God's Voice, God's Rest, and Our Hearts

Sermon Application Questions:Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 3:7-4:13 with the main idea being: those who enter God’s rest are those who respond to his voice from the heart. Digging Deeper: The passage begins with a quote from Psalm 95. Can you identify the three time periods represented between vv. 7-14?  What is “God’s rest” that this passage keeps talking about? How is what’s referred to in Hebrews 3:11 similar and different from what’s referred to in Hebrews 4:8-10.  What did the people of Israel do after being brought out of Egypt? (see Hebrews 3:9, 4:16-18).[1]  What is an area of your life that is hard to trust God with and follow in obedience? Why is it hard?  What makes the things that pull us away from God and his way feel so compelling?   The passage describes one way God helps us fight against sin and unbelief in Hebrews 3:12-13. What is it describing?  Share a time where God used community to help you overcome sin and continue to trust in Jesus.  Gospel Communities are an ideal place to “exhort one another.” Do you see this happening in our Gospel Community? Why or why not?  How could our group grow more in exhorting one another?   This passage guards us from two dangerous misunderstandings: on the one hand we might be tempted to think we can earn “God’s rest,” on the other hand we might be tempted to think nothing is required of us in order to enter God’s rest.  Which of these misunderstandings are you more inclined to believe?  How does this passage confront both of these errors? (Hebrews 4:3, 4:11).   Is there an unbeliever in your life who is clearly weighed down by the cares of this world and the burdensome effects of sin?  How might you present to this person the truth from this passage that God in Christ offers eternal rest to all who would put their hope in Christ?  [1] Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul by Michael J. Kruger, page 17.   Take It Home: What is one thing from this week’s discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember?  Prayer Requests:  _____________________________Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532