Embracing Sabbath: The Gift of Rest and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Christ Community. Today, we delved into the importance of rest, specifically through the lens of the fourth commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy." We began by acknowledging our busy, hurried lives and the divine command to protect our rest. The Sabbath, derived from the Hebrew word meaning "stop," is a day set aside for rest and worship. It’s a full day where we cease from our work, not just to relax but to reorient our lives towards God.
We explored the biblical foundation of the Sabbath, starting with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God commanded them to rest as He did after creating the world. This commandment is not just about physical rest but also about spiritual rejuvenation. It’s a day to enjoy life, engage in activities that bring joy, and most importantly, to worship and connect with God.
We discussed practical ways to observe the Sabbath, emphasizing that it’s not about legalistic rules but about creating a rhythm of rest in our lives. This includes setting aside work, even unpaid work, and focusing on activities that refresh us. We also touched on the broader application of Sabbath principles, such as ensuring that our rest does not come at the expense of others, and fostering a community where everyone can experience rest.
The sermon also addressed the lies we believe that prevent us from resting: the lie that we must be superhuman and the lie that we are slaves to our work. We are reminded that we are not God; we can rest because He is in control. We are also not slaves; Jesus has set us free, and we can trust Him to meet our needs.
Finally, we looked at how these principles apply to parenting, particularly in managing our children's activities and technology use. We are called to protect our children's rest and ensure they are not overwhelmed by their schedules or devices. By doing so, we help them—and ourselves—experience the true rest that God intends for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Sabbath as a Day of Rest and Worship: The Sabbath is a full day each week dedicated to rest and worship. It’s a time to cease from all forms of work, both paid and unpaid, and to engage in activities that bring joy and refreshment. This day is not just about self-care but about reorienting our lives towards God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and finding delight in His creation. [05:23]
2. Work and Identity: Work is good and fulfilling, but it should not define our identity or significance. The Sabbath helps us break free from the lie that our worth is tied to our productivity. By resting, we declare that our value comes from God, not from our accomplishments. This practice helps us trust in God's provision and care, rather than our own efforts. [10:02]
3. Rest as a Community Practice: The command to rest extends to everyone in our community, including family members, employees, and even animals. True Sabbath observance means ensuring that our rest does not come at the expense of others. It’s a communal practice that recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual, affirming that none of us are slaves to our work. [26:22]
4. Parenting and Sabbath: Parents are called to protect their children's rest by managing their activities and technology use. Over-scheduling and constant connectivity can rob children of the rest they need. By prioritizing rest and setting healthy boundaries, parents can help their children develop a balanced, God-centered life. This includes making countercultural choices that prioritize spiritual and mental well-being over societal expectations of success. [28:43]
5. Breaking Free from Work's Lies: Work often makes false promises and threats, leading us to believe that we must constantly strive to secure our future and prove our worth. The Sabbath is a declaration of freedom from these lies. By resting, we trust in Jesus' finished work on the cross, which secures our identity, significance, and future. This practice helps us see that the forces claiming to control our fate are powerless compared to God's sovereignty. [23:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Feedback and Humor
[03:03] - The Need for Rest
[04:13] - The Fourth Commandment
[05:23] - What is the Sabbath?
[06:32] - One Full Day of Rest
[07:43] - What Counts as Work?
[08:55] - Tangible Needs and Significance
[10:02] - Work and Identity
[11:16] - Rest and Worship
[12:26] - Delight in the Sabbath
[13:42] - Sabbath as a Foretaste of Creation
[15:06] - Sabbath Rhythms in Daily Life
[16:16] - The Challenge of Implementing Sabbath
[17:28] - Lies That Prevent Rest
[18:48] - You Are Not God
[20:01] - God’s Rest and Sovereignty
[21:22] - You Are Not a Slave
[22:36] - Declaring Freedom Through Sabbath
[23:47] - Breaking Free from Work’s Lies
[25:04] - Guerrilla Warfare Tactic
[26:22] - Community and Rest
[27:28] - Parenting and Sabbath
[28:43] - Kids’ Activities
[31:03] - The Pressure of Success
[32:14] - Redefining Success
[33:18] - Alternative Approaches
[34:26] - Empathy and Understanding
[35:37] - Technology and Rest
[36:53] - The Impact of Smartphones
[38:01] - Sleep and Mental Health
[39:02] - The Tech-Wise Family
[40:12] - Practical Tips for Technology Use
[41:20] - Protecting Kids’ Rest
[42:26] - Secular Insights on Rest
[43:35] - Imagining a Restful Life
[44:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the word "Sabbath" mean in Hebrew, and what is its significance? ([05:23])
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main purposes of the Sabbath day? ([05:23])
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between work and identity? ([10:02])
4. What are some practical ways mentioned in the sermon to observe the Sabbath? ([07:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that the Sabbath is not just about physical rest but also spiritual rejuvenation? ([05:23])
2. How does the concept of Sabbath challenge the modern belief that our worth is tied to our productivity? ([10:02])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that observing the Sabbath can be a communal practice? ([26:22])
4. How does the sermon address the lies we believe about work and rest, and what truths does it offer in response? ([23:47])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current weekly schedule. Are there specific activities or habits that prevent you from fully observing a Sabbath day? How can you adjust your schedule to prioritize rest and worship? ([06:32])
2. The sermon mentions that work should not define our identity. How do you currently find your identity and significance? What steps can you take to shift your focus towards finding your worth in God? ([10:02])
3. Think about your family or community. How can you help ensure that everyone, including children and employees, has the opportunity to rest? What practical steps can you take to foster a culture of rest in your community? ([26:22])
4. The sermon discusses the impact of technology on rest, especially for children. What boundaries can you set around technology use in your household to protect rest? ([36:53])
5. Reflect on the lies you might believe about work and rest. How can you remind yourself of the truths that God is in control and that you are not a slave to your work? What practices can help reinforce these truths in your daily life? ([23:47])
6. How can you model the importance of Sabbath rest to your children or those you mentor? What specific actions can you take to teach them the value of rest and worship? ([28:43])
7. The sermon suggests making countercultural choices to prioritize rest. What is one countercultural choice you can make this week to honor the Sabbath? How will you implement it? ([17:28])
Devotional
Day 1: The Sabbath as a Day of Rest and Worship
The Sabbath is a full day each week dedicated to rest and worship. It’s a time to cease from all forms of work, both paid and unpaid, and to engage in activities that bring joy and refreshment. This day is not just about self-care but about reorienting our lives towards God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and finding delight in His creation. The Sabbath is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "stop," and it serves as a divine command to protect our rest. By setting aside a day for rest and worship, we not only rejuvenate physically but also spiritually, reconnecting with God and realigning our lives with His purposes. [05:23]
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: How can you intentionally set aside one full day this week to rest and reorient your life towards God? What activities will you include to ensure it is a day of joy and worship?
