Practicing the Way (Week 6): The Practice of Sabbath & Rest If we’re honest—most of us are exhausted. Some of us from working too hard. Others from resting poorly. In this week’s message, we look at how Sabbath is not about legalism—it’s about life. You’ll learn why God blessed rest, why the first “holy” thing was a day of stopping, and how modern hustle culture (and dopamine addiction) are stealing true restoration from our lives. We explore: ✅ How God designed us to work and rest ✅ Why Sabbath is a gift for your soul ✅ How screens are keeping you trapped in fight-or-flight ✅ Practical ways to begin reclaiming God’s rhythm Time off won’t heal you if your time on is misaligned. The invitation isn’t about vacation—it’s about transformation.
Title: Practicing the Way — The Practice of Sabbath & Rest
Main Texts: Genesis 1:1, 31; Genesis 2:1–3; Mark 2:23–28
Big Idea: True rest isn’t just about taking time off—it’s about transforming both how we work and how we rest by aligning with God’s rhythm for life.
Key Points:
God’s Rhythm of Creation
Genesis 1:1 — God worked.
Genesis 2:1–3 — And then God rested—not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied.
Rest is holy. The very first thing God called “holy” was time, not a place or person.
If God rests, who are we to think rest is for the weak or lazy? It’s a part of the divine pattern.
We Live in a Hustle Culture
In today’s culture, busy is worn as a badge of honor.
But endless busyness produces burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from self, others, and God.
A connected soul, a family at peace—these are far more impressive than flashy schedules or name brands.
Rest Is More Than Time Off
Many think “I just need a vacation”—but no amount of time off will heal you if you don’t change how you spend your time on.
Sabbath is an intentional rhythm of work and rest:
Work like God works.
Rest like God rests.
Two Modern Enemies of Rest
Burnout
Some are addicted to hustle and performance.
Jobs, money, and accolades become identity. This is a recipe for collapse.
Others are addicted to mindless “breaks” that actually exhaust them—social media, screens, shallow entertainment.
Constant screen time keeps the body in fight-or-flight, blocking true rest and recovery.
How do you get your dopamine? If the answer is screens and noise, you aren’t truly resting.
The Sabbath Was Made for You
Mark 2:27 — “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
The Pharisees overcomplicated the Sabbath. Our culture ignores it entirely.
The solution is neither legalism nor neglect—it’s joyful practice.
Sabbath should be a gift, not a guilt trip.
Practical Invitation
Sabbath isn’t about strict rules—start simple:
Shut down the phone.
Disconnect from “work” for a full day.
Engage in life-giving relationships, hobbies, meals, and worship.
Practice what it looks like for your soul to say: God is enough. I can stop.
Final Challenge:
Fasting trains us to say “no.” Sabbath trains us to say “enough.”
Start where you are. You won’t master rest overnight—but embracing Sabbath as a rhythm will realign your heart with God’s design for your life.