OPENING PRAYER: Almighty Father, please give me rest on every side, in the name of Jesus. (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 4 June 2023 HYMN)
MEMORY VERSE: “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” – Genesis 2:2 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)
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
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Rest is the cessation of work or movement in order to relax or recover strength. It can also be referred to as peace, ease or refreshment. To relax means to become less tense, anxious or firm; to relieve stress; to have a milder manner. God created for six days and then He rested, not because He was tired but to set the standard for mankind to follow (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:10).
TEXT REVIEW: EXODUS 20:8-11
A. The teacher should identify five reasons why the Sabbath should be treated the way it was stated in Exodus 20:8-11.
The teacher should explain the following as reasons why rest is essential:
i. God rested to serve as an example for us to follow. Genesis 2:2-3.
ii. Rest is a divine command (Exodus 20:10).
iii. Rest is a gift from God to mankind. (Mark 2:27).
iv. The Lord Jesus Christ took times off to refresh and also ensured His disciples did the same. Mark 6:31; John 18:1-2.
v. When we rest we exercise our faith in God as the one who can complete everything we had started. Matthew 6:25.
vi. Rest brings about recuperation from fatigue. Luke 8:23.
vii. Rest serves as a relief from anxiety of mind and spirit. Psalm 55:22.
viii. God desires that His people should rest. Exodus 33:14; Job 11:18.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1
Despite the benefits of rest, why is it that some people still fail to rest? (Students should discuss).
2. HOW DO WE REST?
i. The teacher should allow each student to mention how they rest.
ii. The teacher should also allow each student to mention how many hours they sleep per day against the medical recommendation of six to eight hours per day.
iii. The teacher should explain the following as suggestions on how to rest:
a. We must trust God to take care of things for us. 1Peter 5:7.
b. When we obey God’s commandment we shall have peace and rest of mind. Hebrews 3:7-8; 4:11.
c. We must avoid unnecessary stressors or things that over burden our hearts and minds e.g. bills, career, families, etc. Psalm 127:2.
d. We must develop absolute faith in God. Proverbs 3:5-6.
e. We should rest properly after each day’s work. Ecclesiastes 5:12a.
f. We could have a day off (at least) to rest or relax in every week Exodus 20:10.
g. We can go on vacation or visit recreation centres to relax our brain, mind and body. John 18:1-2.
iv The teacher should point out to students that the command to rest is not an excuse to be lazy. You have to work for ‘six days’ to get to the ‘Sabbath.’
CLASS ACTIVITY 2
Students should discuss some of the reasons people give for not resting as they should.
SUMMARY
Take time out to rest.
CONCLUSION
For the Christian, the ultimate rest is found in Christ. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him and cast their cares on Him (Matthew 11:28; 1Peter 5:7).
CLOSING PRAYER
Father please give your children understanding to take the matter of rest seriously.
ASSIGNMENT
Do you take time to rest? Share your rest routine (No Mark).
PS: I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
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