Sermon Tone Analysis

All work and no ____ makes Jack a ____

You may think the bible is about work, not works of salvation but works in general and no play.

But it is important for us to know that if we don’t come apart we will fall apart.

Today we are looking at rest, physical, spiritual and the compassion of the Shepherd.

Don’t be idle or slothful (Pro6:6-11, 1Tim5:13) - sounds like work

Then looking at what Paul said to Timothy

Scriptures positive words about work and labor (Eph4:28; 1The4:11)

Scriptures positive words about work and labor (Eph4:28; 1The4:11)

So work is for the benefit of others and it is a command, so work is good, but rest for the weary soul is needed too.

Jesus spoke of rest in our passage today (Mk6:30)

Jesus spoke of coming away to secluded place for rest (Mk6:31)

So I mentioned a couple of the verses for today so let’s look at the passage.

MK6:30-31

What do you see, what sticks out to you, what do you notice?

I. Need for Rest

Regardless of all the advances in what should be labor-saving technology, man seems to be working longer, faster, harder than ever.

We would be wise when we apply what the Bible says about rest.

(Mt11:28-30)

So we know those verses and it speaks to those who are weary, who need a rest, but what about other scriptures that are illustrated in the Bible regarding rest?

Sabbath rest illustrated (Gen2:1-3)

God rested from creation, the work was done, creation was done, God not only rested but sanctified the 7th day.

Do you remember what sanctified means?

1 : to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : consecrate. 2 : to free from sin : purify.

3a : to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to.

Sabbath rest commanded (Deu5:12-15)

What is the command given (v.12)?

Who does this command apply to (v.14)?

We need to be careful here, this is written and commanded to Jews who were previously in slavery in Egypt who are about the enter the promised land.

Why is it given (v.15)?

Eventhough we are not Jews who were ever in slavery in Egypt, can we learn from this anything that can be applied to today?

As seen in the illustration and the command, clearly it is easy to deduce that God not only approved of a rest, but commanded it, and did on a regular basis.

Rest illustrations from O.T. some Jewish holidays

Feast of unleavened bread (Lev23:5-8)

This feast included 2 days of rest

The below had one day of rest commanded.

Feast of Harvest (Lev23:21)

Feast of Trumpets (Lev23:23-25)

Day of Atonement (Lev23:26-32)

Feast of Tabernacles (Lev23:33-36)

This one like unleavened bread had two

So, the Jewish days of rest, which were commanded were about 70.

We also know that the Old Testament was written for our learning (Rom15:4); so what did it say in the Matthew passage again (Mt11:28)?

Now let’s talk about taking time to rest, both physical and spiritual

Taking time to rest

Take time to come apart, to rest, so you don’t fall apart.

This applies to the body and to the spirit of the body.

Dangers to avoid

Too much work, activity

No man can work without rest

No man can live a Christian life without rest (a time) with God.

We cannot handle life in this world without the proper things needed when we spend time with the Creator of this world.

Remember Jesus came to give us life full, and full includes

How can we carry one another’s burdens (Gal6:2) if we are not staying connected with the Lord who gives us all things for life and godliness and that includes cross bearing or burden bearing.

Too much work, not enough God means we are trying to operate under our own power and the God’s.

We needs God’s power and God’s strength to help us.

It is quintessential that we seek the Savior in a quiet place to have our inner being strengthened; and that takes time, rest from work, rest from activity.

The other thing to avoid is:

Too much withdrawal

I want to share a couple of thoughts I read in commentary on our passage from

Daily Bible Study by William Barclay

Devotion that does not issue an action is not real devotion.

Devotion in prayer that does not issue in work is not real prayer

An abbreviated one for the quote is too long is

Don’t seek fellowship with God as a means to not fellowship with men

We need to have the right balance, the right rhythm of the Christian life in meeting with God in the secret place and serving men in the market place.

Types of rest

Physical rest (I think we have covered)

Physical rests we discussed in the O.T.

But what about today, do we need physical rests today?

If so, why?

We need a good nights sleep to recharge our bodies and to help with health.

Even a good power nap would be nice too.

Vacations or get away’s; Dinner dates fellowships with friends and family

Benefits of physical rest: helps reduce stress, anxiety, can help with weight control and with memory.

Spiritual rest (Php4:6-9)

Spiritual rest is taking time for the Lord; daily devotionals

Spiritual rest may include, should include, prayer, meditation on God’s Word as we see the N.T. example from the Php4:6-9 passage we just looked at

Benefits of spiritual rest: A closer walk with God, a renewed, transformed person and peace.

So both body and soul need times of rest and have benefits to both.

But rest application, here are some suggestions.

Make time to rest

Isaac did in the evening (Gen24:53)

David and Daniel, well, morning, noon and evening (Psm55:17; Dan6:10)

Jesus was a morning person (Mk1:34)

Now back to our passage again

Where did Jesus want to go (v.31)?

Why did Jesus want them to go (v.32)?

When did He call them to do it (v.30)?

Choose a place to rest

Isaac it was in a field (Gen24:63)

David on his bed (Psm4:4)

Daniel in his room (Dan6:10)

Jesus, deserted places (MK1:35)

Now these are just some biblical examples, most have been from the O.T. but they are used to just get you thinking about the importance of rest both physical and spiritual and to stimulate you to think about your rest, are you getting it?

Our walk with the Lord is just that, a walk, it is not a sprint, so enjoy the journey here until the day we get our heavenly rest.

Now that is only 1/2 of the study this morning, we still have the other part to look at.

Compassion of the Shepherd

Keep in mind, and keep in context what has been happening, just back from limited commission mission trip (Mk6:7-13; Mk6:30) the apostles were going to get away for a time of rest with Jesus.

Now we see the heart of the Savior, the compassion of the Shepherd.

What did you see, what did you notice, what sticks out to you?