Day 2: Work and Identity
Work is good and fulfilling, but it should not define our identity or significance. The Sabbath helps us break free from the lie that our worth is tied to our productivity. By resting, we declare that our value comes from God, not from our accomplishments. This practice helps us trust in God's provision and care, rather than our own efforts. It’s a reminder that we are more than what we do; we are beloved children of God, and our worth is inherent, not earned. [10:02]
Psalm 127:2 (ESV): "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep."
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your work to define your identity? How can you use the Sabbath to remind yourself that your worth comes from God?
Day 3: Rest as a Community Practice
The command to rest extends to everyone in our community, including family members, employees, and even animals. True Sabbath observance means ensuring that our rest does not come at the expense of others. It’s a communal practice that recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual, affirming that none of us are slaves to our work. By fostering a community where everyone can experience rest, we honor God’s design for human flourishing and mutual care. [26:22]
Leviticus 25:4 (ESV): "But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard."
Reflection: How can you help create a culture of rest within your community or family? What steps can you take to ensure that others around you also experience the rest they need?
Day 4: Parenting and Sabbath
Parents are called to protect their children's rest by managing their activities and technology use. Over-scheduling and constant connectivity can rob children of the rest they need. By prioritizing rest and setting healthy boundaries, parents can help their children develop a balanced, God-centered life. This includes making countercultural choices that prioritize spiritual and mental well-being over societal expectations of success. [28:43]
Deuteronomy 5:14 (ESV): "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 or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you."
Reflection: What changes can you make in your family’s schedule to ensure that your children have adequate time for rest and spiritual growth? How can you model the importance of Sabbath rest to them?
Day 5: Breaking Free from Work's Lies
Work often makes false promises and threats, leading us to believe that we must constantly strive to secure our future and prove our worth. The Sabbath is a declaration of freedom from these lies. By resting, we trust in Jesus' finished work on the cross, which secures our identity, significance, and future. This practice helps us see that the forces claiming to control our fate are powerless compared to God's sovereignty. [23:47]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: What lies about work and productivity have you believed? How can you use the Sabbath to declare your freedom from these lies and trust in God’s sovereignty?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "One of God's highest priorities, one of his top 10 commands that he wants for your life is this: protect your rest. Protect your rest." [03:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Sabbath at the most basic level is one full day each week when you stop working so that you can rest and worship." [05:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Workaholism is not about budget needs. It's about soul needs. We're looking for our identity and significance and security from our work." [10:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are not God. You are not God. Look at verse 11 here, okay? Moses gives the reason why we're supposed to keep the Sabbath. He says this, 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." [18:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are not a slave. The reason you take a Sabbath is to declare, I'm not a slave anymore. God has set me free." [22:36](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Sabbath is not just about generic self-care, all right? It's not just about, you know, making sure you do something that you enjoy. You should do that. But the focus, the focus is on God. Notice how the commandment begins. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, holy. The day has an orientation towards God. It has an orientation towards worship." [12:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sabbath isn't easy for anyone. It never starts because your to-do list is done. It only starts because you make the choice to carve it out. And the reason we don't have Sabbath, it's not because we're rebellious or resisting it. I actually think it's because there are lies our hearts believe that make it so that we can't enter into it." [17:28](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Work makes promises and threats all the time. Work makes these promises. You know, if you just work a little bit harder, if you just finish this one project, if you just get this promotion, if you just kind of, you know, accomplish this or that, you're going to finally have what you've been looking for. You're going to feel significant. You're going to feel secure. You're going to have proven yourself to the people around you. You're going to feel like life is finally sustainable. It's going to be okay, but it's just a little bit more work." [23:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if we all actually did this? Like, what if we all just set aside a day to savor the goodness of God and life in his world? What would it look like if we had barriers? We said there is a time when we are working hard and there's a time when we stop and we honor those things. What if we structured our lives so that we weren't run ragged by our schedule? What if we actually did that?" [42:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are not a slave. But this is also true, of the other people in your life. You notice that in the command that Moses lists off all sorts of other people who might be found in an Israelite household. It doesn't just say, make sure you take a break. It also says this. Let me read it to you again. It says, on it you shall not do any work, neither you nor your son or your daughter, nor your male or female servant, or your ox or 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." [26:22](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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