Finding True Rest in Christ: A Sabbath Reflection
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of Sabbath rest, a continuation of our series on the Sabbath. This week, we delved into the theme of rest, emphasizing the importance of finding true rest in Jesus Christ. Reflecting on personal experiences of chaos and restlessness, I shared how many, including myself, have sought rest in the wrong places, sometimes even in the confines of prison, mistakenly equating it with freedom. However, the rest that Jesus offers is vastly different; it is a rest that liberates rather than confines.
We examined the teachings of John Owen, who described rest with God in five ways: peace with God, freedom from bondage, freedom from the Mosaic law, the rest God enjoys, and the rest that allows us to lay down our worries and anxieties. This rest is not just a physical cessation of work but a spiritual reality that invites us to be intentionally present with God.
Our focus was on Hebrews 4, which speaks of a Sabbath rest for the people of God. This rest is a promise that still stands, urging us to be careful not to fall short of it due to unbelief or disobedience. The passage reminds us of the Israelites who, due to their lack of faith, missed out on the promised land—a metaphor for the rest we can find in Christ.
We also reflected on the story of Eric Liddell, who chose to honor the Sabbath over competing in the Olympics, illustrating the importance of prioritizing spiritual rest over worldly achievements. This story serves as a reminder that Sabbath should not become a burdensome ritual but a joyful expression of our faith.
Ultimately, the rest we seek is found at the cross, where Jesus completed the work of salvation. It is a rest that invites us to cease striving and to trust in His love and grace. As we concluded, I invited everyone to bring their burdens to Jesus, to rest in His love, and to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Key Takeaways:
1. True Rest in Christ: True rest is not found in the absence of activity but in the presence of Christ. It is a spiritual rest that liberates us from the bondage of sin and the pressures of life, inviting us to lay down our burdens at the cross. [39:54]
2. The Promise of Sabbath Rest: Hebrews 4 reminds us that the promise of entering God's rest still stands. This rest is not just a future hope but a present reality that we can experience by faith, avoiding the pitfalls of disobedience and unbelief. [41:43]
3. Sabbath as a Spiritual Reality: Sabbath is more than a day of rest; it is an outward expression of an inward reality. It is a time to be intentionally present with God, reflecting the spiritual rest we have in Jesus. [46:10]
4. Resting in the Finished Work of Christ: The cross is the ultimate symbol of rest, where Jesus completed the work of salvation. We are invited to cease striving and to trust in His love and grace, knowing that we are already loved and accepted. [49:08]
5. Invitation to Rest in Jesus: Jesus invites us to come to Him with our weariness and burdens, promising to give us rest. This invitation is a call to trust in His love and to find peace in His presence, regardless of our circumstances. [51:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Sabbath Series
- [01:15] - Personal Reflection on Chaos and Restlessness
- [03:00] - The Illusion of Rest in Prison
- [05:20] - John Owen's Five Descriptions of Rest
- [08:10] - Exploring Hebrews 4
- [10:45] - The Story of Eric Liddell
- [13:30] - The Spiritual Reality of Sabbath
- [16:00] - The Cross as the Ultimate Rest
- [18:45] - Invitation to Rest in Jesus
- [21:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sabbath Rest
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 4:1-11
- Matthew 11:28-30
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 4, what is the promise that still stands for the people of God? How does this relate to the concept of Sabbath rest? [41:43]
2. How does the story of the Israelites in the wilderness serve as a warning about unbelief and disobedience in Hebrews 4? [46:10]
3. What are the five ways John Owen describes rest with God, as mentioned in the sermon? [39:54]
4. How did Eric Liddell's decision during the Olympics illustrate the importance of prioritizing spiritual rest over worldly achievements? [46:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to find true rest in Christ, as opposed to seeking rest in other places or activities? How does this rest liberate us from the pressures of life? [39:54]
2. In what ways does the promise of entering God's rest challenge our understanding of faith and obedience today? How can we avoid the pitfalls of unbelief? [41:43]
3. How can the Sabbath be seen as an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality? What does this mean for our daily lives? [46:10]
4. How does the cross serve as the ultimate symbol of rest, and what does it mean to cease striving and trust in Jesus' love and grace? [49:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life situation. Are there areas where you are seeking rest in the wrong places? How can you redirect your focus to find rest in Christ? [39:54]
2. Hebrews 4 warns against falling short of God's rest due to unbelief. Are there areas in your life where unbelief might be preventing you from experiencing God's rest? How can you address these areas? [41:43]
3. Consider how you observe the Sabbath. Is it a joyful expression of faith or has it become a burdensome ritual? What changes can you make to ensure it reflects the spiritual rest you have in Jesus? [46:10]
4. The sermon mentioned the story of Eric Liddell. Are there any worldly achievements or activities that you prioritize over spiritual rest? How can you realign your priorities? [46:58]
5. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him and promises rest. What burdens are you currently carrying that you need to lay down at the cross? How can you practically do this in your daily life? [51:55]
6. Reflect on the concept of working from a place of love rather than working towards it. How does this change your perspective on serving God and others? [49:08]
7. How can you create intentional time in your week to be present with God and experience the rest He offers? What specific steps will you take to make this a reality? [39:54]
Devotional
Day 1: True Rest in Christ
True rest is not merely the absence of activity but the presence of Christ in our lives. It is a spiritual rest that liberates us from the bondage of sin and the pressures of life, inviting us to lay down our burdens at the cross. This rest is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or by seeking temporary relief in worldly distractions. Instead, it is a gift from Jesus, who calls us to come to Him with our weariness and burdens. In His presence, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding, a rest that is both profound and transformative. [39:54]
"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." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay down at the cross? How can you intentionally seek the presence of Christ in your daily routine to experience true rest?
