Rest Brings God's Commanded Blessings

Question 1

How does the concept of rest in the context of Sabbath relate to acknowledging God as the creator?

Answer 1

In the context of Sabbath, the concept of rest is closely tied to acknowledging God as the Creator. By resting on the seventh day, Jews acknowledge and remember that God is the Creator, emulating the example set by God when He rested on the seventh day. This act of resting is a way of honoring God’s creation and recognizing His sovereignty over all things.

Question 2

1. Explain the significance of relationships with family, loved ones, and friends in the context of Sabbath rest.

Answer 2

In the context of Sabbath rest, relationships with family, loved ones, and friends hold significant importance. God designed humans for community and connection, emphasizing the need for meaningful relationships. By prioritizing time with family and friends during Sabbath, individuals can experience emotional support, joy, and fulfillment, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness.

Question 3

1. How does the concept of true Sabbath rest go beyond mere inactivity?

Answer 3

The concept of true Sabbath rest goes beyond mere inactivity by emphasizing activity directed by the spirit of God. True Sabbath rest involves being led by the spirit to heal, restore, and experience freedom from various burdens. It is about engaging in activities that bring spiritual growth, renewal, and liberation from sin and afflictions, rather than simply refraining from physical work.

Question 4

1. Discuss the relationship between rest and God’s provision as mentioned in Leviticus 25:20-22

Answer 4

The relationship between rest and God’s provision in Leviticus 25:20-22 highlights the principle of trusting in God’s commanded blessings. When individuals choose to obey God’s command to rest, He promises to provide abundantly. This passage illustrates the concept of divine provision and the faith required to rely on God’s blessings rather than solely on personal efforts.

Question 5

1. How does the idea of rest in God’s provision contrast with the world’s approach to work and success?

Answer 5

The idea of rest in God’s provision contrasts with the world’s approach to work and success by emphasizing reliance on God’s grace and blessings rather than self-reliance and continuous labor. While the world promotes nonstop work and self-dependence for success, God’s way advocates beginning with rest, working out of rest, and experiencing increase through His provision. This contrast highlights the importance of faith, obedience,
and trust in God’s promises for true fulfillment and abundance.

Question 6

1. Reflect on the concept that the true Sabbath rest is found in the person of Jesus rather than a specific day.

Answer 6

The concept that true Sabbath rest is found in the person of Jesus transcends the idea of a specific day of the week. Jesus embodies the essence of rest by offering spiritual healing, freedom from bondage, and restoration to all who come to Him. True Sabbath rest is not confined to a temporal observance but is a continuous experience of peace, wholeness, and divine presence through a personal relationship with Jesus, who is the ultimate source of rest and salvation.

Question 7

What does the number seven symbolize in biblical numerics?

Answer 7

The number seven symbolizes rest, completion, and perfection, representing a divine order in creation.

Question 8

Why is the seventh day considered holy?

The seventh day is set apart as a day of rest, signifying God’s sovereignty and creative power, as He rested after completing His work (Genesis 2:2-3).

Answer 8

What does the Hebrew word ‘qadash’ mean?

‘Qadash’ means ‘sanctified,’ highlighting the sacredness of being set apart for God, particularly in the context of rest.

Question 9

How is the Sabbath more than just physical rest?

The Sabbath is also a spiritual act of worship, where believers reconnect with God, acknowledging His authority and grace.

Answer 9

What is the focus of the Sabbath for believers?

The Sabbath is a day for worship, reflection, and celebrating intimacy with God, as well as nurturing relationships within the community.

Question 10

What role do relationships play during the Sabbath?

The Sabbath encourages believers to prioritize family, friends, and community, building kingdom friendships that foster spiritual growth and support.

Answer 10

How is Jesus the fulfillment of the Sabbath?

Jesus embodies true rest and restoration, offering believers freedom from sin and anxiety, and emphasizing rest through faith and obedience to His rest.

Question 11

What does resting in God’s provision teach us?

Resting in God’s provision shows trust in His care and abundance, as exemplified in the principle of resting during the seventh year (Leviticus 25:20-22).

Answer 11

Why is rest important for physical and mental health?

Rest is essential for well-being, preventing burnout and illness, and is part of God’s holistic design for spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

Question 12

What is ‘restful increase’?

‘Restful increase’ emphasizes success through trusting in God’s ways rather than striving in one’s own strength, leading to spiritual richness and fulfillment.

Answer 12

Why did God rest on the seventh day?

God rested because He had finished His work, not because He was tired (Exodus 31:17).

Question 13

What does the Hebrew word ‘qadash’ mean?

‘Qadash’ means ‘sanctified’ or ‘set apart,’ referring to the holiness of rest.

Answer 13

How do Jews view the start of the day?

For Jews, the day begins in the evening with rest and sleep, empowering them to face the day with strength.

Question 14

What do Jews remember by resting on the seventh day?

By resting, Jews acknowledge God as the Creator and follow His example of resting on the seventh day.

Answer 14

What is the Sabbath day for believers?

The Sabbath is a day for believers to worship, gather as a church, and celebrate their relationship with God through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Question 15

What is the second priority during the Sabbath?

Relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are prioritized, building community and kingdom friendships.

Answer 15

What does a Harvard study say about happiness?

Good relationships, not money or accolades, contribute most to happiness and well-being.

Question 16

Who is the true substance of the Sabbath?

Jesus is the true substance of the Sabbath rest.

Answer 16

What was the greatest Sabbath for the man at the Pool of Bethesda?

When Jesus healed him, telling him to “rise, take up your bed, and walk” (John 5:8), after 38 years of illness.

Question 17

What does the true substance of Sabbath rest involve?

It is not inactivity, but activity led by the Spirit of God, bringing healing and freedom from sin and burdens.

