COD - May 23, 2024 Genesis Part 3

Genesis 2:1–3 (ESV)

The Seventh Day, God Rests

2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 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. 3 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.

Meeting Purpose

Discuss the importance of rest and work-life balance from a biblical perspective

Key Takeaways

God rested on the 7th day after creation to set an example for periodic rest, not because He was tired

The Sabbath was meant to point towards salvation through Christ, not strict rule-following

Christians shifted from observing the 7th day Sabbath to the 1st day (Sunday) to commemorate Christ's resurrection

Rest allows us to refocus, recharge, and reconnect with God amidst the busyness of life

Developing habits of daily reflection, gratitude, and planning for the next day can help incorporate rest

Topics

Biblical Perspective on Rest

Genesis 2 describes God resting on the 7th day after completing creation, setting a pattern

The Hebrew words suggest completion and cessation of work, not fatigue

God rested to set an example for humans to periodically rest, not because He needed it

Sabbath Debates

Some groups argue keeping the 7th day Sabbath is still required based on Old Testament commands

But Jesus pointed to the Sabbath being made for man's benefit, not strict rule-following

Early Christians shifted to observing the 1st day (Sunday) to commemorate Christ's resurrection

Purpose of Rest

The Sabbath pointed forward to the rest found in salvation through Christ

Rest allows refocusing on God, recharging, and celebrating redemption

Busyness in ministry can inadvertently lead to spiritual dryness without intentional rest

Developing Habits of Rest

Start each day with prayer, Bible reading, and reflection

Examine emotions, actions, and spiritual movements throughout the day

End the day with gratitude and planning for the next

Consistently make time for personal worship and prayer

See rest as part of life's rhythm, not a constraint

Next Steps

Implement daily habits of reflection, gratitude, and planning

Prioritize regular times of personal worship and connection with God

View rest not as unproductive, but vital for spiritual health and celebrating redemption

Anchor the weekly schedule with regular worship in a local church.

Augment times of rest with personal worship in prayer and Bible reading.

Make your rest consistent but not constricted.

Learn to see rest in the context of your entire life.

To summarize, God calls us to rest just as he calls us to work.

He wants to bless our relationship with him by giving us time to experience his presence and celebrate our redemption.

As believers who love our Lord, we worship him and grow in devotion when we find time for rest.

It may not be today, but it should be soon.

Develop habits of Sabbath rest so those times of celebration are never far away.

Dr. Michael Burer, associate professor of New Testament Studies at DTS, https://voice.dts.edu/article/rest-and-rejoice-christian-take-on-sabbath