Work to Rest

GOAL:

To understand where true rest comes from and how rest is compatible with faith.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

  • What is your favorite fall activity or tradition?

  • Which is better and why: Pumpkin Spice or Apple Spice?

REVIEW:

Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.

DISCUSSION

Raising the Staff

Read: Psalm 23, Genesis 16:3-13

  • Read Psalm 23. What portion of this Psalm stands out to you? Why do you think the psalmist refers to God as “making” him lie down in green pastures? What does that say about God’s desire for our peace and well being?

  • Describe a time when God gave you rest. What scriptures or descriptors of God helped guide you to that place?

  • El Roi means “The God who Sees me” and was first spoken by Hagar, the servant of Abraham. Why do you think she called God that? How does knowing that God has no favorites and that He sees you specifically help you find rest?

  • What situations tend to take people out of a place of rest?

  • Why is it considered “work” to rest? How can resting ever be compatible with working?

  • What do you do to put yourself back in a place of rest when confronted with a difficult situation?

Sleep On it

Read: Mark 4:35-41, Daniel 6:16-23, Matthew 26:36-45

  • Read Mark 4:35-41. Why was Jesus able to sleep during the storm? Why did he rebuke the disciples for not having faith? (see verse 35)

  • Why does faith allow us to find greater rest?

  • Read Daniel 6:16-23. Who had faith in this story? What effect did the king’s lack of faith have on his night?

  • What other symptoms might people feel if they are not resting on the promises of God?

  • How do you think Daniel’s night went, based on his account and on what we know about him as a man?

  • In Matthew 26:36-45 Jesus rebukes his disciples for sleeping and getting rest. Why was their sleep inappropriate in this moment?

  • How can you tell the difference between when it is time to rest and when it is time to press? Can the two ever go together?

ACT ON IT

This week, practice letting God give you rest. Before you go to bed, read through Psalm 23 and pray about anything that has kept you from feeling peace during the day. Meditate on other scriptures throughout the day that help you find rest.

BEFORE YOU CLOSE:

Read: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Following God’s instructions is the best way to know that every area of our lives will be under his protection and direction. The Bible says that God has given us the option to choose life or death, but that he wants us to choose life! One way to choose life is to choose obedience in the area of our finances, and as we obey God, we can know that we will always be better off than if we chose to disobey.

Put your faith behind your money and believe that God will come through for you in ways greater than you could ask, think, or imagine in your life. You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.

PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES

Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.