Embracing Sabbath: A Divine Gift of Rest
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the practice of Sabbath, a vital yet often neglected commandment. Sabbath is not merely a day off but a divine gift designed to bring us into a rhythm of rest, delight, and worship. It’s a practice that aligns us with God's creation and His eternal purposes. From the very beginning, God modeled Sabbath by resting on the seventh day, not out of necessity but to set a precedent for us. This day is meant to be a sanctuary in time, a day to step away from the tyranny of productivity and enter into a space of rest and holiness.
The practice of Sabbath involves four main movements: stop, rest, delight, and worship. To stop means to cease all work and recognize that the world continues without our constant input. Rest is more than just physical; it’s a deep, soul-level rest that rejuvenates us. Delight involves engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure, reminding us of the goodness of God's creation. Worship is the ultimate goal, reorienting our lives around God and His purposes.
Sabbath is a counter-cultural act of resistance against the relentless demands of modern life. It’s a declaration that our worth is not tied to our productivity. By practicing Sabbath, we acknowledge that we are no longer slaves to work, consumerism, or the endless pursuit of more. Instead, we are free to enjoy the life God has given us, to rest in His presence, and to delight in His creation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sabbath as a Divine Gift: Sabbath is a gift from God, embedded in the very fabric of creation. It’s a day set apart for rest and holiness, reminding us of our eternal purpose. By practicing Sabbath, we align ourselves with God's rhythm and prepare our hearts for eternity. [42:40]
2. Rest as Resistance: In a world driven by productivity and consumption, Sabbath is an act of resistance. It’s a way to declare that our lives are not defined by what we produce or consume. Resting on the Sabbath is a defiant act against the culture of endless work and accumulation. [57:21]
3. Delight in God's Creation: Sabbath invites us to enter into a day of delight, engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure. This delight is not frivolous but a deep, soul-satisfying joy that reconnects us with the goodness of God's creation. [59:49]
4. Worship as the Center: The ultimate purpose of Sabbath is worship. It’s a day to reorient our lives around God, to lay our lives before Him in love, and to deepen our surrender to His will. Worship on the Sabbath is not limited to singing but includes any act that directs our hearts towards God. [01:04:43]
5. Practical Steps to Sabbath: Start where you are, even if it’s just a few hours. Block off time in your calendar, minimize distractions, and avoid work-related activities. Spend extended time with God and put yourself in the path of beauty. These practical steps can help you cultivate a spirit of restfulness throughout the week. [01:10:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[41:32] - Introduction to Sabbath
[42:40] - Sabbath in Genesis
[44:14] - Sabbath in the Ten Commandments
[45:34] - Freedom from Slavery
[46:34] - Jesus and the Sabbath
[47:33] - Four Movements of Sabbath
[48:34] - The Problem of Exhaustion
[49:29] - Spiritual Implications of Exhaustion
[50:20] - Love and Exhaustion
[51:05] - Consequences of Ignoring Sabbath
[52:01] - Benefits of Practicing Sabbath
[52:55] - Sabbath as a Habit
[53:50] - Restlessness and Desire
[54:39] - Breaking the Cycle of More
[55:16] - Children and Sabbath
[57:21] - Rest as Resistance
[58:19] - Enough is Enough
[58:55] - God is Not Pharaoh
[59:49] - Entering Delight
[01:01:21] - Boundaries and Rituals
[01:02:44] - Practical Ideas for Sabbath
[01:04:43] - Worship as the Center
[01:10:24] - Practical Steps to Start
[01:12:22] - Resources and Invitation to Prayer
[01:13:39] - Invitation to Respond
[01:14:04] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV)
> "Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
2. Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (NIV)
> "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
> "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 2:1-3, why did God rest on the seventh day, and what did He do to the seventh day?
2. In Deuteronomy 5:12-15, what reasons are given for observing the Sabbath, and who is included in this command to rest?
