Wk. 2 - When Less Is Better

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

We are reaching out to our family, friends, and neighbors as the body of Christ.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review: Habit of Self - Examine

WHY?…

We all tell lies (Jeremiah 17:9“9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”)

One of the biggest lies—Tell ourselves… More is better!

Reflects 1stLie—Serpent told Adam/Eve—Garden.

Naked in love—Enjoying paradise—Fruit any tree—Except one.

Serpent—Did God really say? Message was clear …

What you don’t have—What you need—Happy—Fulfilled—Content.

More is always better…

More money—M toys—Shoes—Purses—Watches—Muscles.

M square ft—M travel—M likes—M followers—M hair (Back)

What if the stuff you have is keeping you from the life you want?

TODAY: The Habit of Simplicity…When Less Is Better

From Craig Groeschel

Opening Scripture:

Paul as prisoner on ship…

Acts 27:36 “36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.”

Acts 27:38“38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.”

Context: Paul on ship, beaten down by storm, crew thought die. 2 weeks w/o eating, Paul breaks bread and gives thanks.

Why lighten ship? Less better..faster, outrun, lighter, avoid rocks

I have enough.

This is the Habit of Simplifying

Problem: We don’t believe we have enough

God, give me less of what doesn’t matter.

Matthew 6:19–21 “19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If you want to change your life, change your habits. If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.

Hebrews 12:1–2“1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Lay aside _____ and let God change your heart!

Store-up for security or want more to avoid internal struggles.

Ex: bigger bank balance for sec., new outfit for external atten to satisfy internal void, new home project to avoid marriage struggle you want to avoid.

Strip off everything you don’t need…slow down.

Throw out as if your life depends on it.

If you didn’t use it last year, throw/give it.

Schedule to busy (To Do List & To Don’t List)

God, give me more of what does matter.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 “6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”

Less of what doesn’t matter gives us room for what does matter.

Define what matters most

“one month to live”

My relationship w/ God—My spouse—Children

Making a difference—My church—Show God’s love

My sobriety—Loved ones know Christ.

Not—Anyone’s list…Leather sofa—Apple Watch.

New countertops—65-inch flatscreen TV.

The most meaningful things in life are not things.

Remember moments and not things

*Personal examples or stories of meaningful moments*

Conclusion/Reflection:

I have enough is incomplete statement…

Because I have Jesus, I have enough.

Philippians 4:12–13 “12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Put Jesus in forefront and not the background (i.e. historical figure)!

Be strengthened by Jesus today!

Talk It Over

Read Matthew 6:19-21. What stands out to you in these verses? What does it look like to “store your treasures in heaven”?

Talk about some of the most meaningful things you have in your life. How could focusing on these things help you believe that you have enough?

Is there anything in your life that you need to get rid of in order to more fully focus on Jesus? What steps can you take this week to let go of things that don’t matter?