The Rest of God

The Rest of God

Introduction:

     The word rest conjures up many images to different people.  To some, it is not working or laboring.  To others, it means not having to put up with the daily grind or drudgery of life.  Still others think of not being disturbed or agitated, with no fretting or fuming due to things that are happening in the world.  What does rest mean to the child of God?

Body:

 I. It Means Being at Peace

• Joshua 11:23  The land had rest from external enemies.  It was undisturbed, quiet.  This is similar to the words of Jesus in          Matthew 6:31-34.
• John 16:33  You will have troubles from living in the world as Christians.  Rest is found only in Jesus.  Matthew 11:28-30        Be “composed”, not anxious.
• Note Job’s comments:  Job 3:25-26  “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me.  I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” NKJV   The solution is given in Isaiah 26:3     “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”     NKJV

 II. It Means Being Refreshed

• Paul’s prayer:  Romans 15:30-32
• The Lord brings healing and refreshment.  Proverbs 3:5-8
• This ‘refreshing’ helps us keep from experiencing spiritual burnout.

III. It Means Freedom from Guilt of Past Sins

• Romans 5:1  Therefore having been justified, we are ‘not guilty’ of our past sins.
• Romans 4:7-8  The Lord will not count his sin against him.
• Romans 8:1-2  There is ‘no condemnation.’

 IV. It Means an Eternal Abode in Heaven

• The Old Testament example is recalled in Hebrews 3:7-13.
• The promise still stands.  Hebrews 4:1-2
• A rest still remains.  Hebrews 4:8-11
• There will be no more labors on earth.  Revelation 14:13

Conclusion:

    Rest means God will never fail us.  We can rest in His promises and be confident of our salvation.

Bobby Stafford                                      May 29, 2011