Sermons on Hebrews 4:9-10

Hebrews 4:9-10 Interpretation:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) offers a unique interpretation of Hebrews 4:9-10 by connecting the Sabbath-rest not only to the cessation of physical labor but to a deep, existential rest from the need to justify oneself through achievement. The sermon draws a parallel between God’s rest after creation and Jesus’ rest after completing the work of redemption, emphasizing that the “Sabbath-rest” is now found in Christ’s finished work. The preacher uses the Greek word “tetelestai” (it is finished) from John 19 to reinforce the idea that Jesus’ completed work on the cross is the basis for this rest, and that believers are invited to rest from striving to prove their worth. The analogy of “margin” in life—having space to breathe and not living at the edge—serves as a metaphor for the spiritual rest available in Christ, distinguishing this interpretation from others by focusing on the psychological and spiritual exhaustion of modern life and the gospel’s answer to it.

Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A Personal Encounter (Saanich Baptist Church) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 as pointing to a rest that is not achieved through religious observance or rule-keeping, but through the resurrection of Jesus, which brings a relational, transformative peace. The sermon uniquely frames the “Sabbath-rest” as a release from the spiritual trauma and restlessness that religion and self-effort cannot resolve, but which the living Christ personally addresses by calling each believer by name. The preacher uses the narrative of Mary Magdalene at the tomb to illustrate that true rest comes from being known and loved by the risen Jesus, not from religious performance.

Finding True Rest in Christ: A Call to Trust (Boulder Mountain Church) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 as a pointer to the ultimate spiritual rest found in Christ, who is our righteousness, identity, and security. The sermon distinguishes itself by emphasizing that the Sabbath-rest is not merely a day off or a ritual, but a state of being where believers cease striving to earn God’s approval or their own self-worth. The preacher uses the analogy of “work under the work”—the inner drive to justify oneself—as the true burden from which Christ frees us, echoing the language of Hebrews 4:9-10 that believers rest from their works as God did from his. The sermon also references the gentle and lowly heart of Jesus (from Matthew 11) as the character of the one who offers this rest.

Divine Dignity: Embracing Work and Rest in God (Gospel in Life) provides a notable interpretation by contrasting the biblical view of work and rest with ancient Eastern and Western creation myths, highlighting that in Genesis (and by extension, Hebrews 4:9-10), work is dignified and rest is not merely physical but deeply spiritual. The sermon introduces the concept of the “work under the work”—the existential need to justify one’s existence through achievement—and argues that the Sabbath-rest in Hebrews is a rest from this deeper striving, made possible by Christ’s finished work. The preacher uses the analogy of “REM sleep for the soul” to describe the depth of rest offered in Christ, and references the Greek “tetelestai” to connect Jesus’ declaration on the cross to the believer’s rest.

Understanding Creation: The Significance of the Seventh Day (Ligonier Ministries) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 through the lens of the creation narrative, arguing that the seventh day (Sabbath) is the climax of creation, symbolizing not just cessation from labor but the ultimate destiny of humanity: Sabbath holiness. The sermon uniquely frames the Sabbath-rest as the fulfillment of humanity’s purpose—rest from anxiety, restlessness, and the existential “angst” of life—achieved through union with God. The preacher references Augustine’s “our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee” and posits that the Sabbath-rest in Hebrews is a foretaste of the eternal rest and holiness for which humanity was created.

Understanding the Sabbath: Fulfillment and Freedom in Christ (David Guzik) also interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 as teaching that the Sabbath rest is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, but adds a unique emphasis on the believer’s ongoing experience of rest. Guzik draws a direct line from the Old Testament Sabbath to the “rest” in Hebrews, arguing that Jesus is the true Sabbath for the believer. He notes that the passage’s language (“rests from their works, just as God did from his”) is not about physical inactivity but about a cessation from works-based righteousness. He uses the analogy of the shadow and substance (from Colossians 2) to explain that the Sabbath was a shadow, and Christ is the substance—thus, the rest is not a day but a person and a relationship. This sermon is distinct in its focus on the typological fulfillment of the Sabbath in Christ and the freedom from legalistic observance.

