The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | SIMPLICITY | Week 8
Part of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry—Small Group
February 20, 2024

GOALS FOR SESSIONS ON SIMPLICITY:

MAIN IDEA
Cultivating simplicity will give us the margin to receive the love of God and, in turn, give that love to the people around us.

HEAD CHANGE
To know that a life of giving is happier than a life of getting.

HEART CHANGE
To feel less inclined to accumulate new things and more inclined to practice generosity.

HEART CHANGE
To limit our possessions and obligations to the point that we are free to live freely and joyfully in the kingdom with Jesus.

When ask our possessions to make us happy and satisfied, we are putting our hope and security in things that can be stolen, broken, or destroyed. The only secure place for our faith and hope is in Jesus. Read Matthew 6:19–21:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21

These verses remind us that our possessions don’t last forever. At any given time, they could be stolen, destroyed, or lost. How does knowing material goods fall apart change your view of your possessions? In what ways does it impact your view of accumulating new things?

Over-consumption reveals our disordered desires: instead of being satisfied with God, we try to find value and meaning in the things we own. What sorts of things do you buy when you are feeling down? In what ways might you be trying to satisfy your heart with something only God can provide?

When our treasure holds a higher position in our heart than God, it becomes an idol. Are there any possessions or consumeristic behaviors that compete with Jesus for your attention or even affection? Is there anything you are afraid Jesus will ask you to give up?

Our consumerism is a form of worship—but worship focused on things rather than God. We give our resources in return for peace, comfort, and status. When you are feeling unnoticed, anxious, or unloved, what could it look like for you to turn to Jesus?

FROM INFORMTION TO TRANSFORMATION

PRACTICE | 12 Practices for Simplicity
Revisit John Mark Comer’s top 12 practices for simplicity listed below (find more explanation of each in Comer’s book, pp. 205-213). Choose one practice to try this week.

Comer’s Top 12 Practices for Simplicity

  1. Before you buy something, ask yourself, “What is the true cost of this item?”
  2. Before you buy, ask yourself, “By buying this, am I oppressing the poor or harming the earth?”
  3. Never impulse buy.
  4. When you do buy, opt for fewer, better things.
  5. When you can, share.
  6. Get into the habit of giving things away.
  7. Live by a budget.
  8. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
  9. Cultivate a deep appreciation for creation.
  10. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures.
  11. Recognize advertising for what it is – propaganda. Call out the lie.
  12. Lead a cheerful, happy revolt against the spirit of materialism.

GO DEEPER

READ
Read Matthew 6:19-21.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19-21

PRAY
Pray and ask God to help you become a more generous person. Ask him to help you see the value in giving rather than grieving the loss of a possession.

GIVE
Take inventory of your belongings while thinking about the needs of your community. What surplus do you have that could meet a need? Take your opportunity to love God and serve others by being generous.

ACT
Commit to taking a day of sabbath sometime in the next week and, as best as you can, refrain from working and guard your time from mindless distractions.

MEMORIZE
Memorize Luke 12:15: “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the possessions.’”