5386 leisure, nature and purpose of

Scripture affirms that periods of rest and leisure are part of God’s creation order. These periods of rest are to be used wisely.

The need for leisure

The Sabbath rest Ge 2:2; Ex 20:8-10 pp Dt 5:12-15 See also Ex 23:11 During the sabbath year, the labourers presumably also rested; Lev 23:3

Rest commanded by Jesus Christ Mk 6:31-32

Leisure a gift of God

Ps 23:2 See also Mt 11:28; Mk 2:27; Rev 14:13

Loss of leisure a judgment Isa 48:22 See also Ecc 2:23; Ecc 5:12; Isa 57:20-21; Rev 14:11

Responsible use of leisure

Work must come first Pr 10:5; Lk 17:7-8

Remember God’s presence 1Co 10:31 See also Ecc 9:7-10

Use time wisely Eph 5:15-16

The dangers of leisure

Idleness 1Ti 5:13 See also Pr 6:9-11; Pr 24:30-31; Pr 26:14; Ecc 10:18; 2Th 3:11; Heb 6:12

Preoccupation with pleasure Lk 8:14 See also Pr 21:17; Isa 5:11; Lk 15:13; 1Ti 5:6; 2Ti 3:4; Jas 5:5

Susceptibility to sin 1Ti 5:13 See also 2Sa 11:1-5; Est 1:10-11; Am 4:1

Spiritual complacency Am 6:1,4-7 See also Isa 5:11-13; Lk 12:16-21; Lk 21:34

See also