The Gift of Rest - Sermon Discussion Guide
The Gift of Rest - Matt. 11:28-30
The fundamental way we are formed by God is by resting in Christ. Those that rest with Christ and learn with Christ will progressively look more like Christ. The beginning of formation and transformation is obeying the comforting call of Jesus who says “come to me.” Our minds, souls, and bodies need the rest that comes only in Jesus. As we embrace the true rest of Jesus’s gospel, we then live out a place of rest in the heart that shapes how we live and represent him in the world.
Discussion Questions:
What's most interesting to you about Matthew 11:28-30?
Why is Jesus's offer of rest foundational to our formation and the Christian life?
What healthy and unhealthy forms of rest do you gravitate toward? How is Jesus and his rest unique?
What practical barriers keep you from embracing rest with Jesus? What heart-level barriers keep you from embracing rest with Jesus?
What sort of plans and practices can you make to experience Jesus and his rest?
Practicing Sabbath
These are adapted from The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Cahlhoun.
Desire: to set apart one day a week for rest and worship of God
Definition: Sabbath is God's gift of repetitive and regular rest. It is given for our delight and communion with God. Time for being in the midst of a life of doing particularly characterizes the Sabbath.
Scripture:: Mark 2:27; Hebrews 4:1,9-11; Exodus 20:8-10
Practice: Sabbath
Plan: a 24-hour sabbath (or shorter time if needed) you can look forward to experiencing. Consider the things that would nourish and fill you: worship music, a nap, a walk in nature, reading, coffee with a friend, playing a board game. Plan them spaciously into the day.
Gather: your family, friends, or small group together and discuss how to arrange your sabbath for renewal and relationships. Ask, “How can we help each other leave the school and work week behind?”
Let everyone share one thing they love to do on Sunday.
If getting to church is a hurried time that brings distress to the family, spend some time talking together about how to take the pressure off “getting out the door on time.” What can be done the night before to make it easier to get going in the morning?
How can you approach sabbaths in ways that you do not force, rush, or demand?
Mark: your sabbath by lighting a candle or sharing a prayer to begin your day.
Invite the presence of Christ to guide you through your sabbath.
Have your sabbath candle in a prominent place visible for all to see throughout your day.
Print your sabbath prayer on a card and display it only on sabbath.
Enjoy your sabbath day doing nothing but reveling in the generosity of God. Awake gently to your sabbath day. If it is possible, do not set an alarm.
Let your body wake naturally. As you grow in your awareness of a new day thank God for being graced with this opportunity to rest in Him.
Practicing Slowing
Desire: to curb my addiction to busyness, hurry and workaholism; to learn to enjoy the moment
Definition: Slowing is one way to overcome inner hurriedness and addiction to busyness.
Scripture: Psalm 46:10; Mark 6:31; Psalm 90:12
Practice (Try one or all):
When you wake up, before your head leaves the pillow, offer to God the 3 big concerns of the day. Ask to care for them as you go through the day. When worries creep in, return to that moment when you offered them to God and enter the rest of knowing he is in control.
Note when you check your phone needlessly. Turn those times into moments to rehearse, recite, or pray Matt. 11:28-30.
Resist shortcuts. Try some of the following:
1 // Drive in the slow lane.
2 // Choose the longest line at the grocery store.
3 // Eat more slowly.
4 // Sit at the table after dinner and talk.
5 // Take a longer shower.
6 // Create buffer time in between appointments.
7 // Read the Bible slowly, taking time to consider each word and phrase.
8 // Drive the long way home.
9 // Invite your kids to help with a task.
10 // Call someone on the phone instead of texting.
