EXODUS: Getting Egypt Out Of Us (Sabbath)
Pastor Brian Schafer
November 10, 2024
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Exodus 20:1-2
And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
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GRACE ALWAYS PRECEDES THE

Reveal Answer

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Take your own notes here…

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The 10 Commandments are not a list of arbitrary rules. They are a Rule of Life to show the Israelites (and us) how free people live.
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Rule = “Regula” (Latin) = TRELLIS

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A Trellis has 2 primary functions:
(1) To protect plants from predators
(2) To maximize FRUITFULNESS.
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Take your own notes here…

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Exodus 20: 3, 4, and 7
*You must not have any other god but me.

You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.

You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.*
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What we give our

Reveal Answer

to is the type of people we become.

Take your own notes here…

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SABBATH means, “To Stop.” Its origin is in the Creation Story. God STOPPED from His creative activity on the 7th day. He stepped back and ENJOYED His Creation. (“That is very TOV!”)
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Take your own notes here

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3 TRUTHS ABOUT SABBATH

(1) Sabbath is not a

for hard work.
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Society’s Rhythm =
Work > Work > Work > Work > Vacation…
OR Work > Work > Work > Work > Retirement…
OR Work > Scrolling Social Media > Work > Netflix > Work > Concert > Work > Distraction

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Sabbath Rhythm = Sabbath > Work > Sabbath > Work > Sabbath > Work
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Take your own notes here…

(2) Sabbath reminds us that we are not God.
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The Savior Complex = “If it weren’t for me, everything (in my home, at my job, in my family) would fall apart.”
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Take your own notes here…

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(3) Trust = Rest. No Trust = No Rest.
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The degree to which you are able to TRUST someone is the degree to which you are able to REST.
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What is God showing you today? How might you need to respond?

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Sabbath Tips:

(1) Sabbath is a 24-hour time period set aside for rest and delight in God’s creation. Biblically and historically, this is practiced from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. We believe that, in Christ, we are not bound to one particular day of the week. Still, the practice is for our good. Jesus said, “people aren’t made for Sabbath. Instead, Sabbath is made for people.” (Mark 2:27)

(2) Choose a day of the week that works for your family’s schedule.

(3) If 24 hours feels impossible right now, start with 12 hours, or even 6 hours. Then, work your way up. Remember the purpose: (a) To delight in God’s creation, (b) To trust God with our TIME, (c) To allow God to remind us that He is God and we are not, and (d) so much more!

(4) If you have an odd work schedule (rotating days, etc.), then be creative with the timing of your Sabbath.

(5) During Sabbath, try to reduce both mindless distractions (scrolling on social media, binging YouTube, etc.) AND “catch up” on errands. Instead, the goal is to fill it with delight. It will look different for each individual or family. Personally, I (Pastor Brian) enjoy working in my garden, going for a long run, and hanging out with Jenny on my Sabbath.

(6) Consider adding a worship element to your Sabbath. I try to spend some time journaling gratitudes on Sabbath. Other ideas: Going for a walk and listening to worship music, or reading a Psalm, or praying with people.

(7) Just like all spiritual disciplines, Sabbath has a CUMULATIVE EFFECT. Don’t expect a quick-fix to anxiety or anger after the first week, or month. However, over the long-haul, it is a practice that both points our hearts towards Jesus and makes space for the Holy Spirit to work deeply in us. Sabbath is a part of what it means for us to “uniquely order our lives” as we trust God with our TIME.