Reclaiming the Sacred: Embracing the Gift of Sabbath

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we often overlook the profound distinction between what is sacred and what is common. This distinction is not just a matter of semantics but a call to live a life set apart for God. In Ezekiel 44:23, God instructs the Levites to teach His people the difference between the holy and the common. This teaching is crucial because, in our modern world, everything tends to blend together, and we lose the sense of sacredness. Words like "awesome" are used so casually that they lose their true meaning when applied to God. We must reclaim the sacredness in our lives, especially in our worship and devotion to God.

Reflecting on the Sabbath, we see the first instance of God distinguishing the sacred from the common in Genesis 2. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, blessing it and making it holy. This act of setting apart the seventh day as holy is a profound lesson for us. It teaches us to trust in God's provision and to rest in His presence. The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but a gift from God, a time to cease from our labors and focus on Him.

In Exodus 16, God tests the Israelites by providing manna from heaven, instructing them to gather only what they need for each day. This test was to see if they would trust in His provision. Similarly, in our lives, God calls us to trust Him with our time and resources. The Sabbath is a test of faith, a reminder that God is our provider and that His commands lead to life.

The New Testament offers a perspective on the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is not about legalistic observance but about the rest we find in Christ. Colossians 2 and Romans 14 remind us not to judge one another regarding the Sabbath but to be fully convinced in our own minds. The Sabbath is a personal conviction, a practice that should lead us to deeper trust and reliance on God.

As we seek to honor the Sabbath, let us not judge one another but encourage each other to find rest in God. Let us pray for wisdom and guidance, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be deceived or off track. May we be a people set apart, living differently from the world, and shining as lights in the darkness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Distinguishing the Sacred from the Common: In our daily lives, we often blur the lines between what is sacred and what is common. God calls us to recognize and honor the sacred, especially in our worship and devotion. This distinction is vital for living a life set apart for Him. [00:20]

2. The Gift of the Sabbath: The Sabbath is a divine gift, a day set apart for rest and reflection. It is a reminder of God's provision and a call to trust Him with our time. Observing the Sabbath is not about legalism but about embracing the rest and peace found in God. [05:23]

3. Trusting in God's Provision: Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for us today. The Sabbath is a test of faith, challenging us to trust in His provision and to cease from our labors. It is an opportunity to deepen our reliance on Him. [14:32]

4. A New Testament Perspective on the Sabbath: The New Testament teaches us that the Sabbath is not about rigid observance but about the rest we find in Christ. We are encouraged to be fully convinced in our own minds and to practice the Sabbath in a way that honors God. [21:16]

5. Living Set Apart: As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently from the world. Observing the Sabbath is one way we demonstrate our trust in God and our commitment to His ways. It is a practice that sets us apart and shines as a light in the darkness. [40:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - The Role of the Levites
- [01:34] - Sacred vs. Common
- [02:53] - The Sabbath Journey
- [05:23] - Genesis and the First Sabbath
- [07:22] - Exodus and the Manna Test
- [09:29] - God's Provision and Testing
- [12:49] - The Commandment of the Sabbath
- [16:23] - New Testament Insights
- [19:42] - Colossians and Romans on the Sabbath
- [23:00] - Modern Observance of the Sabbath
- [28:18] - Personal Reflections on the Sabbath
- [32:01] - Lessons from Chick-fil-A
- [36:25] - Tithing and Trusting God
- [40:21] - Living Differently as Believers
- [44:23] - Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ezekiel 44:23
2. Genesis 2:1-3
3. Exodus 16:1-30

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ezekiel 44:23, what specific role were the Levites given concerning the sacred and the common? How does this relate to our understanding of sacredness today? [00:20]

2. According to Genesis 2:1-3, what did God do on the seventh day, and how did He distinguish it from the other days? [05:23]

3. In Exodus 16, how did God test the Israelites' trust in His provision with the manna? What were the instructions given for gathering it? [09:29]

4. How does the sermon describe the modern use of the word "awesome," and what does this suggest about our perception of sacredness? [01:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might be the significance of God setting apart the seventh day as holy in Genesis 2? How does this act of distinction teach us about God's character and intentions for humanity? [06:24]

2. How does the story of manna in Exodus 16 illustrate the concept of trusting in God's provision? What lessons can be drawn from the Israelites' response to God's instructions? [14:32]

3. The sermon mentions that the New Testament perspective on the Sabbath is not about legalistic observance but about rest in Christ. How does this understanding affect the way we view the Sabbath today? [21:16]

4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the practice of the Sabbath in light of differing personal convictions, as mentioned in Romans 14? [22:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have blurred the lines between what is sacred and what is common? How can you begin to reclaim a sense of sacredness in your daily activities? [01:34]

2. The sermon emphasizes the Sabbath as a gift and a test of faith. How can you incorporate a regular Sabbath rest into your weekly routine, and what challenges might you face in doing so? [29:50]

3. Consider the New Testament's teaching on the Sabbath. How can you find rest in Christ amidst a busy schedule, and what practical steps can you take to ensure this rest is a priority? [21:16]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of not judging others regarding their Sabbath practices. How can you foster a spirit of encouragement and understanding within your community when it comes to differing convictions about the Sabbath? [31:05]

5. Reflect on the story of Chick-fil-A's commitment to closing on Sundays. How does this example challenge your understanding of faith and business practices? Are there areas in your life where you can demonstrate similar trust in God's provision? [33:25]

