December 6
Lesson 1
THE SABBATH DAY
DEVOTIONAL READING: Hebrews 4:1–11
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Exodus 16:23; 20:8–11; 31:12–18; Deuteronomy 5:12–15; Leviticus 23:3–8; Matthew 12:1–14; Acts 13:42
EXODUS 20:8–11
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
EXODUS 31:12–16
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
Photo: Charlie AJA /iStock /Thinkstock
KEY VERSE
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
—Exodus 20:8
SACRED GIFTS AND HOLY GATHERING
Unit 1: What We Bring to God
LESSONS 1–4
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List requirements for observing the Sabbath and penalties for failing to do so.
2. Explain the significance of the Sabbath as a sign.
3. Suggest a specific action or routine that can serve as a sign of his or her belief in the holiness of God.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Time-out
B. Lesson Background
I. Sabbath’s Institution (EXODUS 20:8–11)
A. Command Given (vv. 8–10)
B. Command Explained (v. 11)
The Power of Example
II. Sabbath’s Importance (EXODUS 31:12–16)
A. Sacred Sign (vv. 12, 13)
Someone Special
B. Strict Punishment (vv. 14, 15)
C. Steadfast Observance (v. 16)
Conclusion
A. Rest for the Week
B. Rest for the Weak
C. Prayer
D. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Aaron
Air-un.
Deuteronomy
Due-ter-ahn-uh-me.
Habakkuk
Huh-back-kuk.
Jonah
Jo-nuh.
Nineveh
Nin-uh-vuh.
Noah
No-uh.
Sinai
Sigh-nye or Sigh-nay-eye.
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What Do You Think?
Since observing special days is a personal matter in the New Testament era (Romans 14:5–8), what benefits and dangers are there for a church to encourage its members to do so?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding Christmas
■ Regarding Easter
■ Regarding Good Friday
■ Other
_________________________
What Do You Think?
How do you make sure you get adequate rest?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding sleep
■ Regarding time off
■ “I’d rather burn out than rust out”
■ Other
_________________________
What Do You Think?
What function, if any, should signs have in the New Testament era? How do you apply your conclusions to your life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding unbelievers
■ Regarding fellow believers
_________________________
What Do You Think?
Which daily spiritual disciplines help you most in living a life of greater holiness? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ When out in public
■ When alone
_________________________
What Do You Think?
What would be involved in promoting observance of a Sabbath principle instead of a Sabbath day?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Mark 2:27
Colossians 2:16
Hebrews 4:9
Other
_________________________
Visual for Lesson 1. Start a discussion by pointing to the caption in this visual as you ask, “What are some ways to make this happen?”
Making time for adequate rest is a matter of stewardship; it is taking proper care of our bodies. Lack of rest reflects poor stewardship, and it detracts from our ability to serve God faithfully and to the best of our ability.
C. Prayer
Father, help us to take seriously the principle of rest that is embedded in the fourth commandment. May we take the time to rest (physically and spiritually) so that our lives can more fully reflect daily the true rest that only Jesus provides. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
D. Thought to Remember
If God took a day to rest, shouldn’t we?
Redford, Douglas, Charles R. Boatman, et al. “The Sabbath Day.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 127. Print.
Redford, Douglas, Charles R. Boatman, et al. “The Sabbath Day.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 126. Print.
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