How can we avoid God's declaration, "They shall never enter My rest" today? Setting the scene - Psalm 95 moves from exuberant worship (vv. 1-7) to a sober warning (vv. 8-11). - The “rest” originally referred to Israel’s entrance into Canaan, yet Hebrews 3-4 shows it also pictures eternal life and present-day fellowship with Christ. - Because every word of Scripture is true and literal, the warning still stands: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’” (Psalm 95:11). Why the first generation missed it - Hardened hearts: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7-8). - Persistent unbelief: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12). - Disobedience proved the unbelief: Numbers 14 records grumbling, fear, and open rebellion. - Result: exclusion from Canaan and, for many, from God’s eternal rest. The warning repeated today - Hebrews applies the Psalm directly to us: “While the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful” (Hebrews 4:1). - The issue is not merely missing a blessing but facing God’s settled judgment. - Therefore, failing to enter God’s rest remains possible for church-goers who hear yet do not believe and obey. Signs we are moving toward rest, not away • A soft, responsive heart that trembles at Scripture (Isaiah 66:2). • Daily trust in Christ’s finished work, not our performance (John 6:29). • Quick repentance when convicted, refusing to make peace with known sin (1 John 1:9). • Persevering obedience: “Let us… make every effort to enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:11). • Thankful worship that remembers past deliverances and expects future grace (Psalm 103:1-5). • Mutual encouragement: “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened” (Hebrews 3:13). Practical steps to guard against hardness 1. Daily Scripture intake—hear His voice while the heart is still soft. 2. Regular self-examination in light of passages like Psalm 139:23-24. 3. Honest fellowship—invite trusted believers to speak truth into your life. 4. Active obedience—act on the light you have; delayed obedience grows calluses. 5. Sabbath rhythms—set aside time each week to cease from striving and enjoy God. 6. Remember God’s faithfulness—keep a journal of answered prayer and providence. 7. Flee grumbling—replace complaints with gratitude (1 Corinthians 10:10-12). Living in the greater Joshua - Jesus, whose name matches Joshua in Hebrew, brings the ultimate rest (Matthew 11:28-29). - Rest is entered by faith alone, yet faith that truly saves proves alive through obedience (James 2:17). - The weekly Lord’s Day anticipates eternal rest; worship is rehearsal for heaven (Revelation 14:13). - When tempted to wander, cling to Christ’s priestly intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Key passages to memorize • Hebrews 3:12-14; 4:9-11 Hold them fast, believe them fully, obey them promptly—and you will enter His rest. |
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