Sermon: Grow Up, Learn, Discern Hebrews 5:11-14

 A couple of years ago I preached a sermon series entitled "Look to Jesus" at Forest Community Church. This sermon comes from Hebrews 5:11-14 and is entitled "Grow Up, Learn, Discern." I will post the sermon notes below as well as a link to the video. Please be aware that the video may not completely line up to the notes below. We had some announcements before the sermon, so the sermon itself starts around the 3:00 mark on the video. Thank you for watching and reading!

Video: Sermon Hebrews 5:11-14

Hebrews Series: Look to Jesus  

Hebrews 5:11-14—Grow Up, Learn, Discern  

Intro: The language of Hebrews shows a decided interest in the words “hearing” and “obedience.” There is a very close relationship between hearing God’s voice and obeying God’s commands. In Greek the words “hear” and “obey” are even related. The point seems to be that obedience demands attentive or responsive listening. Learn Obedience Like Jesus.

The author of Hebrews utilized Psalm 95 and the incident at Kadesh Barnea to drive this point home to his readers. Behind the formulation of Psalm 95:7-11 stands the insight that listening and obedience are related aspects of faith. Reluctance to listen and disobedience are related aspects of unbelief. Listen and obey is the goal.

Hebrews 5:1-10 reminded us that Jesus listened and obeyed (remember, he “learned obedience;” the reference here to learning and obeying is similar to the expectation the author has for his readers). Jesus actively obeyed God when he offered himself for us. He experienced fully the significance of obedience. It is as the “Obedient One” that he has been exalted (5:9). He is God’s Final Word—the final and complete Revelation of God—he is the one to whom we must listen and obey. We need to learn obedience.

The insight that obedience begins with attentive listening is essential to understanding Hebrews 5:11-6:20. The author of Hebrews has introduced Jesus as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but before continues that line of thought he must deal with problems in his church. He thinks that his friends are no longer listening to the voice of God as revealed through Jesus, the final Word of God. They are acting as immature people, and they need to grow up. In 5:11, he mentions that they have become hard or dull or sluggish in their hearing. The development of a hearing problem is a significant danger for men and women who are called to obey God. The close proximity of 5:9 to 5:11 underscores the importance of attentive listening as a prerequisite of obeying God. Starting with 5:11, the author now introduces the central division of his sermon. He encourages his readers to grow up, to learn, and to discern.

Hebrews 5:11-6:20 serve as the preparation of the congregation for the rest of the sermon. This section consists of two major sections: 5:11-6:12—the peril of spiritual immaturity; 6:13-20—a basis for steadfastness. The author offers two possibilities—promise or peril. “They may expose themselves to extreme peril by closing their ears to God, or they may find a basis for stability by listening to the voice of God as expressed through oath and promise.” Bill Lane, Hebrews: A Call to Commitment

This section can be divided into four paragraphs with alternating tones: Paragraph 1 (5:11-14)—pessimistic; Paragraph 2 (6:1-3)—optimistic; Paragraph 3 (6:4-8)—pessimistic; Paragraph 4 (6:9-12)—optimistic. This alternation is the author’s way of trying to motivate his readers by warning and encouraging them. He is calling them to attentive listening and obedience in spite of the possible dire circumstances of their future. Our focus today is on the first pessimistic section—Read Hebrews 5:11-14

Here the author admonishes his people to grow up, to learn, and to discern. He reminds them that growing up requires practice. Failure to practice causes immaturity. Point 1—Age Alone doesn’t produce maturity/the marks of immaturity; Point 2—Maturity comes by constant obedience/practice.

