“Let us therefore be diligent to enter into that rest, lest anyone  fall according to the same example of disobedience.”   Hebrews 4:11 

What helps, or incentives do we have to stay on track?

1.  The powerful word of God (Hebrews 4:12)

  It is “quick” (living or active). God’s word is not a dead letter  (1 Peter 1:23-25).

 It is “powerful.” It changes lives (Psalm 119:11; Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 2:13-14). Don’t forget to spend time  with it (Job 23:12; Psalm 19:10-11).

It is “sharp” and cuts very deeply within (Acts 2:37). It is God’s weapon to change  the world, and overcome evil (Ephesians 6:17). Note: brother Foy E. Wallace, Jr. once said, “It is said that the word is the sword that the Holy Spirit uses.  Rather, the word of God is the sword the Holy Spirit forged for us to use. If we do not wield it, then it will not be wielded.

It is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Matthew Henry has written, “The word will turn the inside of a sinner out, and let him see all that is in the heart.”

2.  The all-seeing eye of God (Hebrews 4:13).    

As we go throughout life understand that God sees (and hears) all that we do (and say). He even knows what we think. We may fool man, but not God!

Read: Psalm 139:1-4; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36; Revelation 2:23b.

3. We have the perfect example (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Men, even the best of men, are not our ultimate example. The religious leaders of old sinned (Hebrews 7:27). Preachers today are not without their flaws. They can disappoint. They can set forth a bad example.

Christ lived without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). We have the perfect example of how to live (John 13:15; Ephesians 5:2;  Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 12:3-4;  1 Peter 2:21, etc.). He did not just tell us how to live; He showed us how to live.

4. The privilege and power of prayer (Heb. 4:16 cf. 8:1-2;12:2)

We can approach God and ask for forgiveness when we sin, through our High Priest Jesus. Mercy and grace are available

Read: John 16:24; Acts 8:22; 1 Peter 5:7 1 John 1:8-9.

Remembering these things should help us stay the course, and enter into that rest to come. Let us run this race with all our might. May God bless you.