Be Led Into Rest

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Upcoming Teaching on Romans 8
2. The Multitude Following Jesus
3. The Call to Rest Before Receiving
4. The Green Grass: A Picture of God’s Abundant Grace
5. Nothing Is Ever Lost
6. Three Key Lessons from the Feeding of the Multitude
7. The Two Barriers to Rest: Sin and Works
8. God Removed the Sin Barrier Through Christ
9. God Removed the Works Barrier Through Grace

Introduction and Upcoming Teaching on Romans 8

Pastor Leonard begins by greeting the audience and sharing updates about the ministry. He mentions that in upcoming sessions, he plans to address controversial and misunderstood verses, specifically Romans 8:17 and Romans 8:18. He explains that these verses have caused confusion and need proper translation and understanding.

He references Romans 8:17: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

He also references Romans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

He explains that these verses seem to conflict when read in sequence and promises to address them more deeply in a future session.

The Multitude Following Jesus

Pastor Leonard shifts focus to John chapter 6 and the feeding of the five thousand. He explains that although Scripture mentions five thousand men, women, and children were not included in the count. Therefore, the crowd likely consisted of ten to fifteen thousand people.

He describes how the people followed Jesus because of His authority and teaching. Unlike the religious leaders, Jesus pointed people to God as a loving Father who cares for their needs. He reminded them not to worry or be anxious, because the Father knows what they need even before they ask.

The crowd then witnessed this truth in action as God provided food for them in the wilderness.

The Call to Rest Before Receiving

Pastor Leonard explains that before the people could receive the miracle of provision, they were instructed to sit down. He explains that the Greek meaning of the word used there goes beyond simply sitting. It implies reclining, lying down, and entering a full position of rest.

This, he teaches, is symbolic of how God wants believers to receive blessings—not through striving, but through rest. He connects this to the truth that believers already possess everything they need in Christ.

He references Ephesians 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

He also references 2 Peter 1:3: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

He explains that believers carry these blessings within them, and faith releases what has already been given.

The Green Grass: A Picture of God’s Abundant Grace

Pastor Leonard highlights a detail from the story: the people sat on lush, green grass. He explains that this grass symbolizes salvation, provision, healing, and prosperity.

He emphasizes that the field was large enough to accommodate thousands of people. This illustrates that God’s grace is abundant and cannot be exhausted. No matter how large the multitude, there was enough provision for everyone.

He connects this to the love of God shown in the gospel.

He references John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

He explains that just as there was enough grass for the entire multitude, there is enough grace and blessing for all who come to God.

Nothing Is Ever Lost

Pastor Leonard then moves to John 6:12, where Jesus instructs the disciples to gather the leftovers.

He quotes John 6:12: "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."

He explains that this shows God’s blessings never run out. They do not expire, deplete, or disappear. Instead, believers carry God’s provision with them, because Christ and His grace live inside them.

Three Key Lessons from the Feeding of the Multitude

Pastor Leonard summarizes three major lessons from the passage.

First, there was enough grass for the entire multitude. This represents God’s grace and provision being available for everyone.

He references Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Second, nothing is ever lost. God’s blessings remain with believers and are carried within them.

Third, the most important point: many people do not experience rest and blessing because of two barriers—sin and works.

The Two Barriers to Rest: Sin and Works

Pastor Leonard explains that many believers feel unworthy because of sin, guilt, shame, and condemnation. They believe God is not pleased with them and therefore hesitate to come to Him.

The second barrier is the belief that they have not worked hard enough. Many feel they must do more, perform better, or earn God’s blessings through effort.

He explains that these two barriers keep people from resting and receiving.

God Removed the Sin Barrier Through Christ

Pastor Leonard teaches that God has already removed the sin problem for believers through Jesus Christ.

He references Romans 5:1: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

He then quotes 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

He explains that believers are now the righteousness of God in Christ.

He also references Romans 8:30: "Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

He explains that God has justified and glorified believers.

He then references Hebrews 10:17: "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

He explains that God no longer counts sins against believers, because Christ has taken care of the sin issue completely.

God Removed the Works Barrier Through Grace

Pastor Leonard then addresses the second barrier—work. He explains that many people believe they must earn God’s blessings, but Scripture teaches the opposite.

He references Ephesians 2:8–9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

He explains that salvation and blessing are gifts, not rewards for human effort. A gift cannot be earned—it can only be received.

He also references Abraham in Romans chapter 4 as an example of someone who believed God and received righteousness apart from works.

He concludes that God has removed both the sin barrier and the works barrier, so believers can rest and receive.

We hope this article blessed you and encouraged you to rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Share this teaching with someone who needs to hear the message of God’s grace, and let others discover the peace that comes from being led into His rest.