HEALTH THROUGH JESUS' REST
OUR REST AND HEALTH IN CHRIST
Heb 4:11 Let us, therefore, labour (KJV) to enter God’s rest
THE PEACE & JOY KINGDOM
Understanding that we are Righteous – in right standing with, and accepted by God – by faith and not because of what we do, or fail to do, results in an inner joy and peace as we hope for and expect blessings from a good and kind God.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit……
Rom 14:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
REST AND HEALTH THROUGH GRACE
The only thing that believers are called to strive and labour for in the New Covenant is inner rest that comes through the Grace of Christ.
Depression and sickness are major fruits of today’s work, success and perfection focussed society.
Depression is affecting many Christians who are not living in Grace and who are instead works, obedience and law orientated and therefore doomed to fall short all the time.
Living by the soul is living by the intellect and logic which leads to striving and worry.
There is a higher way of living by the Spirit which leads to inner rest.
Heb 4:11 Let us, therefore, labour (KJV) to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word (Logos) of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
JESUS SETS US FREE FROM THE LAW’S OPPRESSION
Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of living by the flesh, trying to fulfil the law which leads to oppression.
Jesus came to proclaim the good news of Grace and God’s dispensation of unearned favour for all who would believe.
Luk 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.
BELIEVING IN GOD’S GOODNESS (NUM.13:23)
Israel’s unbelief and distrust of God (Num.13:23) prevented them from receiving their blessing and rest.
Likewise, the major battle within us is against unbelief.
Unbelief causes us to doubt God’s good intentions and love for us – it was the original sin.
Unbelief is the sin that the Holy Spirit convicts of (John 16:9).
Heb 3:12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
LINK BETWEEN GRACE REST & HEALTH
There is a direct medical link between the lack of inner peace and rest and stress.
Perfectionism, works and obedience orientated Christian living is stressful as it’s always focussing on our sin and short comings.
Knowing and accepting that all our sins are forgiven and that we are righteous through Jesus will produce good mental and physical health.
Sin focussed Christianity leads to condemnation, guilt, shame, anxiety and sickness.
Rom 4:7 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” ……. comes from: Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Heb 4:11 Let us, therefore, labor (KJV) to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word (Logos) of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
THE TREADMILL OF SELF WORKS AND THE SICKNESS CYCLE
When one cannot accept God’s grace, forgiveness and love, then we cannot believe we are truly God’s beloved children and blessed.
When our identity is based on what we do instead of the finished work of the cross, we are insecure in our identity.
UNCERTAINTY OF IDENTITY -> LACK OF GRACE TO SELF -> UNBELIEF -> FEAR -> ANXIETY
->CONTROL-> PASSIVITY OR BUSYNESS -> LAWS & RULES -> JUDGMENTS
EMOTIONAL AFFECTS -> Resentment. Bitterness. Anger / Frustration. Negativity. Panic.
PHYSICAL AFFECTS : Chemical imbalances leading to…. JOINT PROBLEMS. DEPRESSION (anger turned inward). HEART ISSUES. GASTRIC ILLNESS. CANCERS (Self hate & rebellion)
THE WAY OUT
Rom 4:5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Rely on Jesus, see yourself as he is. Fix your eyes on Him……