Spiritual Warfare Part 4: Unmasking Satan’s Strategies

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/the-enemys-playbook-unmasking-satans-strategies/

Bible Study Hebrews 4: 1-16

 

A Commentary of the Book of Hebrews

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study Hebrews 4: 1-16

Text:

4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”

Drawing on the insights of Psalm 95, the author presents a grave warning to his readers: “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” This underscores a vital theological distinction: just as Israel was liberated from Egypt yet struggled to find true rest, today there remains a difference between being saved and actually entering into God's rest.

This "rest" is not confined to the physical boundaries of Canaan or a distant "heavenly rest". Instead, the fleeting peace established under Joshua serves as a precursor to a more profound spiritual and everlasting rest.

The author highlights the precariousness of coming close to this state only to miss it entirely. This theme of divine partnership and soul-rest is further supported in Matthew 11:29-30, where Christ invites believers to find rest by laboring alongside Him. Importantly, failing to attain this rest does not equate to the loss of salvation; rather, it results in a three-part deprivation for the believer: missing Christ’s leadership, losing an active role in divine objectives, and lacking the internal experience of resting in Him.

Verse 2: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

This passage addresses the spiritual rest associated with salvation and the necessity of placing one's trust in Christ as Savior. Although the gospel was proclaimed to them, it proved of no benefit because it was not accompanied by faith.

While Moses successfully guided the Israelites out of Egypt, he was unable to lead them into the land of Canaan. Subsequently, although Joshua led the people into the land, he could not provide them with true rest. Many failed to achieve this rest, never fully realizing the inheritance intended for them. In a contemporary context, the worldly influences and spiritual adversaries often deprive believers of the divine blessings available to them.

Verse 3: “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

Believers who act on God's word are able to access spiritual rest, serving as the direct counterpart to Psalm 95: 11 which warns that those without faith are barred from this divine tranquility. The phrase "finished from the foundation of the world" signifies that this spiritual rest is a complete and perfected gift from God. Rather than being a work in progress, it is anchored in a divine plan established in eternity past, mirroring the rest God observed after completing the creation of the world. 

Verse 4: “ For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.”

In verses 4-5, the emphasis is placed on God designating a specific day for rest rather than the act of resting itself. Because "He spake ... of the seventh day on this wise," this divine rest exists as an established reality. Ultimately, the rest we are summoned to join is not a product of our own efforts but is God's own rest, which He graciously shares with us.

Verse 5: “And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.”

Verses 3-5 focus on the central idea that God's "rest" has been available since the seventh day of Creation, despite the fact that a disobedient generation was unable to access it. The author interprets the promises regarding the physical land as ultimate indicators of this divine rest, which is accessible solely to those who possess faith.

Verse 6: “ Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:”

Unbelief serves as the primary obstacle that deprives an individual of the rest found in salvation, as well as the profound satisfaction and divine blessing God intends to provide. It is this lack of faith that prevents the realization of the extraordinary rest God desires to bestow upon the faithful.

Verse 7: “again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

The author emphasizes that the opportunity for spiritual rest is not a future prospect but a present imperative. This moment represents the definitive time for salvation. Individuals are encouraged to recognize the immediacy of this opportunity to trust in Christ, as the scripture warns against the hardening of hearts when hearing His voice today.

Verse 8: “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.”

Both the Greek name "Jesus" and the Hebrew "Joshua" translate to "Savior." Within this specific context, the passage refers to the rest that Joshua was unable to secure for Israel even after they entered Canaan, the Promised Land.

Psalm 95 confirms that this rest remained unfulfilled during the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Consequently, it became necessary for God to "have spoken of another day" to provide the true rest intended for His people.

Verse 9: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

While the opportunity to enter into God's rest remains available, it is important to understand that this does not exempt us from the necessity of labor.

Verse 10: “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”

According to the author, an individual who has "entered into his rest" is characterized as one who "hath ceased from his own works." This description is frequently interpreted as the believer abandoning personal attempts to achieve salvation through merit, instead relying on the completed sacrifice of Christ. Some also view this as a reference to the believer"s ultimate eternal rest.

However, this entry into rest is specifically likened to how "God did from his." Just as God stopped His creative activities upon completing the universe, a person who is born again through faith likewise stops their own labor. This cessation encompasses not only the rejection of works-based salvation but also the surrender of one"s personal ambitions and life goals to God. 

Verse 11: “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

This passage presents a solemn appeal: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest." There are two key elements to consider:

1. The Intended Goal: This refers to a rest that is both spiritual and everlasting—the experience of grace in the present and glory in the future, found in Christ during our time on earth and with Him in eternity. 2. The Required Path: The method for reaching this goal is diligent effort. Work is the essential precursor to rest; those who decline to labor now will find no rest in the hereafter. Following sincere and persistent labor, a fulfilling and sweet rest will be achieved, and the efforts made now will only enhance the joy of that rest when it arrives.

