A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

A. The biblical witness

1. Definition of the discipline of simplicity: living in a purity of life that strives above all things to please and glorify God unencumbered by the things of the world

a. God owns all, Ps. 24.1-2 – The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, [2] for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

b. God is our source of all life and being.

(1) Neh. 9.6 – You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. (2) Heb. 1.3 – He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

c. We exist to please and glorify him alone; this brings a simplicity to every area of our lives.

(1) Financially, Deut. 8.17-18 – Beware lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” [18] You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who

gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

(2) Socially, Matt. 10.37-38 – Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is