Series: Be Still
Title: Habitual Stillness
Passage: Exodus 20:8-11
Speaker: Steve Howell (Senior Minister)

Use the following questions and directions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• What is the most restful activity you’ve ever done? When was the last time you got to do it?
  

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• What is the Sabbath day? Why is it important? (See Exodus 20:8-11)
  

• What are some actions that were prohibited on the Sabbath? Look up Exodus 16:29-30; Exodus 34:21; Exodus 35:3; Numbers 15:32-36; Amos 8:5.
  

• If you lived under these laws, would you be inclined to find loopholes, or would you be more likely to honor the purpose of the laws? Why?
  

• Exodus 35:2 outlines the punishment for an Israelite who violated the Sabbath laws. Why do you think the punishment was so harsh? What does that tell you about the Sabbath’s worth to God? Do you agree about its importance?
  

• Read Mark 3:1–6. Did Jesus violate the Sabbath rules? Why not?
  

• In what ways can the Sabbath be a joy and help you celebrate God? How does the fact that God rested/finished His work help you find joy in your own rest?
  

• What has been your typical observance of a time of Sabbath? If it has been absent in your life, are you planning to change? How? Share some details about how you could implement Sabbath more regularly.
  

• Who in your family needs to take the lead in guarding your Sabbath time? Who might benefit the most from this time? Who might be the hardest to convince?
  

‌Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Pray for God to help you clear a spot in your schedule for Sabbath. Thank Him for accomplishing what we cannot!