Sabbatical Rewind - The Need For Rest

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

Finding Your Season of Rest

Summary: This message explores the importance of recognizing and embracing seasons of rest in our lives as essential for spiritual growth and renewal.

Why: Pastors often struggle with the pressures of daily life that lead to burnout.

Barna’s research on the Resilient Pastor Notes: “46 percent of pastors under the age of 45 say they are considering quitting full-time ministry.” It goes on to say that “keeping the right younger leaders encouraged and in their ministry roles will be crucial to the next decade of congregational vitality in the U.S.”

Lifeway: What is a sabbatical?

The sabbatical tradition began in the universities at the time when the university was part of the church. The idea was that the university professors needed one year in every seven to become students again and to refresh their spiritual calling. That tradition is alive and well in secular as well as church-related universities today. Unfortunately, it is not as alive or well in the churches.

Our Sabbatical

Family

Missions: New Culture, Kids Home, Churches, Pastors, Strategic Planning, Seminar

Training: Mental Health Coach Class finished

TRANSITION: Not all can take a sabbatical, primarily for teachers, professors, and pastors, although some business find value in it…BUT WE ALL MUST EMBRACE rhythms of REST!

Sermon’s Big Idea: Embracing rhythms of rest leads us to a deeper, more joyful relationship with God.

1. Rest is God’s Initiative

Genesis 2:2–3 “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.”

God Himself modeled rest after creation

This divine example underscores rest as part of our spiritual DNA

Rejuvenates us and aligns us with His purposes.

2. Rest Is Obedience

Exodus 20:8–11 “8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

God commanded His people to keep the Sabbath holy as a time of rest and reflection.

Resting is a sacred act of trust in God's provision.

3. Rest Is An Invitation

Mark 6:31 “31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”

Rest is vital for ministry and personal well-being.

Rest is an intentional pause that prepares us for fruitful service.

Through rest, we find renewed strength, wisdom, and perspective for the tasks ahead.

4. Rest Always In Christ

Matthew 11:28–30 “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

The ultimate rest for our souls is provided by Christ, who lifts our burdens.

As we engage in intentional rhythms of rest, we are reminded that true peace and rest come from fulfilling our longing in Christ who supports us through life's trials.

Job’s friends who just sat with him. Job 2:13 “13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.”

Conclusion/Reflection:

Jesus by the Holy Spirit sits with us in our trials!

I pray your soul finds rest in Jesus this week!

Talk It Over

What does it mean to find ultimate rest in Christ according to Matthew 11:28–30?

What distractions in your life prevent you from experiencing true rest?

In what ways can we intentionally create rhythms of rest in our busy lives?