July 15, 2010 Lesson 4 of Hebrews 3:7-4:13

3:7-4:2. What is the danger against which we are warned here? Why were the Israelites overtaken by it in the wilderness? How can we avoid similar disaster? Answer: We are warned against unbelief. As I recall for the most part the Israelites were overcome by it because of a lack of patience. They wanted it now! They were promised to enter the promised land and they felt like it was taking too long to get there so they took things into their own hands and started to worship false gods. This is absolutely a trap we can fall into today. We are in a society that rushes to get everywhere. We are a society filled with choices. We are in a society that is all about self. I think it makes it much easier, given these factors, to fall into disbelief.


4:1-13. In what ways does God use his Word in his dealings with us? What promise of his still stands open for our enjoyment? What are the conditions of obtaining its fulfillment in our experience? Can any avoid having dealings with him? Answer: God uses His word to judge us, to guide us, to give us comfort. We still have the promise that we too will be with Him in the Promised Land in the new creation. Obedience and belief are the conditions for fulfillment. None can avoid the final judgment.


Note. 3:12, 13; 4:1. In each of these verses and exhortation is addressed in the plural to the many, exhorting them all to take care lest any single one of their number fall away.
Eric’s notes
4:1 the promise of entering His rest. See Isa 11:1-9. This is the promise of the second coming when Christ will sit on the throne in Israel in the new creation (Rev 21:4; Isa 65:17; 66:22).