Sabbath (Pt 2.): How do we practice the rhythm of sabbath?

TO START: Today we continued our first of five mini sermon series focused on the rhythms that help cultivate a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life. Last week we introduced the practice of Sabbath, which we define as a consistent time set aside each week to honor and delight in the goodness of God.

This week’s message explored several wisdom principles to help us imagine what a rhythm of work and rest could look like in our lives. We introduced four components—Stopping, Remembering, Embracing, and Feasting—that can help shape a Sabbath practice by inviting us to pause our usual routines and delight in God’s goodness.

TO READ: Exodus 20:8-11

TO DISCUSS:

(1) Can you think of a time when you tried to get away, take a break, or rest—but it didn’t go as you planned?

(2) In Exodus 20:8–11, God instructs His people to set aside a day for rest—even though they haven’t yet reached the land of rest (the promised land). Why do you think the Lord calls them to practice Sabbath rather than continue pushing forward in their wilderness journey?

(3) In Exodus 20:8, when the Lord says, ‘Remember the Sabbath day,’ why do you think God specifies what not to do rather than giving specific instructions on what to do?

(4) When it comes to the idea of ceasing and delighting, do you find it harder to stop working—or harder to figure out how to fill that time with delight?

(5) Which of the four components of Sabbath—Stopping, Remembering, Embracing, and Feasting—feels most challenging or exciting for you to practice?

SABBATH PRAYER EXERCISE:

To close small group, we invite you to spend time looking at the RRCOC Sabbath Guide. Specifically the page titled “Developing a Rhythm of Sabbath”. We ask that each person/family spends time dwelling with God this week to make a draft of their sabbath rhythm they would like to attempt. In light of this, we invite y’all to close the group with a blessing of setting aside time to draft it  and spend time thanking God for his goodness.