Hebrews 4:11

Let us labour. Or, “let us be zealous,” “let us make every effort.” Diligent, determined effort is necessary in order to enter into God’s “rest.”

Therefore. Verses 11-16 make a practical application of the principle established by the argument set forth in chs. 3:7 to 4:10, that a “rest” remains “to the people of God” (v. 9). This practical application to Christian experience consists of a threefold appeal: (1) to labor to enter into God’s “rest,” Heb. 4:11; (2) to “hold fast our profession,” v. 14; and (3) to “come boldly unto the throne of grace,” v. 16. He who follows this admonition will enjoy the “rest” of soul God designs every sincere Christian to experience in this life.

Rest. Gr. katapausis (see on Heb. 3:11).

Lest. He who strives wholeheartedly “to enter into that rest” thereby avoids the pitfall of unbelief into which ancient Israel fell.

Fall. The opposite of entering in. The fact that ancient Israel “fell in the wilderness” (Heb. 3:17) implies that they had left Egypt intending to enter the Promised Land. When a man falls short of God’s “rest” the implication is that he had, at one time, purposed to enter into it. Halfhearted Christians are the ones who, today, “fall after the same example of unbelief.” Counsel with respect to this problem is set forth in the parable of the Sower (see on Matt. 13:5-7).

The same example. That is, the example of the choice and fate of ancient Israel, first at Kadesh-barnea and later when they were settled in the Promised Land.

Unbelief. Or, “disobedience” (see on Heb. 3:19).