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Study 09 of 18

Why the Sanctuary Service Was Given to the Israelites, Part 2

Entering God's rest requires mixing the word with faith and ceasing from our own works.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Continuing the study of the sanctuary service, this session focuses on why Israel failed to enter the rest promised to them. The author explains that the gospel was preached to them just as it is to us, but it did not profit them because it was not mixed with faith. Although God had delivered them from Egypt and offered them the privilege of being His dwelling place, they constantly murmured and doubted His word. The sanctuary was established as a temporary measure because of their lack of faith; God's original plan was to dwell directly among them. This session underscores that entering into God's rest requires "labouring to cease from our own works" and believing that God will perform what He has promised. It calls modern Israel to learn from these past failures and embrace the practical reality of righteousness by faith.

Key points

  • The gospel was preached to ancient Israel just as it is to us today.
  • Israel's failure was due to not mixing the word with faith.
  • The sanctuary service was a accommodation for their lack of faith, not the original ideal.
  • Rest is found by ceasing from our own works and letting God work in us.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 4:1-2
  • Exodus 15:13-18
  • Hebrews 4:11

From the book

Chapter 9 · Hebrews 4 · Read this chapter

  • “God’s promise to Abraham was that in the fourth generation he would inherit an eternal habitation.” (ch. 9)
  • “The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (ch. 9)
  • “They were not to work for it, but to believe the word which God had spoken.” (ch. 9)

Put it into practice

  • Examine if my hearing of the word is accompanied by active faith.
  • Recognize instances of murmuring that reveal a lack of trust in God's leading.
  • Commit to 'laboring' to enter rest by surrendering self-effort.
  1. Scripture

    1. Why did the word preached to the Israelites not profit them?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. What was the 'holy habitation' God wanted to guide them to?

  3. Contrast

    3. How did the Israelites' murmuring at the Red Sea reflect their lack of faith?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. What does it mean to 'labor to enter into rest'?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What was God's original plan for dwelling with His people?

  6. Scripture

    6. What is the 'rest' that remains for the people of God?

  7. Comprehension

    7. How was the gospel preached to the Israelites?

  8. Application

    8. When you face a 'Red Sea' difficulty, is your first reaction to murmur or to trust? How can you change this?