Spiritual Fruit Begins with Spiritual Rest

Jesus said He would give rest to those who were weary and heavy laden. Spiritual rest is not lying down to take a nap. God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He was tired. His rest was a cessation of labor.

Rest is the opposite of work or striving; it is found in relationship with God through Jesus. Resting in Him is peace, joy, healing, provision. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Spiritual rest is Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith. Heb. 12:2.

The Christian life is not a life of working but of dwelling in Him. As we dwell we become transformed into His image, being changed by His glory.

The “Rest” is The Kingdom of God

The ‘rest’ in Hebrews refers to the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33).

We learn to rest in God by conforming our mind to His through His Word. This is why His Word is the most important thing we teach with our children daily. There is a work involved to enter the rest.

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Heb 4:12

The labor to enter the rest is a labor of love, spending time in God’s Word renewing our mind, little by little daily.

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged 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. Heb 4:13.

Knowledge of God

Spiritual rest–and come to think of it, all spiritual fruit– begins with the knowledge of God (knowledge of His Word). Faith begins with knowledge.

The more time we spend in the Word, the more we reap from the Word. The more time we sow the Word in our children’s hearts, the more spiritual fruit will be evident.

Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. (Mark 4:24)

God has wonderful promises in store for us when we spend time getting to know Him. Personalize these verses from 2 Peter 1:2-4 : God has given [your name here], through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord… exceedingly great and precious promises that [your name here], can be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world…

God promises us a new spirit and victory over flesh when we walk in His ways. Personalize these verses from Ezekiel 11:19-20. And I will give [your name here] one heart, and put a new spirit within [your name here]. And I will take the heart of stone out of [your name here]’s flesh and give [your name here] a heart of flesh, that [your name here] may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them…

Do you have trouble entering his rest?