How to Keep the Sabbath 

Memory Verse: "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil" (Isaiah 56:2).

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:13-14.

Introduction:  A practical problem of concern to every Christian is embodied in the subject of this study. If one is to observe the Sabbath, how is that observance to be manifested? Are the injunctions of the Law of Moses of any value in considering the matter?
  When the law, as a "schoolmaster," has brought us to Christ, and when we are no longer under the "schoolmaster" (that we might be justifed by faith), are we then to ignore those lessons taught to us by the "schoolmaster," or are they worthwhile in the practical expression of a Christian life? Paul wrote that ". . . what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:3,4).
  The Law of Moses requited that ". . . no man go out of his place on the seventh day" (Exodus 16:26,29); that a man not gather sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32,35); that men rest both during "earing time and harvest" on the Sabbath (Exodus 34:21); that "Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day" (Exodus 35:3); that food for use on the Sabbath be prepared on the sixth day (Exodus 16:4,5,23); and further, the "prophets" required that no burdens be carried and no marketing be done on the Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-22; Jeremiah 17:19-27; Amos 8:5,6).
  Wasn't there a striving toward righteousness in these injunctions--an aim toward a goal which Israel was unable to attain unto--which Christians are now able to achieve because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

Lesson Questions:

1. What are the specifications contained in the fourth commandment regarding the proper observance of the Sabbath? Exodus 20:8-11.

2. What is the most literal, technical meaning of "within thy gates" as used in Exodus 20:10? Is there a spiritual understanding of this phrase regarding its intent in situations other than a large landholder having farms, hired servants and workmen?

3. What was meant by "manservant, maidservant, and cattle" in this commandment? Exodus 20:10. How would this apply in our day?

4. Is there a way in which a stranger "within one's gate" might be understood for our day? Hebrews 13:2; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 4:9.

5. What is the proper attitude toward Sabbath observance? Isaiah 58:13,14; Mark 2:23-28; 3:2-4; Luke 13:10-16; 14:1-5.

6. What was exemplified as a wrong attitude toward Sabbath-keeping in the Scriptural references of Question 5? Of Amos 8:5,6?

7. What is the greatest purpose of Sabbath observance? Deuteronomy 6:4,5; John 4:22-24; Matthew 22:37,38; Deuteronomy 10:12.

8. Did Gentile converts use the Sabbath as a time for study and worship? Acts 13:42-44. Did Jewish Christians do likewise? Acts 18:4.

9. Was the "manner" of the disciples different from the "manner" or customs of Christ regarding the Sabbath? Acts 17:2; 16:13; Luke 4:16. What logical conclusions might be drawn from these Scriptures, compared with 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Hebrews 10:25?