Answer 17

What has God been doing since Adam’s fall?

God has been working for man’s redemption, wholeness, and blessings, allowing us to rest in Him.

Question 18

What does Jesus offer for those in difficult conditions?

Jesus offers rest, freedom, and victory over every infirmity, stress, and shame.

Answer 18

Why is rest important for our physical bodies?

Our bodies are made from dust, and without rest, we risk deteriorating, leading to permanent rest (death).

Question 19

What should believers not fear when it comes to rest?

Believers should not fear falling behind or lacking time, as God’s way is to bring increase through rest, not endless toil.

Answer 19

What is the principle of ‘restful increase’?

Restful increase is working from a place of rest, leading to blessings and success on every front.

Question 20

What does Leviticus 25:20-22 teach about rest?

God promises abundance during times of rest, as shown in the command to rest in the seventh year, with enough produce for three years.

Answer 20

What happens when you choose to rest in God’s provision?

God commands His blessings on every area of your life—career, finances, family, and more.

Question 21

7 in the Bible numerics is the number of rest, completion, and perfection!

Answer 21

The Hebrew word used for “sanctified” here is qadash, which means “to be set apart” and “to be consecrated.” God set apart the seventh day as a day of rest and made it holy. Rest is holy.

Question 22

God did not rest because He was tired. He rested because He had finished the work. (Exodus 31:17) That was the rest of creation.

Answer 22

God wants our day to begin with rest. Beginning the day in the evening also means the day begins with sleep for the Jews. They wake up in the morning, it’s no longer the beginning of the day for them—it’s already midway through the day. They started off rested and empowered through the day, and they start off rested and empowered, having spent time with God and with their family and loved ones.

Question 23

By resting and setting apart the seventh day, Jews are acknowledging and remembering that God is the Creator. They are also emulating the example that God set when He rested on the seventh day.

Answer 23

For us believers, our Sabbath day is a day where we spend time with our Savior, gather as a church to worship Him and hear His Word, and celebrate the intimacy we have with God because our sins have all been taken away at the cross of Jesus. It is a day of rest, and rest is NOT about doing nothing—it is about making Him everything, worshipping Him, and honoring Him with our tithes and offerings.

Question 24

The second priority during Shabbat is relationships with family, loved ones, and friends. God did not design man to journey alone—it is so important for you to have kingdom friendships that are replenishing. To be part of a community where you can step up to believe with your friends for breakthroughs when they go through trials. Find a way to get involved, start to serve somewhere and start putting your roots down.

Answer 24

A study from Harvard University has shown that it was good relationships, not the amount of money one earned or the accolades collected, that keeps us happier and healthier. At the end of the day, happiness really isn’t about what car you drive or how many followers you have on social media—it’s your family, loved ones, and close friends that really matter and bring you the greatest happiness and fulfilment.

Question 25

The truth Sabbath is not a day; it is the lovely person of our Lord Jesus. He is the true substance of the Sabbath!

Answer 25

The man at the Pool of Bethesda had lain on his bed for 38 years. There was no activity on his part because he could not move. But was that true rest for him? No! Rest for him was when the Lord Jesus told him, “Rise. take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8), and he was able to do so after almost four decades. That was the greatest Sabbath of his life!

Question 26

The true substance of the Sabbath rest is not about doing nothing. It is not inactivity; it is activity directed by the spirit of God, the way our Lord Jesus was led to heal and restore. He came to give us true rest—from our infirmities, cares that cause us to be bowed down, from bondages to sin—He came to give us rest from all that! True freedom!

Answer 26

Ever since Adam fell, God has been working for man’s redemption, man’s wholeness, and man’s blessings. You can rest because He is at work for you. Whether you’ve been paralyzed by your fears and anxieties, or depression has robbed you of all your strength, whether you have been bound to an addiction for years, or have been bent over by a weight of hopelessness, I want you to know that you can find true rest and victory in our Lord Jesus.

Question 27

There is hope in Him no matter how long your condition. Come to our Lord Jesus, He does not want you to remain in your condition. Ought not you, child of the Most High God, be loosed from every shame, every stress, and every infirmity that binds you?

Answer 27

When God tells us to rest, it is for our God. Our physical bodies are made from the dust of the ground. We must allow our bodies to rest. Otherwise, we’ll end up on a bed where people come to visit us in a permanent rest.

Question 28

Beloved, you don’t have to be afraid of being shortchanged or falling behind, thinking that you’ll not have enough time to finish your work, or not earn enough money. The world’s way is to work nonstop with little rest because people are depending on their own efforts to bring increase to their lives.

Answer 28

God’s way is this: Begin with rest, work out of rest, and continue in His rest. Out of that rest, you will experience increase on every front. That’s what restful increase is all about! You will never go wrong when you do things God’s way.

Question 29

20 ‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?” 21 Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years.

22 And you shall sow in the eighth year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.

Leviticus 25:20-22

Answer 29

Rest brings God’s commanded blessings. When you choose to obey Him and rest, He will command His blessings upon you and on your career. He will command His blessings on your bank account, on your ministry, on your family, on your business, and on everything you touch!

Question 30

When you rest and live under God’s commanded blessings, you will always have more than enough!

Answer 30

Would you rather depend on your toiling and labouring? Or would you rather let go and let His commanded blessings and double-portion supply flow unabated in your life?

Question 31

When you find yourself troubled over lack, tell yourself to stop worrying and instead have faith in God and believe in Him for His provision—to rest in God’s provision and you’ll find God’s grace is perfect.

Answer 31

Whenever God provides for you, it is when you chose to rest in His promises instead of your own effort. The Lord will command His blessing upon you as you choose to rest in His finished work! May the Lord grant you a new anointing of rest in Jesus’ name!