WEBVTT 00:00:00.840 --> 00:00:04.940 Heavenly Father, we want us to just ask now as we come to your word, we pray for your help. 00:00:05.839 --> 00:00:10.259 We ask that you'd help us to understand clearly and rightly what you're saying. 00:00:11.259 --> 00:00:16.359 Pray as we think about this theme of rest through the scriptures that we might find true rest in knowing you. 00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:21.140 And we pray that you'd help us to do that even as we look at your word together now. 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:23.120 In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:23.320 Amen. 00:00:25.440 --> 00:00:30.940 I wonder if I could ask you to think just for a moment about what it would take for you to feel properly rested. 00:00:31.840 --> 00:00:36.359 The assumption of the question is that you don't yet feel properly rested, or maybe you do. 00:00:37.140 --> 00:00:46.540 But what would it take for you to feel totally de-stressed, to not be anxious about anything, to be content, to be calm, to be happy with life? 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:47.460 What do you think it would take? 00:00:48.579 --> 00:00:50.980 Maybe you think a good holiday. Maybe that would do it. 00:00:50.979 --> 00:00:55.199 Maybe just a tidy flat. That might nail it. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:00:57.819 What about an escape to the beach somewhere? 00:00:58.739 --> 00:01:00.419 A meal out at a fine restaurant? 00:01:01.339 --> 00:01:06.759 An evening in front of the television where you get to watch whatever it is that you want to watch? 00:01:08.259 --> 00:01:12.299 Not strictly, but something actually genuinely entertaining. 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:17.359 Sorry, I just spoke from my heart for a few moments. 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:20.640 What about a big bowl of ice cream? 00:01:20.840 --> 00:01:22.459 Or a night out with friends? 00:01:22.659 --> 00:01:24.060 A weekend with no homework? 00:01:24.680 --> 00:01:26.700 A new job with lower expectations? 00:01:27.019 --> 00:01:27.840 More time off? 00:01:27.879 --> 00:01:29.239 A little bit more money to spend? 00:01:29.379 --> 00:01:30.920 Perhaps a new gadget? 00:01:31.620 --> 00:01:33.739 Or a three-month sabbatical, perhaps? 00:01:33.739 --> 00:01:37.319 Well, maybe one of those things resonated with you. 00:01:37.379 --> 00:01:43.259 But the bad news, I think, for us this evening is that evidence suggests that none of those things actually provide us with the rest that we hope they will. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:48.079 I don't think that's actually very hard to prove. 00:01:48.079 --> 00:01:54.959 I think if you think about it, we live in a time and a place where we have probably more leisure time than anyone else has previously had. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:02:06.840 Even in our hard-working city of London, we have much more flexibility and time than the rest of the world, where probably at least some of the things on that list are within our grasp. 00:02:06.840 --> 00:02:13.800 Yet, here's the thing, despite all of this, we live at a time and a place of unprecedented stress. 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:24.000 In the UK, how many prescriptions for antidepressants do you think are written every year by GPs? 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:28.580 A million, did you say? 00:02:28.580 --> 00:02:32.400 It's a lot more than a million. 00:02:34.820 --> 00:02:38.020 So there's 61 million prescriptions. 00:02:38.420 --> 00:02:40.560 So presumably that's people getting multiple prescriptions. 00:02:41.480 --> 00:02:44.560 But that's more than twice as many as 10 years ago. 00:02:45.380 --> 00:02:49.660 So you'd like double the amount of prescriptions being written over the course of a year. 00:02:50.160 --> 00:02:54.580 In the same period in the US, antidepressant use has gone up by 65%. 00:02:54.580 --> 00:03:02.920 In a combination with that, research suggests that those with the most leisure time are those who fail to the benefit from it. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:09.840 So it seems as if the more leisure time that you have, the less enjoyable you find it. 00:03:10.260 --> 00:03:18.180 As we end up stressing not only about what we're doing in our jobs, but we end up ironically stressing about whether we're doing the right thing when we're not working, as well as when we're working. 00:03:18.180 --> 00:03:20.900 So we're stressed out about our work. 00:03:21.260 --> 00:03:23.560 Am I making the most of this time off that I have? 00:03:23.560 --> 00:03:26.259 Do the photos look like I'm having fun? 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:28.920 Are my children getting all the opportunities they want? 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:30.640 Will this make me look cool on Instagram? 00:03:31.340 --> 00:03:33.699 Will my mates at school rate my weekend? 00:03:34.759 --> 00:03:38.939 Will my witty comment about my holiday get retweeted or liked on Facebook? 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:43.939 So ironically, we live in an age where we are glued to our time-saving devices, 00:03:44.460 --> 00:03:48.000 while we run around like nutters trying to live an impossible life. 00:03:49.080 --> 00:03:51.900 And here's the point, and perhaps you don't need to be persuaded of it anyway. 00:03:51.900 --> 00:03:57.240 Of all the things that we have mastered in the West, rest does not seem to be one of them. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:01.719 It eludes us, and most of us, I would suggest, feel something of that this evening. 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:04.159 We're exhausted. 00:04:05.099 --> 00:04:15.400 Maybe really church, you enjoy church, because really it's the only time in the week where you sit down for a period of time and just pause and think for any length of time. 00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:20.379 That's why I think it's important for us to consider rest as a church. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:24.780 I think actually considering rest as a church is really important for us. 00:04:24.840 --> 00:04:31.019 I think probably one of the ways that we witness to our world is being a church of well-rested people, 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:34.420 a church that is a place of rest for people. 00:04:34.420 --> 00:04:41.819 And so we're going to consider the Bible theme, and we're going to really focus on Sabbath rest and what it talks about that, 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:46.860 and then see whether we can think through how that applies for us in our frantic world. 00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:52.139 We're going to jump around the Bible a bit, but to help us stay focused, which is maybe ambitious, 00:04:52.139 --> 00:05:01.300 but I've got two statements, right, two statements of fact, I think, and then an implication that flows from them. 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:02.719 So just to give you those right at the beginning. 00:05:03.300 --> 00:05:05.779 First statement of fact is that true rest is trusting God. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:15.519 Then true worship grows trust, which means by implication that true worship fuels true rest. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:22.240 So in other words, my principle is going to be that actually the rest that we're seeking in lots of other things 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:25.279 is actually only really ever found in trusting the Lord. 00:05:25.719 --> 00:05:30.659 It's only in knowing the God who made us that we find true rest. 00:05:31.419 --> 00:05:37.199 And that worship, particularly the corporate worship of a local church, but worship, a life of worship, 00:05:37.719 --> 00:05:41.779 is designed by God to grow our trust and confidence in him, 00:05:41.779 --> 00:05:45.279 which by implication means, and I think we'll see this again in the scriptures, 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:51.319 is that it is worship, true worship, which fuels true rest. 00:05:52.119 --> 00:05:57.659 So that actually is worshiping God, especially worshiping God together as a church, 00:05:57.839 --> 00:06:02.339 which provides us with rest, true rest. 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:04.599 Anyway, maybe that all sounds a stretch. 00:06:04.679 --> 00:06:06.339 So let me try and prove it to you. 00:06:06.399 --> 00:06:08.500 Let's start with true rest is trusting God. 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:12.920 So who are the two most chilled out people in the Bible? 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:17.379 Adam and Eve before the fall, right? 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:20.920 So Adam and Eve in the garden that God provides for them. 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:24.579 Genesis chapter one, verse 31. 00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:30.379 I haven't written these on my transcript, so I'm going to have to turn to the Bible passages, 00:06:30.540 --> 00:06:30.939 but there you go. 00:06:31.139 --> 00:06:33.040 Genesis chapter one, verse 31. 00:06:33.339 --> 00:06:36.300 God saw all that he had made, thank you, and it was very good. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:39.319 And there was evening and there was morning on the sixth day. 00:06:40.160 --> 00:06:43.800 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 00:06:44.540 --> 00:06:47.240 By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing. 00:06:47.400 --> 00:06:50.080 So on the seventh day, he rested from all his work. 00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:53.080 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, 00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:57.840 because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. 00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:03.119 Now that statement at the end of Genesis 31 has been repeated throughout Genesis. 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:07.779 And there was evening and there was morning six times until you get to chapter two, verse two, 00:07:07.819 --> 00:07:10.599 and you get to the seventh day, which was you were seeing over the summer. 00:07:10.839 --> 00:07:13.679 And expectedly, there is no evening and there is no morning. 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:17.019 This day of rest is an unending day of rest. 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:17.919 It goes on and on. 00:07:18.279 --> 00:07:22.139 A holy resting where God has stopped from his creating work. 00:07:22.139 --> 00:07:30.639 And he, in effect, invites Adam and Eve into his presence to live with him in his rest in the temple garden. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:33.219 It's a brilliant picture, isn't it, when you think of it. 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:35.599 Adam and Eve are resting with the Lord. 00:07:35.919 --> 00:07:37.459 It's not that they're not doing anything, are they? 