Finding True Rest Through Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Let a Godly Fear Guide You to Trust God’s Promises

A godly fear of not trusting God’s promises is not meant to paralyze or discourage, but to serve as a loving warning that keeps your heart soft and attentive to God’s leading. Just as a parent warns a child not to run into the street for their safety, God’s warning is designed to protect you from drifting into unbelief or disobedience. When you face moments of doubt or big decisions, let this holy fear remind you to seek God, trust His promises, and avoid the pitfalls of a hardened heart. This fear is a guide, not a burden, helping you to remain close to God and experience the rest He offers. [25:46]

Hebrews 4:1 (ESV)
"Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it."

Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you sense God calling you to trust Him, but fear or doubt is holding you back? What would it look like to let a godly fear guide you to step forward in faith today?

Day 2: Rest Is Found in Trusting Jesus and His Promises

True spiritual rest is not found in external comforts or fleeting moments of relaxation, but in a relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting in His promises. The Israelites missed the rest God had for them because they did not believe His word, but for those who believe, there is a deep, abiding rest—a peace that surpasses understanding. This rest is available now through faith in Christ, who invites all who are weary to come to Him and find rest for their souls. Trusting Jesus means relying on His strength, His salvation, and His assurance for your future, no matter your circumstances. [27:47]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection:
What is one burden or anxiety you are carrying today that you need to bring to Jesus, trusting Him to give you true rest?

Day 3: God’s Rest Is Both Present and Future—A Promise for Today and Eternity

God’s rest is a multi-layered promise: it was offered to the Israelites as the Promised Land, it is available now through faith in Christ, and it points forward to the eternal rest of heaven. This Sabbath rest is God’s own rest, set aside from the beginning of creation, and He invites you to share in it both now and forever. Even when life is hard, the promise remains open—do not harden your heart, but respond to God’s invitation to enter His rest, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain and that a glorious future awaits. [33:33]

Revelation 14:13 (ESV)
"And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'"

Reflection:
How does the promise of God’s eternal rest shape the way you approach your daily work and struggles today?

Day 4: Strive Diligently to Live by Faith and Not by Sight

While salvation is a gift received by faith, living out that faith—especially in the face of challenges—requires diligence and perseverance. God calls you to strive, to be diligent, to keep trusting His promises even when it’s hard or when you can’t see the outcome. This is not striving in your own strength, but a daily commitment to walk by faith, to cast your anxieties on Him, and to believe that He cares for you. In doing so, you avoid the disobedience of unbelief and experience the fullness of life God intends for you. [36:08]

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can “strive” to trust God’s promises today, especially in an area where you are tempted to rely on your own understanding?

Day 5: Trust God Beyond Your Own Ability—Experience His Power in Your Weakness

God often calls His people to step out in faith beyond what seems possible, so that His power and faithfulness can be displayed. Whether it’s a personal challenge, a family decision, or a calling for your church, God’s strategy is often to lead you where you must depend on Him. When you trust God for what is beyond your ability, you open the door to experience His provision, His miracles, and His glory. Don’t settle for what you can do alone—seek God’s direction, pray boldly, and be willing to follow Him into the unknown, knowing He goes before you. [45:34]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection:
What is one area where God may be calling you or your church to trust Him for something beyond your own resources or abilities? How can you take a step of faith in that direction this week?

Sermon Summary

In a world overflowing with conveniences and distractions, the longing for true rest remains as deep as ever. This rest is not simply a matter of taking a break or finding a quiet moment; it is a spiritual rest that can only be found in Jesus Christ. As Augustine once said, our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 4, explores this profound theme, reminding us that the rest God offers is both a present reality and a future hope, but it is not entered into passively. Instead, we are called to “strive to enter that rest,” to work diligently at trusting God’s promises, even when circumstances tempt us to doubt.

The original recipients of Hebrews were Jewish Christians facing hardship and persecution, tempted to drift away from faith. The author draws on the story of Israel’s exodus, where a whole generation missed out on the promised land because of unbelief and hard-heartedness. This serves as a warning for us: it is possible to miss out on the fullness of God’s rest—not because God’s promises have failed, but because we fail to trust Him. The “rest” described in Hebrews is multi-layered: it refers to the historical rest of Canaan, the Sabbath rest of creation, and the eternal rest of heaven. All of these point to the deeper rest available in Christ, a rest that brings peace, assurance, and confidence in God’s care.

Yet, paradoxically, entering this rest requires effort. We must be vigilant against the subtle hardening of our hearts, the slow drift of unbelief, and the temptation to rely on our own understanding rather than God’s promises. This is not a call to live in paralyzing fear or constant doubt, but rather a godly, healthy fear—a reverence that keeps us alert to the dangers of spiritual complacency. Like a parent’s warning to a child about the dangers of the street, this warning is meant to protect and guide us, not to rob us of joy.

