Preparing for the Lord's Day
Spiritual Training: "Sabbath Rest"
From the very beginning of creation, the Lord has ordered our time around a one in seven cycle of work and rest (Gen 1-2:2). Six days have been given for work and the activities of the world and one day has been set-apart for worship and rest. As we begin our study of the spiritual disciplines, we start with the discipline of rest. The discipline of stopping the work of the world that we might rest in the work of Christ. We often are burdened by the obligations of work, of hobbies, of family, of media, of finances, and of sports. Yet the Lord has given to man the gift of the sabbath, that is the gift of rest (Mark 2:27). The Lord’s command is not to add burdens but to free us from our bondage to never-ending work. It is to give us a taste of the sabbath rest that is to come. Never in the history of the world has man had more pressure toward endless work. Instant communication has allowed work to invade our homes and our vacations. We can work in bed, at the kitchen table, and in the car. However, if we would pursue spiritual depth and vitality we must break this relentless cycle and accept the freedom of the sabbath. The freedom to give one whole day in seven to the Lord. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Luke 13:10-17, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 20:8; 31:15-17, Isaiah 56:2-7, Acts 20:7, Hebrews 4:9-11; 10:24-25, and Westminster Confession of Faith 21.7,8.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O Day of Rest and Gladness”, the Acclamation of Praise “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and the Hymn of Response “Holy God, We Praise Your Name” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online, through the Rivermont App, (available at the App Store or Google Play), or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.
Sermon Text: Luke 13:10-17
Sermon Title: Sabbath Rest
Sermon Outline:
- Sabbath Rest Promised (10)
- Sabbath Rest Needed (11)
- Sabbath Rest Experienced (12-13)
- Sabbath Rest Applied (14-16)
- Sabbath Rest Celebrated (17)