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:38.939 They're given work to do. 00:07:39.599 --> 00:07:43.000 And Jesus tells us in John 5 that the Father and the Son are always working. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:46.740 This is a deeper kind of rest than just the absence of work. 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:48.339 It's a contentment. 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:51.620 It's a everything is well in the world. 00:07:51.620 --> 00:07:55.180 It's a, I'm not anxious that dinner won't be on the table in time, 00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:57.860 or that there won't be enough time to squeeze everything in. 00:07:58.180 --> 00:08:00.980 It's a rest that has no FOMO, right? 00:08:01.040 --> 00:08:04.060 It's a rest that transcends jobless and actions. 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:09.259 Because for Adam and Eve, it's God's rest that they are invited into. 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:16.459 Rest is, if you like, a gift to them from God that they find in his presence with him. 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:18.600 It's a relational rest. 00:08:19.740 --> 00:08:21.300 It's a rest that knows deep in its soul. 00:08:21.300 --> 00:08:22.540 Someone else is in charge. 00:08:23.079 --> 00:08:25.100 Someone can be trusted to do all things well. 00:08:25.220 --> 00:08:26.240 I do not need to worry. 00:08:26.340 --> 00:08:26.980 I'm a creature. 00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:28.699 This is my creator. 00:08:29.660 --> 00:08:33.399 King David illustrates that kind of rest in Psalm 131. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:37.340 My heart is not proud, Lord. 00:08:37.340 --> 00:08:39.120 My eyes are not haughty. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:43.799 I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me, 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:47.059 but I have calmed and quieted my soul. 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:50.159 I am like a weaned child with its mother. 00:08:50.819 --> 00:08:52.720 Like a weaned child, I am content. 00:08:53.559 --> 00:08:58.159 Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:00.360 It's a wonderful picture, isn't it? 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:05.139 David is imagining himself like a weaned child sitting on his mother's lap, 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:09.600 contentedly sitting on her lap and not craning after food, 00:09:10.100 --> 00:09:12.419 but sitting there contented on her lap, 00:09:12.579 --> 00:09:18.779 trusting that the one who holds him knows what they're doing and has everything in control. 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:26.740 This is total rest, not concerned for things, what does he say, too wonderful for me. 00:09:27.019 --> 00:09:31.480 How much does our exhaustion come from the fact that we spend a lot of time worrying 00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:35.860 and thinking about things over which we have no control and will never understand fully anyway? 00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:41.419 True rest comes from finding God being the one trustworthy. 00:09:42.939 --> 00:09:47.379 Now, you don't need me to tell you that this Genesis 1 and 2 rest is quickly lost. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:49.980 The two most chilled out people in the Bible disobey God. 00:09:50.120 --> 00:09:55.100 They reject his good rule, his restful rule, and choose instead the place of stress 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:58.399 where they decide to take charge themselves. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:10:00.080 It's a foolish and wicked decision. 00:10:00.259 --> 00:10:02.899 It leaves them being excluded from the presence of God in the garden. 00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:10.379 They are thrown out of rest, banished, living in a world of thorns and weeds and pain and suffering. 00:10:10.799 --> 00:10:13.899 They break their relationship with the God of rest and with one another. 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:19.279 They are handed over, aren't they, as we've been thinking in those last few weeks, 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:22.819 to the rebellion that they so chose. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:27.840 And they are given anxiety that comes with being in over your head. 00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:31.639 Have you ever had a job that is just a little bit beyond you? 00:10:31.840 --> 00:10:33.139 Have you ever known what that's like? 00:10:33.659 --> 00:10:36.779 Being given a task that you can't do and you don't know how to do it. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:39.620 Well, that is the definition of stress, isn't it? 00:10:39.679 --> 00:10:45.600 And that is what's going on in Genesis 3 as God hands them over to their own rule. 00:10:46.399 --> 00:10:49.819 And they are, turns out, not to be the gods that they thought they were. 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:53.199 Now, from that point of view, you could summarize, essentially, 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:56.559 the Bible story as the quest for the restoration of that rest. 00:10:56.679 --> 00:10:59.980 Really, it's the restoration of life with God, isn't it? 00:10:59.980 --> 00:11:03.440 But it is the search for rest with God. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:06.560 So the writer of the book of Hebrews puts it that way. 00:11:08.039 --> 00:11:11.440 Now, if you turn to Hebrews 4, I think, actually, it's printed out on your handout, 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:12.500 so you don't need to turn to it. 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:16.820 And as I read it, just track this desire to enter rest. 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:19.720 It's a desire that has been left unfulfilled in the Old Testament, 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:21.940 but which remains available. 00:11:21.940 --> 00:11:24.660 So Hebrews 4, verse 1. 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:30.440 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:35.280 let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:40.120 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did. 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:42.940 But the message they heard was of no value to them, 00:11:43.260 --> 00:11:46.040 because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 00:11:46.680 --> 00:11:51.520 Now, we have believed, we who have believed, enter that rest. 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:53.059 Just as God has said. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:58.240 So I declared on oath in my anger, they shall never enter my rest. 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:02.159 And yet his works have been finished since creation of the world. 00:12:02.259 --> 00:12:05.139 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words. 00:12:05.579 --> 00:12:08.199 On the seventh day, God rested from all his works. 00:12:08.879 --> 00:12:10.519 And again, in the passage above, he says, 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:13.299 they shall never enter my rest. 00:12:13.960 --> 00:12:17.460 Therefore, since it still remains for some to enter that rest, 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:20.319 and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them 00:12:20.320 --> 00:12:23.020 did not go in because of their disobedience, 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:26.440 God again set a certain day calling it today. 00:12:27.379 --> 00:12:30.920 This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.500 as in the passage already quoted, 00:12:32.920 --> 00:12:36.240 today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. 00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:38.800 For if Joshua had given them rest, 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:41.540 God would not have spoken later about another day. 00:12:42.040 --> 00:12:45.380 There remains then a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:49.200 For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, 00:12:49.299 --> 00:12:50.659 just as God did from his. 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:54.700 Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:58.939 so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. 00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:02.100 For the word of God is alive and active, 00:13:02.360 --> 00:13:04.100 sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:08.019 It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. 00:13:08.439 --> 00:13:10.899 It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 00:13:10.899 --> 00:13:14.039 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. 00:13:14.500 --> 00:13:17.539 Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:19.559 to whom we must give an account. 00:13:20.740 --> 00:13:23.399 Now I grant you that there's a lot of jumping around in that passage 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:24.600 and you won't have tracked all of it, 00:13:25.019 --> 00:13:27.779 but notice how the writer thinks we enter rest. 00:13:28.699 --> 00:13:32.019 It is not by entering the promised land with Joshua. 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:34.840 That is not the Sabbath rest for God's people. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:37.399 Instead, the true rest is to be found in the future. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:40.459 And it's a rest that we enter by, verse 2, 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:43.079 hearing the good news and putting our faith in it. 00:13:43.819 --> 00:13:47.579 Striving, verse 11, to enter the rest by rejecting disobedience 00:13:47.579 --> 00:13:50.600 and using the sword of God's word to divide our hearts 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:52.559 that we might keep trusting the good news. 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:55.659 Here's the writer's point, simply as I can put it. 00:13:56.039 --> 00:14:01.139 The return to Eden-like rest is found in believing the good news about Jesus. 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:04.360 News which promises those who believe 00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:07.560 entry into the promised land of future rest. 00:14:08.800 --> 00:14:11.360 Jesus basically says exactly the same thing, doesn't he, 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:13.759 in Matthew 11, in those famous verses. 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:17.279 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:19.759 and I will give you rest. 00:14:20.320 --> 00:14:22.639 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 00:14:22.720 --> 00:14:24.860 for I am gentle and humble in heart, 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:27.659 and you will find rest for your souls. 