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.
Connection
What was the last “fun” purchase you made? Did it make you feel complete? Why or why not?
Prepare to Watch Video
As you watch John Mark Comer’s teaching, pay attention to how he answers the following questions:
According to John Mark, what percentage of Jesus’s teachings are about money and possessions?
In what ways does the drive to have and own more lead to a lack of peace?
What is the basic idea of simple living? How did John Mark describe the idea of a simple lifestyle?
VIDEO REVIEW
John Mark began the session by asking us if what we have is more than enough, why do we still want newer, better, or cooler things? How would you answer his question? Why do you so many people consume or accumulate new things that we don’t necessarily need?
In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus saying that it is more blessed to give than to receive. John Mark told us that the Greek word for “blessed” can also be translated as “happy,” revealing that a happy life is found in giving rather than receiving. Think of a time you were open and generous. How did it make you feel when you’re able to provide someone with something they need? Compare that experience to the last time you bought something for yourself. Do you think one experience was “better” than the other? How so?
The first step toward simplicity is to reduce your consumption. John Mark described it as “limiting the number of our possessions, expenses, activities, and social obligations, to a level where we are free to live joyfully in the kingdom with Jesus.” How often do you buy things that you want as opposed to what you need?
In what ways could limiting your intake give you freedom?
What could it look like for you to limit what you typically buy in a regular month?
Being a consumer isn’t just about buying stuff—it also applies to our activities and obligations. As hard as it is to believe, these activities can distract you from God. In what ways could extra activities or responsibilities be a distraction? How does your use of your resources—your time, energy, and money—reflect your priorities?
The second step to simplicity is practicing generosity, giving your money, belongings, or your time to others on a regular basis. What could it look like for you to be more generous with the resources God has given you?
John Mark was honest about his feelings toward practicing generosity: it doesn’t sound fun, but it is the way of Jesus. But even though simplicity may not sound exciting, it will bring you happiness and contentment. What in your life could you downsize or give away? What would it look like to try living with less for the next month?
FROM INFORMATION TO TRANSFORMATION
PRACTICE | Take Inventory
In a society shaped by consumerism, simplicity is a radical commitment to following the way of Jesus. But when we limit our possessions and commit ourselves to generosity, we will find the joy and fullness of life that Jesus promises.
1. Examine your possessions and consider what things you have that you never - or rarely - use that might be really helpful to someone else. Consider downsizing by offering that to someone who really needs it.
2. Examine your habits and consider what it would look like to limit your intake and increase your giving. Ask God to help you set some goals for this next week and discover the joy of simplicity.
GO DEEPER
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.’”