Embracing Sabbath: A Gift of Rest and Renewal
Summary
Today, we paused to honor the faithfulness and legacy of Bill and Barbara Cashman, whose decades of service have laid a foundation for our church family. Their encouragement, steadfastness, and willingness to support others, even in retirement, remind us of the biblical call to honor those who have gone before us and to value the work of God in each generation. As we celebrated their example, we also turned our attention to a spiritual discipline that is often neglected but deeply needed: Sabbath.
Sabbath is not just an Old Testament commandment, but a gift from God—a rhythm of work and rest that reflects His own pattern in creation. While our culture prizes busyness and productivity, God calls us to set apart one day each week that looks different from the others. This is not about legalism or simply ceasing activity, but about intentionally creating space to rest, replenish, and refocus on God’s sovereignty. Sabbath is a declaration that He is Lord, not us, and that our worth is not found in endless striving.
We explored how Sabbath is rooted in responsibility—working diligently for six days, but then trusting God enough to stop and rest. It’s about rhythm, not just routine, and about letting our souls catch up with our bodies. Sabbath is also about replenishment, not just rest. It’s a time to do what restores us, whether that’s enjoying a meal with loved ones, spending time in nature, or simply being still before God. The key is to find what truly refreshes your spirit, so you can return to your work with renewed strength.
Finally, Sabbath is a reward—a blessing that God has built into the fabric of creation. When we honor this gift, we experience His provision and presence in unique ways. The stories of businesses like Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby, who honor Sabbath and see God’s blessing, remind us that God’s ways are not burdensome, but life-giving. Ultimately, Sabbath points us to Jesus, who invites us to find true rest in Him. He is the Good Shepherd who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. The question for each of us is: Are we following Him, listening to His voice, and trusting Him enough to rest?
Key Takeaways
- Honoring Those Who Came Before Us
True biblical honor means valuing, respecting, and esteeming those who have faithfully served, recognizing that we stand on their shoulders. This is not just a cultural nicety, but a spiritual principle that brings blessing and continuity to the body of Christ. When we honor others for their faithfulness, we give glory to God for His work through them and model a countercultural value that is desperately needed today. [42:43]
- Sabbath as a Rhythm of Life, Not Legalism
Sabbath is not about rigidly following rules, but about embracing a God-given rhythm of work and rest. It’s a day set apart to acknowledge God’s lordship, to stop our normal routines, and to trust that He can do more with six days of our labor than we can with seven. This rhythm is a spiritual discipline that keeps our lives from unraveling under the weight of constant activity and reminds us that we are not defined by our productivity. [49:14]
- Replenishment Over Mere Rest
The heart of Sabbath is not just ceasing from work, but actively seeking what replenishes our souls. Resting the wrong way can lead to emptiness or even depression, but true Sabbath is about doing what restores us—good food, laughter, time with loved ones, or simply enjoying God’s creation. Each person’s Sabbath may look different, but the goal is the same: to be refilled so we can bear fruit and remain fresh, even in old age. [59:57]
- Sabbath as a Reward and a Test of Trust
God designed Sabbath as a reward, a blessing, and a test of our trust in His provision. When we honor the Sabbath, we declare that God is our source and that His ways bring true prosperity and peace. The stories of businesses that thrive while observing Sabbath remind us that God’s blessing rests on those who obey, and that six days with God’s favor are better than seven without it. [01:10:04]
- Following Jesus Means Embracing His Practices
To truly follow Jesus is to adopt His way of life, including His pattern of retreat and return, work and rest. Jesus invites us to take His yoke, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls—not just in eternity, but here and now. Practicing Sabbath is a tangible way to listen to His voice, resist the pressures of the world, and experience the abundant life He promises. [01:16:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[42:43] - Honoring Bill and Barbara Cashman
[44:39] - The Biblical Call to Honor
[45:33] - United as One Church
[46:56] - Models of Discipleship: Who Are You Following?
[48:14] - Hearing God’s Voice: Prayer and Scripture
[49:14] - Sabbath: Responsibility and Rhythm
[55:16] - The Blessing and Curse of Convenience
[56:24] - Letting Your Soul Catch Up: The Need for Sabbath
[58:20] - Sabbath as a Double Portion and Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty
[59:57] - Replenishment: What Restores You?