00:14:28.080 --> 00:14:31.139 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:33.679 It's a relational rest, isn't it? 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:36.139 It's a rest that you find coming to him. 00:14:36.539 --> 00:14:38.759 Come to me, and I will give you rest. 00:14:38.919 --> 00:14:42.600 Join with me and shed the burden of Old Testament obedience 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:45.399 and take on my yoke, faith in me, 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:48.399 and then you will find the rest for your soul 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:50.699 and a share in the kingdom of rest. 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:52.559 A kingdom which is still to come, 00:14:52.939 --> 00:14:55.039 but which is experienced today in the life of faith. 00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:58.279 Now, all of this is so important, isn't it, 00:14:58.279 --> 00:14:59.740 when we try and work out, 00:14:59.839 --> 00:15:03.039 why is it that I find it so difficult to find rest? 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:04.339 Why is rest so elusive? 00:15:05.699 --> 00:15:08.039 Well, it's not ultimately because we're in the wrong job. 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:10.459 It's not really just because we've got too much homework. 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:12.699 It's not really because we live in the wrong flat 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:14.839 or because we're doing the wrong things with our leisure time. 00:15:15.299 --> 00:15:17.019 Instead, before any of those things, 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:19.159 the absence of rest in our lives 00:15:19.159 --> 00:15:22.419 is because of a breakdown in trust with the God who made us. 00:15:22.419 --> 00:15:24.579 We no longer live in a world 00:15:24.579 --> 00:15:26.599 resting in the sovereign power of its maker. 00:15:26.979 --> 00:15:28.519 Rather, we live in a world in rebellion 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.919 against the God who made it. 00:15:30.439 --> 00:15:33.259 A world of people who are trying to be creators 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:34.959 when they're made to be creatures. 00:15:35.919 --> 00:15:38.259 And that's stressful because it's not what we're made for. 00:15:38.939 --> 00:15:41.240 Instead, we're made to trust God and to rest in him. 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:42.979 And in the good news of Jesus, 00:15:43.579 --> 00:15:45.579 that again is what has been offered to him, 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:47.559 to us, right, to come to him 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:49.959 and find rest that's lost in the garden. 00:15:49.960 --> 00:15:53.060 To trust him, to turn from our selfish pride 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:54.860 and turn back to him. 00:15:55.820 --> 00:15:56.840 It's really important, isn't it? 00:15:57.340 --> 00:16:00.400 Eden is restored through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:02.379 Now, maybe you're not a Christian 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:04.440 or you never really understood this before, 00:16:04.580 --> 00:16:06.800 but this is what the good news of Jesus is offering you. 00:16:07.379 --> 00:16:09.780 The forgiveness that we need from the Lord Jesus 00:16:09.780 --> 00:16:12.100 is to bring us into relationship with him, 00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:13.639 a relationship of rest. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:16.460 Not with our self-indulgent desires at the center. 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:19.100 Putting yourself first robs you of rest. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:22.360 Instead, humble rest that puts its trust in God. 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.580 God is on the throne. 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.420 True rest comes from trusting God. 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:28.019 Okay, that's point number one. 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:31.180 Any questions or comments on point number one? 00:16:31.820 --> 00:16:33.759 True rest is trusting God. 00:16:38.060 --> 00:16:41.000 Any questions, comments, or shall I move on? 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:43.940 I'll move on and then you can save them up for the end 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:44.680 unless you want to. 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:45.759 Great. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:48.159 Okay, true rest is trusting God. 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:50.279 True worship grows trust. 00:16:51.100 --> 00:16:52.899 Now, I'm not going to be able to answer 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:55.519 every single question that you have on the fourth commandment 00:16:55.519 --> 00:16:57.039 and how it relates to us today. 00:16:57.179 --> 00:17:00.139 You can come and ask me later if you want more information. 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.679 But let's turn to Exodus 20 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:04.200 and read the Sabbath commandment in the Ten Commandments 00:17:04.200 --> 00:17:06.579 and consider it carefully together. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:08.579 Exodus 20, verse eight. 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:11.699 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:16.659 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:20.399 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. 00:17:20.980 --> 00:17:23.119 On it you shall not do any work, 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:25.919 neither you nor your son nor your daughter, 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:27.859 nor your male or female servant, 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:28.740 nor your animals, 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:30.879 nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 00:17:31.359 --> 00:17:34.099 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.740 the sea and all that is in them, 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:38.079 but he rested on the seventh day. 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:41.519 Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:43.279 and made it holy. 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:48.779 Now, this commandment is given to the people 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:50.180 as a reflection of the fact 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:52.120 that they are God's people 00:17:52.120 --> 00:17:54.140 on their way to the promised rest. 00:17:54.660 --> 00:17:56.500 A rest not found in the promised land, 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:58.480 but found in the fulfillment of that land 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:00.160 in the kingdom of heaven that Jesus talks about. 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:01.680 That's what we were seeing in Hebrews four. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:04.640 And to reflect their trust in that promise, 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:07.480 they're instructed to cease from all work 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:09.300 on the seventh day, on the Saturday. 00:18:10.160 --> 00:18:11.860 So no one is to go and work in the fields, 00:18:12.020 --> 00:18:13.500 no one is to buy and sell in the market. 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:15.160 Instead, they're all having a day off, 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:17.500 men, women, boys, girls, servants, and travelers. 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:21.940 Now, it's not particularly that their focus on that day 00:18:21.940 --> 00:18:23.940 is just temple or tabernacle worship. 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:25.520 That seems to be going on all week. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:28.040 Instead, the emphasis in these verses 00:18:28.040 --> 00:18:29.920 is not the presence of corporate worship 00:18:29.920 --> 00:18:32.420 so much as the absence of work, right? 00:18:32.420 --> 00:18:34.900 Whether it be in harvest time or in winter, 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:37.440 one day a week, all activity stops. 00:18:38.039 --> 00:18:38.779 Now, I want to say, 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:40.160 that's a surprising command 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:43.100 in a subsistence type lifestyle like this, right? 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:44.140 You're being told, 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:46.100 today, let the weeds grow. 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.340 Today, don't gather anything. 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:51.600 Today, don't go about any kind of business. 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.880 And this is a serious rest, right? 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:55.440 So it's strictly enforced. 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:57.880 I've put Exodus 35 on your handout. 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.180 Breaking the Sabbath 00:18:59.180 --> 00:19:01.240 is declaring you don't trust God. 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.799 And in the theocracy of the Old Testament, 00:19:02.940 --> 00:19:04.140 that incurs the death penalty. 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:09.000 Now, how does all this apply to us? 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:10.779 By the time of the New Testament, 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.279 Sabbath observance 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:15.160 had been twisted into something 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:16.039 it wasn't meant to be. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:18.740 The Pharisees in the New Testament 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:20.799 famously add a list of do's and don'ts, 00:19:20.840 --> 00:19:22.400 don't they, to Sabbath regulations. 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:23.880 And it's as if, 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:25.220 this is the irony, right? 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:28.900 So Sabbath rest is given to them 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:31.360 as a demonstration of their trust 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:33.480 in God's goodness and his provision. 