Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, Sabbath, January 29, 2022.

Main Theme: The weekly Sabbath reminds us of the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Genesis 15:13-21. Define the main idea of this passage.

Read Together: Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What did God promise Abram?

Apply: 400 years is a long time to be under oppression, yet God predicted it and delivered them just as He said He would. What hope does this give you when going through your own oppression?

Share: Your friend asks, “If God knew Abram’s seed were going to become slaves, why didn’t He just stop it from happening?” What do you tell your friend?

Study:  What two things does the Sabbath rest commemorate, and how are they related?

Apply: How should keeping the Sabbath help us understand our complete dependence upon God, not only for existence but for salvation?

Share: Your friend tells you her pastor said that we have rest in Jesus now, so we no longer need the weekly Sabbath? How do you answer your friend? See also, If Jesus is our Rest do we Still Need a Weekly Sabbath? Remember also that Jesus has always been our rest. Just like a country does not destroy its flag which is symbolizes the country, we do not destroy the weekly Sabbath that symbolizes the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Hebrews 3:12-19. Identify the key point of this passage.

Study: Why was Israel unable to enter into the promised rest?

Apply: In what ways can you help build the faith of fellow believers? How can you make sure that you never say or do anything that could weaken another’s faith?

Share: A classmate points out that in Hebrews 3:19 it says the could not enter because of unbelief, but in Hebrews 4:11 it says they failed because of disobedience? Your classmate asks if there is a discrepancy here? How do you reconcile the two? See James 2:14-26 and John 16:9.

Read Together: Hebrews 4:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of entering rest “today” in connection with keeping the Sabbath?

Apply: How can we enter into His rest even now? That is, how can we, by faith, rest in the assurance of the salvation that we have in Christ, and not in ourselves?

Share: Do you know someone overcome with the cares and burdens of this life? How can you help them find rest today?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

PS: If you are using these lessons in class or group Bible study and have any ideas for improvement please comment or message me directly at racerthree@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. Thank you!