Lesson 4

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Better Rest

As the Hebrew author has completed his description of the superiority of Christ over others sent by God, he begins his discussion of the superiority of the things accomplished by Christ and starts making application to the readers. We will find thirteen "Let us . . ." exhortations to Christians in the Hebrew letter. Perhaps you would like to highlight them in your Bible as we continue our study.

Review - How were you able to fulfill one of the challenges from last week's lesson?
Describe the pace of your life. How precious is rest to you?
Identify the 3 kinds of rest discussed in Hebrews 4.
Reviewing last week's lesson, describe those whom God said would never enter His rest.

How does this apply today?
What are the terms for God's Word in 4:1-2?

What needs to happen for God's Word to do its work?
The Hebrew writer continually compares Christian rest with that rest given to the people who came out of Egypt. From Joshua 21:43 - 22:6, what exhortation did Joshua give those entering the promised rest?
From Hebrews 4:1-11, what similar exhortation are we given today?
From Jesus' teachings, what kind of rest does He promise? See Matthew 11:28-30 and John 14:1-4.
Discuss how God's rest encompasses even this life, giving us a little taste of the more complete "rest" that is to come (e.g. verse 16 speaks of mercy and grace).
Verse 11 says, "therefore let us diligently (ASV) make every effort (NIV) strive (RSV) to enter that rest." Just how serious does the author consider the matter?
Discuss the Hebrew 4:12 descriptions of the Word of God.

Living
Active
Sharper than a 2-edged sword
Piercing
Judges, Discerning
Which one(s) of the above most describes the Word of God in your life at this time?

PERSONAL CHALLENGES FOR THE WEEK

Contemplate, meditate on the rest that God offers to his believers. What would it be like? What does it require?
Prepare yourself to explain the "promised rest" to someone who is not a Christian.
Are you "working at rest" (giving up control, total submission to God's will)?

Women IN God's Service

The Study of Hebrews - "A Better Rest" (lesson 4)
Ladies Bible Class Lesson, 23 January 2001
West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, Arkansas

previous lesson | overview | glossary | next lesson

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Better Rest

Women IN God's Service

The Study of Hebrews - "A Better Rest" (lesson 4) Ladies Bible Class Lesson, 23 January 2001 West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, Arkansas

The Study of Hebrews - "A Better Rest" (lesson 4)
Ladies Bible Class Lesson, 23 January 2001
West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, Arkansas