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:36.579 And they twist it into something 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:39.220 which they use to try and earn God's favor, 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:41.120 which is the opposite of trust. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:44.059 So Sabbath, which was given to them for rest, 00:19:44.420 --> 00:19:45.600 right, stop work, 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:48.839 God provides, trust him, 00:19:49.319 --> 00:19:51.860 becomes, do this, 00:19:51.859 --> 00:19:54.439 and God will be on your team 00:19:54.439 --> 00:19:55.219 and on your side. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:56.240 And so all of a sudden, 00:19:56.339 --> 00:19:57.379 what had been intended 00:19:57.379 --> 00:19:58.679 for their rest and their blessing 00:19:58.679 --> 00:20:00.619 turns out to be a stress 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:02.439 because they're trying to earn God's favor. 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.979 And Jesus challenges them 00:20:03.979 --> 00:20:05.299 over and over again about it, 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:07.019 saying things like Mark 2 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:09.079 that Sabbath was made as a blessing for man, 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:09.979 a thing to help them, 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:12.019 not an institution for its own sake, 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:12.859 which is to be kept. 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:14.799 Now, 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:17.819 with the person next to you, 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:20.000 ask the question, 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:23.420 how do we keep the fourth commandment today? 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:30.960 So how do we keep this Sabbath commandment today? 00:20:38.640 --> 00:20:39.079 Okay. 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:43.460 I wonder whether anyone nailed that 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:45.539 to everybody's satisfaction. 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.619 That would be remarkable if you did. 00:20:47.619 --> 00:20:51.119 But what did we come up with? 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:56.899 Right. 00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:01.500 No, so it's important to say, isn't it, 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:03.739 there is never a point in the New Testament 00:21:03.739 --> 00:21:06.159 where we, as a church, 00:21:06.219 --> 00:21:08.699 are called to keep the Old Testament Sabbath 00:21:08.699 --> 00:21:11.139 as it's described in Old Testament rule, right? 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:16.040 It appears in Acts that the Jewish church 00:21:16.040 --> 00:21:19.240 probably still observes the Sabbath in some manner, 00:21:19.320 --> 00:21:21.600 but the Gentile church is never instructed to do that. 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:22.800 In fact, 00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:28.020 they're encouraged not to celebrate festivals 00:21:28.020 --> 00:21:31.060 and new moons and Sabbaths in Colossians, 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:31.380 aren't they? 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:32.740 And in the church in Rome, 00:21:33.460 --> 00:21:35.200 esteeming one day more special than another 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:36.140 is a matter of conscience 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:38.000 that shouldn't be imposed on anyone. 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:40.480 So there is a freedom there 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:42.160 in the New Testament, yeah. 00:21:42.300 --> 00:21:42.860 So we're not, 00:21:43.640 --> 00:21:44.840 there's not a straight line 00:21:44.840 --> 00:21:46.840 through for, 00:21:47.060 --> 00:21:49.900 we're not told to not work on a Saturday. 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:50.800 Yeah? 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.000 Anything else? 00:21:55.080 --> 00:21:55.759 Is that it? 00:21:56.020 --> 00:21:56.800 We just cross it out. 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:57.500 Nine commandments. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:57.940 Okay. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:11.339 So why is it more to do with Sundays and Saturdays, 00:22:11.359 --> 00:22:11.660 do you think? 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:13.700 Don't know. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:15.019 No, yeah, yeah. 00:22:15.099 --> 00:22:15.420 No, no, no. 00:22:15.460 --> 00:22:16.059 I think that's a good, 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:17.019 I think that's a good answer, 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:18.019 but it's, yeah. 00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.059 All right, Sunday. 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:25.940 Sorry? 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:27.779 Different calendar. 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:30.420 Yeah, so, 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:32.240 yeah, so we have different months, 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:33.960 but still it's a seven-day week. 00:22:34.420 --> 00:22:34.539 Yeah? 00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:35.259 The thing is, 00:22:35.340 --> 00:22:37.460 the dietary laws 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:39.400 and the holy days 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:39.940 are, 00:22:40.820 --> 00:22:43.539 one day in seven is good 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:45.240 because that's the way we construct it. 00:22:45.380 --> 00:22:45.700 Yes. 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:46.480 It could be any day. 00:22:46.580 --> 00:22:47.559 If you were in a Muslim country, 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.740 you might do it on Friday. 00:22:48.860 --> 00:22:49.100 Okay. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.500 So the point is, 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:52.860 so the dietary laws are pragmatic, 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.320 they're not a religious commandment, 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:56.399 or you must eat this and this and not eat that, 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:57.659 but you want to eat healthy. 00:22:58.079 --> 00:22:58.399 Right. 00:22:58.619 --> 00:23:00.480 And the same with the way you live, 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.619 structure your life. 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:03.059 So that's why you would have, 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.379 say, 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:04.519 one day of rest and seven. 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.279 Yes, 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:07.480 so there is a particular role 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:11.200 of the sort of ceremonial laws 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:11.879 in the Old Testament. 00:23:12.139 --> 00:23:13.200 So there are a number of ways. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:13.960 How do you, 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.259 these are alive issues, 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:16.440 right? 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:18.079 How do you take Old Testament laws 00:23:18.079 --> 00:23:19.279 and how do we understand 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:20.220 which ones we carry on 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.039 and which ones we don't? 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.839 There's a couple of ways of doing it. 00:23:22.900 --> 00:23:24.879 So theologians have separated the law 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:26.539 into the moral, 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:27.720 the ceremonial, 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:28.279 and the civil 00:23:28.279 --> 00:23:30.519 so that we can divide it up like that 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:32.680 and we keep the moral law. 00:23:33.139 --> 00:23:34.339 We don't keep the ceremonial law 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:35.960 because that's all related to the temple 00:23:35.960 --> 00:23:37.440 and we don't have a temple anymore. 00:23:38.019 --> 00:23:39.319 And the kind of civil laws 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:40.700 we don't have in the same way 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:43.240 because we're not a nation state anymore. 00:23:43.420 --> 00:23:43.859 So that's, 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.440 those are gone. 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.900 That's one way of doing it. 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:46.879 The problem is when you read 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:47.299 the Old Testament, 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.240 actually it's quite difficult 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.339 to work out which one goes 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.139 into which category, 00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:50.420 right? 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.559 So it's not always as neat as that. 00:23:51.619 --> 00:23:52.160 And the Old Testament 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:52.900 is not arranged 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:55.200 in that tripartite way. 00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:56.799 The other way to do it 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.319 is to say, 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:58.620 and I think this is probably 00:23:58.620 --> 00:24:01.200 a really helpful rule of thumb, 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:02.360 is to say 00:24:02.360 --> 00:24:05.539 any Old Testament law 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:07.400 that's restated by the Lord Jesus 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.880 and the New Testament writers 00:24:08.880 --> 00:24:09.740 is one that we keep. 00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:11.059 Okay? 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.720 And then that's 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:14.220 a really simple definition 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:15.720 and that works really easy. 00:24:15.819 --> 00:24:16.940 It means it works for 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:18.480 things like marriage 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.779 and adultery, 00:24:20.559 --> 00:24:21.819 stealing, 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:23.380 and Jesus actually 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:23.980 in the same amount 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:25.299 kind of ramps those things up, 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:25.640 doesn't he? 