Joy of Simplicity 2013

Pastor Tony Pladies

The Challenge

Find the simple things that God provides to delight in;

find the Joy of Simplicity in 2013

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁰ And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. ¹¹ Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

1 John 2:16

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

1 Corinthians 15:58

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Proverbs 23:4-5

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
⁵ When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Proverbs 22:7

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ The rich rules over the poor,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Romans 14:17

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:6-8

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Mark 8:35

English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁵ For whoever would save his life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.

Revelation 22:17

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

2 Corinthians 1:12

English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul's Change of Plans

¹² For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Five step simplification plan presented in the sermon:

1. Start with the big picture. The whole question of your salvation and happiness hinges on this, that you are able to hear with joy Christ's announcement, "I come," and you can reply "Come!"
2. Make major changes that allow you to simplify. Over committed on debt: house, car, etc. or over committed at work/ministry? Seek Godly counsel and shed over commitments.
3. Reduce consumption, live below your means. Give yourself a 10% raise.
4. Don't add on. Do I really need this (stuff or activity)? Is this for a Godly purpose?
5. Use things up before buying something new. Finish what you started.

message from
Fair Park Community Church
8858 W Schlinger Ave
just west of Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 53214
(414) 778-1706
services are at 10:15 every Sunday, so stop on by!