QUESTION: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments?
ANSWER: Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.
WARM-UP
Last week's Discipleship Tool ended with this question: “This week notice how the culture around us and our own flesh pushes us either towards idolatry or “vain” worship. List these pressures and talk about them next week at FG.” Did you notice any of these pressures while at work or around the city?
Take a few minutes and give yourself a weekly time audit.
WORD
BIG IDEA
READ
Exodus 20: 7-12
WATCH/LISTEN
ANSWER: Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.
WARM-UP
Last week's Discipleship Tool ended with this question: “This week notice how the culture around us and our own flesh pushes us either towards idolatry or “vain” worship. List these pressures and talk about them next week at FG.” Did you notice any of these pressures while at work or around the city?
Take a few minutes and give yourself a weekly time audit.
- Where did you spend most of your time this week? List the top three categories.
- How much time did you dedicate to rest? What does that rest look like for you?
WORD
BIG IDEA
- The word "Sabbath" means to stop, cease, or rest.
- We are forbidden to overwork ourselves.
- Human beings, as we are created in God’s image, are designed for and need rest. This is woven into our creation.
- The pattern of Sabbath day points to a deeper rest, which means that the burden of having to earn our salvation or prove ourselves is lifted from us.
READ
Exodus 20: 7-12
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep 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, 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.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep 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, 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.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
WATCH/LISTEN
OLD SELF
What are the times or circumstances in your life that you actually need rest the most? What are your go-to remedies when you are overworked, overtired, or out of time?
NEW SELF
The Sermon mentioned three things to know about Sabbath:
Questions:
WORLD
This week try out a Sabbath rest. Set aside some time to spend with your family or friends doing what brings about enjoyment, nurtures your body and soul with God, with dedicated time to remember what God has done for you.
PRAYER
Life-Giving Father, we will flourish only when we walk in your ways. You have made us, and you tell us we need rest. Keep us from justifying ourselves through ceaseless work. Give us humility to honor our parents. May we always live by your commands rather than by our own instincts. Amen.
What are the times or circumstances in your life that you actually need rest the most? What are your go-to remedies when you are overworked, overtired, or out of time?
NEW SELF
The Sermon mentioned three things to know about Sabbath:
- We need regular patterns and habits of rest to realign. This helps us focus on what is actually ultimate and take advantage of the real and present opportunities.
- We need to create space for enjoyment. To rest means to fully enjoy what is in front of us.
- It is a chance for us to remember our redemption. This is a space to remember what God has done in our lives. To remember what God did for us to bring us into a relationship with him.
Questions:
- For us as Christians, looking back at the pattern that God set for us, what about the Sabbath is interesting or exciting to you? Do you notice any aspects of your life that would benefit from starting or establishing this practice?
- What would an ideal Sabbath day look like for you?
WORLD
This week try out a Sabbath rest. Set aside some time to spend with your family or friends doing what brings about enjoyment, nurtures your body and soul with God, with dedicated time to remember what God has done for you.
PRAYER
Life-Giving Father, we will flourish only when we walk in your ways. You have made us, and you tell us we need rest. Keep us from justifying ourselves through ceaseless work. Give us humility to honor our parents. May we always live by your commands rather than by our own instincts. Amen.