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.180 So he says, 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:26.460 actually, 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.160 it's not just 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:28.000 don't commit adultery, 00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:28.900 it's don't lustfully, 00:24:29.059 --> 00:24:29.680 it's not only 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:30.559 don't murder, 00:24:30.660 --> 00:24:31.440 it's don't get angry. 00:24:32.220 --> 00:24:33.579 And so he shows 00:24:33.579 --> 00:24:34.579 that the intent of the law 00:24:34.579 --> 00:24:35.180 is to show us 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.519 our sinfulness, 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:38.099 that we've fallen and broken, 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.099 not to give us a ladder 00:24:39.099 --> 00:24:40.019 to walk up to God, 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:41.819 but to a diagnostic tool 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.180 to see that we need salvation. 00:24:44.200 --> 00:24:44.960 But I think 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:46.880 there's probably more to say 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:49.059 on the Sabbath 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:51.539 than perhaps we are used to saying. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:53.160 So whilst there isn't 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:53.880 a straight line 00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:55.080 between Old Testament Sabbath 00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:57.460 and New Testament Lord's Day, 00:24:57.620 --> 00:24:58.600 it does seem 00:24:58.600 --> 00:24:59.560 as in the New Testament 00:24:59.560 --> 00:25:02.240 a uniquely Christian celebration 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:03.400 called the Lord's Day 00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:04.519 comes up on the first day 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:05.000 of the week. 00:25:05.800 --> 00:25:06.019 Now, 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:07.220 I grant you that people 00:25:07.220 --> 00:25:07.740 in this room 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.460 might slightly disagree 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.019 with me on this 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:10.500 and that's absolutely fine, 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:11.580 but let me give you 00:25:11.580 --> 00:25:12.140 what I think 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:13.759 and you can argue with me later 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.340 or, you know, 00:25:14.560 --> 00:25:15.120 straight away 00:25:15.120 --> 00:25:15.800 if you want to. 00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:17.840 But it seems as though 00:25:17.840 --> 00:25:18.860 the first day of the week, 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:20.240 the day when Jesus rose again, 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:22.059 takes on a particular significance 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.400 in the New Testament church. 00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:25.700 So whereas the Old Testament Sabbath 00:25:25.700 --> 00:25:26.200 sort of, 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.900 it was at the end of the week 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:29.359 and it was looking forward 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:30.559 to the rest to come, 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:32.120 it seems now 00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:32.880 as if the gathering 00:25:32.880 --> 00:25:33.319 to worship 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:34.539 on the Lord's Day 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.839 looks back 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.579 at what has been 00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.839 accomplished by him. 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.579 So just like 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.420 in the Old Testament, 00:25:40.620 --> 00:25:41.259 downing tools 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.740 on the Sabbath 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.940 was an act of trust, 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:44.660 so gathering to worship 00:25:44.660 --> 00:25:45.359 on a Sunday 00:25:45.359 --> 00:25:46.740 is an act of trusting God. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.359 And it's not hard to think 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:48.960 why the church 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:49.759 might choose to meet 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:50.500 on that day, does it? 00:25:50.900 --> 00:25:51.160 You know, 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.620 it seems simply 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.140 for the reason 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:53.740 that the resurrection 00:25:53.740 --> 00:25:55.500 is such an important doctrine 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:55.920 in the life 00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:57.120 of the New Testament church. 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:59.180 The fact that the apostle John 00:25:59.180 --> 00:26:00.019 in Revelation 1 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.740 calls Sunday 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.880 the Lord's Day 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:03.140 seems to be 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:04.420 because of what Jesus 00:26:04.420 --> 00:26:05.339 did on that day 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.579 means he owns it. 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.380 I don't know 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:07.779 whether you do this, 00:26:07.819 --> 00:26:08.480 but you might call 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.039 your birthday 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:09.740 your, you know, 00:26:10.099 --> 00:26:11.779 it's his day 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:12.380 or her day. 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.779 It's your special day, right? 00:26:14.019 --> 00:26:14.539 If you're like me, 00:26:14.599 --> 00:26:15.039 you only get it 00:26:15.039 --> 00:26:15.759 every four years, 00:26:15.759 --> 00:26:16.640 so it's, you know, 00:26:16.660 --> 00:26:17.140 it really is 00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:18.279 your special day, you know? 00:26:19.660 --> 00:26:21.379 Jesus rose again 00:26:21.379 --> 00:26:22.960 on a Sunday. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:25.279 It's his day, right? 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.420 I mean, he owns every day, 00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:29.200 but he bossed that day 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:30.500 because he came out 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:31.240 of the grave. 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.519 And the significance 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.180 of that resurrection 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:34.839 makes it a standout thing. 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:37.220 So it's celebrated 00:26:37.220 --> 00:26:38.720 and commemorated. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:41.099 Now, when you think 00:26:41.099 --> 00:26:41.839 about the significance 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:42.160 of that, 00:26:42.220 --> 00:26:43.039 Jesus stepping out 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:43.500 of the tomb, 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:44.660 he showed that his death 00:26:44.660 --> 00:26:45.720 for sin had been affected 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:47.160 and he demonstrated 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:47.799 that his promise 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.779 of life beyond the grave 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.319 was trustworthy. 00:26:49.559 --> 00:26:50.440 He smashed sin, 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:51.240 crushes death. 00:26:51.319 --> 00:26:52.120 He shows that eternity 00:26:52.120 --> 00:26:53.539 is physical and real 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:55.039 and it changes everything. 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:57.259 And so meeting on that day 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.180 is in a sense 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:59.180 an act of trust, 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:01.339 trusting in God's work 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:01.819 in Christ, 00:27:01.860 --> 00:27:02.500 which brings us 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.579 into the kingdom of rest. 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:04.579 Our efforts are stopped. 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.299 We down tools, 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:06.079 we stop work, 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:06.779 we worship, 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.460 knowing it's not our works 00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:09.279 but Christ's work 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:10.200 that make the difference. 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:11.940 So we share together, 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.299 don't we, 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:12.920 in God's word. 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.880 We hear the good news 00:27:13.880 --> 00:27:14.460 of salvation 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:15.080 from the words 00:27:15.080 --> 00:27:15.860 written in his word. 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:17.259 We practice the Lord's 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.940 supper and baptism 00:27:17.940 --> 00:27:18.900 as a visible sign 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.539 of the good news. 00:27:19.700 --> 00:27:20.480 We feast together 00:27:20.480 --> 00:27:21.279 on the finished work 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:21.759 of Christ, 00:27:22.320 --> 00:27:23.440 gathering to declare 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.120 our trust 00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:25.560 in the finished work. 