Understanding the Sabbath by Brother Theo
Creation Week Overview
- God created the world in six days:
- Day 1: Heaven and earth, light created.
- Day 2: Sky (first heaven).
- Day 3: Dry land, plants.
- Day 4: Sun, moon, stars (second heaven).
- Day 5: Fish and birds (using water).
- Day 6: Animals and Adam & Eve (created in God’s image, clothed in light).
- Adam was possibly around 18 feet tall.
- Adam was given intelligence, wisdom, and understanding immediately.
Sabbath as God’s Gift to Humanity
- Sabbath was created for man, not man for Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
- It is a day to rest, remember the Creator, and enter into harmony with Jesus Christ.
- The Sabbath is a delight, a holy and honorable day to honor God, not for personal pleasure or own words (Isaiah 58:12-13).
Characteristics of True Sabbath Keeping
- To keep Sabbath means to live with the mind of Christ:
- Not following one’s own ways or pleasures.
- Not speaking one’s own words but God’s.
- Jesus never acted according to His own will but always did the Father’s will (John 5:30).
- True Sabbath keeping involves surrendering self-will, finding joy in obedience and resting completely in God’s plan.
Practical Reflections on Sabbath Keeping
- Sabbath is more than refraining from work; it requires spiritual discipline.
- It means putting away worldly thoughts, amusements, and conversations that distract from holiness.
- The speaker shares a personal testimony about learning obedience to God over worldly desires like TV or sports on Sabbath.
- Emphasizes that many who claim faith may not truly keep the Sabbath holy.
Call to Holiness and Preparation
- Preparation for Sabbath includes finishing work ahead of time, avoiding secular activities during Sabbath.
- Relationships should be healed; bitterness and wrath should be removed before Sabbath.
- The mind must dwell on sacred things; light and trifling conversations pollute the Sabbath.
- Keeping Sabbath holy means walking in the image of Jesus daily.
Final Encouragement
- The speaker encourages fully embracing Jesus’ life as the standard.
- Calls for unity with God each Sabbath and every day.
- Admits personal struggles but expresses reliance on God’s grace to grow spiritually.
- Ends with a prayer asking God to help keep Sabbath holy and live a life pleasing to Him.
6. Closing Worship and Benediction
- The congregation sings “Live Thy Life Within Me” as a song of dedication.
- Final prayers thank God for salvation and honor parents on Mother’s Day.
- Instructions given for a reverent dismissal from the sanctuary.
- Postlude music played by the band concludes the service.
Key Themes
- Sabbath as a Divine Gift: A day created by God for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
- Christ-Centered Living: True Sabbath keeping requires adopting Christ’s mindset—selflessness, obedience, and alignment with God’s will.
- Holiness in Practice: Practical steps include preparation before Sabbath, avoiding worldly distractions during it, and nurturing loving relationships.
- Spiritual Growth: Emphasizes ongoing growth in faith through prayer, discipline, and reliance on God’s grace.