[01:10:04] - Sabbath as Reward: God’s Blessing in Obedience
[01:11:18] - Modern Examples: Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby
[01:12:29] - Sabbath and the Pace of Life
[01:13:24] - The Regrets of Neglecting Sabbath
[01:16:12] - Jesus’ Invitation: Rest for Your Soul
[01:17:18] - Responding to Jesus’ Call
[01:19:53] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Sabbath as a Gift and a Test of Trust
---
### Bible Reading
- John 10:27-28
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
- Exodus 20:8-11
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 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... For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
- Psalm 92:12-15
(A psalm for the Sabbath) “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree... They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:27, what are the two things Jesus’ sheep do, and what does He promise them?
(see [48:14])
2. In Exodus 20:8-11, what are the two main actions God commands regarding the Sabbath, and what reason does He give for this command?
(see [49:14])
3. The sermon mentioned that Psalm 92 is a “psalm for the Sabbath.” What does this psalm say about those who honor the Sabbath, especially as they grow older?
(see [59:57])
4. The pastor shared stories of businesses like Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby. What connection did he make between their practice of Sabbath and God’s blessing?
(see [01:11:18])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor said, “Sabbath is not about legalism, but about embracing a God-given rhythm of work and rest.” Why might God care so much about us having this rhythm, and what does it reveal about His character?
(see [49:14])
2. The sermon described Sabbath as a “reward” and a “test of trust.” In what ways does taking a Sabbath test our trust in God’s provision?
(see [01:10:04])
3. The pastor admitted that he struggles to practice Sabbath, even though he prays and reads his Bible. Why do you think Sabbath is so difficult for many Christians to keep, even when they are faithful in other spiritual disciplines?
(see [59:57])
4. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice... they follow me.” How does practicing Sabbath help us listen to Jesus’ voice and follow Him more closely?
(see [01:16:12])
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Most of the stress in life we bring on ourselves by not keeping the principles of God.” Can you think of a time when ignoring Sabbath rest led to stress, burnout, or health issues in your life? What would you do differently now?
(see [49:14])
2. Sabbath is about replenishment, not just rest. What specific activities or practices truly replenish your soul? How can you make space for these on your Sabbath?
(see [59:57])
3. The sermon challenged us to make one day each week “look different” from the others. What would it look like for you to set apart a day for Sabbath in your current season of life? What obstacles might you face, and how could you overcome them?
(see [49:14])
4. The pastor shared that “resting the wrong way can lead to emptiness or even depression.” Have you ever experienced a time when your “rest” didn’t actually refresh you? What changes could you make to ensure your Sabbath is truly replenishing?
(see [59:57])
5. Honoring those who have gone before us is a biblical principle. Who in your life has modeled faithfulness and encouraged you in your walk with God? How can you honor or thank them this week?
(see [42:43])
6. The pastor said, “Sabbath is a declaration that He is Lord, not us, and that our worth is not found in endless striving.” Are there areas in your life where you struggle to let go of control or to stop striving? How might practicing Sabbath help you surrender these areas to God?
(see [58:20])
7. Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What burdens are you carrying right now that you need to lay down as you enter Sabbath? How can your group pray for you in this?
(see [01:16:12])
---
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for the gift of Sabbath, for those who have gone before us, and for Jesus’ invitation to find true rest in Him. Ask for help to trust God enough to rest, to find what replenishes your soul, and to honor Him with your time and your life.
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring Others as God Commands
Honor means to value, respect, and highly esteem those who have served faithfully, especially those who have gone before us in the faith. In a world that often overlooks the importance of honor, God’s Word calls us to intentionally recognize and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of others, whether it’s our parents, spiritual leaders, or elders. When we honor others, we reflect God’s heart and create a culture that values faithfulness and legacy, giving glory to God for the fruit of their ministry and lives. [44:39]
Romans 12:10
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life—family, mentor, or elder—you can intentionally honor this week with words or actions that show your appreciation for their faithfulness?
Day 2: Following Jesus and Listening to His Voice
Jesus calls His followers to listen to His voice and follow Him, not just as a set of beliefs but as a way of life that shapes every decision and perspective. True discipleship means practicing His presence daily, seeking Him in prayer, and responding to His Word, allowing His teachings to guide your steps and transform your worldview. The proof of following Jesus is found in your desire to spend time with Him, to hear His voice, and to live differently from the world, embracing His invitation to abundant and eternal life. [01:14:43]
John 10:27-28
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (ESV)
Reflection: In what specific way can you set aside time today to intentionally listen for Jesus’ voice and follow where He leads?
Day 3: Embracing the Rhythm and Gift of Sabbath
God designed Sabbath as a holy rhythm—a day set apart from the others, not out of legalism but as a gracious gift for your good. Sabbath is about stopping normal work, resting, and acknowledging God’s sovereignty, allowing your soul to catch up with your body. When you honor the Sabbath, you trust God to provide, recognize your limits, and receive His blessing, remembering that six days with God’s favor are better than seven without it. [01:10:04]
Exodus 20:9-11
"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, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." (ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical change you can make this week to ensure your Sabbath is truly set apart as a day of rest and worship?