Point 1—vv. 11-12: Age Alone Does Not Produce Maturity—the marks of immaturity (Growing Up takes Practice): This pessimistic section starts with a confrontation (5:11). The members of the church who received this sermon have grown “sluggish” or “slow to learn.” They are not keeping pace with their situation. There may even be a serious erosion of faith and hope within the congregation. The lack is not due to time or growth. In fact, the author notes that “by now” they should be teachers—people mature enough in the faith to help others understand (5:12). Instead, they had regressed to point where they needed someone to teach them “again” the fundamentals (i.e., the ABC’s) of the faith—they needed milk, not meat (i.e., they have become infantile). They had learned these things before, but due to their sluggishness in hearing and obeying they needed some to go over their lessons with them again.

Ray Stedman (Hebrews, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series): “Immaturity is self-identifying. It has certain clear marks which provide a simple test that anyone can take to determine whether he belongs in this classification or not. There is an inability to instruct others.” 

Immaturity is costly too. Our author will spell this out more in chapter 6, but here he reminds his readers that stunted growth is NOT healthy and is in fact deadly. If we aren’t growing in maturity, we are languishing in the arrested development of immaturity. We need to move forward, we need to be mature, we need to be teachers of each other.

These individuals had received a rich exposure to God’s Truth, and yet they had regressed to being infants. The author is telling them that they must resume their responsibilities as adults. They cannot remain in an infantile stage in their hostile society. To remain immature will cost them dearly, they must move to maturity. They must grow up, but to do so requires learning and discernment. They must practice to grow up.

Point 2—vv. 13-14: Maturity Requires Practice—we must learn to discern, and to do that we must OBEY. With biting irony, the author addresses his audience as though they were on a “milk diet” instead of on a steady diet of adult food (5:13-14). They are “inexperienced in the word of righteousness.”

What is the reference to this “word of righteousness”? To what do these words refer?  Right speech; Moral actions; Proper theology; General teachings of Christianity; Instructions about Christian righteousness; teaching about Messiah (and his righteousness). Bill Lane (Hebrews: A Call to Commitment) thinks it may refer to instruction that stresses the cost and responsibilities of discipleship. Lane notes that the phrase is used with regards to persecution (in some cases—Polycarp). The phrase may be a technical reference of some sort. Lane states “The expression ‘word of righteousness’ signifies instruction concerning a willingness to experience martyrdom.” He uses Polycarp as a model (Cf. Mark 8:34-38).

Perhaps the members of this church were recoiling at the possibility of martyrdom due to persecution or the coming crisis. That is, they were still paralyzed by the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). Their regression to spiritual immaturity is a response to a life-threatening situation. The “adult” Christian recognizes the moral claim of God on his or her life even if it exposes the Christian to possible death. This is the situation that sets up our next major warning passage in Hebrews 6.

Conclusion:

If we no longer want to be immature, how we may clearly identify our arrested spiritual development and correct it? Are we concerned to consider the serious consequences of this immaturity?

Are we on milk or solid food? The babes who desire only mild doctrinal study are immature, whereas the mature desire solid food. Are we feasting on the Word of God, or do we go to listen only to what you already know. Is there a passion not for the religious fads, but for Christ and a greater knowledge of Him? How do we grow up? How do we mature in the Christian life? We grow by the use and frequent study of the Bible. We study it and meditate on it and put it into daily practice. Luther: “I study my Bible as I gather apples.  First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest might fall.  Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch.  Then I look under every leaf.” We need the solid food of God’s Word. We must read it and obey it. We must put it into practice. Get into the Word of God. All spiritual progress is made by putting into practice what you already have received. Manna not eaten breeds worms. Milk undigested turns sour. This week read the following: Jeremiah 32; Psalm 91; Amos 6; 1 Timothy 6; Luke 16.

Are we teaching others? These Hebrews had been converted long enough to be ministering to others. Instead of teaching and making disciples, they need someone to teach them and to disciple them. They are so spiritually dull they need someone to teach them the same truths over and over again. They have no interest in hearing and obeying God. When we make ourselves available to God the Holy Spirit equips us to teach others. He nurtures us so we can build up others (Ephesians 4). We need to be sowing the truth God has taught us into the lives of other people. To be mature, we must ALL be teachers giving from our increase to others. This week write down a list of the things God has taught you in the past few months. Then make a point to share that list with someone else. Put obedience to your hearing!

