The first verse of Hebrews chapter four includes the word “therefore,” indicating that the thoughts expressed in this chapter are a continuation of those of the preceding chapter. In Hebrews 3:12, the author (generally thought to be the Apostle Paul) issues a heartfelt warning to those he considers his “brethren.” In Romans 8:16-17, he explains how those who follow Jesus’s teachings and devote their lives to God are “joint-heirs” with Christ, and thus brethren to each other and to himself. Hebrews 3:12 and the subsequent verses are directed at this group whom Paul considers his brethren and express his concern that ungodly influences may cause even potential joint-heirs with Christ to drift away from God.
Continuing his thoughts in Hebrews 4:1, the Apostle delivers a rather ominous-sounding warning, exhorting his brethren to “fear.” This might seem somewhat odd at first. After all, Jesus himself told his followers to “fear not” (Luke 12:32). Consider, however, that Jesus also stressed the importance of putting aside, or sacrificing, the pursuits of the world and instead devoting one’s heart, mind and actions to God (Matthew 16:24-28). Although this course is a difficult one, Jesus also stressed that devotion to God would lead to a blessed peace of mind and heart (Matthew 11:28-29). In Philippians 4:7, the Apostle describes this peace as “the peace of God which passeth all understanding.” This peace of mind and heart that comes from living a life dedicated to God, following Jesus’s example, and coming to an accurate understanding of God’s plan for mankind including Jesus’s part in that plan, is “the rest” Paul describes in Hebrews 4:1.
The warning message Paul delivers to his brethren refers to the danger of allowing oneself to be separated by God, specifically through thoughts of disobedience to God’s guidance, or even more, by doubting God Himself. In verse 2, the Apostle reminds his brethren that many may have heard of God and of Jesus, but because that knowledge did not drive a faith that led to obedience, the knowledge was meaningless. It did not grant the hearers the peace and rest that comes to those who accept the knowledge into their hearts and, through faith and obedience, allow it to shape their lives.
The Apostle often made use of events and scriptures from the Old Testament to illustrate lessons he considered important for those who, like himself, sought to serve God. Beginning in Hebrews 4:3 and continuing for the next several verses, Paul uses this approach to reinforce his warning and his message. In Hebrews 4:3, he quotes Psalms 95:10-11 which describes how the disobedient were not allowed to “enter into [God’s] rest.” Verse 4 reminds the reader of how God originally set aside the Sabbath as a day to be remembered as the day He rested (Genesis 2:2, Exodus 31:17). Verse 5 brings the two thoughts together by drawing the reader’s thoughts back to Israel, and how, after being led through the wilderness, the people were not permitted to enter into the peace and rest of the Promised Land for 40 years as a result of their disobedience and lack of faith (Numbers 14:34). The Apostle strives to remind his brethren that even though one may be favored of God, one may lose that peace (pictured as “remembering the Sabbath” day of rest) if one forgets and devalues it by allowing one’s heart to drift from God.
Hebrews 4:1-9, therefore, is an exhortation to those who have consecrated their lives to serving God. The Apostle’s words are meant as a reminder that the peace of mind and heart that comes from a life of obedience to God’s ways can be lost, just as the peace of entering the Promised Land was denied to many in the Old Testament due to disobedient and grumbling hearts. Remembering the Sabbath should lead us to reflect on how God set it apart as the day He rested, and by doing so, remember the greater spiritual rest that God offers to those who love and serve Him. This remembrance and the “fear” of losing the wonderful blessings we have been given should strengthen our resolve of faithfulness to Him so that we, through our own disobedience, do not drift away from Him and the wonderful peace and rest that His care brings.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1127: “What Does the Sabbath Look Like for Christians?”
Discovering what the Sabbath really means for Christians
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Sermon: (Audio only) “The Rest of the Story,” Allen Springer
(Video) Video Version
