Sabbath is first and foremost about the freedom to live our lives on God’s terms for us rather than living in bondage to anyone, anything, or any culture… God’s heart is not to restrict you, but to set you free!

REVIEW: Sabbath Produces Contentment

READ: Philippians 4:11... “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”

DISCUSS:
What areas or relationships in your life do you struggle with being content? Why do you think you struggle in these things and how can you allow God to help you in those areas?

REVIEW: Sabbath Produces Connection

READ: Exodus 31:13... “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”

DISCUSS:
What are some challenges you have experienced when trying to connect with God? How can establishing a Sabbath help?

REVIEW: Sabbath Produces Restoration

READ: Romans 12:2... “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

DISCUSS:
What areas in your life do you struggle with when you are depleted of energy and strength (mentally/physically/emotionally)? How do you think practicing a Sabbath help?

ASK

What else from this week’s message was particularly memorable?

_PRAY

Jesus, helps us break free of the idols of productivity and busyness. Teach us to find our value in the Father’s unconditional love for us. We want to experience the blessing of a relationship with you filled with grace and love! In Your name we pray, Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

Practicing the Sabbath allows our hearts and minds space to truly rest, this in turn strengthens us. Because starting to practice Sabbath can feel overwhelming… Here are a few steps you can take to ease into the practice of Sabbath:

Start small: If taking a whole day to Sabbath sounds impossible, start with a smaller time increment. Five minutes is probably too short to experience the benefits of Sabbath, but an hour or two is long enough to let your soul breathe and connect with God in a deeper way.

Stay consistent: Choose the same day and time period every time you practice Sabbath of any length. This makes it much easier to plan ahead and adapt to the practice.

Make preparations: It’s easy to feel like some things just have to get done. Try to find time to do these kinds of things beforehand, or plan time after, so that you can reap the full benefit of your Sabbath time.

Be intentional: Think about how you will Sabbath ahead of time, so that it doesn’t just turn into mental absence or wasted time. Any Sabbath should include elements of ceasing work, finding rest, reflecting on life, and delighting in life.

Grow gradually: It takes a couple of months on average for our brains to form new habits. As you practice something small and allow that to become natural, consider increasing your time until you are used to taking a full 24-hour period.

One of the main functions of sabbath-keeping is to give us a regular, built-in opportunity for remembering who we are and to whom we belong.