6. The sermon mentions the importance of being fully convinced in one's own mind about the Sabbath. What steps can you take to seek God's guidance and develop a personal conviction about how to observe the Sabbath? [27:41]

7. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's provision, as seen in the story of manna, to your financial decisions and generosity? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this principle? [37:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Sacred in Everyday Life
In our fast-paced world, the lines between what is sacred and what is common often become blurred. This distinction is not merely a matter of semantics but a call to live a life set apart for God. In Ezekiel 44:23, God instructs the Levites to teach His people the difference between the holy and the common. This teaching is crucial because, in our modern world, everything tends to blend together, and we lose the sense of sacredness. Words like "awesome" are used so casually that they lose their true meaning when applied to God. We must reclaim the sacredness in our lives, especially in our worship and devotion to God. By doing so, we honor God and live a life that reflects His holiness. [00:20]

Leviticus 10:10 (ESV): "You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have allowed the sacred to become common? How can you intentionally restore a sense of sacredness to this area today?


Day 2: Embracing the Sabbath as a Divine Gift
The Sabbath is a divine gift, a day set apart for rest and reflection. It is a reminder of God's provision and a call to trust Him with our time. Observing the Sabbath is not about legalism but about embracing the rest and peace found in God. Reflecting on the Sabbath, we see the first instance of God distinguishing the sacred from the common in Genesis 2. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, blessing it and making it holy. This act of setting apart the seventh day as holy is a profound lesson for us. It teaches us to trust in God's provision and to rest in His presence. [05:23]

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 intentionally set aside time this week to rest and reflect on God's provision in your life? What practical steps can you take to honor the Sabbath as a gift from God?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Provision
Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for us today. The Sabbath is a test of faith, challenging us to trust in His provision and to cease from our labors. It is an opportunity to deepen our reliance on Him. In Exodus 16, God tests the Israelites by providing manna from heaven, instructing them to gather only what they need for each day. This test was to see if they would trust in His provision. Similarly, in our lives, God calls us to trust Him with our time and resources. [14:32]

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV): "And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's provision? How can you take a step of faith today to rely more fully on Him?


Day 4: Finding Rest in Christ
The New Testament teaches us that the Sabbath is not about rigid observance but about the rest we find in Christ. We are encouraged to be fully convinced in our own minds and to practice the Sabbath in a way that honors God. Colossians 2 and Romans 14 remind us not to judge one another regarding the Sabbath but to be fully convinced in our own minds. The Sabbath is a personal conviction, a practice that should lead us to deeper trust and reliance on God. [21:16]

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you find rest in Christ amidst your daily responsibilities and challenges? What changes can you make to ensure that your practice of the Sabbath leads you to deeper trust in God?


Day 5: Living a Life Set Apart
As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently from the world. Observing the Sabbath is one way we demonstrate our trust in God and our commitment to His ways. It is a practice that sets us apart and shines as a light in the darkness. By living a life set apart, we reflect God's holiness and draw others to Him. Let us pray for wisdom and guidance, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be deceived or off track. May we be a people set apart, living differently from the world, and shining as lights in the darkness. [40:21]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: In what ways can you live a life that is set apart for God this week? How can your actions and attitudes reflect His holiness to those around you?

Quotes


I shared earlier how God called the Levites to minister to him and we shared a few weeks ago how the role of the levite or the priest was in e in Ezekiel 44:23 it says they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean. [00:00:03]

God says one of the things we want to do he he tells the Levites what the things I want you to do is to teach the people what is Holy and what is common because everything can get mixed together and we're not very good with like reserving words for the Lord and so words like awesome mean very little. [00:00:36]

It really wasn't until this week that I realized the first time God really does that is in the Book of Genesis and in Genesis chapter 2 in Genesis chap 2 it says thus the heavens and the Earth were finished and all the host of them and on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done. [00:04:54]

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 so God says he created the world in six days and then on the seventh day he rested. [00:05:34]

In Exodus 16, God tests the Israelites by providing manna from heaven, instructing them to gather only what they need for each day. This test was to see if they would trust in His provision. Similarly, in our lives, God calls us to trust Him with our time and resources. [00:09:29]

The Sabbath is a test of faith, a reminder that God is our provider and that His commands lead to life. As we seek to honor the Sabbath, let us not judge one another but encourage each other to find rest in God. Let us pray for wisdom and guidance, asking God to reveal any areas where we may be deceived or off track. [00:14:32]

The New Testament offers a perspective on the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is not about legalistic observance but about the rest we find in Christ. Colossians 2 and Romans 14 remind us not to judge one another regarding the Sabbath but to be fully convinced in our own minds. [00:21:16]

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently from the world. Observing the Sabbath is one way we demonstrate our trust in God and our commitment to His ways. It is a practice that sets us apart and shines as a light in the darkness. [00:40:21]

I started praying to God I go God show me where I'm off show me things in my life that just aren't right and it's been an amazing journey it's been such a lifegiving journey where I'm just praying God show me where I'm deceived because we've all believed things that are not true. [00:03:08]

And but we find out later I'm like God I want to know now I want to know now every way in which I'm off please show it to me and it's been so good I thought it it hasn't been like this harsh beat me up show me everything I'm doing wrong but everything he's shown me actually leads to life. [00:03:32]

And in talking about distinguishing between what is common and what is sacred it really wasn't until this week that I realized the first time God really does that is in the Book of Genesis and in Genesis chapter 2 in Genesis chap 2 it says thus the heavens and the Earth were finished. [00:04:49]

And all the host of them 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. [00:05:34]

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Transcript
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