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.240 We remember 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:27.560 that we're dependent creatures 00:27:27.560 --> 00:27:29.019 and God is the generous 00:27:29.019 --> 00:27:29.940 and gracious God. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.480 So you have it, right? 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:33.100 True rest is trusting God 00:27:33.100 --> 00:27:33.880 and true worship 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:35.320 is designed to grow trust, 00:27:35.480 --> 00:27:36.120 which means, 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:36.680 finally, 00:27:36.860 --> 00:27:37.640 and then the implication 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.080 and application 00:27:38.080 --> 00:27:39.320 is that true worship 00:27:39.320 --> 00:27:40.860 fuels true rest. 00:27:40.859 --> 00:27:42.759 Imagine this scenario. 00:27:43.779 --> 00:27:43.979 Okay, 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:45.479 you come home from work 00:27:45.479 --> 00:27:47.000 or maybe from school 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:48.419 or looking after 00:27:48.419 --> 00:27:49.179 the grandchildren 00:27:49.179 --> 00:27:50.939 or having a particularly 00:27:50.939 --> 00:27:52.079 stressful day 00:27:52.079 --> 00:27:54.000 and you put your feet up 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.459 and you say to everybody 00:27:55.459 --> 00:27:56.079 around you 00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:57.199 who shares your flat 00:27:57.199 --> 00:27:57.899 or lives with you 00:27:57.899 --> 00:27:58.439 or whatever it is, 00:27:58.479 --> 00:27:58.759 you say, 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.079 listen, 00:27:59.659 --> 00:28:00.500 leave me alone. 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:03.039 I deserve some rest. 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:03.979 You know, 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:06.000 I've been putting it out 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.639 all day. 00:28:07.339 --> 00:28:09.099 I've earned this much. 00:28:09.399 --> 00:28:10.759 Just leave me alone. 00:28:11.859 --> 00:28:12.059 Now, 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:13.359 given what we've seen so far, 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.179 what's wrong 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:15.000 with that scenario? 00:28:15.379 --> 00:28:15.939 Let me suggest 00:28:15.939 --> 00:28:16.699 one simple 00:28:16.699 --> 00:28:18.019 but very profound thing. 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.779 If you believe, 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.819 if I believe, 00:28:21.159 --> 00:28:22.539 that rest is something 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:24.799 I earn by my own efforts 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:26.359 and not something 00:28:26.359 --> 00:28:27.839 I receive by grace 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.319 and faith 00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:29.299 in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:28:29.379 --> 00:28:30.039 then I've misunderstood 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:31.319 what true rest is. 00:28:32.419 --> 00:28:34.599 Rest is not fueled 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.740 by my hard work 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:36.939 or earned by it, 00:28:37.219 --> 00:28:38.399 a credit that I deserve 00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:39.299 by my own efforts. 00:28:39.299 --> 00:28:39.779 You know, 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:40.779 I work like crazy 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:41.639 and then deserve a break 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:42.299 because I've earned it. 00:28:42.680 --> 00:28:42.779 No, 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:43.639 rest in the Bible 00:28:43.639 --> 00:28:45.019 is the opposite of that. 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.359 Rest in the Bible, 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:46.859 real rest, 00:28:46.899 --> 00:28:48.559 is a gift from God, 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:50.200 a gift enjoyed 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:51.419 by actively trusting 00:28:51.419 --> 00:28:51.859 in the giver. 00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.619 So Bible rest says, 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:53.879 you know, 00:28:54.319 --> 00:28:55.019 thank you, 00:28:55.079 --> 00:28:55.440 Lord, 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.319 that even though 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:57.339 I put it out all day 00:28:57.339 --> 00:28:58.539 and worked really hard, 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.519 actually, 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.659 all I've ever done 00:29:00.659 --> 00:29:01.099 is the things 00:29:01.099 --> 00:29:01.940 that you've put in front of me 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:02.720 and you've been the one 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.759 keeping the world turning. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:05.400 Thank you, 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:05.759 God, 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:07.359 that of all the important things 00:29:07.359 --> 00:29:08.099 I've done today, 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.960 I have not kept 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:11.460 the world turning. 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.259 You did that. 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.400 You kept your promise 00:29:13.400 --> 00:29:14.099 of seed time 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:14.619 and harvest 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:15.519 and summer and winter. 00:29:16.240 --> 00:29:17.779 And if even for a moment 00:29:17.779 --> 00:29:19.140 you'd stop doing those things, 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.720 anything that I've done today 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.079 would have been 00:29:21.079 --> 00:29:22.400 absolutely insignificant. 00:29:23.259 --> 00:29:24.299 So I'm crashing 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:24.920 on the sofa 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.660 and resting 00:29:25.660 --> 00:29:27.079 because tomorrow 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:27.740 I have to get up 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.619 and work again, 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:29.920 but now I'm stopping 00:29:29.920 --> 00:29:30.819 because, 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:31.119 Lord, 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:31.680 actually, 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.420 ultimately, 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:33.320 I have nothing 00:29:33.320 --> 00:29:34.620 really significant to do 00:29:34.620 --> 00:29:35.860 but you do all the 00:29:35.860 --> 00:29:36.580 significant stuff 00:29:36.580 --> 00:29:37.100 in the world 00:29:37.100 --> 00:29:38.120 and the universe 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:39.480 and I'm enjoying that. 00:29:39.580 --> 00:29:40.019 Right now, 00:29:40.080 --> 00:29:41.680 I'm enjoying that 00:29:41.680 --> 00:29:43.140 and that's what we say 00:29:43.140 --> 00:29:44.200 to ourselves in the rest. 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.380 It's really important, 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:46.700 isn't it, 00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:47.840 that Bible rest 00:29:47.840 --> 00:29:48.759 then is fuelled 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:50.420 by deep worship in God. 00:29:50.620 --> 00:29:52.080 It actively adores 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:53.340 the God of sovereign grace 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:53.880 and power 00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:55.320 who through his mercy 00:29:55.320 --> 00:29:56.720 brings rest to our bodies. 00:29:57.680 --> 00:29:58.080 And so really, 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.140 rest starts, 00:29:59.200 --> 00:29:59.420 isn't it, 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:00.259 when we tell ourselves 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:00.720 the gospel. 00:30:01.279 --> 00:30:01.640 Thank you, 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:01.940 Lord. 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:03.400 Thank you, 00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:03.539 Lord, 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:04.100 that you are the one 00:30:04.100 --> 00:30:04.700 in charge. 00:30:05.560 --> 00:30:05.900 Now, 00:30:05.960 --> 00:30:07.039 I've got two ideas 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:08.340 for practical application 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:09.860 and then I'll take 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:10.279 your questions, 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:10.539 okay? 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.400 So I'm going to give you 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:11.720 these. 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:13.960 Number one, 00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:16.980 if true rest 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:18.120 is found 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:19.080 from worship, 00:30:20.140 --> 00:30:20.740 number one, 00:30:21.480 --> 00:30:22.519 build your day 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.800 around remembering 00:30:23.800 --> 00:30:24.360 the gospel. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:27.160 The action of stopping 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:28.660 for part of your day 00:30:28.660 --> 00:30:30.060 may be the very first 00:30:30.060 --> 00:30:30.480 thing you do 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:30.980 in the morning, 00:30:30.980 --> 00:30:32.079 perhaps the last 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.579 thing you do 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:34.059 before you go 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.700 to bed at night 00:30:34.700 --> 00:30:35.140 or somewhere 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.759 in between. 