Hebrews 1:1–4 (ESV) - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The position of Jesus (v2):
1. The Father appointed Jesus the heir of all things.

2. The Father created the world through him.

The nature of Jesus (v3):
1. He is the radiance of the glory of God

2. The exact imprint of His (God’s) nature

3. He upholds the universe by the word of His power.

Core value - We value the Word of God as the ultimate source of truth as it testifies of the Living Word, who is Jesus Christ.

God is a communicator. God speaks!!

Why does God speak to us? Because He wants us to know Him and understand His ways.

Why? Because He wants us to rest in Him.

Rest = order, purpose, meaning, peace, hope

Hebrews 4:11–13 (ESV) - Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

“It is true that the Word cuts the heart of sinners with conviction (Acts 5:33; 7:54), and that the Word defeats Satan (Eph. 6:17). The emphasis is on the power of the Word to penetrate and expose the inner heart of man. The Word is a “discerner” or “critic.” The Israelites criticized God’s Word instead of allowing the Word to judge them.” – Warren Weirsbe “The Bible Exposition Commentary”

Of course, God sees our hearts (Heb. 4:13); but we do not always know what is there (Jer. 17:9). God uses the Word to enable us to see the sin and unbelief in our own hearts. The Word exposes our hearts; and then, if we trust God, the Word enables our hearts to obey God and claim His promises. This is why each believer should be diligent to apply himself to hear and heed God’s Word. In the Word we see God, and we also see how God sees us. We see ourselves as we really are. This experience enables us to be honest with God, to trust His will, and to obey Him. – Warren Weirsbe “The Bible Exposition Commentary”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV) - And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Do you want rest for your soul?

Discussion Questions
1. What are the various ways God has communicated with us and why has He done so?

2. Why is the word of God called the “sword of the Spirit” in Ephesians 6:17? In what way does the Bible provide a foundation and filter for how God communicates with us today?

3. What comes to mind when you think of rest? According to Matthew 11:28-30, what is the biblical concept of rest and how is it similar/different than how we typically think of rest?

4. Read Hebrews 4:11-13. How are we to “strive” to enter the rest God provides?

5. What does it mean that the Bible is living? Active?

6. What is one way you can engage more with the Bible in 2024?