Eradicating Idolatry: Finding Rest and Obedience in God (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 as teaching that Jesus himself is our Sabbath, and that the word “Sabbath” means “rest.” Smith uniquely frames the passage as a spiritual sequel to Israel’s entry into the Promised Land, drawing a parallel between Israel’s rest in Canaan and the believer’s rest in Christ. He emphasizes that this rest is not about physical inactivity or a specific day, but about resting in the finished work of Christ for redemption. Smith’s analogy of the wilderness wanderings versus entering the Promised Land provides a fresh metaphor for understanding the transition from striving in the flesh to resting in Christ.

Understanding Sabbath Observance in the New Covenant (David Guzik) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 as a declaration that the Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that the rest described is spiritual rest from self-justifying works. Guzik distinguishes between the Old Covenant marker of Sabbath observance and the New Covenant reality of rest in Christ, using the analogy of the shadow and substance to explain the typological fulfillment. He also draws a parallel between the cessation of animal sacrifices and the cessation of Sabbath observance, both being fulfilled in Christ. This sermon is notable for its careful typological reasoning and its emphasis on the believer’s liberty regarding Sabbath observance.

Finding Rest in Our Relationship with God (SermonIndex.net) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 by drawing a unique parallel between Adam’s first full day (the seventh day, the Sabbath) and the believer’s call to rest in God. The sermon highlights that Adam was created on the sixth day and his first experience was not work, but rest and delight in God’s presence, even before sin entered the world. This analogy is used to argue that God’s original intention was for humanity to begin from a place of rest and fellowship, not labor. The preacher suggests that if Adam and Eve had internalized this rest, they would have resisted the devil’s temptation. The sermon further emphasizes that, unlike Adam and Eve, believers now have the Holy Spirit, so there is no excuse for not remaining in this Sabbath-rest continually. This interpretation is distinct in its focus on the pre-fall Sabbath as a template for Christian rest, and in its assertion that the indwelling Spirit enables perpetual rest.

Finding True Rest: Humility and Dependence on God (SermonIndex.net) offers a notable interpretation by connecting Hebrews 4:9-10 to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 11 about taking his yoke and learning humility. The sermon uses the metaphor of a yoke shared by two oxen, where the junior learns to move at the pace of the senior, to illustrate the believer’s relationship with Christ: true Sabbath-rest is found in moving in step with Jesus, neither rushing ahead nor lagging behind, but responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The preacher also draws on the Greek nuance of “rested from his own works,” emphasizing that rest is not passivity or robotic inactivity, but a cessation from self-initiated efforts and a continual, humble dependence on God’s initiative. This is further illustrated by the analogy of a branch abiding in the vine, producing fruit effortlessly as the sap (Holy Spirit) flows. The sermon’s linguistic and metaphorical approach, especially the yoke and branch analogies, provide a fresh lens for understanding the passage.

Embracing Humility, Love, and Rest in Faith (SermonIndex.net) interprets Hebrews 4:9-10 by expanding on the idea of perpetual Sabbath-rest as a state of inward peace and trust in God’s sovereignty, rooted in the assurance of forgiveness and God’s fatherly care. The sermon uniquely employs the metaphor of the “referee” (from the Greek nuance in Colossians 3:15) to describe the peace of Christ acting as an umpire in the believer’s heart, signaling when rest is lost due to sin or unrest. The preacher also revisits the Adam analogy, but adds the historical-theological insight that after the fall, the Sabbath principle was reversed (work first, then rest), and that Christ’s resurrection inaugurates a new perpetual Sabbath for believers. The sermon’s detailed application of the “referee” metaphor and its emphasis on the literal numbering of the hairs on one’s head as a basis for rest are particularly distinctive.

Hebrews 4:9-10 Theological Themes:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) introduces the theme that Sabbath-rest is an act of defiance against the cultural addiction to achievement and accumulation, and that in Christ, believers are freed from the compulsion to prove their worth. The sermon adds the facet that Sabbath is not just a command but a gift, a grace that allows believers to say “enough” and to rest in God’s approval rather than their own accomplishments.

Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A Personal Encounter (Saanich Baptist Church) presents the theme that the resurrection transforms the Sabbath-rest from a religious obligation into a relational reality, where rest is found in being known and loved by Jesus. The sermon adds the angle that this rest is the antidote to spiritual trauma, fear, anger, and shame, and is only possible through a living relationship with the risen Christ.

