Let Us: Part 1 - "Let Us Enter a Special Rest" with Craig Groeschel - Life.Church

Let Us Enter God’s Special Rest

Scripture References

Primary text

• Hebrews 4:10
• Hebrews 4:11

Other references

• Psalm 37:7
• Matthew 11:28

Overview

Hebrews 4 invites every believer into “a special rest” God has prepared. In this first talk of the three-week mini-series “Let Us,” Pastor Craig unpacks the author’s call: “Let us do our best to enter that rest.” He shows how the invitation reaches both beyond this life and into our present routines, urging us to value Sabbath, release burdens, and learn the unforced rhythms of grace in Jesus.

Context

For three weeks the normal weekend message will not be streamed; instead Pastor Craig is offering a behind-the-scenes devotional on the three “let us” statements found in Hebrews 4. Week 1 centers on entering God’s rest; weeks 2 and 3 will look at holding firmly to what we believe and approaching God’s throne boldly.

Main Points

1. God promises a “special rest” (Hebrews 4)

• The writer repeats the phrase “let us,” inviting all believers together, not scolding them individually.

“So let us do our best to enter that rest.”

• “Special” signals something deeper than ordinary relaxation.

2. Eternal rest – freedom from every sorrow

• Some scholars see the passage pointing to life after death: permanent relief from labor, sickness, loss and sin.

• Story: On a mission trip Craig visited a home with no floor, plumbing or electricity. The Compassion International president prayed, thanking God that one day the suffering mother and her children would lack nothing. For people in deep poverty, hope in eternal rest is tangible.

3. Earthly Sabbath rest – a holy act now

• Others read Hebrews 4 as a call to a weekly, spiritual Sabbath. Craig applies both: rest later in heaven and rest now on earth.
• God himself worked six days and rested the seventh; one of the Ten Commandments tells us to keep that day holy—“set apart.”
• Resting is therefore worship; it pleases God as much as productive labor.

4. The workaholic trap: identity tied to production

• Story: Craig has twice gone to counseling for over-working. His counselor exposed the false belief that worth comes from what he produces rather than who he is in Christ.

“One of the most spiritual things you can do, Craig, is to rest.”

• True identity: “I am a follower of Jesus, a child of God.”

5. Practicing rest in daily life

• Psalm 37:7 (KJV): “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”
  • The closer we live “in the Lord,” the more peaceful our nights become.
• Give every burden—finances, children, health, deadlines—into Jesus’ hands.
• Matthew 11:28: Jesus calls the weary to Himself and promises rest.

“Are you tired, worn out, burned out on religion? Come to me… learn the unforced rhythms of grace… keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Message paraphrase)

• Resting means trusting God’s promises, provisions and faithfulness.

Key Truths

• God values rest; Sabbath is a command, not a suggestion.
• Resting is a holy, faith-filled act that honors God as Creator and Provider.
• Eternal rest awaits every follower of Christ, ending all suffering and sin.
• Our worth is rooted in Christ’s love, not in our productivity.
• Jesus offers “unforced rhythms of grace” for every weary soul today.

Response

• Schedule and guard a weekly Sabbath dedicated to God.
• Hand today’s heaviest burden to Jesus in prayer.
• Speak identity truths over yourself: “I am God’s child before I am a worker.”
• Practice stillness each day—silence phone, mind and tasks—to rest in the Lord.
• Encourage others who are overextended to seek God’s special rest.

Closing

The writer of Hebrews pleads with us—and Pastor Craig echoed it—to make every effort to step into God’s gift of rest. Whether you are crushed by deadlines, worried over family, or simply exhausted, the invitation stands.

“Let us do our best to enter that rest.”
Rest is not laziness; it is trust. Enter it today and preview the perfect, eternal rest that awaits.

Prayer

“Father, for every person carrying a heavy load, draw us to Jesus. Help us enter His unforced rhythms of grace and recognize that one of the most spiritual things we can do is rest. By Your Word and Spirit give us power to enjoy Your special rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App
• Compassion International