Finally, walk in truth. This week obey God as he makes his desire known. Listen to him and then obey what you hear. Grow Up, Learn, Discern.

Sermon: Nothing is Hidden from God, Hebrews 4:12-16

 I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Over two years ago I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch them. This sermon covers Hebrews 4:12-16 and is called "Nothing is Hidden." The sermon was originally preached on August 21, 2022. I'll post the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video may not follow the notes exactly!), but here is the video link: Hebrews 4:12-16. There are announcements prior to the sermon, so the sermon begins around 5:30 on the timer.

Hebrews Series: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Nothing is Hidden from God, Hebrews 4:12-16

Intro: Remember Kadesh Barnea and their unwillingness to hear from or to obey God. Avoid their mistake and do not harden your heart. Unlike the Kadesh Barnea generation, Hebrews calls us to make every effort to enter into God's rest--we have to pursue it. Hebrews 3:1-4:11 sets up discussion in 4:12-5:10. Nothing is Hidden from God. 1) His Word Exposes; 2) His High Priest Knows; and 3) His Mercy Emboldens.

Point 1: God’s Word Exposes Us (4:12-13)—(cf. Psalm 119) These verses are a sharp warning that offer another reason for continued faithfulness to the readers. The image here is of God’s Word as a sharp sword/knife--a knife or sword that exposes the depths of human thoughts and hearts. This could call up the imagery of Kadesh Barnea where God’s promise cut the hearers when they disobeyed it. It could further call to remembrance the piercing swords of the enemy felt by the disobedient ones who tried to force God’s promises to be true on their own abilities.

The point here is that when we are confronted with God’s Word we are confronted with God himself. Jesus is God’s “word” and that may be the meaning here (cf. John 1:18). God’s Word “exposes” us to God. The word “laid bare” or “exposed” in 4:13 refers to a wrestler who has been caught in a neck hold and is in danger of being thrown. In other words, God’s Word renders us “helpless” before God. God’s powerful Word reveals, exposes, challenges, and changes us.

Nothing is hidden from God. The children of Israel rebelled against his Word, but then tried to fix it by “repenting” (at least, in their minds it was a form of repentance--they took it upon themselves to try to make God's promise become reality, but God had already told them that their disobedience closed that door). Unfortunately, God had told them NOT to invade. They failed to listen again and experienced defeat. God’s Word exposes sin, it renders us helpless before God, and it changes us. On the positive side, God’s Word exposes (or makes known) God and his intentions. God is revealed, made known, and explained by his Word. Failure to hear and to obey God (do not harden your heart, make every effort to enter his rest) results in negative exposure. Listening to God’s Word and responding in obedience results in change, transformation, life. How are we responding to God’s exposing Word?

God’s Word also reveals to us the person and actions of his high priest. Nothing is hidden from God because his high priest knows us—he knows our lives, our suffering, our failure, our success—he knows us because his experience and our experience are similar. God’s high priest knows us, so nothing is hidden from God.

Point 2: God’s High Priest Knows Us (vv. 14-15)—Shifting gears a bit, the author now begins a discussion of the high priestly ministry of Jesus (note: Hebrews is the only book of the NT to refer to Jesus as a High Priest). Remember, that the author of Hebrews has made the point that the course of life can be determined by an individual’s choices. There is no escape from the call to decision. We experience life or death as a result of our decisions. This truth is shown throughout Hebrews. 

Israel decided at Kadesh Barnea that they could not trust God. Since trust is related to faithfulness, the Exodus generation seems to have decided that God is not faithful. Unbelief then is in some sense a form of distrust. That is why the author now directs his readers attention to the trustworthiness of Jesus. As a compassionate high priest, Jesus is trustworthy. Reflecting back to 2:14-3:1, our author engages once again in a discussion of Jesus’ role as a high priest for us.

