STUDY GUIDE – Keeping the Sabbath Way Holy

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 Icebreaker: In one-sentence, define what you think it means to be a “good deed doer” for Jesus. 

Sermon Title: Holy Habits – “Keeping the Sabbath Way Holy” – Exodus 20:8-11 

Group Discussion: 

Read Matthew 11:28-30 – Our souls need rest. What does it mean for our souls to find rest in Jesus? How can we practice this kind of rest in our daily lives? Discuss among the group what it means to take Jesus’ yoke upon us, and learn from Him? 

Read Exodus 20:9-10 – The sabbath is a command to relax. In a world that overvalues busyness and productivity, why do you think God commands us to rest? Discuss some ways we can intentionally trust the Lord regarding this command, especially when we can feel compelled to always be doing something? 

Read Ecclesiastes 3:13 – The sabbath is an opportunity to replenish. How can setting aside time for rest on the sabbath help us recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Discuss among the group ways to replenish each of these natural domains: physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

Read Luke 4:16 – The sabbath is a time to remember. How does this verse reveal the importance of remembering and honoring the sabbath, especially with how the NIV translation states: “…he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.” How should we honor the sabbath to make certain our hearts are aligned with the Lord? Discuss how we can avoid hinderances or distractions that can interfere with this practice. 

Read Deuteronomy 5:15 – The sabbath is a form of resistance. Discuss how the sabbath can serve as resistance against the pressures of life in our culture. Share what it looks like in your own life to intentionally resist these forces. Or discuss how you struggle with this idea of the sabbath and finding rest in the Lord. 

Spiritual Discipline: Please review our additional resources for this entire sermon series at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources including the resource titled: “Bible Reading Plans: A List of Suggestions” 

Action Steps: (1) Participate in Sabbath Rest – Plan to make Sundays your sabbath to stop working, trust the Lord, and truly rest in Him. If Sundays are not an option, then set aside a specific day or time each week for these same purposes. (2) Replenish Your Soul – Use the Sabbath to engage in activities that restore you spiritually, physically, and emotionally, such as Sunday worship at Mt. Gilead, joining a small group, spending time in prayer, time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. (3) Resist the Rush – Make a conscious effort to slow down, say no, and set boundaries to establish and honor a rhythm of sabbath rest.