Review:
Epistles: Contentment is the result of being ________________with God and the wealthy should “not trust in their wealth, but in God”—that way, they are free to share generously with others.
Disciplines: pathways of spiritual formation—(habits/rhythms) that effect fundamental ____________ in us so that we become ________________more like Jesus.
Simplicity helps us “seek first the kingdom of God,” which is characterized (in part) by a life of “joyful _________________for our possessions” (Richard Foster).
THE DISCIPLINE OF SIMPLICITY
When the ONE THING is in its proper place, everything else will ________ _______ _____________ (Matt 6:33).
SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS The Discipline of Simplicity
Simplicity is living with a __________________ focus so that all aspects of life are ____________ by that one pursuit.
CULTIVATING INTERNAL SIMPLICITY
Divine Simplicity means that God is not _________ _______ of different attributes but He is ______ of His attributes _______ of the time.
1.
Receive all that you have as a __________ from God (Dt. 8:1618).
The opposite of simplicity in our lives is _______________/multiplicityàinstead of being focused on one thing, we are _______________ in our attention and affections—we attempt to give our wholehearted devotion to many things.
2.
Remember that God is the ___________________ of all you have (Psalm 75:7).
3.
Make what you have __________________ to others (Prov. 3:27).
David ______________ his life around this ONE THING—to be near God (to enjoy Him, love Him, trust Him, and obey Him). By attempting to do __________ _____________, Martha missed the one thing—___________.
The goal of simplicity is not a balanced life, but a _____________________ heart. DISPLAYING EXTERNAL SIMPLICITY 1.
Buy things for their __________________ rather than their status.
2.
Reject anything that is producing an ________________ in you.
3.
Develop a habit of _____________ ____________ ____________.
4.
The 10th commandment says, “do not covet”— the way to be ______________, not envying anyone or _________________what God has given them or us (from New City Catechism).
Refuse to be _____________________ by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
5.
Learn to enjoy things without ________________them.
6.
Develop a deeper appreciation for _______________.
New Testament:
7.
Sermon on the Mount: “No one can serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24).
Look with a healthy __________________ at all “buy now pay later” schemes.
8.
Jesus talks about __________________ of life in the kingdom more than any other social issue.
Obey Jesus’ instruction about __________ _____________ speech.
9.
Reject anything that breeds _________________ of others.
Rich Young Ruler: Jesus called him to detach his ________________ from his possessions.
10. Shun anything that __________________ you from seeking first the kingdom of God.
Living for MANY THINGS leaves us constantly ___________________. SIMPLICITY IN THE BIBLE Old Testament: Jubilee: property returned to original owner as a reminder that God ________ ______ _____________ AND a protection against ______________among God’s people.