Sermon Notes

Living from the Weekend
Theme: Embracing God's design for rest, reflection, and purposeful living, rooted in Christ.
 
Introduction:  

• We are leaders in every sphere—church, work, and influence. 
• Called to shine light for God's glory (Matthew 5:14-16). 
• Our lives are influential; purpose extends beyond prosperity and happiness. 

 
Two Key Callings (Dr. Simms):  

1. Following Jesus 

2. Vocation (spouse, parent, career, neighbor, etc.) 

 
Living from the Weekend:  

• Life designed to give Jesus the first and best. 
• Many live for the weekend, work to rest, but we're made to work  from  rest. 
• Rest is not for the lazy; it's part of God's created rhythm. 

 
Biblical Foundation of Rest:  

• Genesis 1:27 & 2:1-2—God models rest on the first day, establishing the pattern. 
• Sabbath: a day of rest, remembrance, reset, and celebration (Exodus 31:16-17; Isaiah 58:13-14). 
• Purpose of Sabbath: realign priorities, remember God's goodness. 

 
Early Christian Practice:  

• Worship rooted in the Lord's Supper, observed on Sunday (the first day of the week). 
• Signifies victory over death (Mark 16:9; Matthew 28:1-6). 

 
Transition in Worship:  

• Shift from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday—focused on resurrection and new creation (Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5). 
• Sunday = Day of remembrance, celebration, and spiritual/rest renewal. 

 
Christian Blessings & Identity:  

• We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). 
• Our identity in Christ is our true rest and victory (Ephesians 2:4-6; Romans 8:1-2). 
• God's love revealed through Jesus (1 John 4:9-10). 

 
Implications for Our Lives:  

• Our week begins with gratitude for what Christ has done. 
• Purpose and strength come from being rooted in Christ first, not just doing for Him. 
• Reframe goals: The starting point is loving Jesus, which naturally flows into our vocations. 

 
Quote:  
"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." — St. Augustine
 
Practical Application:  

• Begin each week from a place of gratitude and being centered on God. 
• Prioritize spiritual renewal on Sundays—refilling, realigning, rejoicing. 
• View Sundays as a means to enter dark, dry worlds with rest, hope, and love. 

 
Call to Action:  

• Visualize yourself as clay and oil lamps—fragile, needing refilling. 
• Shift perspective on Sundays: not duty, but divine renewal. 
• Approach Jesus at the altar or in your seat, asking to be filled with His Spirit. 
• Remember: We are part of a greater eternal kingdom, not just individual pursuits. 

 
Salvation & Reflection:  

• Embrace God's love demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. 
• Rest in His victory, His love, and His purpose for your life. 

 
Closing Thought:
Let us live from the weekend—rested, refreshed, and purposeful—shining His light wherever we go.