WEEK 2 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

The practices that changed me: stories of everyday transformation. Sabbath.

Introduction:

Today, our culture views work as an end in itself. It supplies our identity and gives a sense of direction to our lives—this idea of work as our purpose cripples our chances of finding fulfillment. Our work is never done, and the constant drive to prove ourselves destroys our ability to find rest. It can impact our relationship with those around us, ourselves, and with God.

Something To Talk About:

Finding time to rest is vital for cultivating a healthy relationship with God. Rest, both physical and spiritual, allows for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation —essential components for deepening one’s faith and relationship with the divine.

Sabbath reminds us who provides for us: The Sabbath is a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate provider for our needs. By observing the Sabbath, we declare our trust in God’s provision and detach ourselves from the pressure of constant productivity. No other society in ancient times took a day off, because survival was often a day-to-day, season-to-season affair. But God commanded His people to observe a Sabbath because He wanted to remind them that He bore the true responsibility of providing for them. God has set up the world so that most of the provision we experience comes from the work that we do. Because of this, we can very easily begin to assume that we are the ones who bear the responsibility of taking care of ourselves. Like the other ancient cultures, we don’t think we can take a day off because our lives depend on being “on” every day of the week. But that kind of responsibility isn’t ours. God bears that responsibility—and so we take a day off each week to declare that. Sabbath is a counter-cultural declaration of trust. I don’t rest because everything is done. I rest because God has promised that if I do it, He’ll make up for the rest.
Sabbath builds trust that God can do more with your 6, than you can with 7: We have such an amazing gift. Sabbath, ultimately, is a reminder that God can do more in six days than we can do in seven. God’s power and ability to accomplish things far surpass human capacity. It suggests that surrendering control of time and trusting in God’s plan can lead to outcomes beyond what one could achieve on their own. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” It is an opportunity to bring your needs to the Lord. Bring your dreams to the Lord. Bring your goals to the Lord. Bring your desires to the Lord. He can do more with those than you can. D.L. Moody once said, “Bring your life to God. He can do more with it than you can.” Taking a day of rest is not unproductive but rather an essential part of a healthy work-life rhythm that God designed.
Sabbath brings you closer to the people and Presence you long for: Observing the Sabbath can strengthen relationships with others and deepen one’s connection with God. It’s a time to step away from the busyness of daily life and focus on relationships with loved ones and the wider community. This can involve shared meals, worship, connecting with nature, or simply spending quality time with friends and family. By setting aside the Sabbath, individuals create space to recharge and refocus on what is truly important in life. This rest allows for a deeper appreciation of God’s creation and His blessings. The Sabbath is not just about personal benefit but also about fulfilling God’s commandment to honor and rest, which in turn strengthens families and communities. It’s a time to step away from the pressures of the world and find joy and peace in God’s presence and fellowship with others.
Sabbath is an invitation to deep joy and soul rest. Sabbath observance is an invitation to experience deep joy and soul rest. It’s a time set apart for ceasing from work and other activities, allowing for spiritual renewal, reflection, and connection with God and others. In Exodus 20, Moses relays God’s commandment: “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” This commandment, part of the Ten Commandments, emphasizes the importance of setting aside one day a week for rest and reverence of God, mirroring God’s rest after creating the world. The passage explains that in six days, God created heaven and earth, and rested on the seventh, blessing and sanctifying that day. What does it mean that we worship a God who rests? The Sabbath is intended for us to meditate on, enjoy, and revel in the reality of Genesis 2:1 3 — that God is a God of rest. God took a seat. That’s what we’re supposed to remember — God is the ultimate provider, and that you don’t need to strive constantly to achieve success or meet your needs. The Sabbath provides a space for reflection, prayer, and worship, allowing individuals to deepen their relationship with God and realign their hearts with His purposes.

Discussion Questions:

Does it surprise you to see the concept of Sabbath appear throughout Scripture? What reference stood out the most?
Why do you think God and Jesus practiced the Sabbath?
What are some practical ways to observe the Sabbath, and how can these be tailored to different life stages and contexts?
How can we avoid making the Sabbath just about following rules, and instead focus on experiencing God’s rest and renewal?
What are some potential barriers to observing the Sabbath, and how can we overcome them?
What does it look like to practice the Sabbath in community with other believers?
What are the benefits of observing the Sabbath, both for our physical and spiritual well-being?
How can the Sabbath help us to focus on what truly matters and resist the distractions of the world?
How can the Sabbath help us to experience God’s peace and presence in our lives?
How can observing the Sabbath impact our relationships with others?
What specific actions can we take in the coming week to implement what we’ve learned about the Sabbath?

Take one thing home with you:

Observing the Sabbath, a day of rest, is important for several reasons, including its benefits to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It provides a necessary break from work and worldly concerns, allowing for physical and mental rejuvenation. Yet, the purpose of the Sabbath isn’t only to rest from work. The reason for the Sabbath is to dedicate a day of the week to focus on God. It is a sacred day to spend in worship and reverence. Not only will this strengthen your relationship with the Lord, but it will also prevent you from feeling stressed and exhausted, keeping your eyes on what is most important. The Sabbath offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection, connecting with God, and strengthening relationships with others.