1. Lesson Objective
To understand the biblical teaching that the Sabbath command pointed forward to Christ, and that true rest for the believer is found in Him, not in observing a specific day.
2. Opening Prayer
"Father, thank You for the rest we have in Jesus. Help us to understand the purpose of the Sabbath and how it is fulfilled in Christ. Teach us to live in Your rest every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
3. Question & Answer Bible Study with Exegetical Commentary
Q1: What was the original purpose of the Sabbath?
A: The Bible teaches that the Sabbath was given to Israel as a sign of their covenant with God and as a reminder of His creation and redemption.
Verse: Exodus 31:16–17 – “The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath… It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.”
Commentary:
The Sabbath was never given to all nations as a universal law but was a covenant sign for Israel. It reminded them of God’s creation and their deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15).
Q2: Does the New Testament command Christians to keep the Sabbath?
A: No. The Bible teaches that Sabbath observance was part of the old covenant, which is fulfilled in Christ and not binding on new covenant believers.
Verse: Colossians 2:16–17 – “Therefore do not let anyone judge you… with regard to a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Commentary:
The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to Christ’s finished work. Once the reality has come, the shadow is no longer the focus.
Q3: How does Jesus fulfill the Sabbath?
A: The Bible teaches that Jesus is our true rest, and in Him we cease from our own works to earn salvation.
Verse: Matthew 11:28–29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Commentary:
The Sabbath pointed to the rest believers now have in Christ — peace with God through faith, and freedom from the burden of legalism.
Q4: What does Hebrews 4 teach about Sabbath rest?
A: The Bible teaches that there remains a “Sabbath rest” for God’s people, which is entering God’s rest through faith in Christ, not keeping a weekly day.
Verse: Hebrews 4:9–10 – “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
Commentary:
This “Sabbath rest” is a spiritual reality for all who trust in Christ, both now and in the future eternal rest with Him.
Q5: Can Christians set aside a day for worship and rest?
A: Yes. The Bible teaches freedom in Christ to gather for worship and rest, without making it a legal requirement for salvation.
Verse: Romans 14:5 – “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”
Commentary:
The focus is on worshiping God in spirit and truth every day, while allowing freedom in setting aside time for corporate worship.
4. Reflection & Call to Action
5. Closing Prayer
"Lord Jesus, You are our rest. Thank You for freeing us from the burden of law-keeping as a way to earn righteousness. Help us to live in the peace and freedom You have given, and to share it with others. Amen."
Former Adventists Philippines
“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”
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