TITLE:  Fail to Rest and Recharge
TEXT:  Deuteronomy 5:12-15
PROPOSITION:  God requires us to rest and care for our physical health.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Observations
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. More misunderstanding about this one than any other.
2. Today, we will make some observations about this command.

 The 4^th Command is Unique

1. Longest of the 10
2. Only one stated both positively and negatively
3. Only one not repeated in the New Testament

 History and Background

1. At creation – God rested – Genesis 2:1-3
2. Law added many clear restrictions
   1. Over 70 passages
   2. Work = selling, cutting wood, build fire, fish, carry a load
3. Exodus 31:14
4. Scribes and Pharisees turned blessing into burden
5. Jesus refocused the purpose of Sabbath

 Not repeated in the New Testament

1. Sabbath observance is contradicted:
   1. In teaching - Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16-17
   2. In example – 1 Corinthians 16:2, Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10
2. Sabbath observance was a mater of personal choice
3. Later church history turned Sunday into the “Christian Sabbath”

 Learn the Sabbath principle for physical, emotional and spiritual health

1. 6 days of work is optimal
2. Called the “Judeo – Christian work ethic”
3. French tried a 10 day week – work 9 off 1 – production fell
4. Many today work 4 10-hour days, 3 12-hour days
   1. Easier to set up schedules
   2. Productivity falls after 7-8 hours
   3. Some factories – 5 6-hour days
5. We need rest
   1. Holidays, personal days, vacation
   2. Physical, Emotional and Spiritual rewards
6. Another focus – WORSHIP
   1. Hebrews 10:25 – not forsaking the assembly
   2. Day has changed, principle is the same

 Conclusion:

1. We need to rest and recharge.
2. We can rest – because Jesus worked.