The Practice of Simplicity | December 10-16th, 2023
Lesson: Simplicity
Conversation Starter
Have you ever “downsized” in your life? If so, how did it feel as you experienced it?
Previous Week Review
Review the passages and practices from last week’s lesson. Don’t skip this step even if people are reluctant to respond as it’s vital to see how each week’s topic is being practiced during the week and what obstacles people are facing.
Leader reading and Discussion
Read the following definition of Simplicity. “The practice of eliminating internal and external distractions in pursuit of a singular focus on God.”
Discuss, what are the internal and external distractions you face?
Read the following to your group and then discuss it using the questions below:
“Modern life is not simple. It is always about adding one more thing. But the more we add, the more can go wrong: one car, one set of problems; two cars, two sets. Adding the latest, the biggest and the best to our lives wreaks havoc in our souls as well as our environment.”
Why do things have such a hold on us in current American culture?
Read the following statement and then use the questions below to discuss how simplicity can help us uncomplicate our lives.
Simplicity creates margins, spaces, and openness in our life to enjoy our family, friends, the world that surrounds us and most importantly, our God.
1. How can making our life simpler help to reduce the stress of current life?
2. If you felt the need to simplify your life, where would you start the process?
3. How would our life be different if it was simpler?
Read the following passages and discuss how each relates to simplicity.
Matthew 6:19-21
Luke 12:15-33
Hebrews 13:5
Given our inclination to add more “stuff” to our lives, how can we focus our treasures on God, not things? Where can we start to simplify our lives to make more space for God?
Read the following statement:
Simplicity starts with an inward knowledge that God is enough and anything that distracts us and draws our hearts away from Him can be a threat to our love for God and transformation into the image of Jesus. Once we have internalized our true need to be content at a soul level, we are ready to address the outward expressions of simplicity.
Discuss the following ideas for outwardly simplifying your life.
1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. Refuse to be a slave to anything but God.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.
5. Obey Jesus’ instructions on plain, honest speech. Matthew 5:37 Avoid flattery and half-truths. Make honesty and integrity the distinguishing characteristic of your speech.
Handout: leader passes out the practices for this week and reviews them with the group.
Handout: Simplicity
Review the 5 outward expressions of simplicity discussed during your community time together as you discern how God is leading you to practice simplicity.
1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. Refuse to be a slave to anything but God.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.
5. Obey Jesus’ instructions on plain, honest speech. Matthew 5:37 Avoid flattery and half-truths. Make honesty and integrity the distinguishing characteristic of your speech.
Practice this week
1. Remove a task or activity that interferes with your time with God and review how it feels.
2. Practice “letting go” by cleaning out your closet, attic or garage and then evaluate how it feels.
3. Take time with a family member, friend, neighbor, or other person who you haven’t interacted with recently and enjoy the simplicity of the time.
4. Consider giving away something that you value to someone who has expressed interest in the item, or you think would enjoy receiving it.
5. For one day or week, limit the choices you eat to have a better idea of how few food choices many people have.
Preparation for next week
Come to the community next week ready to share something from your practice this week.