Day 2: The Promise of Sabbath Rest
Hebrews 4 reminds us that the promise of entering God's rest still stands. This rest is not just a future hope but a present reality that we can experience by faith. It is a rest that calls us to trust in God's promises and to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and unbelief. The Israelites missed out on the promised land due to their lack of faith, serving as a cautionary tale for us. We are invited to enter into this rest by believing in the finished work of Christ and embracing the peace that comes from a relationship with Him. [41:43]
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling with unbelief or disobedience? How can you actively choose to trust in God's promises and enter into His rest today?
Day 3: Sabbath as a Spiritual Reality
Sabbath is more than a day of rest; it is an outward expression of an inward reality. It is a time to be intentionally present with God, reflecting the spiritual rest we have in Jesus. This rest is not about following a set of rules or rituals but about experiencing the freedom and peace that come from being in God's presence. The story of Eric Liddell, who chose to honor the Sabbath over competing in the Olympics, illustrates the importance of prioritizing spiritual rest over worldly achievements. Sabbath should be a joyful expression of our faith, not a burdensome obligation. [46:10]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.'" (Isaiah 56:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make the Sabbath a meaningful time of spiritual rest and connection with God? What changes can you make in your schedule to prioritize this time with Him?
Day 4: Resting in the Finished Work of Christ
The cross is the ultimate symbol of rest, where Jesus completed the work of salvation. We are invited to cease striving and to trust in His love and grace, knowing that we are already loved and accepted. This rest is not about earning God's favor through our efforts but about resting in the assurance that Jesus has already done everything necessary for our salvation. It is a call to stop striving for perfection and to embrace the freedom that comes from being in Christ. [49:08]
"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." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you striving to earn God's favor or approval? How can you rest in the finished work of Christ and trust in His love and grace today?
Day 5: Invitation to Rest in Jesus
Jesus invites us to come to Him with our weariness and burdens, promising to give us rest. This invitation is a call to trust in His love and to find peace in His presence, regardless of our circumstances. It is an invitation to experience the rest that only He can provide, a rest that is not dependent on our efforts or achievements. By accepting this invitation, we can find true peace and fulfillment in our relationship with Him. [51:55]
"Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it." (Hebrews 4:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to accept Jesus' invitation to rest? How can you practically respond to His call and find peace in His presence today?
Quotes
"As most of you'll know growing up for me my life was very chaotic and I knew people and I know people that are here this morning who have similar lives that I had and one thing that I never experienced was rest. I was irritable, frustrated, was never at peace with myself and I constantly felt restless." [00:37:29]
"And so, as I begin this morning, I suppose I need to ask you the question, do we need to rest, struggled as I've prepared for this? It wasn't that God was bringing anything up in me that he usually does as I prepare a sermon, but it was more asking myself, how do I approach this?" [00:40:00]
"And a question I kept asking myself over and over was, are we resting in Christ? Or as I've titled the sermon this morning, are we resting our souls in Jesus? it's one thing to encourage Sabbath and it's something that I always encourage and it's important and that's why we're spending four weeks looking at it." [00:40:26]
"Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did, but the message they heard was of no value to them because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed." [00:41:09]
"This He did when a long time later He spoke through David as an example of the voice of God. And He said, I will not the passage already quoted today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts for if joshua had given them rest god would not have spoken later about another day there remains then a sabbath rest for the people of god." [00:41:56]
"And in verses 8 to 11 of Hebrews 4, it goes on to say, For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains then a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for anyone who is not of God. For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." [00:47:02]
"And so the picture that's painted here is of the cross. It's pointing us to the finished work of Christ. What Christ achieved on the cross should bring us rest. But if we don't believe, then we end up with the same mindset as Israelites in the wilderness, who didn't believe God's word that he would take them to the promised land." [00:47:38]
"And in the exact same way that unbelief can be in us, when some of us look at our past, even our more recent past, even things we've done in the past week, and we can have this unbelief where you begin to say to yourself, are you trying to tell me that that cross, everything that I was achieving on that cross, deals with every single thing I've done?" [00:48:01]
"And what happens there is we end up falling into this trap where we begin to think, I better show God I'm serious this week. Or in fact, I'm just going to serve for a while. I'm not even going to pray, I'm not even going to talk to Jesus, I'm not going to ask for anything. I'm just going to do all the right things, because I can't come back to him as if nothing has happened." [00:48:23]
"And what God said to me was, Barry, you're working from a place I love, you're not working to a place I love. That I'm not working my way to God's love, but actually I'm already loved, and that's my starting position. No matter what I've done, no matter what I've got going on in my life, and when I realized that, I was able to properly enter that place of rest that we find at the cross." [00:49:50]
"And very often, a lot of the issues in our lives are dealing with guilt for the past, that stop us resting in Jesus. And what we try to do, we try and do something to deal with it, rather than resting our souls in Jesus, and we try to do something to deal with it, rather than allowing him to deal with it." [00:51:46]
"And so, as I draw it to a close this morning, I would just like you to focus on verse six, and the beginning of verse seven. And it says, therefore, since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them, did not go in because of their disobedience, God again set a certain day, calling it, lives to rest in God." [00:52:15]
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