In this section (and part of chapter 5), the author discusses two relationships of the high priest. His relationship to God: in which Jesus proved to be faithful. His relationship to the people: in which Jesus proved to be compassionate.

Jesus can show compassion because he participated in our situation—tempted in every respect like us. 4:15 uses a double negative to emphasize forcefully that Jesus identifies himself with those who feel defenseless in their situation. The verb here carries the idea of sharing an experience. It also includes the possibility of help. The idea here is that Jesus suffers when we suffer (cf. Acts 9), and he can help those who are helpless.

William L. Lane (Hebrews: A Call to Commitment): “Although Jesus as the exalted Son of God is now enthroned in God’s presence (4:15) he is related by experience to a humiliated and suffering community (4:16).  The exalted status of our heavenly high priest does not detract in any way from his ability to empathize with the weary and defenselessness of the Church in the world.”

Jesus is God’s High Priest. He represents God to us and us to God. He knows what we have gone through, and he is sympathetic to us. We are not alone, we have a high priest who understands. We can have confidence in him, and we can hold on to hope. Hope does not disappoint. Hope looks forward to the future revelation of God’s plan and intention for humanity. God has a plan, and his high priest (who passes into the highest heaven) is the guarantee that his plan will be accomplished. Nothing is hidden from God. He knows our hearts, our thoughts, our actions. His high priest lived as one of us. God knows our situation better than we think. Nothing is hidden from God. Because he sees it all, we can be confident in him. Jesus reveals God’s mercy, and God’s mercy emboldens us.

Point 3: God’s Mercy Emboldens Us (v. 16)—Jesus’ testing was like our testing, but his result was unlike our experience—he proved to be without sin. Because of Jesus’ participation in our situation, we can come to God with “bold frankness” (the word here has the idea of “freedom of speech” or “confidence” in gaining an audience. It has to do with the free and open communication of fellow citizens. The free right to approach God with boldness is granted through the sacrifice and suffering of Christ.

We have a choice to make today. We see that nothing is hidden from God. We see that his word exposes, his high priest knows, and his mercy emboldens. Yes, the exposure of our sin can be awkward. And the idea that God knows everything about us can be scary. But we tend to forget that God is merciful and longsuffering. His throne of grace is approachable. God never exposes sin and leaves it graceless. The only obstacle to him is our own unwillingness to be exposed, to identify with Jesus, and to rely on his mercy. Today, if we hear his voice, let’s not harden our hearts. Let us make every effort to enter his rest. Let’s rely on his mercy. How do we respond to this word? (Give gospel here)

Conclusion: First, listening to God in Scripture is imperative. Such listening (and obeying) is a matter of life and death. The pattern of disobedience begins in the heart, the center of human will and volition. An experience of privileged position with God is not a guarantee of blessing or success. The positive and faithful response of every single person to the voice of God is of crucial importance. The antidote to unbelief, indecision, and disobedience is exposure to God’s strong and living Word. The faithfulness of Christ is the primary basis for establishing a life that shows faithfulness to God. Read God’s Word, and ask him to expose his character and your character through the reading of it. Then do your best to obey what he tells you.

Jeremiah 2; Psalm 81; Luke 14; 2 Timothy 3; John 1:1-18

Second, let’s remember that we need rest. We need confidence. We need mercy. The need for rest—modern society is characterized with frenetic activity, we need a place to “rest”. This week, take 5 minutes a day to sit still and know he is God (Psalm 46). As we learn to sit in his presence, to contemplate his character, we will find he will expose his mercy and grace to us (especially when he exposes our sin).

Third, keep in mind that: Faith has a personal reference, Faith trusts in the promises of God, Faith unites the faithful one to Christ. Cultivating a reverence for God and a respect for his discerning Word. Faith is built up not simply by reading God’s word or listening to his voice, faith is also strengthened by obedience. We need to do what he says. One of the things he tells us to do is to share his grace with others. This week, write down 5 special gifts that the Lord has given you (five area of rest, mercy, or grace). Then, make sure you share them with at least one other person.