Trusting God’s promises often means stepping out in faith when the way forward seems unclear or even illogical. Whether it’s a personal decision, a family challenge, or a calling for the church, God invites us to trust Him beyond our own abilities. In doing so, we experience the fullness of His rest—a rest that is both for today and for eternity.

Key Takeaways

1. True rest is only found in Christ, not in worldly comforts or fleeting moments of relaxation. The rest God offers is a deep, spiritual peace that comes from trusting in His finished work and His ongoing promises. This rest is available now, but it must be received by faith, not by our own efforts or achievements. [01:55]
2. A godly fear of unbelief is a safeguard for our hearts. Rather than paralyzing us, this fear keeps us alert to the dangers of drifting away from God, especially in seasons of hardship or disappointment. It is a holy caution that reminds us to continually examine our trust in God’s promises and to guard against a hardened heart. [15:45]
3. The rest described in Hebrews is multi-dimensional: it includes the historical rest of the promised land, the Sabbath rest of creation, and the eternal rest of heaven. All these point to the ultimate rest found in Christ, which brings both present peace and future hope. Understanding these layers helps us appreciate the richness of God’s invitation to rest. [08:21]
4. Striving to enter God’s rest means actively trusting Him, especially when it’s difficult or counterintuitive. Faith is not passive; it requires diligence, perseverance, and sometimes going against what seems logical or easy. This striving is not about earning salvation, but about living out our faith in practical, obedient trust. [34:54]
5. God’s promises often call us to step beyond our comfort zones and trust Him for what we cannot see or control. Whether in personal decisions or in the mission of the church, experiencing God’s rest and provision comes as we obey Him, even when the path is uncertain. In these moments, we discover the abundance and faithfulness of God in ways we could never manufacture on our own. [45:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - The Universal Longing for Rest
[01:17] - Augustine’s Insight and Modern Pursuits of Rest
[02:36] - Context: Hebrews and Its Recipients
[03:51] - The Danger of Drifting and Hardened Hearts
[05:49] - Disobedience and Unbelief in Israel’s History
[07:05] - The Problem: Missing God’s Promised Rest
[08:21] - Three Types of Rest in Hebrews
[11:45] - The Promise of Entering God’s Rest Still Stands
[15:45] - A Godly Fear: Guarding Against Unbelief
[19:46] - The Warning Against False Assurance
[23:42] - The Purpose of God’s Warnings
[26:28] - Spiritual Rest and the Peace of God
[32:13] - Sabbath Rest and Eternal Rest
[34:54] - Striving Diligently to Enter God’s Rest
[40:44] - Trusting God in Difficult Circumstances
[43:39] - Faith Beyond Logic: Stories of Obedience
[46:14] - The Invitation to Trust and Respond
[48:54] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Striving to Enter God’s Rest (Hebrews 4:1-11)

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Bible Reading

- Hebrews 4:1-11
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Philippians 4:6-7

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Observation Questions

In Hebrews 4:1-11, what are the different types of “rest” that the author talks about? How does he use the story of Israel’s exodus to make his point? ([08:21])
According to the sermon, what was the main reason the Israelites failed to enter the promised land? ([07:05])
In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him, and how does this connect to the idea of rest in Hebrews?
What does Philippians 4:6-7 say about the peace of God, and how is this peace related to the rest described in Hebrews? ([27:06])

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Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that entering God’s rest is not passive, but requires us to “strive” or “work diligently” at trusting God’s promises. Why do you think the author of Hebrews uses such strong language about effort when talking about rest? ([34:54])
The warning in Hebrews 4:1 is described as a “godly fear” that is meant to protect us, not paralyze us. How can a healthy fear of unbelief actually help us grow in faith? ([15:45])
The sermon mentions that the rest in Hebrews is “multi-layered”—including the promised land, Sabbath, and eternal rest. How does understanding these layers help us appreciate what God is offering us in Christ? ([08:21])
The pastor shared a story about making a difficult decision that didn’t make sense logically, but was made in faith. Why is it sometimes hard to trust God’s leading when it goes against what seems obvious or comfortable? ([22:26])

