Is It Ok if I Get Some Rest?

📝 Summary

<aside>

In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin presses pause on our relationship series to ask a simple but deeply spiritual question: “Is it okay if I get some rest?” Drawing from Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels, and Acts, Paul shows that rest isn’t just allowed—it’s actually the first spiritual discipline God teaches His people. From Adam’s very first day on Earth to the early Church in Acts, rest is a rhythm that reveals trust, identity, and God’s invitation for deeper connection. You’ll walk away with practical ways to make rest a regular rhythm this year—and be reminded that you are not a slave, but a son or daughter who can truly trust your Father.

</aside>

📌 Tips

<aside>

For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

<aside>

🛌 What’s your favorite way to rest or recharge after a long day?
🐕‍🦺 What’s one “smart” habit your pet has that you wish you had? </aside>

📖 Bible Passage(s)

<aside>

Genesis 2:1-3 (NIV)

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Acts 1:4 (NIV)

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised.”

</aside>

🔎 Observation

<aside>

What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
In Genesis 2, why do you think God chose to rest, and why did He make that day holy?
What specific burdens does Jesus offer to relieve in Matthew 11?
Why was Jesus’ first command to the early church to “wait” instead of “go”? </aside>

👋 Application

<aside>

What rhythms of rest—daily or weekly—do you currently have in place?
- Pastor Paul talked about “rest as a rhythm, not a rescue.”
- Biblical rest is regular, planned, and part of how we live—not a desperate catch-up.
Do you view rest more as a reward you earn or a grace you receive?
- God gave rest to Adam, Israel, and the early church before they earned or did anything.
- Rest isn’t performance-based—it’s presence-based.
What is one thing you could stop doing—or set down—in order to rest more intentionally this week?
- Paul challenged us to think about turning off phones, cutting back on endless scrolling, or letting go of constant striving.
What does Sabbath rest look like for you? Is it something you keep, avoid, or feel unsure about?
- Exodus 20 and Deut. 5 command Sabbath rest as a gift and a weekly reminder that we are free.
- What could a full 24-hour rest look like in your current life?
How does your identity—son, not slave—impact the way you approach rest?
- God reminded Israel they weren’t under Pharaoh anymore.
- Rest is a reflection of trusting our Father, not meeting impossible expectations.
What keeps you from trusting that life won’t fall apart if you rest?
- Pastor Paul reminded us that Jesus’ question “Do you believe I can do this?” applies to rest too.
- Rest is an act of faith, letting go so God can work.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you personally about rest right now?
- Take time to pause and listen. What is one step God’s inviting you to take? </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

<aside>

🗓️ Schedule one true 24-hour Sabbath in the next 2 weeks. Protect it like it matters—because it does.
📴 Turn off your phone or social media for a full evening each week. Notice what you feel—and what changes.
👥 Invite someone to rest with you—on a walk, over a meal, or by just being present without an agenda.
🌿 Spend at least 30 minutes outside this week with no distractions—just you, creation, and God.
📣 Ask a friend or spouse to help you create a “rest plan” that aligns with your lifestyle and values. </aside>

🙏 Prayer

<aside>

Father, thank You for inviting me to rest—not just work.
Lord, help me live like I have a Father, not like I still serve a Pharaoh.
Jesus, I want to trust You enough to slow down.
Holy Spirit, teach me how to enter the rhythm of rest—daily and weekly.
God, restore my soul as I turn toward You. </aside>

🎶 Worship

https://youtu.be/R8MZbl-GRdY?si=xoFx4pEn0bkcaR_u