Forbidden Rest

(Ex. 20:8-11; Lev. 23:2-3; Eccl. 3:1-13; Rom. 6:4; John 5:7-18; 2 Pet. 2:4-19) Blog Aug. 29-Sep. 04, 2021

Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA

REVIEW: God gave humanity daily, weekly, semi-annual, and annual recurring periods of rest, making rest is an essential part of human life. When sin entered this world rest became even more essential, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. If rest is so important could there be a danger of getting too much rest?

When should we rest?

1. When should we take our daily rest? Nighttime is the appropriate time to take our daily rest (Ex. 22:26-27; Eccl. 3:1-13; John 9:4).

2. When should we take our weekly rest? We should take our weekly rest from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday (Ex. 20:8-11; Lev. 23:32; Neh. 13:19).

3. Why is Saturday and not Friday or Sunday the proper day for weekly rest? Saturday is the proper day for weekly rest because that is the only day God set apart and made holy for that purpose (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11).

4. How did Jesus demonstrate that Saturday was the correct day for weekly rest and special communion with God? It was Jesus’ continual habit to rest & attend religious services on Saturday. Also, that was the day he rested in the tomb (Luke 4:16; 23:50-54; 24:1-3).

5. How did the women that followed Jesus to the cross demonstrate that Saturday was the correct day for weekly rest and special communion with God? Mary Magdalene & the other women kept the Ten Commandments by resting on the Sabbath when Jesus was in the tomb (Luke 23:55-56).

6. How did the Apostle Paul demonstrate that Saturday was the correct day for weekly rest and special communion with God? Paul observed a continual habit of rest & attendance at religious services on Saturday (Acts 13:14, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4).

How should we rest?

7. What does the Apostle Paul tell us to do in order to improve our nightly rest? Paul tells us to resolve the conflicts of the day, so no anger remains in our soul before taking nightly rest (Eph. 4:26).

8. What principle does Solomon give for getting a good night’s rest? Solomon advises us to get plenty of exercise during the day in order to sleep well & if you don’t then you should limit your food intake (Eccl. 5:12) .

9. What type of rest do the Ten Commandments recommend for Sabbath? The Ten Commandments recommend rest from work for people & animals on the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11).

10. Besides ceasing from work what else does God tell us the Sabbath should include? God says the Sabbath should also include “an holy convocation” (Lev. 23:2-3).

11. When Isaiah writes about Sabbath observance how does he describe our attitude towards that holy day? Isaiah says that we should make the Sabbath a delightful time to spend with the Lord (Isa. 58:13-14).

Forbidden Rest

12. What kind of “rest” does Paul not want to be accused of taking? Paul did not want to be accused of resting from constant missionary labor for the church nor for relaxing from (resting from) living a righteous life (Rom. 3:8; 6:4; 1 Cor. 11:26-28).

13. According to Jesus’ example what kind of activity should we not cease to do on the Sabbath? We should not cease to do good, teach the truth, & bring kindness & healing to others (even animals) on the Sabbath (Matt. 12:12; Mark 1:21; 6:2; Luke 4:31; 13:15-16; John 5:7-16).

14. What kind of forbidden rest do false teachers promise to those who believe their lies? False teachers promise rest from living a godly life – they promise liberty while they & those who believe them are slaves of corruption (2 Pet. 2:1-19)

15. What three horrific examples of God’s attitude towards those who rest from living godly lives does Peter give? God demonstrated his hatred for lawless, loose living by casting Satan & his angels out of heaven, by destroying the earth with a flood, & by consuming Sodom & Gomorra with eternal fire (2 Pet. 2:4-6; Jude 1:5-7)

16. From what activities did the prophetess Anna not rest? The prophetess Anna did not rest from fasting & praying night & day (Luke 2:36-37).

17. What does the Apostle Paul tell us that we are not to rest from doing? The Apostle Paul tell us that we are not to rest from praying (1 Thes. 5:17).18. What type of rest does Isaiah say should not be part of our Sabbath observance? Isaiah says that doing our own sinful pleasure (our will) is not the type of rest that should occupy our Sabbath (Isa. 58:13).