For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. Romans 6:19; cf. 6:13, 16

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1; Luke 2:22

Goal: Godliness...the work of God, requiring our cooperation, rewarding us now and forever.

Process: Spiritual Disciplines...habits of body and mind that allow us to effectively cooperate with God’s Spirit in the process of character transformation.

“By themselves the Spiritual Disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to the place where something can be done.” Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

“…the activities constituting the disciplines have no value in themselves. The aim and substance of spiritual life is not fasting, prayer, hymn singing, frugal living, and so forth. Rather, it is the effective and full enjoyment of active love of God and humankind in all the daily rounds of normal existence where we are placed. Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines

• The example of Christ at “rest”–Jesus had a lot to do–Jesus often said “No”

Before and after a day of ministry – Lk. 5:16After John’s arrest – Mt. 4:12After John’s death – Mt. 14:13-14After feeding 5000 – Mt. 14:22-23After teaching – Mt. 15:21

• The example of Christ at “rest”–Jesus had a lot to do–Jesus often said “No”–Jesus honored the Sabbath

• The example of Christ at “rest”• The meaning of Sabbath “rest”

One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. Romans 14:5

• The example of Christ at “rest”• The meaning of Sabbath “rest”

Why should we keep a “Sabbath”?1. Principle revealed by God in creation

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:1–3; cf. Ex 20:8-11

• The example of Christ at “rest”• The meaning of Sabbath “rest”

Why should we keep a “Sabbath”?1. Principle revealed by God in creation2. Principle emphasized in God’s word3. A reminder of emancipation4. A sign of future blessing

“You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15

“...I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.” Ezekiel 20:12

• The example of Christ at “rest”• The meaning of Sabbath “rest”

What are the benefits of “rest”?1. Refreshment and renewal2. Focused prayer3. Worship in truth

And He said to [His disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) Mark 6:31

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer, since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment...” Leonardo Da Vinci.

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16

• Everyone needs “rest”• It doesn’t matter when or how long• Just start!