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Sermon Notes: Resting – Mark 6:30-32

5/31/2007. AM service. Jeff Noblit.

It is biblical to rest from ministry. It can be prideful to think that you do not need rest.

*** The Commission for the Disciples ***

Integrity. (Mark 6:30) The disciples reported everything they had *done* - not just what they taught. We ought to be doing what we are teaching. Today there is a lot of great writing (a lot of bad too), but the doing seems disproportionately behind - even though we are getting good instruction.

Accountability. (1 Corinthians 4:3 "It's a small thing that I'm examined by you.") (Mark 6:7 - the disciples were sent out two by two.) (Ecclesiastes 4:9) (Proverbs 27:17)

*** The Concern for the Disciples ***

Mark 6:31 - As much of a command of the Lord as it was to go out a preach the gospel. The context is mostly preachers and preaching, but it applies to all saints. Some call it a hobby, or an escape, but really it is a mandated spiritual discipline.

We are encased in weak flesh. We have a limited physical capacity and a limited emotional capacity. Jeff: "You have to rest, or people don't want to be around you the next day. God does not have to rest, and he's wonderful everyday." (Genesis says God "rested" but this is an anthropomorphic illustration to say that God was done with the creation work. The Bible also says that he never rests.)

However, when the work gets tough, don't let this be an excuse to drop the work of the gospel first. Take all matters to the Lord and allow him to judge.

*** Conclusions for Practical Application ***

#1 - Get away WITH Jesus, not from Jesus. Don't let God only remind you of your work boots. Associate him with your slippers as well.

#2 - Don't turn yourself into a sloth. (Proverbs 6:6-11) (Mark 6:31 "... for a while")

#3 - Expect it to be difficult. Even as he went to rest, crowds would still follow Jesus. We probably won't have that problem. We may deal with guilt.

#4 - You can take mini breaks to draw closer to God while separating from the world.

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