Discussion Guide | Rest | PART 5 | Sabbath Is Salvation| Hebrews 4:1-11
Gathering Question:
As we’ve been going through this series, have there been any changes you’ve been making to your weekly practice of sabbath?
Gathering Prayer.
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.
Opening Questions
- What stood out to you in the sermon?
- What insights did you gain?
- What questions did it raise?
Hebrews 4:1-11
- We are all like the wandering Israelites who missed God’s rest because of their hard hearts. In your experience, how does our “wandering” keep us from experiencing God’s rest?
- There is a sabbath-rest available for all of us (v9). What are some things that keep us from experiencing this sabbath-rest promised to us?
Ephesians 2:1-10
- Focus on Ephesians 2:1-3. What words, phrases, or ideas stand out to you the most? Why?
- Focus on Ephesians 2:4-10. What words, phrases, or ideas stand out to you the most?
- Reflect on this statement, “God gives. We receive.” Is this easy for you or difficult? Why?
The Sabbath mirrors the gospel.
- The sabbath is a day for not accomplishing, not producing, not achieving, and not earning. We receive on the sabbath. Do you find it easy or difficult to have a day every week not focused on producing, achieving, accomplishing, or earning?
“We have enough work, but too little time for God and life. We have enough money, but we opt for a cycle of consumption and waste. We canonize the American Dream and worship it. Today we live in one of the most prosperous eras of human history, yet many of us never get beyond survival mode. And unrelenting work can keep us from asking life’s big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What does all this mean? Jumping off the hamster wheel once a week allows us to think about who we are, and why we exist and why we were made.” (Matthew Sleeth, 24/6: Prescriptions for a Happier and Healthier Life)
- What practical difference would it make in your life, or your family, if you were to be intentional with keeping the sabbath?
Closing Prayer.