01: “Living in a 24/7 Society” Sabbath School Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath July 3.

Key Thought: God invites us to a physical as well as spiritual rest in Him.

1. Have volunteers read Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:11.

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of these passages.

B. Why did God create a rest day before anyone was tired? Was God tired? What kind of a rest did He take?

C. Personal Application: Does Sabbath rest include both physical and mental rest? In other words do you worry about paying bills and plan work appointments for the week ahead on the Sabbath? Exactly what kind of a rest is God inviting us to each Sabbath?

D: Case Study: A friend asks you what’s the difference between resting on Sabbath or Sunday? What difference does it make so long as you rest? What do you tell your friend from the Bible?

2. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 45:1-5.

A. Ask the class to share what the main thought of this passage.

B. How does God respond to Baruch’s aches and pains?

C. Personal Application: How does one find rest and peace even when everything seem to be going wrong?

D. Case Study: A single mother tells you she is so discouraged because she tries to raise her children in the Lord but it seems her ex-husband and his family undo everything she has done. It’s an uphill battle going nowhere. How can you encourage this single mother?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 6:30-32

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

B. What does this passage tell us about Jesus understanding our need for rest?

C. Personal Application: What restful or recreational activities do you find refresh you spiritually as well as physically?

D. Case Study: A fellow church member complains that the pastor was talking about taking his kids to a ballgame the other night. The church member feels that the pastor should have been out working trying to save souls and this is no time for games. How does this make you feel and what do you tell your fellow church member?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 4:1-17.

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

B. Why was Cain a restless wanderer (Vs. 12 NIV)? Did God make him that way or was it because of his own actions?

C. Personal Application: How do we find rest for our sin weary souls? See Matthew 11:28-30.

D. Case Study: Is there someone you know who has been tired and stressed out lately? How can you encourage them this week or even give them a break?