Perhaps one of the stickiest issues to discuss with modern Christians is how we ought to observe the Lord's Day. The danger that we face is falling into the Pharisaical trap of establishing extra-Biblical rules as hard and fast laws which we use to evaluate one's spirituality or even their salvation. Another danger is using a hermeneutic with the New Testament texts that deal with the Sabbath which is not consistent with the whole counsel of God. Both extremes are common pitfalls.
In this sermon we have three principles which will help believers navigate this tricky issue. Perhaps the bigger issue is helping Christians see that it's worth navigating. Rather than seeing the concept of a day of rest as a "delight" (Isaiah 58:13), many believers see it as a curse. They see any attempt to regard a New Covenant day of rest as a return to legalism and\or Pharisaism. The teaching of our Lord in Mark 2:23-28 should put those thoughts to rest.
Consider these questions:
Did God create the Sabbath Day as an institution that should enslave men or liberate them?
Does Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath abolish its observance or perfect it?
Did Jesus' teaching on ANY part of the Law of God abolish it or perfect it?
Is it reasonable for God to give us six days to work and ask for only one to rest, worship and enjoy God as the focal point?
Is the Sabbath a Jewish institution or a universal one?
Did Jesus institute a new Sabbath day when He rose from the grave, completing His work of redemption under the New Covenant?
Certainly serious minded believers will disagree. But all believers should study the Scriptures in context with a consistent hermeneutic before making a firm decision on their position on this matter.
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