Leaders Guide Week of November 8, 2015

Work: Whats God Got to Do With It?

Looking Back on Real Rest
Hello leaders, hope that you have a fruitful discussion this week. Once again, as with
most issues, this ones about the heart. Theres not a formula for getting real rest that
folks can just put into action. Its about an abiding trust in God to provide everything we
need. So your discussion should be focused on the heart. I recommend making it
personal. It may help for you to be honest about how you feel you operate in this area.
Your honesty may spur others to open up. I suggest spending more of your time on
questions 3 and 4 than 1 and 2. Thankful for you and your leadership!
Matt
P.S. I have attached a copy of the Looking Back Bible Study Guide for your convenience.
LOOKING BACK
WORK: Whats God Got To Do With It?
Real Rest
Rest is not found in curling up with a book on the couch or watching the game. Its
not found in sleeping late or in being alone. Real rest, the rest for which our souls long,
can only be found in God. And without that, well be in a state of constant fatigue,
regardless of our hobbies and sleep count. You might be thinking, Sure, that sounds
good and all, but how do you go about finding rest in God? Scripture teaches that
the core is in trusting God and His provision.
Thinking It Through (agree/disagree/consider/contemplate)

I am becoming the ugliest of all things: a busy man.

~Andre Gide

He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.
~Benjamin Franklin

All work and no rest takes the spring out of the most vigorous life . . . Time spent in
judicious resting is not time wasted but time gained.
~M. B. Grier

Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in
thee. ~Augustine
Working It Out
1. Matt described rest in God as the REM sleep of the soul. Is there a time in your life
when youve experienced this deep rest?

2. How were you brought up to think about the concept of Sabbath? Is the idea of
Sabbath being an act of trust rather than just a ritual a new concept for you?
3. Why does it take faith to rest?
4. Of the three possible applications that Matt mentioned (dont worry, recognize your
dependence, and pursue faithfulness - not perfection) which is the most difficult for
you and why?