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Summit Church
Jesus Our Fortress Pt 1 | Enter His Rest | Jim Ladd
Locations & Times
Summit Church
7200 S Clinton St, Centennial, CO 80112, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Just Some Current Realities
* 1 in 5 adults experience anxiety disorders. Predict that 1/2 of all adults will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime.
* Major depression affects millions, especially younger populations.
* Suicide remains a major public health issue, influenced by psychological and environmental factors.
* Stress, meaninglessness, and cultural pressures are linked to rising emotional distress.
* Misinformation on social media complicates public understanding and coping strategies. (Over half of TikTok videos on mental health contain misinformation)
* Many emotional health struggles go untreated or under-treated. (only half of affected adults get treatment)
* 1 in 5 adults experience anxiety disorders. Predict that 1/2 of all adults will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime.
* Major depression affects millions, especially younger populations.
* Suicide remains a major public health issue, influenced by psychological and environmental factors.
* Stress, meaninglessness, and cultural pressures are linked to rising emotional distress.
* Misinformation on social media complicates public understanding and coping strategies. (Over half of TikTok videos on mental health contain misinformation)
* Many emotional health struggles go untreated or under-treated. (only half of affected adults get treatment)
In Creation we see God’s Rest
In Genesis 2, God finishes His work and rests.
God was not tired.
He was satisfied.
In Genesis 2, God finishes His work and rests.
God was not tired.
He was satisfied.
Rest means:
The work is finished.
The order is established.
Fellowship is unhindered.
Humanity was created to live inside that rest — secure under God’s reign.
The work is finished.
The order is established.
Fellowship is unhindered.
Humanity was created to live inside that rest — secure under God’s reign.
But sin shattered that rest.
And ever since, humanity has been trying to get back what was lost.
And ever since, humanity has been trying to get back what was lost.
Then into that exhaustion, Hebrews says:
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
Not a suggestion.
Not a metaphor.
A promise.
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
Not a suggestion.
Not a metaphor.
A promise.
Hebrews 4:1–13
“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ” And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Today we will see:
What this rest is
Why we miss it
How we can live it every day.
What this rest is
Why we miss it
How we can live it every day.
The Big Idea: Come to Jesus and He will give you rest.
Hebrews 4 is not isolated theology. It is the climax of a biblical storyline.
A Promise - dating back to Moses in Exodus 33 "My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest."
Jesus:
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid."
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all of your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
A Promise - dating back to Moses in Exodus 33 "My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest."
Jesus:
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid."
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all of your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
In Exodus we see Rest Promised
God rescues Israel from Egypt and promises them “rest” in the land.
Rest meant: No slavery. No wandering. Living under God’s blessing.
But they never entered it.
Why? Hebrews tells us: “They were not able to enter, because of unbelief.”
God rescues Israel from Egypt and promises them “rest” in the land.
Rest meant: No slavery. No wandering. Living under God’s blessing.
But they never entered it.
Why? Hebrews tells us: “They were not able to enter, because of unbelief.”
In Canaan we see a Partial Rest
In Ezekiel we see a prophecy about a greater Rest
Ezekiel 36:24–28
“I will sprinkle clean water on you…
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…
You shall be My people, and I will be your God.”
Ezekiel 36:24–28
“I will sprinkle clean water on you…
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…
You shall be My people, and I will be your God.”
Ezekiel 37:14
“I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live…
Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it.”
“I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live…
Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it.”
In Christ we see The True Rest
Just as: God finished creation and rested…
Jesus finished redemption and sat down.
The cross was not a partial payment. It was not a down payment. It was finished.
The rest Hebrews speaks of is entering into Christ’s completed work.
Just as: God finished creation and rested…
Jesus finished redemption and sat down.
The cross was not a partial payment. It was not a down payment. It was finished.
The rest Hebrews speaks of is entering into Christ’s completed work.
1. What This Rest Actually Is
Let’s define it clearly - Four Things:
- Rest from Earning
“Whoever enters God’s rest also rests from their works…”
This does not mean inactivity.
It means you stop trying to save yourself.
You stop believing: “If I do enough, God will accept me.”
Religion says: Work, then rest. The gospel says: Rest, then work.
- Rest from Shame
You are not balancing on spiritual performance.
You are secure in Christ’s righteousness.
- Rest from Fear
There remains an ultimate rest:
No sin.
Let’s define it clearly - Four Things:
- Rest from Earning
“Whoever enters God’s rest also rests from their works…”
This does not mean inactivity.
It means you stop trying to save yourself.
You stop believing: “If I do enough, God will accept me.”
Religion says: Work, then rest. The gospel says: Rest, then work.
- Rest from Shame
You are not balancing on spiritual performance.
You are secure in Christ’s righteousness.
- Rest from Fear
There remains an ultimate rest:
No sin.
The Paradox: “Make Every Effort to Enter”
This is the tension. Rest is free. But entering it requires effort.
What effort?
The effort to believe.
The effort to fight unbelief.
The effort to resist self-reliance.
The effort to refuse a hardened heart.
This is the tension. Rest is free. But entering it requires effort.
What effort?
The effort to believe.
The effort to fight unbelief.
The effort to resist self-reliance.
The effort to refuse a hardened heart.
The wilderness generation did not fail because they lacked information.
They failed because they would not trust.
They failed because they would not trust.