Finding True Rest in Christ: A Call to Trust (Boulder Mountain Church) develops the theme that Christ is not only the provider of rest but the very substance of it—believers’ righteousness, identity, and security are found in him, not in their work or religious observance. The sermon uniquely applies the idea that the inability to rest physically is often a symptom of a deeper spiritual unrest, and that true Sabbath is a declaration of trust in God’s sufficiency.

Divine Dignity: Embracing Work and Rest in God (Gospel in Life) explores the theme that the biblical Sabbath-rest is a rest from the “work under the work”—the existential striving for meaning, identity, and approval. The sermon adds the insight that only when believers rest in Christ’s finished work can they work for the sake of others and for God’s glory, rather than for self-justification.

Understanding Creation: The Significance of the Seventh Day (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the theme that the Sabbath-rest is the ultimate goal of creation—Sabbath holiness—where humanity’s destiny is to glorify and enjoy God in a state of rest, free from anxiety and restlessness. The sermon adds the facet that this rest is both a present experience and a future hope, tied to the believer’s sanctification and glorification.

Finding Rest: The Sabbath's Spiritual Fulfillment in Christ (David Guzik) introduces the theme that the true Sabbath rest is not merely a cessation of physical labor but a spiritual rest from the anxiety and futility of self-justification. The sermon explores the idea that the believer’s rest is found in the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, and that the Sabbath commandment points forward to this deeper rest. This is a nuanced theological move, shifting the focus from external observance to internal transformation and assurance.

Understanding the Sabbath: Fulfillment and Freedom in Christ (David Guzik) adds the theme of Christian liberty, arguing that since the Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ, believers are free to observe any day or none at all, without judgment. The sermon uniquely applies the shadow/substance motif from Colossians 2 to the Sabbath, teaching that legalistic Sabbath-keeping is unnecessary because the reality has come in Christ. This theme is further developed by emphasizing that the rest in Hebrews 4:9-10 is a present, ongoing experience for the believer, not a future or merely symbolic one.

Eradicating Idolatry: Finding Rest and Obedience in God (Pastor Chuck Smith) presents the theme of rest as inheritance, paralleling Israel’s entry into Canaan with the believer’s entry into spiritual rest through Christ. Smith’s sermon uniquely frames the “rest” as both a present reality and a process of spiritual conquest, where the believer must “reckon the old man dead” and live in the victory of Christ. This adds a dynamic, participatory aspect to the theme of rest, connecting it to sanctification and spiritual warfare.

Understanding Sabbath Observance in the New Covenant (David Guzik) introduces the theme of typological fulfillment, arguing that just as animal sacrifices are no longer required because they are fulfilled in Christ, so too is Sabbath observance. The sermon uniquely emphasizes that while it is not wrong for a Christian to observe the Sabbath, it is not required, and the true rest is found in Christ. This theme is developed with a focus on the believer’s freedom and the avoidance of judgmentalism regarding Sabbath practices.

Finding True Rest: Humility and Dependence on God (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that pride in one’s own cleverness or spiritual intelligence is a primary barrier to entering God’s rest. The preacher insists that spiritual truths, including the Sabbath-rest, are hidden from the “wise and clever” and revealed to the humble, likening spiritual understanding to the humility of a child. This theme is developed further by asserting that humility is not just a virtue but the very gateway to experiencing the New Covenant rest, and that even the desire to do God’s will is a gift of grace, not a personal achievement.

Embracing Humility, Love, and Rest in Faith (SermonIndex.net) adds a new facet by teaching that perpetual Sabbath-rest is maintained through immediate confession and restoration whenever unrest or sin disrupts the believer’s peace. The “referee” metaphor is used to argue that the loss of peace is a divine signal to make things right, and that spiritual progress halts until rest is restored. The sermon also uniquely ties the experience of rest to the believer’s assurance of total forgiveness, emphasizing that ongoing guilt over past sins is a major obstacle to entering and remaining in God’s rest. Furthermore, the sermon links rest to practical humility and love, arguing that true spiritual growth is measured by increasing humility and love, not by ministry activity or knowledge.

