The Sabbath: A Universal Creation Ordinance for Humanity

 

Summary

In our exploration of the Sabbath and its relationship to the Lord's Day, we delve into the foundational question of the Sabbath's origin. This inquiry is crucial because how we understand the Sabbath's beginnings in the Old Testament significantly influences our perception of its role in the New Testament. The Sabbath is not merely a Mosaic institution but is deeply rooted in creation itself. This is evident from the two versions of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. While Deuteronomy emphasizes the Sabbath as a remembrance of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, Exodus ties it to God's creative work, reminding us that the Sabbath is a creation ordinance.

The creation narrative in Genesis 2 reveals that God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, not for Himself, but for humanity. This pattern of working six days and resting on the seventh is a divine blueprint for human living. The seven-day week, unlike days, months, and years, is not dictated by natural phenomena but by divine revelation, underscoring its significance. Historical attempts, like during the French Revolution, to alter this pattern have failed, highlighting its deep-rooted presence in human practice.

Before the Mosaic Law, evidence of Sabbath observance is seen in Genesis and Exodus, indicating its pre-Sinai existence. The Sabbath, therefore, is not just a Jewish institution but a universal one, intended for all humanity. Jesus affirmed this by stating that the Sabbath was made for man, not just for Israel. This universality challenges any notion of dismissing the Sabbath as merely a Mosaic law.

In the New Testament, particularly in Romans 14, Paul addresses the issue of days and dietary practices among believers. While some regard certain days as special, others see all days alike. This discussion, however, is not about the Sabbath but about personal convictions and practices among believers. The broader context of Romans 13 and 14 is about living in moderation and love, not indulging in excess. Paul's emphasis is on unity and love among believers, regardless of their personal practices concerning days and food.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Sabbath's origin is rooted in creation, not merely in the Mosaic Law. This understanding emphasizes its universal application for all humanity, as it was established by God as a pattern for living, reflecting His creative work. [04:32]

2. The seven-day week is a divine revelation, not a natural phenomenon, highlighting its significance as a creation ordinance. This pattern is deeply embedded in human history and practice, underscoring its importance. [07:54]

3. The Sabbath is a creation ordinance, intended for all humanity, not just for Israel. Jesus affirmed this universality, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, highlighting its ongoing relevance. [11:46]

4. In Romans 14, Paul's discussion on days and dietary practices is about personal convictions among believers, not about the Sabbath. The emphasis is on love and unity, respecting differing practices within the body of Christ. [19:22]

5. The broader context of Romans 13 and 14 is about living in moderation and avoiding excess. Paul's teaching encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, focusing on love and unity rather than divisive practices. [22:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Foundational Questions on the Sabbath
- [00:48] - The Sabbath in Deuteronomy
- [01:55] - The Sabbath in Exodus
- [03:32] - Creation and the Sabbath
- [04:32] - The Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance
- [06:33] - Evidence of Pre-Sinai Sabbath Observance
- [07:54] - The Seven-Day Week as Divine Revelation
- [09:09] - The Sabbath's Universal Application
- [11:46] - Jesus and the Sabbath
- [12:30] - The New Testament Perspective
- [13:23] - Old Testament Sabbath Observance
- [15:50] - The Origin of the Sabbath
- [17:10] - Romans 14: Days and Dietary Practices
- [19:22] - Love and Unity Among Believers
- [22:46] - Living in Moderation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:1-3
2. Exodus 20:8-11
3. Romans 14:5-6

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Genesis 2:1-3, what did God do on the seventh day, and what significance does this have for humanity? [04:17]

2. How does the version of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:8-11 differ in its reasoning for the Sabbath compared to Deuteronomy 5? [01:55]

3. In Romans 14:5-6, what does Paul say about how different believers view certain days, and what is his main point in this discussion? [17:10]

4. What evidence is there in the Old Testament that the Sabbath was observed before the Mosaic Law was given at Sinai? [08:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of the Sabbath as a creation ordinance, rather than just a Mosaic law, affect its relevance for Christians today? [11:17]

2. What does it mean that the seven-day week is a divine revelation rather than a natural phenomenon, and how does this impact our understanding of time and rest? [07:54]

3. How does Paul's discussion in Romans 14 about personal convictions and practices among believers relate to the broader theme of unity and love in the church? [19:22]

4. Why might the universality of the Sabbath, as affirmed by Jesus, challenge the notion of dismissing it as merely a Jewish institution? [11:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current practice of rest. How can you incorporate the principle of the Sabbath as a time for rest and reflection on God's creative work in your weekly routine? [06:17]

2. In what ways can you honor the Sabbath as a creation ordinance in your life, beyond simply attending church services? Consider practical steps you can take to make the day holy. [10:04]

3. How can you foster unity and love within your church community, especially when there are differing opinions on practices such as observing certain days or dietary choices? [19:22]

4. Think about a time when you felt pressured to conform to others' convictions about religious practices. How can you balance respecting others' beliefs while staying true to your own convictions? [17:42]

5. Identify one area in your life where you tend to indulge in excess. What steps can you take to live in moderation, as Paul encourages in Romans 13 and 14? [22:46]

6. How can you use the Sabbath as a time to focus on God's deliverance and creative work, rather than just a day off from work? What specific activities or practices could help you achieve this? [03:14]

7. Consider the role of the Sabbath in your spiritual growth. How can you use this time to deepen your relationship with God and reflect on His purposes for your life? [10:17]

Devotional

Day 1: The Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance
The Sabbath's origin is deeply rooted in creation, not merely in the Mosaic Law. This understanding emphasizes its universal application for all humanity, as it was established by God as a pattern for living, reflecting His creative work. The creation narrative in Genesis 2 reveals that God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, not for Himself, but for humanity. This pattern of working six days and resting on the seventh is a divine blueprint for human living. Recognizing the Sabbath as a creation ordinance helps us see its significance beyond cultural or religious boundaries, inviting all people to enter into God's rest. [04:32]

"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." (Exodus 20:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine that honors the Sabbath as a creation ordinance?