2. Why We Miss It
Hardened Hearts
Every time you resist God’s voice, your heart becomes slightly less responsive.
Rest requires softness.
Self-Reliance
We would rather work than trust. Why? Because control feels safer than surrender. But striving is exhausting.
Fear
Israel saw giants and forgot God. Fear makes obstacles look bigger than promises.
Loss of the Awe of God
They had seen miracles. But exposure without faith produces indifference.
You can sit in church for years and still miss rest.
Hardened Hearts
Every time you resist God’s voice, your heart becomes slightly less responsive.
Rest requires softness.
Self-Reliance
We would rather work than trust. Why? Because control feels safer than surrender. But striving is exhausting.
Fear
Israel saw giants and forgot God. Fear makes obstacles look bigger than promises.
Loss of the Awe of God
They had seen miracles. But exposure without faith produces indifference.
You can sit in church for years and still miss rest.
Why the Word of God Is Introduced Here
This is not random.
“The word of God is alive and active…”
The Word is the diagnostic tool.
It exposes:
- Whether you’re striving or trusting.
- Whether your obedience flows from faith or fear.
- Whether your religion is performance-based.
This is not random.
“The word of God is alive and active…”
The Word is the diagnostic tool.
It exposes:
- Whether you’re striving or trusting.
- Whether your obedience flows from faith or fear.
- Whether your religion is performance-based.
3. How Do We Experience This Rest?
Three movements:
Hear His Voice “Today”
Cease Striving Internally
Persevere in Trust
Three movements:
Hear His Voice “Today”
Cease Striving Internally
Persevere in Trust
Response:
Stop striving.
Start trusting.
Enter His rest.
Stop striving.
Start trusting.
Enter His rest.
6 Habits Week 1
https://page.church.tech/79b5cba6Discussion Guide
Hebrews 4:9–13
This passage invites us into God’s rest while warning us about unbelief.
Our goal is not just understanding the text — but discerning:
* Where we are striving instead of trusting
* Where our hearts may be hardening
* How we can enter and experience God’s rest together
Icebreaker Questions
1. When you hear the word rest, what immediately comes to mind — vacation, sleep, peace, something else?
2. What is something in your life right now that feels exhausting?
3. Do you tend to be more wired for striving (achievement) or withdrawing (avoidance)? How does that affect your spiritual life?
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think “Sabbath-rest” means?
2. What does it mean to “rest from your works”?
3. Why do you think the author connects rest with a warning about disobedience? How does the example of Israel in the wilderness help us understand this passage?
4. Why do you think the Word of God is described as a sword here?
5. What is the difference between working for God’s approval and working from God’s approval?
6. In what ways can religious activity actually keep someone from experiencing rest?
7. What do you think “make every effort to enter that rest” looks like practically?
8. How can unbelief show up subtly in a believer’s life?
9. What are common “giants” (fears, pressures, lies) that tempt you to distrust God?
10. Where in your life are you currently striving instead of trusting?
11. When you think about God seeing everything — your thoughts, motives, attitudes — does that feel comforting or unsettling? Why?
12. What would it look like this week to consciously “enter His rest” in one specific situation?
13. How does your personality (driven, anxious, perfectionist, independent, people-pleasing, etc.) affect your ability to rest in Christ?
14. Is there an area where your heart may be slowly hardening toward God’s voice?
Closing Prayer Focus
Invite group members to pray around these themes:
* Confession of striving or self-reliance
* Softening of hardened areas
* Faith to trust Christ’s finished work
* Courage to stop performing and start resting
You may close with this simple prayer prompt:
“Lord, show me where I am striving — and teach me to trust You there.”
This passage invites us into God’s rest while warning us about unbelief.
Our goal is not just understanding the text — but discerning:
* Where we are striving instead of trusting
* Where our hearts may be hardening
* How we can enter and experience God’s rest together
Icebreaker Questions
1. When you hear the word rest, what immediately comes to mind — vacation, sleep, peace, something else?
2. What is something in your life right now that feels exhausting?
3. Do you tend to be more wired for striving (achievement) or withdrawing (avoidance)? How does that affect your spiritual life?
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think “Sabbath-rest” means?
2. What does it mean to “rest from your works”?
3. Why do you think the author connects rest with a warning about disobedience? How does the example of Israel in the wilderness help us understand this passage?
4. Why do you think the Word of God is described as a sword here?
5. What is the difference between working for God’s approval and working from God’s approval?
6. In what ways can religious activity actually keep someone from experiencing rest?
7. What do you think “make every effort to enter that rest” looks like practically?
8. How can unbelief show up subtly in a believer’s life?
9. What are common “giants” (fears, pressures, lies) that tempt you to distrust God?
10. Where in your life are you currently striving instead of trusting?
11. When you think about God seeing everything — your thoughts, motives, attitudes — does that feel comforting or unsettling? Why?
12. What would it look like this week to consciously “enter His rest” in one specific situation?
13. How does your personality (driven, anxious, perfectionist, independent, people-pleasing, etc.) affect your ability to rest in Christ?
14. Is there an area where your heart may be slowly hardening toward God’s voice?
Closing Prayer Focus
Invite group members to pray around these themes:
* Confession of striving or self-reliance
* Softening of hardened areas
* Faith to trust Christ’s finished work
* Courage to stop performing and start resting
You may close with this simple prayer prompt:
“Lord, show me where I am striving — and teach me to trust You there.”