Hebrews 4:9-10 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) provides historical context by contrasting the biblical creation narrative with ancient Near Eastern myths, noting that in other cultures, work was seen as a curse for humans while the gods rested, but in Genesis, God himself works and rests, dignifying both. The sermon also explains the dual versions of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5), highlighting how Sabbath was both a rhythm of creation and an act of resistance against the slavery of Egypt, thus giving Sabbath a dual historical significance as both a creation ordinance and a liberation practice.

Divine Dignity: Embracing Work and Rest in God (Gospel in Life) offers extensive historical context by comparing the Genesis account to the Enuma Elish (Babylonian creation myth) and Greek myths (Pandora’s Box), showing that the biblical view of work and rest was radically countercultural. The sermon also references the historical development of attitudes toward work in Western and Eastern societies, and how the biblical narrative dignifies all forms of labor, including manual work, in contrast to ancient and modern class distinctions.

Understanding Creation: The Significance of the Seventh Day (Ligonier Ministries) provides historical and cultural context by discussing Hebrew numerology and the significance of the number seven as completeness and holiness, as well as the ancient debate over the meaning of “day” (yom) in Genesis. The sermon also references the development of deism in the 18th century and contrasts it with the biblical view of God’s ongoing providence and sustenance of creation, emphasizing that the Sabbath-rest is not God’s withdrawal but his continued involvement.

Finding Rest: The Sabbath's Spiritual Fulfillment in Christ (David Guzik) provides a historical insight into the ancient world’s view of rest, noting that a decreed day of rest was remarkable and countercultural in Israel’s context. Guzik recounts an ancient visitor’s observation that Israel was unique for having “a day without work,” highlighting the radical nature of the Sabbath command in its original setting. He also details how Jewish traditions developed elaborate rules for Sabbath observance, which Jesus challenged, thus setting the stage for the New Testament’s reinterpretation of Sabbath rest.

Understanding the Sabbath: Fulfillment and Freedom in Christ (David Guzik) offers historical context by explaining the development of Sabbath observance in Israel, the transition from Saturday to Sunday worship in the early church, and the lack of a specific New Testament command to gather on Sunday. Guzik traces the pattern of Sunday worship to the resurrection of Jesus and the practices of the early church, providing a nuanced account of how Christian worship shifted from Sabbath to Lord’s Day.

Eradicating Idolatry: Finding Rest and Obedience in God (Pastor Chuck Smith) gives historical context by paralleling Israel’s entry into the Promised Land with the believer’s entry into spiritual rest. Smith explains the significance of rest in the ancient Near Eastern context, the role of the Sabbath in Israel’s identity, and the typological connection between Canaan and the believer’s inheritance in Christ. He also discusses the practical realities of Israel’s worship practices and the unifying function of centralized worship.

Embracing Humility, Love, and Rest in Faith (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by explaining the shift in Sabbath observance from the Old Covenant (work six days, rest on the seventh) to the New Covenant (rest first, then work), rooted in the creation narrative and the resurrection of Christ. The preacher notes that Adam’s first full day was a day of rest and fellowship with God, and that after the fall, the law reversed this order. The sermon also references the burial of Jesus on the Sabbath as symbolically ending the old Sabbath and law, and the resurrection on the first day as inaugurating a new era of perpetual rest for believers. This contextualization situates Hebrews 4:9-10 within the broader biblical narrative and the transition from law to grace.

Hebrews 4:9-10 Cross-References in the Bible:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) references Genesis 2 (creation and rest), Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 (the two versions of the Sabbath commandment), Matthew 12 (Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath), and John 19 (Jesus’ declaration “it is finished”). Genesis 2 is used to establish the original pattern of work and rest; Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 are contrasted to show Sabbath as both creation rhythm and liberation; Matthew 12 is cited to show Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath; and John 19 is used to connect Jesus’ finished work to the believer’s rest.

Transformative Power of the Resurrection: A Personal Encounter (Saanich Baptist Church) references John 20 (the resurrection narrative), Matthew 11 (rest for the weary), and Hebrews 4 (Sabbath-rest for the people of God). John 20 is used to illustrate the personal encounter with the risen Christ; Matthew 11 is alluded to in describing the rest Jesus offers; and Hebrews 4 is cited to show that true rest is found in Christ, not in religious observance.

