2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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KEEPING THE SABBATH (IV)
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Isaiah 58:13-14
Romans 14:4-8
“Call the Sabbath a delight.”
KEEPING THE SABBATH (IV)
Q 118: Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
A: The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own.
Q 119: What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A: The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.
It is interesting to note that the Westminster theologians did not give a list of specific do’s and don’ts in their exposition of the Sabbath command, but laid down a list of biblical principles we might apply to ensure that we keep the Sabbath holy and wholly:
1. Put God first (Isa 58:13; Matt 6:33). “Worship is the mother of all virtues.”
2. The Sabbath is made for the benefit of man (Mark 2:27). Allowed on the Sabbath are the works of necessity, of mercy, of service to God.
3. Christian freedom and non-judgmentalism (Rom 14:4-8, John 4:21- 24). Sanctifying the Sabbath is an attitude or a spirit we must cultivate. Have a spirit of desiring to please God in all that we do, and be a good testimony for Him on the Lord’s Day, and every day of the week.
THOUGHT: “The Sabbath was not prescribed as a day of idleness, but a season when we should collect our whole energies for meditation upon the works of God.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Lord, may I worship and serve Thee with all my heart, soul, mind and strength on the Sabbath day.