00:30:36.779 --> 00:30:37.059 It doesn't, 00:30:37.240 --> 00:30:37.860 doing that 00:30:37.860 --> 00:30:38.400 to remember 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:39.039 the gospel, 00:30:39.200 --> 00:30:39.839 to read the Bible, 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.220 to pray, 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.039 it doesn't earn you 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:41.759 any brownie points 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:42.120 with God. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:43.160 You're not more saved 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.740 because you read 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.120 your Bible, 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:44.380 right? 00:30:44.440 --> 00:30:45.000 You know that. 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:46.620 Nor is it simply 00:30:46.620 --> 00:30:47.200 about loading 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.839 your mind 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:48.819 with more information. 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.279 I think we can read 00:30:51.279 --> 00:30:51.519 like that, 00:30:51.579 --> 00:30:51.740 can't we? 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:52.000 I just, 00:30:52.120 --> 00:30:53.200 I want to know this. 00:30:53.200 --> 00:30:55.240 It's not even 00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:55.920 just about wanting 00:30:55.920 --> 00:30:56.759 to see progress 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.299 in the battle 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:57.759 with sin, 00:30:57.819 --> 00:30:58.299 although of course 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:58.960 we want that, 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.279 don't we? 00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:00.299 We really want that. 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.039 Rather, 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:01.980 the action of sitting 00:31:01.980 --> 00:31:02.759 down and opening 00:31:02.759 --> 00:31:03.200 your Bible 00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.299 and praying every day 00:31:04.299 --> 00:31:05.880 is the reorientation 00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:06.420 of your heart 00:31:06.420 --> 00:31:07.000 towards God. 00:31:07.100 --> 00:31:07.759 It's reminding 00:31:07.759 --> 00:31:09.059 your stubborn will 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:10.059 who's in charge, 00:31:11.440 --> 00:31:12.539 who rules the world, 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.980 what your place is, 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:14.779 and it's the key 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.700 to Bible rest, 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.120 isn't it? 00:31:16.620 --> 00:31:17.460 If you're never 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.299 reading your Bible 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.340 and never praying, 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:20.779 the probability 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:21.519 is that you're 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:22.680 forgetting who God 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:23.460 is and what it 00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:23.980 means to live 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.440 in his world 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.759 and that is stressful. 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:27.700 Now, 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.279 this is not 00:31:28.279 --> 00:31:29.240 read your Bible 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:30.620 or God will hate you. 00:31:30.940 --> 00:31:31.900 It's not guilt-driven 00:31:31.900 --> 00:31:32.740 works trying to 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.560 earn favor with God. 00:31:33.660 --> 00:31:34.380 It's rather about 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:34.940 this is what it 00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:35.620 means to be human. 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:37.720 We need to be 00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:38.700 constantly reminded 00:31:38.700 --> 00:31:39.720 of God's goodness 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.700 and God's grace. 00:31:41.620 --> 00:31:42.240 It's about how 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:43.120 God by his spirit 00:31:43.120 --> 00:31:44.120 has chosen to work 00:31:44.120 --> 00:31:44.560 in our lives 00:31:44.560 --> 00:31:45.420 through his written word. 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.480 So whatever your plans 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.340 are for any given day, 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:48.960 the big thing you must do 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:50.240 is turn to the Lord. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.680 You might do it 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.380 for 15 minutes 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:53.080 at the start of the day. 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:54.740 You might read a passage 00:31:54.740 --> 00:31:55.260 from the Bible 00:31:55.260 --> 00:31:55.780 and pray. 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:56.900 It might be that 00:31:56.900 --> 00:31:58.060 every now and again 00:31:58.060 --> 00:31:59.340 in your day, 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.840 you just push the chair 00:32:00.840 --> 00:32:01.520 back from the desk 00:32:01.520 --> 00:32:02.580 and just pray 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:03.280 and read your Bible 00:32:03.280 --> 00:32:04.120 for a few minutes. 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:05.600 You might stop the car. 00:32:05.660 --> 00:32:06.240 You might switch off 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:06.760 the radio, 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.500 ensuring that every day 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.240 at some point 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.160 you're downing tools, 00:32:10.320 --> 00:32:11.500 disconnecting from your devices, 00:32:11.720 --> 00:32:13.120 stopping and adoring God 00:32:13.120 --> 00:32:14.100 for his sovereign power. 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.060 You know, 00:32:16.140 --> 00:32:16.500 there have been, 00:32:17.360 --> 00:32:17.600 you know, 00:32:17.660 --> 00:32:18.900 we've all been through seasons 00:32:18.900 --> 00:32:19.620 where it's more stressful 00:32:19.620 --> 00:32:20.160 or less stressful. 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:20.940 I remember it 00:32:20.940 --> 00:32:21.660 in a particular 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:23.100 stressful season 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:25.060 in the life of a church 00:32:25.060 --> 00:32:25.779 that's not this one. 00:32:26.920 --> 00:32:28.140 Just coming back 00:32:28.140 --> 00:32:28.920 from the church office 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:30.180 and just sitting down, 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:31.460 having to just tell myself 00:32:31.460 --> 00:32:31.880 the gospel. 00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:32.980 Lord, 00:32:33.040 --> 00:32:33.600 you're in charge 00:32:33.600 --> 00:32:34.259 of all of this. 00:32:34.420 --> 00:32:35.340 You know what you're doing. 00:32:35.800 --> 00:32:36.519 I don't. 00:32:37.620 --> 00:32:38.000 Actually, 00:32:38.080 --> 00:32:38.560 my actions 00:32:38.560 --> 00:32:39.500 are fairly insignificant. 00:32:39.840 --> 00:32:41.640 Yours are ultimately significant. 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:43.400 And you can feel 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:44.759 the rest coming over you 00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:46.000 as you remind yourself 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:46.779 of those things. 00:32:46.779 --> 00:32:48.420 And the truth is, 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:50.099 you don't squeeze 00:32:50.099 --> 00:32:51.160 that into your day. 00:32:51.619 --> 00:32:52.440 You build your day 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:53.399 around that 00:32:53.399 --> 00:32:54.480 because that's how 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:55.039 you need to do it. 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:56.740 So that's the first thing. 00:32:57.059 --> 00:32:57.559 Secondly then, 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.440 build your week 00:32:58.440 --> 00:32:59.619 around coming to church. 00:32:59.759 --> 00:33:01.579 If worship fuels rest 00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:02.299 because worship 00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:03.000 grows trust 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.399 and trust in God 00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:05.279 leads to rest, 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:06.379 then while that's true 00:33:06.379 --> 00:33:07.180 as you read your Bible 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:08.139 on your own at home, 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:09.539 it's even sort of 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.799 more true 00:33:10.799 --> 00:33:12.579 or in a profound sense 00:33:12.579 --> 00:33:13.259 more true 00:33:13.259 --> 00:33:14.099 about the gatherings 00:33:14.099 --> 00:33:15.039 of the local church 00:33:15.039 --> 00:33:16.960 because corporate worship 00:33:16.960 --> 00:33:17.940 fuels rest. 00:33:18.639 --> 00:33:19.259 Think about it. 00:33:19.359 --> 00:33:20.500 We meet at the beginning 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.000 of the week 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:22.720 before our working week 00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:23.240 has started, 00:33:23.379 --> 00:33:24.379 before we've earned 00:33:24.379 --> 00:33:26.059 any rest that week. 00:33:26.460 --> 00:33:27.480 We've not done anything 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.240 yet in this week. 00:33:28.420 --> 00:33:28.500 Yeah, 00:33:28.539 --> 00:33:29.359 this is the first day 00:33:29.359 --> 00:33:29.859 of the week. 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.559 And so we stop together 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.420 to remind one another 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:32.940 of the gospel 00:33:32.940 --> 00:33:33.839 and renew our trust 00:33:33.839 --> 00:33:34.319 in Jesus. 