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Application Questions

The sermon says that true rest is only found in Christ, not in worldly comforts or short breaks. What are some things you turn to for rest or relief that don’t really satisfy? How can you turn to Jesus for deeper rest this week? ([01:55])
The author of Hebrews warns us to be vigilant against a “slow drift” of unbelief and a hardening heart. Are there areas in your life where you feel you might be drifting or growing hard toward God? What practical step can you take to address this? ([03:11])
The sermon talks about a “godly fear” that keeps us alert to spiritual danger. What does a healthy, godly fear look like in your daily life? How can it help you make better decisions or avoid spiritual complacency? ([15:45])
The pastor shared a personal story about making a big decision that didn’t make sense on paper, but was made in faith. Is there a decision or situation in your life right now where God might be calling you to trust Him beyond your own understanding? What would it look like to obey Him in that area? ([22:26])
The sermon says that striving to enter God’s rest means actively trusting Him, especially when it’s difficult. What is one area where you need to “strive” to trust God more? How can the group pray for you in this? ([34:54])
The pastor gave an example of a church that stepped out in faith to plant new churches, even when it didn’t make sense financially or practically. Is there something God might be calling you (or our group/church) to do that feels beyond your comfort zone? How can we encourage each other to step out in faith? ([45:34])
Hebrews 4:11 says, “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest.” What is one practical way you can “strive” to trust God’s promises this week, especially in a challenging area of your life? ([34:54])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group trust His promises, guard against unbelief, and experience the true rest that only Jesus can give—both now and forever.

Sermon Clips

With all the different conveniences that we have and all the techniques, the yogas and the meditations and the incenses and the music therapy and all those things aren't necessarily bad in and of themselves and might help you feel a little bit of a calm but they are fleeting at best and do not meet the core need of rest that only only is found in Jesus Christ. [00:01:50]

Instead of drawing ourselves closer to God the circumstances are pushing us away and let's just be honest that is one of Satan's greatest tools and weapons that he uses against us. [00:03:51]

The need for us to exhort one another and to encourage one another in the faith is critical. You're not going to survive just on this on Sunday to be quite honest with you. [00:05:42]

The problem that the Israelites had was that they did weren't getting the rest they were promised because of their hard-heartedness. They had lost faith in God's promises. They didn't trust God for the protection there. They became disobedient and they refused to go into the very land that God had promised them. [00:07:13]

The rest in this picture of Canaan is a is a present rest also with Christ in all God gives us in his salvation and his inheritance as well and so that's the the Canaan rest. [00:10:01]

This rest really takes a look at the rest that he brings the illustration of God taking a rest after six days of creating. God then takes a rest on the seventh day not because he was tired and he was sitting back drinking a beer and watching TV. No, he was still working to be quite honest because he's still sustaining things in life but he stopped his and rested from his creation. [00:10:27]

Now you're thinking "Pastor h haven't you preached faith over fear?" Right, didn't we sing about fear is a liar right aren't we supposed to be bold and fearless as Christians and indeed we are but we should be afraid of uncaged snakes and uncaged bears and uncaged tigers. We should be afraid of those things so there are some things we should be afraid of but the author really isn't talking about that so much. He's talking about fearing our own hardheartedness. [00:15:34]

What good news did they get and did not benefit? Well, the promised land, the promise folks, I don't think you understand maybe how important this promise was. It goes all the way back to Abraham and in in Genesis it is repeated in Exodus chapter 3, repeated again in Exodus chapter 6 and Deuteronomy chapter 1 and Deuteronomy chapter 6. [00:16:51]

Their not believing in the promises of God turned their hearts hard into stone. They really they they told Caleb and J Joshua and Aaron and Moses "Look we'd rather go back to Egypt and be put in slavery than to go face these guys." The good news did not benefit them did it? They stayed in the land for 40 years, all but Joshua and Caleb pass away. [00:18:35]

Let a godly fear of not trusting God's promises for my life be a guide in times of sinful doubt, thus keeping me from developing a hard heart or drifting. Spiritual rest comes by way of trusting Jesus for his promises. [00:26:20]

There’s this idea of this peace of God that is with us in our connection and in our salvation with him, trusting that God hears your prayers, trusting that he cares for you, that Jesus actually is also I think speaking in terms of of salvation if you will too. [00:27:26]

If you have this relationship with Christ you have this rest. It really is at the heart and the soul of of what faith is and if you jumped ahead to chapter 11, when we get there we're going to talk about what faith is because he defines it for us. [00:28:54]

So he makes the point God rested, we can then rest in in in our position in heaven and here's the here's where the I get the the title for this message and here's where I believe uh the next lesson comes from verse 11 again let us, let the church, okay, therefore strive strive to enter that rest so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. [00:34:26]

In our rest with Jesus we must strive diligently, strive diligently to live by faith and trust in God's promises so that we do not become disobedient to God but rather to to receive a life, a full life that he promised. [00:38:26]

Sometimes, folks, we have to trust God to do something far beyond what we are able to. That's when we really experience God. We've done that historically in this church and I'll be honest with you it's time to do it again. [00:45:34]

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Finding True Rest Through Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Let a Godly Fear Guide You to Trust God’s Promises

Day 2: Rest Is Found in Trusting Jesus and His Promises

Day 3: God’s Rest Is Both Present and Future—A Promise for Today and Eternity

Day 4: Strive Diligently to Live by Faith and Not by Sight

Day 5: Trust God Beyond Your Own Ability—Experience His Power in Your Weakness

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finding True Rest Through Faith in Christ

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