Verse 12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The "word of God," which encompasses both the truth revealed through Jesus and the spoken word discussed in this context, is characterized as "quick" (meaning "alive"), powerful, and more piercing than a double-edged sword. This vibrant divine word, present throughout both the Old and New Testaments, is depicted by the author of Hebrews as a living force that scrutinizes like an all-seeing eye. It penetrates to the very core of a person—separating soul and spirit, joints and marrow—and acts as a judge over the heart's innermost thoughts and motivations. Such deep discernment leaves no room for hesitation or double-mindedness. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit serves as the author, administrator, and facilitator of God's Word, acting as the divine agent who brings the written text to life with power.

Verse 13: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

The author identifies the activity of the Word with the activity of God, viewing them as essentially identical. Advancing beyond these Scriptural truths necessitates the utmost sincerity of motive. As members of the household of God and fellow laborers with Christ, there is no place for personal glory or self-interest, except in the cross of Christ. This New Testament bond with God is enabled by Christ’s role as our high priest, a connection that brings both significant responsibilities and a sense of profound peace, contentment, and rest.

Verse 14: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

Under the Old Covenant, the High Priest navigated three distinct areas—the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies—to perform the atoning sacrifice. In a superior fulfillment, Jesus ascended through three heavens (the atmospheric, the stellar, and the dwelling place of God) after offering the ultimate and final sacrifice. While the earthly High Priest entered the Holy of Holies annually on the Day of Atonement within a tabernacle that served only as a restricted imitation, Jesus entered the celestial Holy of Holies itself. By achieving total redemption, He replaced the earthly copy with heavenly reality. Consequently, the Christian faith is defined by its heavenly nature rather than earthly constraints. The author’s deliberate use of "Jesus the Son of God" uniquely emphasizes both His humanity and His divinity. To “hold fast” means to persevere. 

Verse 15: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

The Lord's people were not treading an unfamiliar path or facing trials unknown to Him. By emphasizing the comparison between Christ's trials and our own, the author notes that Jesus underwent every form of temptation known to humanity. However, the crucial distinction lies in the outcome: Christ never succumbed to sin. This demonstrates that experiencing temptation is not, in itself, a sinful act.

Verse 16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Believers enjoy the priestly privilege of approaching God with confidence, a right earned through Jesus' sacrifice which cleanses the stain of sin and enables them to present acceptable offerings of gratitude. Within this relationship, mercy serves to provide forgiveness for our failures under temptation, while grace offers the necessary and timely assistance to endure through such trials.

 

Humility Before the Sovereign Lord

Scripture: James 4:10 (KJV)

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Personal Reflection

Few doctrines humble the human heart more than the sovereignty of God. When we recognize that God rules over all things, we also recognize that we do not. Pride begins to dissolve as we acknowledge our complete dependence upon Him.

Modern culture celebrates self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-determination. Scripture calls us instead to humble dependence upon our Creator. Every breath we breathe, every opportunity we enjoy, every talent we possess, and every spiritual blessing we receive comes from His gracious hand.

This humility does not diminish us; it liberates us. We no longer carry the impossible burden of believing that everything depends upon us. Instead, we faithfully fulfill our responsibilities while trusting God to accomplish His purposes.

The humble believer is quick to pray because he knows his weakness. He is quick to worship because he recognizes God's greatness. He is quick to forgive because he remembers the mercy he has received. Humility becomes the fertile soil in which every Christian virtue grows.

The more clearly we see God's majesty, the smaller our pride becomes. Standing before His holiness leaves no room for boasting except in the cross of Christ.

Contemplation

What areas of pride has God been exposing in my life?

Puritan Quote

John Flavel wrote:

"They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud."

Prayer

Lord, deliver me from pride and self-sufficiency. Teach me to walk humbly before You, rejoicing that all I have and all I am come from Your gracious hand. Amen.

Application

Practice humility today by sincerely thanking God for a blessing you might otherwise have taken credit for yourself.

The Sovereignty of God in Every Trial

 

The Sovereignty of God in Every Trial

Scripture: Romans 8:28 (KJV)

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Personal Reflection

One of the greatest comforts flowing from God's sovereignty is the assurance that no trial enters the believer's life by accident. Every disappointment, every heartache, every unanswered prayer, and every unexpected burden passes first through the hands of our loving heavenly Father. Nothing reaches us apart from His wise and holy permission.

This does not mean every event is good in itself. Disease is not good. Persecution is not good. Death is not good. Sin is never good. Yet God is so infinitely wise and sovereign that He overrules even painful events to accomplish His gracious purposes. Joseph's imprisonment prepared him to preserve Israel. Job's suffering revealed God's glory. Paul's thorn in the flesh taught him dependence upon divine grace. Above all, the greatest evil ever committed—the crucifixion of Christ—became the greatest display of God's redeeming love.

Because God rules over every circumstance, the believer never suffers meaningless pain. We may not immediately understand His purposes, but we know His character. His wisdom never errs, His love never fails, and His providence never takes a wrong turn.

The storms of life are not evidence that God has abandoned us; often they are the very means by which He conforms us to the image of His Son. Faith rests not in explanations but in the character of the One who governs every detail.

Contemplation

Can I trust God's heart even when I cannot understand His hand?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Afflictions work for good, as they make way for glory."