3. What invitation does Jesus extend in Matthew 11:28-30, and what does He promise to those who accept it?
4. The sermon mentions four main movements of Sabbath: stop, rest, delight, and worship. Can you describe each of these movements? [47:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Sabbath as a "sanctuary in time" (Genesis 2:1-3) help us understand its importance in our spiritual lives? [42:40]
2. What does it mean to view Sabbath as an act of resistance against the culture of productivity and consumerism? [57:21]
3. How can the practice of delighting in God's creation on the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:12-15) transform our perspective on the world around us? [59:49]
4. In what ways does Jesus' invitation to rest (Matthew 11:28-30) align with the principles of Sabbath discussed in the sermon? [47:33]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current weekly schedule. What specific steps can you take to set aside time for Sabbath, even if it's just a few hours? [01:10:24]
2. How can you incorporate the four movements of Sabbath—stop, rest, delight, and worship—into your life this week? [47:33]
3. Think about the activities that bring you joy and delight. How can you intentionally engage in these activities on your next Sabbath? [59:49]
4. In what ways can you resist the cultural pressures of productivity and consumerism by practicing Sabbath? What might this look like in your daily life? [57:21]
5. How can you create boundaries around your Sabbath time to minimize distractions and focus on rest and worship? [01:01:21]
6. Consider the people in your life who might benefit from practicing Sabbath with you. How can you invite them to join you in this practice? [01:02:44]
7. Reflect on Jesus' promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-30. How can you accept His invitation and find rest for your soul in the coming week? [47:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Sabbath as a Divine Gift
Sabbath is a divine gift from God, embedded in the very fabric of creation. It’s a day set apart for rest and holiness, reminding us of our eternal purpose. By practicing Sabbath, we align ourselves with God's rhythm and prepare our hearts for eternity. From the very beginning, God modeled Sabbath by resting on the seventh day, not out of necessity but to set a precedent for us. This day is meant to be a sanctuary in time, a day to step away from the tyranny of productivity and enter into a space of rest and holiness.
The practice of Sabbath involves four main movements: stop, rest, delight, and worship. To stop means to cease all work and recognize that the world continues without our constant input. Rest is more than just physical; it’s a deep, soul-level rest that rejuvenates us. Delight involves engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure, reminding us of the goodness of God's creation. Worship is the ultimate goal, reorienting our lives around God and His purposes. [42:40]
Genesis 2:2-3 (ESV): "And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation."
Reflection: How can you set apart a specific time this week to stop, rest, delight, and worship, aligning yourself with God's rhythm?
Day 2: Rest as Resistance
In a world driven by productivity and consumption, Sabbath is an act of resistance. It’s a way to declare that our lives are not defined by what we produce or consume. Resting on the Sabbath is a defiant act against the culture of endless work and accumulation. By practicing Sabbath, we acknowledge that we are no longer slaves to work, consumerism, or the endless pursuit of more. Instead, we are free to enjoy the life God has given us, to rest in His presence, and to delight in His creation.
This counter-cultural act of resistance helps us to remember that our worth is not tied to our productivity. It’s a declaration that we trust God to provide for us and that we do not need to strive endlessly. By resting, we are making a statement that God is in control, and we are His beloved children, not defined by our work but by His love. [57:21]
Exodus 31:15 (ESV): "Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death."
Reflection: What are some ways you can resist the culture of productivity and consumerism in your life? How can you trust God more in this area?
Day 3: Delight in God's Creation
Sabbath invites us to enter into a day of delight, engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure. This delight is not frivolous but a deep, soul-satisfying joy that reconnects us with the goodness of God's creation. It’s a time to enjoy the beauty around us, to savor the simple pleasures of life, and to be reminded of the goodness of God’s creation.
Engaging in activities that bring joy and pleasure on the Sabbath helps us to see the world through God’s eyes. It’s a time to slow down, to notice the small things, and to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. This practice of delight helps to rejuvenate our souls and to remind us of the joy that God intends for us to experience. [59:49]
Psalm 92:4 (ESV): "For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy."
Reflection: What activities bring you deep joy and pleasure? How can you incorporate these into your Sabbath practice to reconnect with the goodness of God's creation?
Day 4: Worship as the Center
The ultimate purpose of Sabbath is worship. It’s a day to reorient our lives around God, to lay our lives before Him in love, and to deepen our surrender to His will. Worship on the Sabbath is not limited to singing but includes any act that directs our hearts towards God. It’s a time to reflect on His goodness, to give thanks, and to deepen our relationship with Him.
Worshiping on the Sabbath helps us to remember who God is and who we are in relation to Him. It’s a time to refocus our hearts and minds on His purposes and to be reminded of His love and grace. This practice of worship helps to center our lives around God and to keep our priorities in line with His will. [01:04:43]
Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV): "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Reflection: How can you make worship the center of your Sabbath? What specific acts of worship can you incorporate into your Sabbath practice to deepen your relationship with God?
Day 5: Practical Steps to Sabbath
Start where you are, even if it’s just a few hours. Block off time in your calendar, minimize distractions, and avoid work-related activities. Spend extended time with God and put yourself in the path of beauty. These practical steps can help you cultivate a spirit of restfulness throughout the week.
By taking these practical steps, you can begin to experience the benefits of Sabbath in your life. It’s important to be intentional about setting aside time for rest, delight, and worship. Even small steps can make a big difference in helping you to cultivate a spirit of restfulness and to align your life with God’s rhythm. [01:10:24]
Mark 2:27 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'"
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to start practicing Sabbath? How can you be intentional about setting aside time for rest, delight, and worship?