Nothing is hidden from God. He knows what we think, what we do, what we need. As we leave here today, God goes before us. He sees. How will you respond?

Nothing is hidden from God.

Thanks for reading! 

 

Sermon: Ready for a Rest, Hebrews 4:1-11

 I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Over two years ago I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch them. This sermon covers Hebrews 4:1-11 and is called "Ready for a Rest." The sermon was originally preached on July 31, 2022. I'll post the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video may not follow the notes exactly!), but here is the video link: Hebrews 4:1-11. I apologize for the sound, as the microphone didn't seem to be working as well as hoped. 

Ready for a Rest, Hebrews 4:1-11; Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 46:10

Intro The previous verses in chapter 3 issued a call to the hearers to remain faithful to Christ. In fact the readers are encouraged to remember that Christ’s faithfulness is both a motivator and a model for their continued fidelity to God. He illustrates the need for faithfulness by recalling the events of Kadesh Barnea as described in Psalm 95 and Numbers 13-14. The illustration serves as a reminder to his readers that they are of these people. Their fidelity should not be like their ancestors. Yet they also run the risk of some loss due to their own unfaithfulness. Therefore, they must be faithful. They needed to be careful not to resist God and his rest. 

The story of Kadesh Barnea sets the background for the preacher’s admonitions in chapter 4. The focus here will be on the “rest” that the Exodus generation lost, and that now the first century readers may find. There is, in other words, a promise of “rest” for God’s people today. And our faithfulness appears to play a role in inheriting that rest. The overarching theme here is “Make every effort to enter God’s rest”. We are called by Hebrews to pursue God and his rest faithfully. Are you ready for a rest? 

Hebrews 4:1-11 gives us three points to consider about the Kadesh Barnea generation: 1) A Denied Rest--their unwillingness to respond to God cost them; 2) A Promise Rest--the reality that God has a rest for his faithful people; and 3) A Remaining Rest--staying attentive and obedient to God's Word puts us in a position to enter the rest he promised. Let's look at this passage, Hebrews 4:1-11 

Point 1) A Denied Rest—4:1-3: The first two verses form a transition from the discussion of the failure of the generation of Kadesh Barnea to the present promise of entering God’s rest. This section stresses the axiom that deep privilege entails deep responsibility (4:1-2). The Exodus generation missed out on the privilege of rest because they listened to the 10 spies instead of to the faith and encouragement of Joshua and Caleb to obey God and to take the land. The Kadesh Barnea generation despised God’s promise, and their actions proved it. The loss is real because they did not mix God’s Word with faith/fullness. The problem in the first two verses is that the author seems to be afraid that his readers will not join the promise of God’s Word with a faithful response. He is afraid that they will find loss if they despise God’s promise. He is offering them an admonition to avoid that loss. The promise is of “rest” as provided only by God.

Brian Evans: “The reality of our human nature is that we so often get caught up in busyness and other things that we fail to listen to God.  We must be very aware of this danger.  The Israelites in the dessert all heard the same gospel.  They all heard the Word of God, but only some believed it. . . . Hearing it is not the same as believing it and acting upon it.”

The Kadesh Barnea generation resisted God and his Word and lost the opportunity to enter his rest. This resistance was typified by their lack of confidence and trust in God's promise. They did not believe that God would do what he said he would do. They did not trust him to fulfill his Word to them. As a result, they resisted a rest . . . nonetheless, God still has a rest for his faithful followers. This rest is related to God's own rest on the seventh day of creation. 

