its purposes.

1.      The phrase, “let us fear” means both reverential respect for the judgment of God upon unbelief, and the attitude in which the believer examines his own heart.

2.      If these Hebrews forgot Christ’s ultimate triumph over His enemies and theirs (Heb. 1:13-14), then they will fail to continue in faith.  If they lack faith in the power of God to bring them victory, their unbelief will forfeit God’s rest. Paul urges them therefore, to “fear”—to take it to heart that unbelief—lack of confidence in God—is the reason Israel did not enter the land.

3.      It is with reverential fear all are to examine their own spiritual condition (1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 13:5) and to actively press for commitment on the part of others (Jude 23). 

                                                            ii.     The Canaan rest for Israel is a picture of the spiritual rest we find in Christ when we surrender to Him.

1.      When we come to Christ by faith, we find salvation rest (Matt. 11:28).

2.      When we yield and learn of Him and obey Him by faith, we enjoy submission rest (Matt. 11:29–30).

3.      The first is “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); the second is the “peace of God” (Phil. 4:6–8). It is by believing that we enter into rest (Heb. 4:3); it is by obeying God by faith and surrendering to His will that the rest enters into us. –The Bible Exposition Commentary

2.      Our Reasons (4:1b-9)

a.      The Assurance of an Available Promise of Rest (v. 1)

                                                              i.     No one should conclude that the promise of rest is no longer valid. It has never had a complete and final fulfillment in the past; therefore the offer is still in effect.

                                                            ii.     The argument in this section is given in several propositions:

1.      God finished His work and rested, so that His rest has been available since Creation (4:4).

2.      The Jews failed to enter into their rest (4:6).

3.      Many years later (Ps. 95), God said that a rest was still available (4:7). That “today” is still here!

4.      This means that Joshua did not lead Israel into the true rest, because a rest still remains (4:8-9).

                                                           iii.     The promise stands. This is the thought with which the chapter begins (v. 1). Even though a later, obedient generation did enter the Promised Land, that entry did not completely fulfill the promise of a “rest” for God’s people. In fact, much later, in the time of David, the promise and the warning were repeated: “Today, if ye will hear His voice” (v. 7). If God’s full blessing for His people had been granted when Joshua led Israel into Palestine, then the promise of a rest would not have been repeated much later to the people of David’s day, or by the writer of Hebrews to Christians then and now. –The Teacher's Commentary

                                                           iv.     The promise is “entering into His rest.” This is the rest God gives to believers involving His peace, confidence of salvation, dependence on His power, and assurance of a future home in heaven (Matt. 11:29). Since there remains a rest, don’t think that believers have missed entirely their opportunity to take advantage of it (Heb. 12:15).

1.      Christ invites us to the rest of salvation (Matt. 11:28). Notice that rest here is a gift; it is unearned and unmerited. This is the rest of salvation that comes from realizing that Christ finished the work of redemption on Calvary’s cross. It is the rest of conscience that follows the realization that the penalty of one’s sins has been paid once for all and that God will not demand payment twice.

2.      Christ invites us to the rest of service (Matt. 11:29-30). In verses 29 and 30, the invitation changes from salvation to service.

(1)   Take My yoke upon you. To “take a yoke” in that day meant to become a disciple. When we submit to Christ, we are yoked to Him. Enter into submission to His will; turn over control of your life to Him (Rom. 12:1, 2).

(2)   and learn of Me. This command does not represent a crisis as we come and yield to Christ; but this step is into a process. As we learn more about Him, we find a deeper peace, because we trust Him more. Life is simplified and unified around the person of Christ. This invitation is for “all”—not just the people of Israel (Matt. 10:5–6).  As we acknowledge His lordship in every area of our lives, He trains us in His ways.

(3)   for I am meek [gentle] and lowly in heart. In contrast to the Pharisees who were harsh and proud, the true Teacher is meek and lowly. Those who take His yoke will learn to take the lowest place.

(4)   and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Here it is not the rest of conscience but the rest of heart that is found by taking the lowest place before God and man. It is also the rest that one experiences in the service of Christ when he stops trying to be great.

(5)   “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Again there is a striking contrast with the Pharisees (Matt. 23:4).  Jesus’ yoke is easy; it does not chafe. Someone has suggested that if Jesus had had a sign outside His carpenter’s shop, it would have read, “My yokes fit well.”  The word “easy” means “well-fitting”; He has just the yoke that is tailor-made for our lives and needs. The burden of doing His will is not a heavy one (1 John 5:3).

(6)   His burden is light. This does not mean that there are no problems, trials, labor, or heartaches in the Christian life. But it does mean that we do not have to bear them alone. We are yoked with One who gives sufficient grace for every time of need. To serve Him is not bondage but perfect freedom.

                                                             v.     The fatal mistake for the believer is to seek to bear life’s load in a single collar. God never intended a man to carry his burden alone. Christ therefore deals only in yokes! A yoke is a neck harness for two, and the Lord himself pleads to be One of the two. He wants to share the labor of any galling task. The secret of peace and victory in the Christian life is found in putting off the taxing collar of “self” and accepting the Master’s relaxing “yoke.” –J. H. Jowett

b.      The Possibility of Coming Short of the Goal of Rest (v. 1)

                                                              i.     All who profess to be believers should make sure that they do not come short of the goal. If their profession is empty, there is always the danger of turning away from Christ and embracing some powerless religious system that cannot save.

                                                            ii.     We should be careful that none of us suppose that we have missed the Lord’s Rest.

1.      Moses showed clearly (Deut. 3:18-20; 12:9-11) that for Israel their rest was their inheritance. In the same way it is natural to suppose that the term “rest” also refers to the functional equivalent for a Christian’s inheritance.

2.      That Christians are “heirs” has already been affirmed (Heb. 1:14) and this will be repeated (6:12, 17; cf. 9:15). The inheritance cannot be separated from Messiah’s kingdom and His “partners’” share in it (12:28).

3.      The concern is that no one would think they had missed their “inheritance- rest.” Some struggled with the problem of the delay in the Second Coming, and needed to exercise patience—Christ is coming and will not delay (10:36-37). If this was God’s concern, it was urgent to show that this promised “rest” is still available.

 

 Response

Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.

3.  What is the rest God offers his people?

 

4.  How can we experience God's rest both now and in the future?

 

 Journaling

Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.

5. What steps can I take to more fully enjoy God's rest this week?