2 indispensable human Needs

Read Hebrews 4.

"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates)

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Let a person examine himself...if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged." (1 Corinthians 11:28a, 31)  So, how should one examine their own lives?  What is the universal standard by which we can know right from wrong?  And, when our wrongs are revealed, then what?  Do we live in guilt or is help available?

This chapter in Hebrews continues to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful under pressure.  By illustration, the writer refers to multiple rests: past, present, and future.  Hope in Christ looks forward to a time of "rest" when our work here is completed.  The stresses of this life will be over.  It is that future joyful time that inspires endurance.  Those who gave in or gave up are called disobedient.

God has made two provisions to help us maintain a life that pleases Him.  The caution for us today is to not take these for granted.  Instead, they are indispensable.
1. The word of God. (v.12)
As a sword, the Scriptures penetrate us to the core of our being.  They reveal our true character.  The Bible gives us understanding of ourselves physically, psychologically, and spiritually.  God's word judges our thoughts and even our intentions.  As we read and study the Bible with an open heart, there is no hiding place.  We stand naked and exposed before God.  And, it is He who holds us accountable for our thoughts, our words, and our behaviors.

Apart from the unchanging word of God, we would not know ourselves, nor could we ever be prepared for our final day of judgment.

Our sin compared to God's holiness is humbling and humiliating.  Everyone at that point stands helpless before the Ultimate Judge.  Isaiah cried out, "Woe is me!" (Isaiah 6:5).  Paul wrote, "Wretched man that I am!" (Romans 7:24).  Fortunately, the Lord did not leave us in guilt.  Jesus came for redemption and ever lives to help us.

2. Prayer (v.13)
The admonition is to "hold fast our confession."  The knowledge of our sin causes us to feel weak and unable to handle temptation.  But our Savior in heaven has personally experienced this life with its temptations, stresses, rejections, and persecutions, "yet without sin."  He is our Victor.  He not only hears us, but He will help us.  When we come boldly and confidently before Him in prayer, we will "receive mercy and find grace."