Being a Balanced people

Genesis 2:1-3 and selected texts

February 10, 2008

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Study Guide

This weeks’ Biblical Way of Being: Being a balanced people.

Our fast-paced lives have not satisfied us at the deepest levels.

Rhythms of rest are built into creation (Genesis 2:1-2).
God rests, not for himself, but for us.

You were created for rest then work.

God created work to rise out of rest, more so than rest being the end of work.

Adam’s first full day was spent doing nothing.

Even in the daily cycle, sleep came before work.  “And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.”  Genesis 1:31

Sabbath rest is God’s holy gift to you (Genesis 2:3).

The command to enjoy sabbath rest is for our own benefit, it’s a gift.

Ignoring sabbath rest is deadly. – Exodus 31:14

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”  - Mark 2:27

What does practicing sabbath rest look like today?

The Biblical call for weekly sabbath is to bring rest and renewal to our bodies, minds and emotions and to align us afresh with God.

Practical suggestions for practicing sabbath

Practicing sabbath will involve ceasing certain things...

Unsure what would be good to cease ...ask yourself these questions: What activity in my life has lost its value because of overuse?  What do I depend on or do so frequently during the week that I could live one day without?

Practicing sabbath will involve engaging in other things...

Wondering what you should do during your sabbath time?  Try these questions:

1. Does it promote rest and/or relaxation?
2. Does it bring delight and enjoyment?
3. Does it give you a greater awareness of and intimacy with God?