Hebrews 4

v1-2: There are many people who have heard lots of sermons and the Word of God read publicly but are “unprofitable hearers” because of their unbelief. They do not exercise faith while they are listening. To be a profitable hearer, as we hear the word we must assent to its truth, approve it, accept the mercy offered, and apply the word with suitable affections. Only “then we will find great value and benefit from the preached word.”

v3-10: “It is clear that there is a more spiritual and excellent Sabbath remaining for the people of God than the one into which Joshua led the Jews.” This is the “rest of grace” where we are refreshed by the “sweet assurance of forgiveness of sin, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit...[the] promises of glory” and from no longer “being enslaved to sin.” It is also the “rest in glory” which is “the eternal Sabbath of heaven... where the people of God will enjoy the completion of their faith and the object of all their desires.” This rest is what our Joshua, the Lord Jesus, gives to us.

v11-13: The word of God can strengthen our faith so that we don’t follow the “example of those who have already perished in their disobedience and unbelief.” Whenever God drives His Word by His Spirit into someone’s life, “it convicts powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully.” God’s Word “is so powerful that it can demolish strongholds, raise the dead, make the deaf hear, the blind see, the mute speak, and the lame walk” and “it is powerful enough to defeat Satan’s kingdom and set up the kingdom of Christ on its ruins.”

v14-15: Jesus Christ is a great High Priest. He “fulfilled one part of his priesthood on earth, by dying for us; the other he fulfils in heaven, by pleading the cause and presenting the offerings of his people.” He is also a gracious High Priest “who is merciful, compassionate,” and “very kind and tenderly concerned for us.”

v16: “Mercy and grace are the things we need: mercy to pardon all our sins, and grace to cleanse our souls.” Wonderfully there is a throne where this can be obtained, and we should go there daily. There are also seasons in our life when we are especially aware of our need for the mercy and grace of God. “We should store up prayers [for] times of temptation, either in adversity or in prosperity” and when we are close to death “for mercy on our final day.”