Rest is sweet after tedious work. It refreshes, revitalises and makes it convenient to enjoy the fruits of one's labour. Spiritual rest is found in God and requires the power of Holy Spirit to pursue and receive. It promotes glorious peace in the lives of believers. We can receive God's rest through application of biblical principles which are prayer, bible study, active service to God and fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 4:9 - There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. The followings are discussed: Guard Against Unbelief; Believe and Obey, and Strive to Enter Spiritual Rest.
Guard Against Unbelief: Disobedience to God results in unbelief and rebellion against Him. Christian are warned against all acts of unfaithfulness to God because such acts will lead to judgement and severe punishment (Hebrews 3:7-11). Christian's labour to secure spiritual rest is likened to the journey of Israelites in the wilderness; it requires the Spirit of God to lead and direct through the right way. Christians should listen to God when He speaks and accept His invitation to doing the right thing.
As Christians listen to God and walk with Him by faith, they are warned to guard against "an evil heart of unbelief" (Hebrews 3:12-19). Such attitude turns people from God and causes them to loose salvation. Faithful living for God shows evidence of our salvation through Christ. All we need is to partake of Christ's body. This will help to guard against temptation and sinful behaviours which prevent believers from entering into God's rest.
Believe and Obey: If we believe and obey God we will overcome acts of rebellion, get direction to His blessings and experience His spiritual rest (Hebrews 4:1-5). God rested after the creation. This means He wants rest for people as a sign of right relationship with Him to enjoy His goodness. Our decision to either accept or reject His offer is a matter choice.
God invites people to His rest "if they shall enter my rest", and wants them to respond by faith (Hebrew 4:6,7). If you are yet to receive the invitation this is an opportunity to do so, obey Him and enter into His rest. Waisting time and years before receiving the invitation may be disastrous. You can have the assurance of the present moment, the next hour or day may not give the chance.
Strive to Enter Spiritual Rest: Faith and faithfulness are required to enter God's rest. We can not approach God on our own merit. Through obedient service to Him we can experience true rest for our souls. Overcoming one's enemies can't bring about spiritual rest. It is available to people who are redeemed by Christ, God's sacrificial offer for eternal rest (Hebrews 4:8-10).
Christians are encouraged to labour to enter God's rest. Entering into God's fullness is not automatic; active step of faith must be taken. Access to God's presence and divine blessings requires that we take the step with zeal and determination. Unbelief keeps people from entering into God's spiritual rest. God sees through our thoughts, intentions and all deeds. Sin, guilt and shame of man shall be revealed before Him at the judgement. Therefore strive to serve, obey and enter into the rest of God. Lesson texts: Hebrews 3:7 thru 4:13
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