Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4 | Sabbath: January 4, 2025
Memory Verse: Hebrews 4:9
Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Weekly Proverb: Proverbs 4:13
Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Introduction: Is the Sabbath Day an Old Testament concept? Where can we find the Sabbath being taught in the New Testament? The answer: Hebrews 4. The interpretation of this chapter has been mangled by many. Hopefully, this lesson will make it clear that this chapter is the New Testament Sabbath chapter.

1. A promise has been left us that we will come into that (eternal) rest. However, if we do not fear (have respect for and keep) the following verses, will we enter that rest? Hebrews 4:1.
Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2. What does it mean to have a gospel that is not mixed with faith and that does not profit? Hebrews 4:2, Hebrews 3:17-19.
Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Hebrews 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
3. Verse 1 speaks of a future rest. Verse 3 speaks of a present rest. Therefore, those who believe the gospel will do what? Hebrews 4:3a.
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4. If it is not yet clear what the author is speaking of, what does he say? v 4.
Hebrews 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5. What does he link this present rest to? v 5.
Hebrews 4:5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6. When the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament were abolished, were the Ten Commandments (including the Sabbath) abolished? v 6, 9.
Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
7. Can the Sabbath be moved to another day, such as Sunday, or any day that is convenient for us? v 7.
Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8. Many bible scholars interpret “Jesus” in verse 8 as Joshua of the Old Testament. However this name is interpreted, did Jesus, Joshua, any prophet, or any apostle ever speak of another day? v 8.
Hebrews 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9. This rest is specifically for who? v 9.
Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10. When we keep this rest who do we follow? v 10.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11. If we do not make an effort to keep the Sabbath, what is that called? v 11.
Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Conclusion: This is truly a powerful Sabbath chapter. Consider the following statement: “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise” (v 4), “he limiteth a certain day” (v 7), “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (v 9), and “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest.” If the Sabbath Day is hidden or if it is a mystery, it is only a mystery to those who chose not know the truth. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy and remember Hebrews chapter 4, the Sabbath chapter, that reminds us that the Sabbath Day is still taught in the New Testament.