2. United With Faith Hebrews 4:2

3. The Text (Heb. 3:15-41); cf. Psa. 95:7-11) Concerns Israel in the Old Testament Application also in the New Testament Hebrews 4:2 is the key to success.

4. God Old Testament New Testament Believe Him Obey Him Rest

5. Hebrews 4:2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard

6. God Old Testament New Testament Believe Him Obey Him Rest United with faith Do not harden your heart

7. Uniting With Faith What is to be mixed with faith? – Hebrews 4:2 says “the word” – This is whatever word was preached (OT/NT) – All hear it. Some do not profit and some do profit

8. RCW quote: “God had the power to choose some other means of salvation, but He did not so choose. He purposed that His power to save would reside in the gospel. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Romans 1:16). He has but one power to save, the gospel. But this power must be united by faith with the hearer in order to be effective. Dynamite exploded in the air will not shatter the rock, it must be firmly tamped into the crevice in order to be effective. Exploding powerful truth all around the person will not save him, he must firmly fix it in his heart by faith in order to shatter the hardened shell and mold the new beginning of salvation in Christ” ( Living by Faith, p. 57).

9. Uniting With Faith What is to be mixed with faith? – Hebrews 4:2 says “the word” – This is whatever word was preached (OT/NT) – All hear it. Some do not profit and some do profit – Difference? - - the word is/isn’t mixed with personal faith

10. Word is not faith, it produces faith – “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17) – Parable of the sower (Lk. 8) Seed is the word of God (8:11) Seed (word) sown in hearts (8:12, 15) “Keep it and bear fruit with perseverance [patience/endurance/steadfastness]”

11. Commendation of Thessalonians – “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13) – “Your faith is greatly enlarged” (2 Thess. 1:3) – “Our testimony to you was believed” (2 Thess. 1:10)

12. Practically Speaking There is no magic in the gospel – There are real/unreal expectations – Limitations exist – Provide instructions, directions, and prayer What cannot/can be known – Cannot know the thought and intents of another (1 Cor. 2:11) – Can know fruit (Matt. 7:20)

13. It only works if there is first interest! – Paul at Mar’s Hill (Acts 17:16-24) – Obvious implication of interest Matthew 6:33 – “Seek” Colossians 3:2 – “Set” James 1:25 – “Looks”; “Continues”