Why Can’t We Stop?

June 3rd, 2024 by Office | Posted in Uncategorized |

Questions for Reflection and Group Discussion

Richard Wallace - June 2, 2024

Why Can't We Stop?

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Scripture References: Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 16:22-30, Exodus 16:4

From Series: "Sabbath Delight "

Sabbath Delight: Discovering Joy and Purpose in God’s Gift of Rest In a world that never seems to slow down, even our involvement in church activities can contribute to our sense of relentless busyness. Yet, deep within our faith in Jesus lies an extraordinary gift—the gift of Sabbath. This divine invitation calls us to stop, find true rest, embrace deeper connections, and celebrate the God who created us, redeemed us, and has an incredible future in store for us. Join us for our sermon series, "Sabbath Delight: Discovering Joy and Purpose in God’s Gift of Rest," as we collectively embrace the Sabbath and uncover the gospel joy and purpose it brings to our lives as a community.

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Read Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 16:4, 22-30 (ESV):

 Genesis 2:1-3 – 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.

Exodus 16:4 – Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Exodus 16:22-30 – On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, 23 he said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’” 24 So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.” 27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

What does the expression “keep the Sabbath” mean to you, especially within the context of today’s culture?
What has been your attitude and practice with regard to keeping the Sabbath in your own life?
What are some benefits of Sabbath for our lives? And on the flip side of that, what are some dangers of ignoring Sabbath?
Why doesn’t the description of the creation account in Genesis include an end to the seventh day as it did for the first six days? What is the significance of that?
Richard gave two potential reasons why people find it hard to stop and observe Sabbath: We struggle to trust that God’s provision is enough so we feel we need to keep working. (This can be summed up with the word “anxiety.”) We let our productivity define us and feel driven to get ahead of others. (This can be summed up with the word “ambition.”) What evidence do you see of each of these in society? How have you experienced the pull of each of these in your own heart and life? Name some Scriptures that might help us resist each of these and keep the Sabbath.
What was the heart difference between Eric Lidell and Harold Abrams, whose true story was depicted in the movie Chariots of Fire? Describe how the idea of Sabbath went deeper in Eric’s life than just choosing not to run on a Sunday?
How is the Sabbath a reflection of the gospel?
What could help you grow in your living out of God’s intention for the Sabbath?
What did you sense God saying to you through this passage and this message?