Brian Evans: “The promise is for a spiritual rest or we could call it an eternal Sabbath. Someday we as believers will enter into an eternal Sabbath rest in the presence of the Lord. . . . They [the Kadesh Barnea generation] heard this same message of good news but it had no benefit to them because they did not secure it by faith.  The Word of God fell on deaf ears. . . . A principle is evident here. God fulfills His promises only to those who believe. Those who refuse to believe will not experience God’s goodness but will experience God’s wrath.”

We enter into God’s rest because His promises still stand today. It’s also important to see that while His glorious promises still stand, His wrath is still real as well. While rest was denied to those who did not respond with faith or loyalty to God, a rest is still promised to those who will respond with faith and loyalty to God. God still promises a rest. 

Point 2) A Promised Rest—4:4-5: Brian Evans: “As we think together through this issue of God resting after creation, it’s important to see that God was not tired. He didn’t need to rest because of exhaustion. He rested for a different purpose. The reason was because God had entered into the Sabbath rest and offered it to all who would believe. So when an Israelite observed the Sabbath by resting, the act of resting for a day was a symbol for an eternal rest that God’s people can experience through Jesus Christ.”

What is “rest”? In the Kadesh Barnea story, “rest” seems to refer to Canaan, the land of promise. The “rest” offered to Christians is not a promised land, per se, but rather this “rest” refers to a relationship (i.e., entry to God’s presence), God’s unshakeable kingdom, and even a future with God in a “heavenly” home. “Rest” represents a “Sabbath” from the hardships of pilgrimage, from hostility, and from the insecurity and instability of life (William L. Lane). For the present day believer (notice the emphasis on “Today” in our passage), this “rest” is both “now” and “not yet”.

Again, our author uses Psalm 95 to illustrate his view. “Rest” in Psalm 95 is both a present and future reality. This future perspective determines the author’s understanding of the promise of rest. “Rest” is an unending Sabbath feast and celebration. God’s primal rest from his works (4:4) is the archetype of the promised rest, just as the settlement of Canaan under Joshua (4:8) is the type. The antitype is the Sabbath celebration following the consummation of history (4:9). (William L. Lane)

The point is that the Sabbath rest now has both present and future implications. Sabbath is something for us to remember and to observe.

Remember, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. He is the Creator of all things.  He is Creator of the Sabbath.

God’s people were called to observe the Sabbath because it pointed to an eternal rest that they could enter into physically (in the future) as well as spiritually (in the present). Now that we have Christ, all who are in Christ have entered into that rest. This rest isn’t completed yet, but to observe a Sabbath is to say we are still waiting for the reality or the fulfillment of God's rest for us.

Brian Evan: “God rested and we enter into the rest by faith in the work of Christ on our behalf. We don’t work to earn salvation, Christ worked to earn it for us. His work is done and He has entered into a Sabbath rest. We also enter into it by faith in what He has accomplished for us.” We have a remaining rest in Jesus. Are we ready for God's rest? 

Point 3) A Remaining Rest—4:6-11: The rest that is in view here is the rest that has been available since God rested from his works. In other words, the promise of rest still stands. In this section, our author introduces the earliest known usage of a Greek term: sabbatismos. Up to this point, the author has been using a different word for “rest”. The new “coined” term puts the emphasis squarely on the celebration of Sabbath (cf. Leviticus 23:26-28, 32). In Leviticus, the emphasis is on the Sabbath associated with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), which no doubt leads into his discussion about Jesus as the high priest and later Jesus as a sacrifice. The admonition, then, is to make every effort to enter God’s Sabbath rest while avoiding the negative side of disobedience and unfaithfulness.

Jesus is the one who brings this rest that remains (Matthew 11:28-30)--his yoke is easy and his burden is light. His rest is NOT an absence of action or work, but it is also not the heavy weight of labor and the burden of drudgery. The remaining rest in Jesus is a rest that results from obedience to God and working with Jesus in the ministry to which God has called us. This is a rest worth striving after, a rest of Sabbath and eternal proportions. We are responsible to hear and to respond to God with faithful obedience so as to enter the rest that Jesus produces. He is our rest. 