Day 4: Replenishing Your Soul Through Intentional Rest
Sabbath is not just about ceasing from work, but about replenishing your soul so you can bear fruit and stay fresh, even in old age. God invites you to discover what truly restores you—whether it’s time with family, enjoying creation, laughter, or worship—and to be intentional about making space for those things. When you rest the right way, you are renewed for the work ahead, modeling a healthy rhythm for your family and experiencing the joy and vitality God intends for you. [59:57]
Psalm 92:12-14
"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green." (ESV)
Reflection: What activity or practice most replenishes your soul, and how can you intentionally include it in your Sabbath this week?
Day 5: Resting in Christ’s Finished Work
True rest is found not in your own efforts, but in trusting Jesus and His finished work on the cross. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, learn from Him, and find rest for their souls. Sabbath is a weekly reminder that you are not defined by your productivity, but by your relationship with Christ, who gives you both eternal and abundant life. As you follow His example and teachings, you experience the lightness of His yoke and the deep rest only He can provide. [01:16:12]
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (ESV)
Reflection: Where in your life are you striving in your own strength, and how can you surrender that area to Jesus today to receive His rest?
Quotes
You can't miss that pause and that break in your life. I read a story years ago in a devotional about this expedition in Africa, and the locals there were guiding that expedition. And they were pushing and pushing and pushing, and finally the locals just sat down, and they refused to go on. And they said, wait, we're going to lose time. We've got to keep going. And they said, no, we're not going anywhere. And they said, why won't you go on? They said, because we have to give our soul time to catch up with our body. That's what Sabbath is. It lets your soul catch up with your body. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He'll make you lie down, and he'll restore your soul. [00:56:28] (50 seconds)
You gotta see Sabbath as a reward. Here's what Jesus said. The Sabbath was made for man. This is God's gift to you, not man for the Sabbath. It's not legalism. So then the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath. I wanna wrap this up, but listen. In sports, you give it your all, and then you get a timeout. You give it your all, and then you have a halftime. You give it your all, and you hope to win at work. You give it your best, and then you take a break. You give it your best, and then you get to go to lunch. You give it your best, and then you have a day off. You give it your best, and then you get a vacation. Are you following me? [01:10:12] (43 seconds)
And I'm just telling you, one day a week, you need that. I've been in the ministry 40 years this year and I want you to know, I've done a lot of funerals, met with a lot of families to plan funerals. Here's what I find out. Every time I meet with a family and talk about death, you know what they would talk about? The memories. The times that really mattered. A vacation, a holiday. Times that made them laugh. Good food. Times with family. Times with friends. That's what Sabbath is. [01:13:00] (31 seconds)
Hear the words of Jesus to you today. Come to me. Practice my presence. Come to me. All you who are weary and burdened. And I know a lot of you are weary. I know you're burdened. I know you're overwhelmed. He said, I'll give you what? Rest. First, take up my yoke and learn. And don't miss this. This is important. Every rabbi had their yoke. It's a Hebrew idiom that means, here's my teachings. Follow me. Here's my teachings. That's why it says, learn from me. Jesus said, take my teachings, my practices, my spiritual disciplines. Follow me the way I did it. [01:15:53] (36 seconds)
And he said, you learn from me because I'm lowly and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul. Sabbath, let your soul catch up with your body. For my yoke is easy. My burden is light. Bow with me for prayer. Are you following Jesus? Everybody's following someone. But I ask you today, are you following him? [01:16:35] (26 seconds)
But there's also the Jewish model of education where you get a degree in a person under a mentor, a rabbi. Paul's thunder under Gamaliel. And so the real question when you talk about follow me, that's what Jesus said. He followed me, followed me. The question is, who's your rabbi? The question is, who are you following? Everybody's following someone. The real issue is, are you following Jesus? And I want you to write this down. Christianity is not a way of looking at certain things, but a certain way of looking at everything. Now, if you can't write fast, just go ahead and take a picture of it, all right? [00:47:13] (41 seconds)
And the verse I wanna close with is the verse we started with, John 10, 27. My sheep listen to my voice, but notice this. I know them. They follow me. I give them eternal life. Listen, only through Jesus can you have eternal life. Only through Jesus can you have abundant life. And the Bible says on judgment day, on judgment day, Jesus will say, depart from me, I never... I never... I never... I never... Thank you. [01:14:43] (30 seconds)
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