• Hebrews 4:1-16
• Hebrews 4:1-2 – We must be careful to live faithfully so we can take advantage of this rest.
• Hebrews 4:3 – The writer compares lack of faith now to the lack of faith of the Israelites (Hebrews 3:7-14) that caused God to make them wander in the wilderness for forty years, rather than entering God’s rest.
• Hebrews 4:6-7 – There remains a rest for those who will serve God faithfully.
• Hebrews 4:8 – Joshua has a rest to give the people, but it was far inferior to the rest Jesus would offer.
• Hebrews 4:11-13 – The word of God can see through us like no one on earth can. God can see our disobedience even if it is hidden from men. “Division of soul and spirit” means dividing soul and dividing spirit – not separating them from each other.
• Hebrews 4:14-16 – The incredible (Romans 7:25; 8:26-34) nature of our high priest, Jesus, is all the more reason to hold fast to our faith.

Introduction

• Why have churches departed from the pattern we see in scripture?

Drifting from God’s word

• I Samuel 8:1-4 – The people recognized a need for improvement. They looked around and saw nations with kings that appeared to be thriving.
• Why did Alexander Campbell push for the American Christian Missionary Society? He thought he perceived a need that was not being addressed.
• But why was Israel week and oppressed? Not because they didn’t have a king, but because they were not obeying God. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Boyfriend and girlfriend, continued:

Look for someone who loves God and others

• Matthew 22:36-40

Respects God’s word enough to actually obey it

• I John 5:2-3
• Luke 6:46-49
• Mark 10:11-12

Grows and works on weaknesses

• I John 1:8
• How do you handle weaknesses and sin?
• Acts 5:29 – Peter showed tremendous growth.
• Acts 9:20 – Paul was a great example of positive change and spiritual growth.
• II Timothy 4:7

Treats people well

• Luke 10:33-35 – The example of the good Samaritan.
• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Galatian 5:22

Demonstrates humility

• Psalms 51:16-17
• Ephesians 5:22-27 – A husband should be prepared to sacrifice himself for the spiritual betterment of his wife.
• Colossians 3:12-14

Communicates well

• James 1:19
• Proverbs 15:1-2, 28
• Proverbs 12:18 – Good can come from talking!
• Proverbs 17:27 – Restraining your words can also be good!

Introduction

• James 5:19-20

Notice!

• Philippians 2:4-7
• We need to get out of our own busy schedules and notice others who may need help.
• II Corinthians 11:28-29 – Do I have intense concern for those led into sin?
• Luke 15 – The end goal is to help sinners repent!
• Attendance: Hebrews 10:25
• Observation: Acts 15:36
• Do this: Scroll through the directory this week.

Encourage!

• Acts 14:1-3
• I Thessalonians 5:14
• Do this: Contact a member and encourage them.
• Three ways to encourage:
  • God’s people: Romans 1:12; I Corinthians 16:5-7; III John 1:14
  • God’s worship: Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19
  • God’s word: Mark 6:34; Romans 10:17

• Hebrews 3:1-6 – Jesus is a better keeper of God’s house than Moses was.
  • Hebrews 3:3-4 – God built the house. See John 1:1.
  • Hebrews 3:5 – Moses was a faithful servant to God. See Hebrews 10:1-10. Part of his service was testifying about the things that would come later (Jesus and the New Covenant).
  • Hebrews 3:6 – Moses kept God’s house as a servant, but Jesus kept God’s house as a son.
• Hebrews 3:7-11 – If we harden our hearts and do not believe, we will also not enter the promised land.
• Hebrews 3:12-13 – We must be careful not to let an unbelieving heart lead us to fall away from Christ.
• Hebrews 3:14-15 – To hear God and do what He says is to not harden your heart to God.
• Hebrews 3:18-19 – See Matthew 7:21; Acts 22:16. Paul called on the name of the Lord by doing what He said. The Israelites could not enter Canaan because of unbelief.