Verses 1-11
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God has a rest for His people—a rest that has been available since the creation of the world. It is His Sabbath rest—the salvation that we have in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
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To be rested—saved—includes to stop working to earn your own righteousness (verse 10), and instead, trusting in Christ for His. Faith in Christ brings salvation—God's rest!
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This explanation makes sense of the rest we have presently: “we who have believed do enter that rest” (verse 3). And where Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
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Also consider verse 3 where it says, "although the works were finished from the foundation of the world". Explained, God's works for salvation were planned and predestined from the beginning of time. As believers, we can rest knowing that the work needed for our salvation is finished (John 19:30). And that as the elect we were predestined before the foundation of the world, so we do not have to fear the future or strive as if Jesus' sacrifice was not enough.
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The Israelites could not enter this rest because, when they heard the Word, they did not believe it (verse 2). So, reading/hearing the Bible does not profit you if you don't believe it.
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“But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by works of the law...” (Romans 9:31-32).
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“For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:3-4).
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Even though we are saved, and do have present rest, we have to stay in the attitude of faith in Christ, because there is a rest that still remains, which we have not entered yet. If we're not careful, we may fall from it (verse 1). This rest comes after death or when Christ returns (verse 9, plus Hebrews 6:11-12, Revelation 14:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
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Be careful to stay believing and resting in Jesus! Remind yourself every day! Reading the Word every day helps this.
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Otherwise, like the Israelites, you too could fall into unbelief and the following disobedience to the gospel (Hebrews 3:12-13, Romans 11:20-21).
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Verses 12-13
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God knew that the people of Israel went astray in their hearts and became hardened in their hearts. If we want to avoid the same, and stay in faith, we need the Word!
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Scripture cuts deep, exposes inner thoughts and motives, and convicts of sin.
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God sees everything, even the parts of your heart that you are unaware of (1 John 3:20); and you will be held accountable for your heart's secrets (Romans 2:16, 14:10-11)
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So, read the Word daily, and it will bring you knowledge that can correct your heart and actions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Correct yourself daily!
Verses 14-16
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Knowing how great Jesus is, and knowing that He suffered in every way that we do, pray for His mercy and grace at all times (2 Timothy 1:18), to help you in your own temptations and struggles!
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Having lived a human life, and overcoming all temptations by the power of the Spirit, He knows how to empower you to live as effectively as He did (Hebrews 2:18).
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