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  REST IN THE LORD
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: To experience true rest and power, we must first cease from our
own works and enter into the Lord's rest.

Topics: "Rest in God", "Trust and Peace"
Scripture References: Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 33:14, Psalm 23:1-3, Psalm 37:7, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 11:28-30, John 15:5, Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:9-11

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of resting in the Lord,
contrasting the old creation's work-first approach with the new
creation's call to first enter into God's rest before engaging in labor.
He illustrates this with the image of a sailing craft that glides
effortlessly over the waters, highlighting the necessity of a steady
hand at the helm to maintain direction and power. Simpson encourages
believers to cease from their own works and trust in God, as true rest
and effectiveness in labor come from a heart that is anchored in Him. He
reminds us that while we must actively seek to enter His rest, the
ultimate keeping of our peace is the Lord's responsibility. Thus, we are
called to labor to abide in His rest, where we find strength and
purpose.

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CONTENT
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In the old creation, the week began with work and ended with Sabbath
rest. The resurrection week begins with the first day-first rest, then
labor. So we must first cease from our own works as God did from His,
and enter into His rest. And then, with rested hearts, we will work His
works with effectual power. But why labor to enter into rest? See that
sailing craft-how restfully it glides over the waters, its canvas
swelling with the wind and borne without an effort! And yet, look at
that man at the helm. See how firmly he holds the rudder, bearing
against the wind, and holding her steady to her position.

Let him for a moment relax his steady hold and the vessel will fall
listlessly along the wind.

The sails will flap, the waves will toss the craft at their will, and
all rest and power will have gone. It is the fixed helm that brings the
steadying power of the wind. And so He has said, Thou wilt keep him in
perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee
(Isaiah 26:3). The steady will and stayed heart are ours. The keeping is
the Lord's. So let us labor to enter and abide in His rest.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/rest-in-the-lord/
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