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:35.599 And the blessing 00:33:35.599 --> 00:33:36.359 of meeting together 00:33:36.359 --> 00:33:36.899 to do that 00:33:36.899 --> 00:33:38.339 is that it's not possible 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:40.139 to do that in that way 00:33:40.139 --> 00:33:41.200 on your own at home. 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.779 God has made the Christian life 00:33:43.779 --> 00:33:44.500 to be lived together. 00:33:45.039 --> 00:33:46.159 God has given you 00:33:46.159 --> 00:33:47.519 not just Christian mates, 00:33:47.659 --> 00:33:49.240 he's given you church members. 00:33:49.839 --> 00:33:50.539 Church members 00:33:50.539 --> 00:33:52.700 who wouldn't really be 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:53.240 your friends 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.200 outside of the church 00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:55.119 because they're so different 00:33:55.119 --> 00:33:56.539 to you in lots of ways. 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:58.240 But to walk alongside you 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:58.819 when it's easy 00:33:58.819 --> 00:33:59.519 and when it's difficult, 00:33:59.740 --> 00:34:00.379 a place where God 00:34:00.379 --> 00:34:01.019 in his wisdom 00:34:01.019 --> 00:34:02.839 has chosen that his word of grace 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:04.500 should be read and preached. 00:34:04.980 --> 00:34:05.119 You know, 00:34:05.139 --> 00:34:06.079 you can't take the Lord's Supper 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:06.619 on your own. 00:34:06.759 --> 00:34:07.460 You can't watch someone 00:34:07.460 --> 00:34:09.360 get baptized on your own 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:10.960 at home, can you? 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:12.719 You can't listen to God's word 00:34:12.719 --> 00:34:13.659 preached on your own 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.960 at home in the same way. 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:17.059 So actually feeding together 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:17.599 on the gospel 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:18.340 of the Lord Jesus 00:34:18.340 --> 00:34:20.639 through singing God's word, 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:22.599 through praying God's word, 00:34:22.719 --> 00:34:23.559 through turning our hearts 00:34:23.559 --> 00:34:24.279 together to him. 00:34:24.739 --> 00:34:25.559 That is what we do 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:26.679 as we gather as church. 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:27.960 Now, 00:34:28.380 --> 00:34:30.159 in a world of frantic activity, 00:34:30.279 --> 00:34:31.340 in a life of stress, 00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:33.159 I think we'd be fools 00:34:33.159 --> 00:34:34.420 not to build our weeks 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:36.159 around coming to church 00:34:36.159 --> 00:34:37.139 and making the most 00:34:37.139 --> 00:34:38.199 about church gatherings. 00:34:38.859 --> 00:34:40.239 And what that means for you 00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:41.000 and how that works out 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:41.579 for you is, 00:34:42.219 --> 00:34:42.819 well, 00:34:42.879 --> 00:34:43.719 that's really up to you, 00:34:43.779 --> 00:34:44.079 isn't it? 00:34:44.139 --> 00:34:45.799 But I think placing this 00:34:45.799 --> 00:34:47.119 as a big block in our week 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:48.639 will be a really significant 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:50.179 part of us feeling rested. 00:34:50.739 --> 00:34:52.000 And then you can go on holiday 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:54.099 and you can enjoy 00:34:54.099 --> 00:34:56.399 being away from your regular work 00:34:56.399 --> 00:34:57.339 because your rest 00:34:57.339 --> 00:34:58.639 is actually dependent 00:34:58.639 --> 00:34:59.339 on your holiday. 00:34:59.579 --> 00:35:00.599 It's dependent on the Lord. 00:35:00.599 --> 00:35:01.400 and then you'll enjoy 00:35:01.400 --> 00:35:01.860 your holiday 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:03.360 a lot more than you would 00:35:03.360 --> 00:35:04.420 if he was trying 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:05.099 to deliver you something 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:05.980 only God could deliver. 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:08.659 Questions or comments 00:35:08.659 --> 00:35:09.860 as we finish? 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:10.920 I don't say anything 00:35:10.920 --> 00:35:12.219 that's spiritual, 00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.159 but that's, 00:35:14.519 --> 00:35:15.460 what was I saying? 00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:17.579 It's practical wisdom 00:35:17.579 --> 00:35:18.719 for spiritual growth. 00:35:19.059 --> 00:35:19.360 Great. 00:35:19.519 --> 00:35:20.599 Not a religious command. 00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:21.339 Yes. 00:35:21.360 --> 00:35:22.339 That's just the distinction 00:35:22.339 --> 00:35:23.099 I'm trying to make. 00:35:23.599 --> 00:35:24.079 Really helpful. 00:35:24.199 --> 00:35:24.619 Thank you, Mike. 00:35:24.699 --> 00:35:25.619 Just say that again. 00:35:25.980 --> 00:35:26.659 Spirit, wait. 00:35:27.239 --> 00:35:27.980 Spiritual wisdom 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:29.039 for Christian growth. 00:35:29.039 --> 00:35:31.420 Oh, okay. 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:32.360 So practical wisdom 00:35:32.360 --> 00:35:33.500 for spiritual growth. 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:34.360 Yes. 00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.719 Rather than a command. 00:35:36.179 --> 00:35:37.000 So I actually do 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.599 what you're saying. 00:35:37.960 --> 00:35:38.360 Yes. 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:38.900 Sure you do. 00:35:38.920 --> 00:35:39.920 But I don't think 00:35:39.920 --> 00:35:40.159 I don't think I don't 00:35:40.159 --> 00:35:40.800 for a command. 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:41.380 Yeah. 00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:42.059 Because I know 00:35:42.059 --> 00:35:42.900 it's for my health. 00:35:43.159 --> 00:35:43.420 Yes. 00:35:44.059 --> 00:35:44.239 Yeah. 00:35:44.779 --> 00:35:44.960 Yeah. 00:35:45.059 --> 00:35:45.840 Eating the right food. 00:35:46.360 --> 00:35:46.759 Great. 00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:47.539 Yes. 00:35:47.779 --> 00:35:47.940 Yeah. 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:48.820 Yeah. 00:35:48.820 --> 00:35:48.820 00:35:49.579 --> 00:35:50.039 Yeah. 00:35:50.119 --> 00:35:50.960 So exactly how 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.179 that practice 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:54.639 relates to our obedience 00:35:54.639 --> 00:35:55.480 to the fourth commandment 00:35:55.480 --> 00:35:56.759 is perhaps an issue 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:58.000 for a question mark 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:58.860 rather than a 00:35:58.860 --> 00:36:00.559 you might slightly 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.280 disagree on that. 00:36:02.140 --> 00:36:03.340 Well, how you relate 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:05.260 that practical wisdom 00:36:05.260 --> 00:36:06.200 for spiritual growth 00:36:06.200 --> 00:36:07.380 to the fourth commandment 00:36:07.380 --> 00:36:08.019 is perhaps 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.180 somewhere where 00:36:09.180 --> 00:36:10.200 people might disagree. 00:36:10.539 --> 00:36:11.720 Maybe where you and I 00:36:11.720 --> 00:36:12.220 might have a slightly 00:36:12.220 --> 00:36:12.660 different view. 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:13.880 But actually in the end 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:14.420 you end up 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:15.860 in a very similar place 00:36:15.860 --> 00:36:16.340 practically. 00:36:17.180 --> 00:36:17.680 Is that what you're saying? 00:36:17.679 --> 00:36:21.019 I suppose if you're taking 00:36:21.019 --> 00:36:21.619 a different view 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:22.519 that would be the case. 00:36:22.879 --> 00:36:23.079 Yeah. 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:23.899 Yes. 00:36:23.960 --> 00:36:24.159 Okay. 00:36:24.379 --> 00:36:24.539 Yeah. 00:36:24.899 --> 00:36:26.339 I haven't listened to you 00:36:26.339 --> 00:36:27.159 enough to talk to you 00:36:27.159 --> 00:36:27.719 enough to know whether 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.739 I do take a different view. 00:36:28.839 --> 00:36:30.279 So we'll leave that 00:36:30.279 --> 00:36:32.000 in ambiguous. 00:36:32.199 --> 00:36:32.460 But yes. 00:36:32.539 --> 00:36:32.899 Thank you. 00:36:33.460 --> 00:36:33.799 Yes. 00:36:33.839 --> 00:36:34.559 I think we are. 00:36:34.739 --> 00:36:34.839 Yeah. 00:36:35.960 --> 00:36:36.859 Any other thoughts? 00:36:36.860 --> 00:36:43.700 Okay. 00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:46.059 What's one thing 00:36:46.059 --> 00:36:47.160 that you could do this week 00:36:47.160 --> 00:36:48.220 to make this week 00:36:48.220 --> 00:36:49.180 more restful 00:36:49.180 --> 00:36:50.120 than last week? 00:36:50.820 --> 00:36:51.640 Talk to the person 00:36:51.640 --> 00:36:52.180 next to you 00:36:52.180 --> 00:36:54.180 and then we will 00:36:54.180 --> 00:36:54.820 sing together. 00:36:55.200 --> 00:36:55.800 What's one thing 00:36:55.800 --> 00:36:56.579 you could do this week 00:36:56.579 --> 00:36:57.720 to make it more restful 00:36:57.720 --> 00:36:58.599 than last week? 00:36:58.599 --> 00:37:05.579 Let me pray as we stand. 00:37:06.639 --> 00:37:07.480 Oh Lord Jesus 00:37:07.480 --> 00:37:08.719 we long for that day 00:37:08.719 --> 00:37:09.699 when we will see you 00:37:09.699 --> 00:37:10.480 face to face 00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:11.759 and until that day 00:37:11.759 --> 00:37:13.039 not only do we pray 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:14.179 might you keep us going 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:15.199 but might you keep us 00:37:15.199 --> 00:37:16.279 resting in you 00:37:16.279 --> 00:37:16.699 we pray. 00:37:17.159 --> 00:37:18.039 I pray for my brothers 00:37:18.039 --> 00:37:19.079 and sisters here 00:37:19.079 --> 00:37:20.139 ask Lord 00:37:20.139 --> 00:37:20.960 that you might help them 00:37:20.960 --> 00:37:21.559 this week 00:37:21.559 --> 00:37:22.099 in the places 00:37:22.099 --> 00:37:22.880 that you put them 00:37:22.880 --> 00:37:24.299 to find true rest 00:37:24.299 --> 00:37:25.239 in knowing you 00:37:25.239 --> 00:37:26.259 and trusting you 00:37:26.259 --> 00:37:27.579 in Jesus name. 00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:28.420 Amen. 00:37:28.599 --> 00:37:28.839 Amen.