Quotes
1. "Sabbath may conjure up memories of being at church all day, when you weren't allowed to have fun as a child, a day of drudgery. So I want to say at the start that I don't think that's what Sabbath was ever intended to be. Early followers of Jesus would have Sabbathed. But it seems that the practice has been laid to the side. It's the only one of the Ten Commandments that we don't place any particular importance on. However, it's right up there with murder and adultery." [41:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The practice of Sabbath has four main movements to it. They are stop, rest, delight, and worship. We're going to take a few minutes to look at each in turn. So we'll start. The word Sabbath, or in Hebrew, Shabbat, literally means to stop or to cease. One of Jesus' most famous invitations is from Matthew, where it says, Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden. My burden is light." [47:33] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The problem of chronic exhaustion isn't just an emotional problem, or even a physical problem. At its core, it's a spiritual problem. Exhaustion affects how we love. Why does that matter? Because we follow Jesus, who said the greatest commandment in all of Scripture is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. For Jesus, love is the goal of the spiritual journey. It's the metric by which we chart our progress. But the more exhausted we are, the more difficult it is for us to love, or to bear any of the fruit of the Spirit." [49:29] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus will for your life. His life is not for you to be chronically exhausted, sleep-deprived, unhappy, and living with no margin. When you don't Sabbath, you suffer the consequences. Burnout, stress, trashed immune system, brain fog, frayed relationships, distance from God. But it's also true on the positive side. When we do Sabbath, we reap the rewards. You see, Sabbath is more than just a day. It's a way of being. It's a way of being in the world. The practice of Sabbath is a day of rest by which we cultivate a spirit of restfulness in all of life. A practice by which we undergo a dramatic shift from restlessness to restfulness." [51:05] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In the West, we work more than ever and we have more than ever, but we are unhappier than ever. Sociologists tell us that happiness levels in the West peaked in the 1950s and it's gone downhill ever since. We work more, we have more, and we're still not happy. It's Egypt all over again. And it's easy just to get sucked into the culture. To feel like you have to work those extra hours to get ahead. Like you have to reach a standard of living to be happy. It's so easy just to say, well, that's just how it is. But it doesn't have to be this way." [57:21] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Rest is an act of resistance. It's an act of defiance against Pharaoh and his empire. It's a way of saying with your body, enough. Enough work. Work is a good thing, but it's not the thing. Enough stuff. Stuff isn't bad. But most of us have more than enough. Sabbath is a way to break our addiction to accomplishment and accumulation. And again, accomplishment and accumulation, these aren't evil. They can even be good. But there's a limit. At some point, you need to draw a line in the sand and say, enough. I don't need to work more hours. I don't need to make more money. I don't need a new car." [58:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Sabbath is not a dreary religious duty, but a life-giving day of delight. Now how do we do this? This kind of joy is so against the flow. Firstly, we have to slow down. Hurry and joy are incompatible. Delight demands that we slow down and savor the goodness of each moment. Secondly, it will require us to put boundaries around our day. We found it a really good practice to start with some set prayers that welcome the Sabbath. We take some time to bless the children. Husbands can bless wives and vice versa." [01:01:21] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Sabbath is an entire day that is set aside, not just to rest or celebrate, but for God. Matthieu Svets says that keeping the Sabbath is acceptance of the kingdom and the sovereignty of God. God is here, and we are here. Put it another way, it's a day for worship. It's to lay our entire life before him in love, and to deepen our surrender to his love. One way to do that is through worship by singing, but there are so many more ways, giving our time, our resources, our attention and affection to God, yielding our will over to God. Anything we do to direct our heart and love to his glory, his goodness, is a form of worship." [01:06:32] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Keeping the Sabbath is arguably just as important as not lying or stealing or killing. It's of life or death importance. Our culture is killing ourselves through overwork, overconsumption, and overactivity. We are, as Neil Postman famously said, amusing ourselves to death. Few things are as desperately needed today as the recovering of the ancient practice of Sabbath. The Sabbath is a means by which we enter into what Jesus called the kingdom or the reign of God. It's a day when God's will is done on earth, as it is in heaven. The Sabbath is a day for worship." [01:09:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "One of the greatest gifts of Sabbath is experiencing God's delight in you as his cherished beloved. And a few resources if you want to look a little bit deeper. We've got Sabbath by Dan Allender. It's a really good book. Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann and The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel. We are obviously in the season of prayer, practicing the way here. If you haven't signed up, I know a lot of you have, but please still feel free to come along. You can jump in. We're looking at the practices this week, so it's not a bad point to jump in." [01:12:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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