Finding True Rest in Christ: A Call to Trust (Boulder Mountain Church) references Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus’ invitation to rest), Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 (Sabbath commandment), Psalm 127 (God gives sleep to his beloved), and Hebrews 4 (Sabbath-rest in Christ). Matthew 11 is used to describe the character of Jesus as gentle and lowly; Exodus and Deuteronomy establish the Sabbath principle; Psalm 127 is used to illustrate God’s provision of rest; and Hebrews 4 is the foundation for the spiritual rest found in Christ.

Divine Dignity: Embracing Work and Rest in God (Gospel in Life) references Genesis 1-2 (creation and rest), Psalm 95 (God’s rest and worship), Hebrews 3-4 (Sabbath-rest for the people of God), Psalm 3 (rest in the midst of trouble), and Matthew 11 (Jesus’ invitation to rest). Genesis 1-2 establishes the pattern of work and rest; Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3-4 are used to show the ongoing promise of rest; Psalm 3 illustrates deep rest in God; and Matthew 11 connects Jesus’ invitation to the Sabbath-rest.

Understanding Creation: The Significance of the Seventh Day (Ligonier Ministries) references Genesis 1-2 (creation and Sabbath), the Book of Revelation (symbolism of numbers), and Augustine’s Confessions (“our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee”). Genesis 1-2 is used to establish the pattern and purpose of Sabbath; Revelation is cited for the significance of numbers; and Augustine is referenced to articulate the existential restlessness addressed by Sabbath-rest.

Finding Rest: The Sabbath's Spiritual Fulfillment in Christ (David Guzik) references Exodus 20 (the Sabbath commandment), Colossians 2:16-17 (Sabbath as a shadow of Christ), Galatians 4:10 (critique of observing days), Mark 16:9 and John 20:26 (resurrection appearances on Sunday), Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 (early Christian gatherings on Sunday). Each reference is used to support the argument that the Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ and that the New Testament pattern is freedom regarding days of worship.

Understanding the Sabbath: Fulfillment and Freedom in Christ (David Guzik) cross-references Hebrews 4:4 (connecting Sabbath rest to creation), Colossians 2:16-17 (shadow and substance), 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (all foods are pure), Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 (Sunday gatherings), and Exodus 20:8 (Sabbath commandment). These passages are marshaled to show the continuity and discontinuity between Old and New Covenant practices, and to ground the interpretation of Hebrews 4:9-10 in the broader biblical narrative.

Eradicating Idolatry: Finding Rest and Obedience in God (Pastor Chuck Smith) references Romans 7 and 8 (struggle with the flesh and victory in the Spirit), Galatians 2:20 (crucified with Christ), and the Exodus narrative (Israel’s journey to Canaan). Smith uses these passages to draw a parallel between Israel’s rest and the believer’s rest in Christ, and to illustrate the process of sanctification and spiritual victory.

Understanding Sabbath Observance in the New Covenant (David Guzik) references Colossians 2:16-17 (shadow and substance), 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (all foods are pure), and the Old Testament sacrificial system. Guzik uses these cross-references to argue for the typological fulfillment of the Sabbath and the believer’s freedom in Christ.

Finding Rest in Our Relationship with God (SermonIndex.net) references Genesis 1-3 to support the analogy of Adam’s first day as Sabbath-rest, and Acts 12 to illustrate the mystery of God’s will in the lives of believers (James’ martyrdom vs. Peter’s deliverance), connecting this to the theme of trusting God’s sovereignty as part of entering rest. Isaiah 55:8-9 is cited to reinforce the idea that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, which is essential for maintaining rest when circumstances are inexplicable.

Finding True Rest: Humility and Dependence on God (SermonIndex.net) cross-references Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus’ invitation to rest), Matthew 12 (Jesus’ correction of false Sabbath-keeping), John 5:18-30 (Jesus’ dependence on the Father and Sabbath controversies), John 15:5 (the branch and vine analogy), Matthew 15:13 (plants not planted by the Father will be uprooted), Hebrews 8:10 (the New Covenant promise of God writing his law on hearts and minds), Hebrews 13:9 (grace strengthening the heart), and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (God choosing the humble and weak). Each reference is used to build the case that true rest is found in humility, dependence, and Spirit-initiated action, not self-effort.

