Introduction
Those who listen to God’s promise are urged to maintain belief and strive to enter into God’s rest.
Questions
1. Why did the word that some heard not profit them?
v 2 ... but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.
2. How is the word of God described?
v 12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
3. Why is Jesus a good example of a high priest for us?
v 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 11 Quotations from the Old Testament (Psalm 95 v 7 to 11 and Genesis 2 v 2) support the writer's argument that there is still a rest for the people of God
- v 12 and 13 God's word is powerful to show what we are really like. We cannot hide our thoughts and intentions from God
- v 14 to 16 Jesus acts as high priest for God's people. As a man who experienced temptation but who did not sin, he is able to understand our struggles and weaknesses