Young People's Group

Be Diligent To Enter That Rest

by Pastor Mitch
July 24, 2015

The Danger Of Falling Into The Same Example Of Disobedience

History tends to repeat itself. We all know that. It is easy for people to repeat the same past mistakes and sins of people. In the text of Hebrews 4:11, the writer dealt with this issue by warning his readers of the danger of falling into disobedience as the people of Israel did.

“Lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:1

The word “fall” brings across the idea of a person who had fallen into the trap of disobeying God as others in the past did. The people of Israel were at one time commended by the Lord for their response in seeking to listen to word of the Lord (Deuteronomy 5:28-29). Of course, this was very short-lived. The people of Israel became disobedient towards God, having hearts of unbelief and being rebellious to Him and His word (Hebrews 3:7-18) They neither heeded the word of God nor mixed the word that they heard with faith (Hebrews 4:2). As such, that generation all died in the wilderness and did not find rest in the promised land. We too can end up like the people of Israel if we allow ourselves to fall and follow their same example of disobedience. Young people, let’s make sure that we do not end up becoming a bad example of disobedience to others as Israel did.

The Challenge To Be Diligent To The End

“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest”
Hebrews 4:11

Diligence is key towards finishing well as a servant of God. Without it, we will not be able to be obedient and faithful to the Lord to the very end. There should come a greater sense of eagerness and earnestness each day to live for the Lord and to walk in His ways. There should be that diligence to move towards the day that we would find eternal rest in heaven. How can we do this?

1. Exercising Faith In The Word Of God

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12

Exercising faith in the word of God will most definitely help. When we diligently read His word and remember the lessons, they will not only bring life to our soul. The word of God is able to energise us to live according to the Lord’s will. It can do a great and extensive work in our heart and soul. As a double-edged sword, it can “cut” the heart of the very people we teach. On the other hand, it can also “cut” our own heart when we do not follow what we teach. It can penetrate the deepest recesses of our soul and judge the thoughts and the true intentions that we have in our heart. Let’s exercise greater faith in the word whenever we hear it.

2. Being Accountable To The Lord Who See All Things

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:13

God Himself is able to see what is truly in our heart, mind and soul. No created thing is hidden from the Lord. The Lord God can see every human being and every living thing before Him. Everything is laid bare before Him and there is no use hiding our sins and intentions from Him. One day, we have to give an account of our life to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Let’s have a strong sense of accountability to God by being diligent.

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