Embracing Humility, Love, and Rest in Faith (SermonIndex.net) references Genesis 1-2 (creation and Adam’s first day), Hebrews 8:12 (God’s promise to remember sins no more), Revelation 12:10-11 (overcoming the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony), Acts 23:1-5 (Paul’s example of maintaining a good conscience), 1 John 1:7 (walking in the light and continual cleansing), Romans 6:14 (sin not ruling under grace), 1 Peter 5:5 (God resists the proud), Colossians 3:15 (peace of Christ as referee), Philippians 4:6 (be anxious for nothing), Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13 (God’s fatherly care), Romans 8:28 (all things working for good), Luke 14:26-33 (cost of discipleship), and Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission and Christ’s authority). These references are woven together to show that rest is rooted in forgiveness, humility, trust in God’s sovereignty, and practical discipleship.

Hebrews 4:9-10 Christian References outside the Bible:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) explicitly references Abraham Heschel, quoting his statement that “the Sabbath is our great Cathedral,” and his distinction between the love of labor and the love of gain. The sermon also references D.L. Moody’s warning against succeeding at things that don’t matter, and the story of Eric Liddell from “Chariots of Fire,” using his conviction about Sabbath to illustrate the freedom that comes from resting in God’s pleasure rather than striving for validation.

Finding True Rest in Christ: A Call to Trust (Boulder Mountain Church) explicitly references Dane Ortlund’s book “Gentle and Lowly,” recommending it for a deeper dive into the heart of Christ, and mentions a Puritan theologian who wrote extensively on the heart of Christ, highlighting the historical depth of reflection on Jesus’ character.

Understanding Creation: The Significance of the Seventh Day (Ligonier Ministries) references Augustine’s “Confessions,” specifically the line “our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee,” and cites Herbert Richardson’s theory that the goal of creation is “Sabbath holiness,” where humanity’s destiny is to glorify and enjoy God in rest.

Hebrews 4:9-10 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Embracing Sabbath: Finding Rest in God's Grace (New City Church) uses several secular illustrations: the comedian Jim Gaffigan’s joke about parenting (“imagine you’re drowning and someone throws you a baby”) to illustrate the need for margin and rest; the cultural reference to Y2K and Prince’s song “1999” to highlight the passage of time and the importance of investing it wisely; the story of Eric Liddell from “Chariots of Fire” as an example of someone who refused to justify his existence through achievement, instead finding pleasure in God; and the concept of the “hedonic treadmill” from psychology to describe the endless pursuit of more. The sermon also references a possibly apocryphal quote from a wealthy individual (“how much is enough? always one more dollar”) to illustrate the insatiable nature of human desire.

Divine Dignity: Embracing Work and Rest in God (Gospel in Life) uses the example of John Coltrane, the jazz saxophonist, and his spiritual awakening, describing how Coltrane’s sense of calling and accomplishment in music was rooted in gratitude to God, not self-justification. The sermon also references Madonna’s interview in Vogue magazine, where she confesses her drive to avoid mediocrity and justify her existence, and the character Harold Abrahams from “Chariots of Fire,” who runs to justify his existence. The preacher uses these examples to illustrate the “work under the work”—the existential striving for meaning and approval that only the gospel can resolve.

Finding Rest: The Sabbath's Spiritual Fulfillment in Christ (David Guzik) uses the analogy of a car needing regular maintenance to illustrate the necessity of rest, but then subverts the analogy to show that the deeper rest is spiritual. He also recounts an ancient visitor’s observation of Israel’s “day without work” as a way to highlight the uniqueness of the Sabbath in the ancient world.

Eradicating Idolatry: Finding Rest and Obedience in God (Pastor Chuck Smith) employs the metaphor of Israel’s wilderness wanderings versus entering the Promised Land to illustrate the believer’s journey from striving in the flesh to resting in Christ. He also uses the analogy of reckoning the old man dead and living in the victory of Christ to explain the process of entering spiritual rest.