Day 2: The Seven-Day Week as Divine Revelation
The seven-day week is a divine revelation, not a natural phenomenon, highlighting its significance as a creation ordinance. Unlike days, months, and years, which are dictated by natural phenomena, the seven-day week is a unique pattern given by God. Historical attempts to alter this pattern, such as during the French Revolution, have failed, underscoring its deep-rooted presence in human practice. This divine revelation invites us to align our lives with God's design, recognizing the importance of rest and reflection in our weekly rhythm. [07:54]

"And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." (Genesis 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you honor the divine pattern of the seven-day week in your life, ensuring that rest and reflection are integral parts of your routine?


Day 3: The Sabbath's Universal Application
The Sabbath is a creation ordinance, intended for all humanity, not just for Israel. Jesus affirmed this universality, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, highlighting its ongoing relevance. Before the Mosaic Law, evidence of Sabbath observance is seen in Genesis and Exodus, indicating its pre-Sinai existence. This universality challenges any notion of dismissing the Sabbath as merely a Mosaic law, inviting all people to experience the rest and renewal that God intended from the beginning. [11:46]

"And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'" (Mark 2:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace the Sabbath as a gift from God intended for your well-being and spiritual renewal?


Day 4: Love and Unity Among Believers
In Romans 14, Paul's discussion on days and dietary practices is about personal convictions among believers, not about the Sabbath. The emphasis is on love and unity, respecting differing practices within the body of Christ. Paul encourages believers to live in moderation and love, avoiding excess and division. This teaching invites us to focus on what unites us as followers of Christ, rather than allowing differences in practice to create division. [19:22]

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you promote love and unity within your community, especially when differences in practice or belief arise?


Day 5: Living in Moderation
The broader context of Romans 13 and 14 is about living in moderation and avoiding excess. Paul's teaching encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, focusing on love and unity rather than divisive practices. This call to moderation invites us to examine our lives, ensuring that our actions and choices reflect our commitment to Christ and His teachings. By living in moderation, we can better serve God and others, fostering a community marked by love and grace. [22:46]

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy." (Romans 13:13, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life might need more moderation to better reflect your commitment to Christ and His teachings?

Quotes



In Deuteronomy 5, Moses is stressing the connection between Sabbath and remembering the Lord's deliverance of Israel from the house of bondage. And if this was the only version of the Ten Commandments that we had, we might well be tempted to think that the Sabbath begins with Moses at Sinai because the whole purpose of the Sabbath would be to remember that God delivered us from Egypt. [00:38:08]

Exodus 20 reminds us that the Sabbath is also to remind us about the creative work of God, about God the Creator. And so we read in Exodus chapter 20 at verse 11, "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." [00:41:59]

When God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, for whom did He do that? Did He do it for Himself? Well, God doesn't really live in days, does He? God doesn't really live in time. God lives in eternity, and all of God's existence is blessed and holy, right? He doesn't have some times more blessed than others, some days more holy than others. [00:54:48]

The way we human beings measure time in most instances is established by nature. So, what's a day? Well, it's 24 hours of night and day, a day of darkness and light. You don't have to have the Bible to know what a day is. We have months as human beings that's related to the moon and lunar orbit. [01:08:39]

A seven-day week is established by revelation. We are called to have a seven-day week by God because of the imprint of His creative work on our lives. At the time of the French Revolution, one of the things the revolutionaries tried to do was get rid of the seven-day week. They wanted to put the world on a metric system even back then. [01:17:36]

The root of the Sabbath is in creation, and our reformed fathers by and large said that the Sabbath is a creation ordinance, that there are certain things established in creation that stay with mankind all through its experience and life. The family is one of those creation ordinances, and that's why the attack on the family is so serious in our contemporary world. [01:30:55]

The Sabbath also is a creation ordinance from creation, not from the fall, not from redemption, but from creation itself. We are called to set aside time for serving God and worshiping Him in the world that He created. Even if we hadn't fallen in this world, we would be called to keep the Sabbath day holy. [01:38:32]

The Sabbath is grounded in God's creative work, that God blessed it and made it holy from creation. That means, of course, that it's not just for the Jews. There's something universal about the Sabbath for all mankind, and it is interesting that Jesus said that He was Lord of the Sabbath and that God had made the Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath. [01:56:40]

The institution itself for us in creation, and that's crucial because it means it's a little harder to dismiss it. We know the New Testament tells us that there are many Mosaic institutions that are fulfilled and no longer imposed on Christians, but this is not simply a Mosaic institution, and that's why we have to look much more carefully at the New Testament material. [02:09:12]

The Sabbath in the Old Testament is not governed by a huge number of really specific rules. I think we sometimes get the impression that somehow the Sabbath in the Old Testament is governed by rule after rule after rule, some of them very, very picky. That's really not true. The Sabbath statements in the Old Testament are pretty broad: stop working. [02:23:36]

The basic is you're to just stop your ordinary work. For women, the ordinary work for most women in the Old Testament would have been very much about the life of the house and cooking, and clearly, this is meant to relieve them of some of that. Men had all sorts of labor, and they are to stop that, stop thinking about that, stop focusing on that. [02:30:08]

I think it's really quite clear that it says the origin of the Sabbath is creation, and therefore notions of setting it aside in the new covenant cannot be convincingly argued simply from verses that say we're not bound by Moses because the Sabbath is not an institution of Moses. It's an institution that Moses had things to say about, but it existed well before Moses. [02:39:20]

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Transcript
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