Fall Forward – “Rest That Restores”

Posted On October 12, 2025October 12, 2025In Sermon Kit

Fall Forward - "Rest That Restores"


Title: Rest That Restores You
Main Scripture: Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Hebrews 4:9–10; Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 13:4

Main Points

1. Rest Begins in Creation (Genesis 2:2–3)
	•	God didn’t rest because He was tired — He rested because He was finished.
	•	“Rest” (shabath) means to cease, stop, be still.
	•	Rest is not escape — it’s completion.
	•	Rest is sacred pause: delighting in God’s goodness, not just escaping busyness.

2. Rest Commanded in the Law (Exodus 20:8–11)
	•	God gave us a rhythm: six days of work, one day of rest.
	•	Sabbath rest is a declaration of trust: “I can stop working because God never stops caring.”
	•	Rest breaks the lie that our worth comes from productivity.

3. Rest Fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:9–10)
	•	Jesus reframes rest from a day to a relationship.
	•	We don’t rest to earn favor — we rest because Jesus already finished the work.
	•	Sabbath is about alignment, not legalism.
	•	Rest isn’t for the weak, and work isn’t for the prideful — both were part of God’s plan.

Key Thought:
Rest is intentional surrender — a rhythm of stopping, trusting, and delighting in God’s presence and provision.

Formula for Burnout:
High Responsibility + Low Control + Low Reward = Burnout

Questions for Reflection:
	•	Is this an issue of calling?
	•	Is this an issue of capacity?
	•	Is this an issue of character?
	•	Is this an issue of care?

Sermon Description

Feeling tired is one thing, but being weary in your soul is something deeper. In this message, “Rest That Restores You,” Pastor Mike talks about the kind of rest Jesus offers — not just for your body, but for your soul.

If you’ve been running on empty, trying to perform, prove yourself, or just make it through another week, this message is for you. You’ll learn how to find true rest — the kind that brings peace, purpose, and perspective again.

Come discover what it means to rest in God’s rhythm, not just your schedule.

Bible References: Matthew 11:28–30; Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Hebrews 4:9–10; Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 13:4

Small Group Discussion Questions

When was the last time you truly felt rested — not just physically, but mentally or spiritually? What contributed to that? (Matthew 11:28–30)
Why do you think rest feels “unproductive” in our culture? What lies do we often believe about slowing down? (Exodus 20:8–11)
How can you tell the difference between healthy hard work and unhealthy striving? (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 13:4)
What’s one practical way you could honor God’s rhythm of rest in your current season? (Genesis 2:2–3; Hebrews 4:9–10)
If burnout is high responsibility + low control + low reward, which one describes your current situation — and what can shift? (Matthew 11:28–30)

2 Deep Journal Questions

What would change in your life if you started believing that rest is not laziness but obedience?
What part of your life is God asking you to release control of so you can actually find rest?

Fall Forward – “Rest That Restores”