Give Me Strength
“Rest Through Sabbath”
Isaiah 40:28-31

Isaiah 40:28-31

Christians need to practice and experience the Sabbath rest.

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God” –Hebrews 4:9

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” –Ephesians 5:1 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28

A healthy Christ-follower needs:
Spiritual rest
Physical rest 
Emotional rest 
Relational rest 

There are some real, subconscious beliefs that push against us living into this gift God has given us.

Avoid these traps:
“Busy is better”
“So much to do”
“If I don’t … I won’t …”
“My children will miss out”  

Old Testament and Sabbath

“he said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’ ” … See! The LORD has given you the Sabbath; therefore, on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.” –Exodus 16:23, 29-30

1. God provides; therefore, we can rest.
2. Sabbath is about being able to let go and trust.

“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.” –Isaiah 58:13-14 

1. Sabbath is obedience.
2. Sabbath bestows honor and it yields delight.

New Testament and Sabbath

“And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” –Mark 2:27-28 

1. Be careful not to impose legalistic regulations.
2. The Sabbath was made for us to enjoy, not we made for the Sabbath.

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” –Colossians 2:16-17

1. Be careful not to judge others with regard to the Sabbath.
2. We’re set free to creatively express Sabbath as part of our life in the Kingdom of God.

First Focus of Sabbath: Cease
Replace labor with relaxation.	
Replace distraction with attentiveness.	
Replace work with play. 

Second Focus of Sabbath: Rest
Spiritually refreshing rest. 
Physically refreshing rest.
Emotionally refreshing rest.
Relationally refreshing rest.

Third Focus of Sabbath: Embrace
Embrace your identity. 
Embrace your calling.
Embrace your journey. 
  
Fourth Focus of Sabbath: Celebrate
Celebrate in ways that bring you joy.
Celebrate what gives you meaning and purpose.
Celebrate the people and the gifts God has given you.

Make Sabbath the highlight of your week!
Anticipate and prepare for Sabbath during the week.
Begin Sabbath the night before.
Celebrate Sabbath fully and intentionally.  
Remember Sabbath once it’s over.    

On December 31, 2023, I want to be able to say:
I ran the race with endurance, because I learned how to rest in God.
I lived wisely, because I hid God’s Word in my heart.
I grew in grace, as I spent time with God in prayer. 
I became stronger, because of the circle of friends around me.

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View our list of Sabbath resources and creative suggestions:
https://fairhaven.church/sabbath