“Trusting and Resting in God” 1/28/07

Genesis 2:1-3

Jewish Perspective of OPPOSITE of GOD- Chaos, disorder, WATER

God brought harmony and order out of the chaos, formlessness, and emptiness.

POINT 1- God’s lesson for us in His six day creation is one of TRUST

A. God created in 6 days to set us a pattern for a 7 day week. (Ex 31:16-17)

B. When God works, He always does it with a PURPOSE Order from chaos

Is there a purpose for the ups and downs of life? James 1:1-8, 12

C. God created everything orderly to show us His SOVERIGN CONTROL

God appeals to His creation to show we can trust His promises,

Jeremiah. 31:31-37

ILLUSTRATION- Blind Skiers going downhill Slalom

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,

¹² that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Hebrews 6:11-12

WHAT TRIALS ARE YOU HAVING? RESPOND WITH TRUST (not DOUBT)

POINT 2- God ceases work on the seventh day which calls us to REST

A. Even though God finished creating, He is still maintaining His creation.

“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Col 1:17

“And upholding all things by the word of His power” Hebrews 1:3

B. God ceased from His work and was refreshed in its goodness. (Is 40:28)

C. God blessed the seventh Day and sanctified it to remember a REST.

Do we need to follow? No NT scripture and OT records what God DID not man.

God is calling us to Trust Him and enter His rest. Hebrews 3:16-4:11.

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and

you will find rest for your souls.” Matt 11:28-29

God is calling you to trust (have faith in) Him and to rest in Him. Will you?