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
