SS - How then Shall We Rest? part 7: A Systematic Theology of Rest

A. Definition of Rest

    1. Rest from work

    2. Rest from suffering

        a) God gives relief from suffering

            i. Physical (Dt. 12:10, Ps. 3, 1 Tim. 2:1)

            ii. Emotional (Ps. 55, 2 Cor. 7:5-7)

            iii. Spiritual (Jer. 6:16, Dt. 30:1-10, Mt. 11:20-30)

        b) God has a purpose in suffering (Job, Jm 1:2-4)

        c) There is a future complete rest from suffering for the people of God (Is. 57, Rv. 21, 2 Th. 1:6-7)

        d) There is no rest from suffering for the unbeliever (Ps. 37:9, 2 Th. 1:7-9)

B. So how then shall we rest?

    1. No prescriptive day or amount of time for the church (Co. 2:16)

    2. Instead, we apply wisdom (Eph. 5:15-16)

    3. Work first

        a) Provide for yourself and your family (1 Tim. 5:8)

        b) To give to those in need (Eph. 4:28)

        c) To give "comfort" to your family (Mt. 7:9-12, Eph. 5:28-29)

        d) To prepare for rest (Ex. 16:22, Ex. 25:20-22)

        e) Being satisfied in it (Ecc. 4:7-8, 2:24-26)

    4. Consider work beyond vocational work

        a) Consider your roles (Titus 2, Eph. 5-6, Col. 3)

        b) Consider your ministries (1 Pet. 4:11, 1 Cor. 12)

    5. Then rest

        a) Rest for refreshment (Ex. 31:17, Rm. 15:32)

        b) Rest for enjoyment (Ecc. 4:8, 1 Tim. 6:17-18)

        c) Rest and meditate (Ps. 1, Rm. 12:2)

        d) Rest and be ready to do good (Gal. 6:9-10, Mt. 12:12)

        e) Rest with the right attitude (Mt. 12:7)

        f) Rest with a hope of our future rest (Heb. 4:9)