Canceling Hurry - Week 1

Hurry is the enemy of spiritual life. The way of Jesus is an unhurried life of rest, rhythm, and renewal.

WEEK 1: The Radical Gift of Rest
Exodus 20:8–11 (ESV)

What Did the Sabbath Look Like?

Refrain
Remember
- Remember who you are → no longer a slave; you are free.
- Remember why you stop → because God provides even when you don’t produce.
- Remember others → “that your servant may rest as well as you.” 
Renew
- This isn’t “time off”; it’s “time with.”
Rejoice (the overflow)
- Isaiah 58:13–14: “You shall take delight in the Lord.”
- Sabbath is not just about stopping what drains you, but celebrating what fills you.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of Rest — Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

Resisting Legalism — The Lord of the Sabbath
- Legalism says: “Rest only if you’ve done enough.”
 → Jesus says: “Rest because I’ve done enough.”
- The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS – “The Radical Gift of Rest”

1. Slavery to Sabbath
The Israelites were enslaved to Pharaoh’s pace and production.
→ In what ways do we live like modern-day slaves to work, achievement, or hurry?
2. Trust Test
The Sabbath asked Israel, “Do you trust God enough to stop?”
 → What makes it difficult for you personally to stop — to rest — even when you know you need it?
3. Remember and Renew
Sabbath was a day to remember God’s provision and renew joy in Him.
 → What spiritual or emotional habits help you “remember” God’s goodness during your week?
4. Jesus, Our Rest
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest.
→ What does it look like for you to “come to Jesus” in a practical, everyday way?
Refrain → Remember → Renew → Rejoice
Of the four Sabbath rhythms, which one do you find easiest? Which is hardest?
 → How might your group or family help each other live in that rhythm this week?

3-DAY DEVOTIONAL – “The Radical Gift of Rest”

Day 1 – Rest from Production
Scripture: Exodus 20:8–11 (ESV) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth… and rested on the seventh day.”
Reflection: Sabbath begins with stopping. God rested not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied. Rest reminds us that our worth isn’t in our work.
Practice: At the end of your day, name one thing you’re releasing from control.
Pray: “God, thank You that my value doesn’t depend on what I produce.”

Day 2 – Rest in Redemption
Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:15 (ESV) “You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out…”
Reflection: God didn’t just rescue Israel from Pharaoh — He rescued them from a way of life that never stopped. Rest is a reminder that you’ve been redeemed — not defined by output, but by grace.
Practice: Write down one area where you’ve been striving for approval or control.
Pray: “God, You’ve freed me from slavery to performance. Teach me to rest in Your redemption.”

Day 3 – Rest in Relationship
Scripture: Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Reflection: Jesus fulfills the Sabbath — not by giving a new rule, but by offering Himself. He invites you to exchange your heavy yoke for His gentle one. True rest is not found in a day, but in a Person.
Practice: Spend 5–10 minutes in silence today — no requests, no lists, just presence.
Pray: “Jesus, I come to You. Teach my soul to rest in Your grace.”

Optional Group Challenge
At the end of the week, invite everyone to practice one mini-Sabbath block (even just 4–6 hours):

 → Refrain from work or screens.
 → Remember God’s faithfulness.
 → Renew your heart through prayer or creation.
 → Rejoice through something that brings joy.

 Then share what you noticed — about God, about yourself, about rest.