Teaching summary
In this message, Pastor Leonard Rola teaches that true faith is not something we muster up by effort, but something that comes co-mingled with God’s Word. Using Hebrews 4, he shows how the Israelites failed to enter God’s rest because they did not mix the word they heard with faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ, and it is energized by God’s love and grace, not human striving. The message encourages believers to rest in Christ, to continually hear the gospel, and to focus on Jesus as the source and perfecter of their faith.
Bible verses referenced
Hebrews 4:1-6- "Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it, for we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, if they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief."
Romans 10:17- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
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."
Hebrews 12:1-2- "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Galatians 5:6- "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Romans 12:3- "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Ministry Update
- Entering God’s Rest (Hebrews 4:1-6)
- The Example of the Israelites and the Spies
- The Meaning of Preached and Faith Coming by Hearing
- The Co-mingling of God’s Word with Faith
- Examples of Faith in Action: Noah and Moses
- The Gospel of Christ and the Birth of Faith
- Real Faith vs. Condemnation-Based Teachings
- Conclusion: Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
Introduction and Ministry Update
Pastor Leonard begins by greeting the listeners and explaining that Pastor Lori is away in South Carolina caring for her parents. He shares his gratitude for the supporters of the ministry and mentions current financial needs, asking people to give as they are led by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that contributions go directly toward the growing kingdom of God.
Entering God’s Rest (Hebrews 4:1-6)
He turns to Hebrews 4:1-6: "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it…" He explains that the writer warns us to be concerned not about the devil, religion, or enemies, but about failing to enter God’s rest. This rest covers finances, healing, relationships, and every provision of God.
The Example of the Israelites and the Spies
Pastor Leonard recalls how the Israelites failed to enter the promised land even after God declared it theirs. Twelve spies saw the beauty of the land, but ten focused on the giants, saying they were like grasshoppers. Only Joshua and Caleb mixed God’s promise with faith. **Hebrews 4:2: "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."
The Meaning of Preached and Faith Coming by Hearing
He explains that the word “preached” in Greek means to announce good news. This connects to Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."Faith is not something we manufacture; it comes as God speaks His Word to us, always co-mingled with faith.
The Co-mingling of God’s Word with Faith
When God speaks, His Word is accompanied by faith, enabling us to believe in it. 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." Grace enables us to receive and believe without boasting in our own efforts. The Israelites chose instead to focus on circumstances rather than God’s promise.
Examples of Faith in Action: Noah and Moses
He illustrates how Noah did not decide on his own to build the ark. God spoke to him, and that Word was co-mingled with faith. Noah received and acted. Similarly, Moses did not decide to confront Pharaoh on his own but responded when God spoke from the burning bush. In both cases, faith was birthed from God’s Word, not human determination.
The Gospel of Christ and the Birth of Faith
The gospel reveals Jesus’ mercy, healing, death on the cross, and resurrection. When preached, it comes with faith that enables us to believe. This is why Romans 12:3: "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" is so important—faith is already deposited within us. The fruit of the Spirit is faith, and faith rises as we hear the gospel.
Real Faith vs. Condemnation-Based Teachings
Pastor Leonard warns against teachings that burden believers with guilt, shame, and condemnation by saying they haven’t done enough to have faith. He clarifies that faith is not a muscle to be worked but a gift that comes from hearing the gospel. Galatians 5:6: "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." True faith flows out of love, not striving. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…" keeps us centered on Christ rather than our shortcomings.
Conclusion: Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
He closes by urging believers to rest in God’s promises and love, keeping their focus on Christ. Faith rises naturally as we hear more about Jesus. He reminds listeners not to be discouraged by teachings that demand self-effort, but to rejoice in the gift of faith that comes from God’s Word.
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they too may find encouragement, rest, and faith in the finished work of Christ. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.