9: The Rhythms of Rest – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: The Sabbath bids us to behold the glory of the Creator in His created works. As we come close to nature, Christ makes His presence real to us and speaks to us of His peace and love.
August 28, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 1:10,12,18,25,31.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What did God’s evaluation indicate about Creation?
Personal Application: How close and personal was God’s creation of man and woman? How close did He want their relationship with each other to be? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t believe woman was made from a man’s rib. That would make her secondary. God is more likely a woman, and man came from her. The Bible was written during a patriarchal society. We have overcome those sexist and superstitious teachings that shouldn’t be propagated or believed.” How would you respond to your friend?

2. Have a volunteer read Exodus 20:8-11.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How important is the Sabbath as it relates to Creation?
Personal Application: What is the purpose of remembering the Sabbath day to keep it holy? What does remembering it do for you? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why do you worship every week on the seventh day? Aren’t we supposed to worship God every day? Do we need to go to a church building to worship? Can’t we worship God in our own homes?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Exodus 16:14-31..

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What are some reasons God gave manna in the desert in the manner He did?
Personal Application: Is keeping the Sabbath a reminder of what God has done for us in the past, or a reminder of what He will do for us in the future? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “It doesn’t matter what day we keep. Jesus is our Sabbath rest. We rest in Him. So trying to keep a particular day each week is not resting in Jesus every day. We are not under the legalistic old covenant anymore.“ How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 58:13; Psalm 92…

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What atmosphere should we create and promote on the Sabbath day?
Personal Application: What are some positive things you get by keeping the Sabbath day? How has it been a blessing to you?” Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!