So, how do we respond to this? 

Psalm 46:10

First, learn to practice “Shabbat Shalom” (Sabbath peace) or rest in everyday life. Take time each day to remember what God has done to provide you freedom and salvation and to observe (i.e., obey) what he has called you to do. Every morning, spend some time thinking on the kindness of God to you, and be sure to ask him for direction on how to obey that day. What has God done for you? What can you do to show loyalty to or faith in him?

Second, take Jesus’ yoke on you—team yourself up with the Rabbi and let him teach you what real freedom looks like. Read John 8:34-36 and Romans 6. Pay attention to the freedom provided in Jesus, and ask God how you can serve him as a free instrument of righteousness.

Finally, get in God’s presence this week. Hear and obey his word. Spent time in Psalm 46; Psalm 95; Ephesians 2; and 2 Corinthians 4. Let God show you his plan for rest and freedom. Be still in his presence.

Thank you for reading! 

Sermon: Don't Resist A Rest, Hebrews 3:7-19

 I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Over two years ago I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch them. This sermon covers Hebrews 3:7-19 and is called "Don't Resist A Rest." The sermon was originally preached on July 24, 2022. I'll post the notes/outline below (NOTE: the video may not follow the notes exactly!), but here is the video link: Hebrews 3:7-19. The sermon starts around the 3:00 minute mark. 

Hebrews Series: Look to Jesus

Do Not Resist A Rest, Hebrews 3:7-19

Prayer: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Intro: Importance of God’s Word and obedience for rest—Adam and Eve; Abraham, Isssac, and Jacob; Moses; children of Israel; David; Jesus. When we refuse to listen to God and obey what he says, we are resisting a rest. Rest comes from walking with Jesus (come to me) but can be resisted. Today, our author reminds us: Don’t Resist A Rest. God’s rest is something we can resist, and to avoid doing this, our author gives us three points to remember: 1) Israel Resisted God’s Rest—the Word (vv. 7-11), 2) Israel’s disobedience came at a price—the Warning (vv. 12-15), and 3) We don’t want to miss our opportunity—the Why (vv. 16-19). 

Main Point: Do not harden your hearts to rebellion like the Exodus generation. Do not resist a rest!

Word (vv. 7-11); Warning (vv. 12-15); Why (vv. 16-19)

If the first 6 verses of this chapter are the positive example of faithfulness, then the rest of this chapter focuses on a negative example and sets the tone for the discussion in chapter 4 where the author discusses the “rest” of God. This section begins an exhortation to the readers regarding faithfulness. To accomplish this goal, the author introduces a quote from Psalm 95.

The Word—Israel Resisted God (vv. 7-11): The reference to Psalm 95 would no doubt be familiar to the Jewish readers of Hebrews:

This Psalm was often read during the Festival of Tabernacles or Booths. It happened in the autumn, and people would go outside and live in little huts that they made. They would take their meals there for seven days to remember that they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. And they would remember their mistakes that led to the wilderness (and to death for many in that wilderness). And they would remember God's grace and provision as well.

The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95:7-11. The Psalm may be divided into three parts:

Exhortation: “do not harden your hearts”

Example: “as you did in the wilderness”

Judgment: God speaks “Therefore I was angry”. Note: part of worship is to listen for God’s speech, and in this case God gives a harsh word.

The author of Hebrews brings this Psalm into the present experience of his readers for the following reasons:

They would be very familiar with it.

It was a sober reminder of the people’s lack of faithfulness..

It describes the importance of listening to God’s voice

It underscores the tragic price of faithlessness/refusal to hear and to act on God’s Word.

As the author interprets Psalm 95, it becomes clear that he has the events of Numbers 13-14 (Kadesh Barnea) in mind (Bill Lane--Call to Commitment):

People come to the edge of the land of promise. God tells them to send in 12 spies. Ten come back with a negative report. The people responded with hardness of heart to God’s Word. The people despair, and God judges them. The people try to respond after the fact (more hardness of the heart maybe?) and receive a crushing defeat (late obedience is often half-hearted and rarely rewarded—obey NOW! Do not wait! Do not resist a rest).