Prayer

Father, help me trust Your sovereign providence when life becomes difficult. Teach me to rest in Your wisdom, believing that You are working all things together for my eternal good. Amen.

Application

Identify one present trial and thank God that He is using even this circumstance to accomplish His holy purpose in your life.

 

God Is Truly God

Scripture: Psalm 115:3 (KJV)

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."

Personal Reflection

One of the greatest dangers in modern Christianity is creating a diminished view of God. Many speak of Him as though He merely reacts to human decisions, waits helplessly upon man's permission, or hopes His plans will succeed. Scripture presents no such God. The true and living God reigns with absolute authority. He is God not merely in title but in reality. He accomplishes all His holy pleasure because nothing exists outside His sovereign control. 

This doctrine is not intended to provoke endless philosophical debates but heartfelt worship. The more clearly we see God's majesty, the more humbly we bow before Him. His sovereignty reminds us that our lives are not ultimately about fulfilling our own ambitions but glorifying His name.

Knowing God is sovereign also frees us from crippling anxiety. We need not live in fear of tomorrow because tomorrow already belongs to Him. The God who ordained our salvation also ordains every trial, every blessing, every opportunity, and every hardship for our eternal good and His glory.

The believer therefore lives with quiet confidence. We plan wisely, work diligently, and pray earnestly, but beneath it all rests an unwavering assurance: our heavenly Father is accomplishing His perfect will.

The greatest comfort in every storm is not that we understand God's ways, but that we know the God who rules them.

Contemplation

Is my view of God shaped more by Scripture or by the opinions of the surrounding culture?

Puritan Quote

A.W. Pink summarized this biblical truth well:

"To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God."

Prayer

Sovereign Lord, enlarge my view of Your greatness. Help me worship You as You truly are and trust You with every area of my life. Through Christ my Lord, Amen.

Application

Spend a few minutes today simply praising God for His attributes, especially His absolute sovereignty, rather than focusing first on your requests. 

 

The Throne Is Never Empty

Scripture: Psalm 103:19 (KJV)

"The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."

Personal Reflection

Every generation faces moments when it appears the world is spiraling out of control. Political unrest, wars, persecution, natural disasters, and moral collapse can leave believers wondering what tomorrow holds. Yet Scripture reminds us of one unchanging reality: God's throne is occupied.

Earthly thrones come and go. Presidents, kings, and rulers rise for a season and then disappear. God's throne, however, is eternal. His authority has never diminished, His wisdom has never failed, and His power has never weakened.

This truth transforms how we face uncertainty. We grieve over evil, pray for justice, and labor faithfully, but we do not despair. Our confidence rests not in human governments but in the King of kings. History is not moving toward chaos but toward the fulfillment of God's perfect plan.

The sovereignty of God also governs the personal storms of life. Illness, financial struggles, disappointments, and unanswered questions never remove us from His care. The same sovereign hand that directs history also numbers the hairs upon our heads.

When fear begins to overwhelm your heart, lift your eyes above the circumstances to the throne of God. The throne is not empty. The King still reigns. Christ is still interceding. His promises remain certain, and His purposes cannot fail.

Contemplation

Where have I allowed fear to replace confidence in God's sovereign reign?

Puritan Quote

Jeremiah Burroughs wrote:

"The providence of God is wiser than all our counsels."

Prayer

King of Heaven, thank You that Your throne is forever secure. Help me face today's uncertainties with confidence in Your sovereign rule. Amen.

Application

Instead of dwelling on troubling news today, spend time meditating on Psalm 103 and God's sovereign kingship.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord

 Salvation Belongs to the Lord

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11 (KJV)

"Being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."

Personal Reflection

The Bible reminds us that man's depravity makes salvation impossible from the human perspective, but God's sovereignty makes salvation certain from the divine perspective. Were salvation dependent upon fallen humanity, no one would ever be saved. Spiritually dead sinners cannot give themselves life. Therefore, the glory of salvation belongs entirely to God. 

Paul declares that God "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." Those words include redemption itself. Before the foundation of the world, God purposed to save a people for His glory through the finished work of His Son. Nothing can frustrate that eternal purpose.

This doctrine does not diminish evangelism; it guarantees its success. God has ordained not only the end but also the means. He saves sinners through the preaching of the gospel as the Holy Spirit applies His Word to believing hearts.

For the believer, this truth provides tremendous assurance. If God initiated your salvation, He will also preserve it. The One who chose you, called you, justified you, and adopted you into His family will never abandon His work.

The certainty of God's purpose should also motivate holy living. Since God has graciously set His love upon us, our response should be wholehearted devotion to Him. We obey not to earn His favor but because we have already received it through Christ.

Salvation from beginning to end is a testimony to sovereign grace.

Contemplation

Does my understanding of salvation lead me to give all glory to God rather than any credit to myself?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

"The beginning, carrying on, and completing of the work of grace belong wholly unto God."

Prayer

Father, thank You that my salvation rests upon Your eternal purpose rather than my unstable efforts. Keep me faithful until the day I stand before You. Amen.

Application

Read Ephesians 1 today and list every blessing that God has graciously given you in Christ.