The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines
The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines
The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines
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Mark A. Copeland<br />
2. But the Sabbath as a day of rest was given only to the nation of Israel<br />
a. It was not given to the nation’s fathers (i.e., ancestors such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)<br />
- cf. Deu 5:2-22; Neh 9:13-14<br />
b. It was given to Israel as a weekly remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt - Deu<br />
5:12-15<br />
c. <strong>The</strong> only Gentiles ever commanded to keep the Sabbath were those living among the<br />
Israelites in Canaan (“your stranger who is within your gates”)<br />
3. <strong>The</strong> Sabbath day, like the rest of the Old Law, has been done away<br />
a. It was nailed to the cross - cf. Ep 2:14-15; Co 2:14<br />
b. Those in Christ have died to the Old Law, having been delivered from it that they may<br />
now serve Christ - Ro 7:4,6<br />
c. As part of “the ministry of death” (i.e., the Old Testament), it has been replaced by “the<br />
ministry of the Spirit” (i.e., the New Testament) - 2 Co 3:5-8,11<br />
d. It is now a matter of indifference to God, left to one’s individual conscience, and not to<br />
be bound on anyone - cf. Ro 14:4-6; Co 2:16-17<br />
4. Finally, the argument regarding Joshua can also be made regarding Moses...<br />
a. Long after Moses provided the “Sabbath” rest, Psa 95:7-8 was written<br />
b. Indicating that there was still another “rest” to come<br />
-- While Moses provided the “Sabbath” rest, there is still “<strong>The</strong> Rest That Remains”!<br />
C. IT IS “GOD’S REST”...<br />
1. Through this section of Scripture there are repeated references to:<br />
a. “My rest” - He 3:11; 4:3,5 cf. Psa 95:7-11<br />
b. “His rest” - He 3:18; 4:1<br />
1) Which those who fell in the wilderness did not enter - He 3:18<br />
2) Which Christians today have a promise of entering - He 4:1<br />
2. It is a rest that God entered upon the completion of His creation - He 4:4,10<br />
3. It is a rest that Joshua (and Moses) did not provide...<br />
4. God’s rest is one in which...<br />
a. We must be diligent not to come short of it - He 4:1,11<br />
b. One who has “entered His rest” has “ceased from his works” - He 4:10<br />
-- “God’s rest” is the “heavenly rest” of which we read in the book of Revelation...<br />
<strong>The</strong>n I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die<br />
in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their<br />
labors, and their works follow them.” (Re 14:13)<br />
[“<strong>The</strong> Rest That Remains” in this passage is therefore “God’s Rest”, and in particular that “heavenly<br />
rest” one enters in which they cease from the labors. Now if we wish to one day enter this “rest”, some<br />
things are necessary...]<br />
II. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS TO ENTER “GOD’S REST”?<br />
A. THE WORD OF GOD...<br />
1. Note that both Israel and we today have had “the gospel” preached unto us - He 4:2<br />
a. <strong>The</strong> “gospel” (i.e., good news) proclaimed unto the Israelites pertained to the promises<br />
of Canaan<br />
b. <strong>The</strong> “gospel” proclaimed unto us pertains to the blessings we have in Christ<br />
2. <strong>The</strong> Word of God is essential for at least two reasons:<br />
Sermons From <strong>Hebrews</strong> 28