SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS
The Discipline of Simplicity
Review:
Disciplines: pathways of spiritual formation (habits/rhythms) that effect fundamental ____________ in us so that we become ________________more like Jesus.
THE DISCIPLINE OF SIMPLICITY
Simplicity is living with a __________________ focus so that all aspects of life are ____________ by that one pursuit.
Divine Simplicity means that God is not _________ _______ of different attributes but He is ______ of His attributes _______ of the time.
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.
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 ___________.
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.
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).
New Testament:
Sermon on the Mount: “No one can serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24).
Jesus talks about __________________ of life in the kingdom more than any other social issue.
Rich Young Ruler: Jesus called him to detach his ________________ from his possessions.
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.
Simplicity helps us “seek first the kingdom of God,” which is characterized (in part) by a life of “joyful _________________for our possessions” (Richard Foster).
When the ONE THING is in its proper place, everything else will ________ _______ _____________ (Matt 6:33).
CULTIVATING INTERNAL SIMPLICITY
1. Receive all that you have as a __________ from God (Dt. 8:1618).
2. Remember that God is the ___________________ of all you have (Psalm 75:7).
3. Make what you have __________________ to others (Prov. 3:27).
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. Refuse to be _____________________ by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
5. Learn to enjoy things without ________________them.
6. Develop a deeper appreciation for _______________.
7. Look with a healthy __________________ at all “buy now pay later” schemes.
8. Obey Jesus’ instruction about __________ _____________ speech.
9. Reject anything that breeds _________________ of others.
10. Shun anything that __________________ you from seeking first the kingdom of God.
