Sabbath, Pt. 6: Sabbath as Resistance
About the Series
In our fast-paced world, where busyness is often worn as a badge of honor, we are invited to return to a rhythm of rest through the practice of Sabbath. This series will explore Sabbath’s connection to God’s work of creation, its formative significance for God’s liberated people, and its embodiment and fulfillment in Jesus. Sabbath is an invitation to delight. But beyond a simple day off, this practice is a deliberate act of resistance and counter-formation, and can even be a work of justice. We want this series to be a conversation and safe space where together we can explore and experiment. Ultimately, we long to be a people who delight in God and who live in step with—at the pace of—the Holy Spirit.
Reflect on Last Week
Before we discuss this week’s teaching and take the conversation further, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on and share about any experiences or Sabbath experimentation from this past week.
Remember, this is about practice, not performance. We are each given loads of permission to be exactly where we are with this, not where we or anyone else thinks we should be.
Did you practice sabbath this last week? If yes, what did you do and what was it like? If no, but you wanted to, what obstacles did you face? If no, and you didn’t intend to, no worries! Tell us how you are processing the invitation to the sabbath practice?
Read this Sermon Recap
Sabbath Pt. 6, Sabbath as Resistance
The things we do, do something to us. You are not a brain on a stick—a mere thinking thing. We are embodied creatures who, according to James K.A. Smith, are propelled by our loves, which, are determined largely by our habits. What are some of the habits, or “liturgies,” that keep us from becoming more Christlike in heart and character? Three Liturgies of Restlessness prevalent today are the liturgies of consumerism, distraction, and toil. Whether we realize it or not these cultural practices shape our desires. In often unheard but lethal ways, these habits say to our hearts, “You’re all alone; You’re not okay; You don’t have enough; You are not enough.”
But there is really good news (and also a problem). The good news: Scripture provides an alternate message. You’re not alone! And it’s not all on you! There is a God and King who, in Jesus, has brought redemption! In Jesus, grace has been lavished upon you! In Jesus, you are enough. The problem: many of us have heard this news again and again, but still struggle to experience the life of Jesus and the “rest for our souls” he has on offer. What’s wrong?
Perhaps we’ve been treated (and we’ve treated ourselves) like brains on a stick. Perhaps the things we do, do something to us. Perhaps those that desire so deeply to experience the life of Jesus, can pair Gospel teaching with Gospel practice—robust, wholistic, embodied liturgies that again and again redirect our deepest desires back toward Jesus.
The Practice of Sabbath is a means by which we can resist the “Liturgies of Restlessness” around us and get the Gospel of Jesus Christ into our bodies. The Practice of Sabbath is a way to do with our bodies what we say we already believe. It is a way to push against the lies of the enemy, and to declare with our bodies, “I belong to a different Rabbi.” By doing nothing, by wasting time, we shout, preach even, to our whole being, “Enough!” You are enough. You have enough. Because Jesus is enough.
Discuss these Questions
(Leaders: Before going into the questions, you may want to give your group a minute or so of silence, reflecting on and listening to the Spirit around the question, “What is Jesus inviting you to notice tonight?”)
Tonight we are going to use this set of questions to guide our discussion. You may want to pull up the guide on your phone to help you process and reflect.
What stands out to you from Sunday’s teaching? What has been staying with you that you’d like to share?
Considering the influence of cultural "Liturgies of Restlessness" such as consumerism, distraction, and toil, reflect on a specific instance where you felt the pull of these habits in your own life. How did they shape your desires and sense of self-worth? How might the Practice of Sabbath offer a counter-narrative to these messages?
Have you experienced a disconnect between hearing the good news about Jesus and experiencing a transformation of character? If yes, how does the offer to pair Gospel teaching with Gospel practice resonate with you? If no, share about your experience of being transformed through hearing and receiving the message of Jesus. (Note: both happen! God can and does bring transformation at times in an instant, and at times over a long process of faithful embodied practice).
The Practice of Sabbath is a means by which we can resist the Liturgies of Restlessness and get the Gospel into our bodies. Quite a claim! Do you struggle to perceive Sabbath rest as this valuable in our lives? What steps could we take to cultivate a more holistic understanding of Sabbath that goes beyond simply taking a day off from work?
Is there something you are being led or inspired to try this week when it comes to the practice of Sabbath? How can our small group support you in that?
Before we close and read the practice for the week, let’s take some time to pray for each other. (Leaders: you can take additional prayer requests and/or pray along the lines of what has been shared regarding sabbath practice.)
Practice for the Week
This week, we'll explore how our own Sabbath practice can serve as resistance and counter-formation.
Identify a "Liturgy of Restlessness": Take a moment to reflect one habit or practice in your life that you’ve found to misdirect or misalign your heart away from the Kingdom. It could be consumerism, distraction, toil, or something else—whatever it is, there is power in naming it.
Choose a Specific Sabbath Practice: Select a Sabbath practice that directly counters the "Liturgy of Restlessness" you identified. For example:
In resistance to consumerism, try committing to a day of simplicity where you intentionally refrain from making any purchases.
To resist distraction, perhaps schedule a day to turn off all of your devices or find a few times through out the week for short periods of silence and solitude.
In resistance of the liturgy of toil, be creative and come up with a restful activity that fills you with joy and makes you so excited you can’t wait to set down your work to do it!
Share with Your Community: Whatever you decide to try, share your plan with someone close to you. Then, share how it went.
One of the things many people find is that when they practice Sabbath as a form of resistance, they will often (at least initially) feel internal resistance. Breaking a habit of restlessness can often make us anxious before we find peace in God. Be kind to yourself and ask for the Holy Spirit to walk with you and give you grace.