The point here is that “hardness of heart” seems to signify treating the Lord and his Word with contempt. It is a refusal to believe God and to act on that belief. Do not resist a rest by refusing to hear and to obey God. When he calls, obey immediately. If we resist a rest, there is trouble ahead. Let’s consider the warning—they paid a price for resisting! Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

The Warning—They paid a price for resisting. (vv. 12-15): In Hebrews 3:12-19, the author underscores the urgency of listening to and properly responding to God’s voice. George Guthrie states that he uses ideas like “heart,” “day,” “today,” “hear,” “enter,” “test,” “rest,” and “unbelief” from the Psalm to create a commentary and exhortation for his readers.

There are two clear exhortations here (Guthrie--NIV Application Commentary):

Take care to listen to God and avoid hardness of heart.

Encourage each other daily.

The price for resisting God is a loss of rest—judgment. We need to be careful NOT to resist a rest. We need to encourage each other and press each forward to obedience and faithfulness. Resisting a rest comes at a price, so we need to be careful that we don’t miss our opportunity. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

The Why—Don’t Miss Our Opportunity (vv. 16-19): In a type of “question and answer” format, the author weaves his commentary by quoting parts of Psalm 95 and responding with the corresponding events in Numbers 13-14 (Lane--Call to Commitment):

V. 16 “who heard and provoked God” (Psalm 95)—were they not those who “came out of Egypt with Moses” (Numbers 14)

V. 17 “With whom was he angry for 40 years” (Psalm 95)—”Was it not with those who sinned, and whose bodies fell in the wilderness?” (Numbers 14)

V. 18 “To whom did he swear” (Psalm 95)—those who were “disobedient” (Numbers 14)

Our author is warning his readers to avoid the hard hearts of the Jews and the judgment of Kadesh Barnea (Psalm 106 too!). The preacher then draws two significant conclusions:

We have become partners/partakers with Christ (v. 14), but this presupposes a firm intent to continue faithfully to the end

Israel was unable to enter God’s promised rest due to unbelief and disobedience (v. 19)

Hebrews’ author ends his section with a continued call to faithfulness. The example of Jesus (and Moses) form the positive model. The example of the Jews in the wilderness are the negative.

As before, our author warns of the consequences of continued disobedience or unfaithfulness—there are, in other words, problems when we neglect God:

Neglect of God leads to hardness of heart

Hardness of heart leads to loss of rest

There is retribution for ignoring God and his voice

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

Conclusion:

Bill Lane asks the following questions for application of this passage:

Do we possess a hardened heart?  Do we display a deeper concern for the counsel of others than for the counsel of God?

Does an attitude of unbelief characterize our lives?  Are we living in fear of the “giants in the land” instead of relying on God for provision?

Does our disposition display a quickness to grumble and complain about our circumstances?

Do we tend to extend a calloused and unappreciative attitude towards one another?

At a critical moment the Jews refused to listen to God.  Their refusal to listen reveals a lack of faith or a fundamental refusal to trust God.  Their rejection of God reveals this shocking truth:

“A participant in the redemption provided by God can choose to disbelieve God.  It is possible to display unpardonable indifference to the promise of God.” (Bill Lane--Call to Commitment)

What do you think?

Five principles of faithfulness are found here:

A healthy focus on Jesus encourages one to faithfulness.

Faithfulness is volitional as well as intellectual or emotional.

The twin failings of sinfulness and unbelief hinder faithfulness.

The faithful persevere in their commitment.

Faithfulness is communal, it is not simply individual.

What do you think? How would you apply this text to your community of faith?

Passages: Amos 8; Psalm 95; Numbers 14; Matthew 11; Colossians 1

Thank you for reading!