Embracing Simple Faith: Trusting God Daily
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the concept of living a life of simple faith. In our modern world, we often find ourselves overcomplicating things, whether it's our diets, our daily routines, or even our spiritual lives. We discussed how, just like the shift from processed bread to homemade sourdough, the simplest ways are often the best. This principle applies to our faith as well. Baptism, for instance, is a simple yet profound act that symbolizes the death of our old selves and the birth of a new life in Christ.
We delved into the words of Jesus, particularly focusing on His prayer in the New Testament, which emphasizes that true spiritual understanding is not reserved for the clever or the wise but is revealed to those with childlike faith. This simplicity in faith is not about being naive but about trusting God fully, letting go of our need to control, and embracing the peace that comes from knowing He is in charge.
We also reflected on the importance of rest, as highlighted in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him. This rest is not just physical but a deep spiritual rest that comes from trusting God with our burdens. As we navigate our lives, we are encouraged to take simple steps of faith daily, trusting God with our worries and allowing Him to guide us.
Finally, we celebrated the act of baptism, a public declaration of faith, and a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of following Jesus. As we witnessed individuals taking this step, we were reminded of the joy and freedom that comes from living a life of simple faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Simplicity in Faith: Our faith is meant to be simple, not complicated. Just as homemade sourdough bread is healthier than processed bread, a simple faith is more nourishing to our souls. We often overcomplicate our spiritual lives, but God calls us to trust Him with childlike simplicity. [33:42]
2. Childlike Trust: Jesus teaches that spiritual truths are revealed to those who are childlike in their faith. This means letting go of our pride and control, and trusting God with the simplicity of a child. This trust allows us to experience God's peace and provision. [40:15]
3. Rest in God: True rest comes from trusting God with our burdens. Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary, promising rest for our souls. This rest is found in simplicity, as we let go of our need to control and allow God to lead. [45:24]
4. Daily Faith Steps: Living a life of faith means taking simple, daily steps of trust in God. Whether it's in our finances, relationships, or work, we are called to invite God into our daily lives and trust Him with the outcomes. [48:36]
5. Celebrating Baptism: Baptism is a simple yet profound act of faith, symbolizing the death of our old selves and the birth of a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a reminder of the joy and freedom found in following Jesus. [52:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:41] - Introduction to Simple Faith
- [32:26] - The Bread Analogy
- [33:42] - Overcomplicating Life
- [34:37] - The Red Letters of Jesus
- [37:17] - Cleverness vs. Simplicity
- [38:34] - The Need for God
- [39:14] - Letting Go of Control
- [40:15] - Childlike Faith
- [41:01] - Trusting God Daily
- [41:52] - The Simplicity of Children
- [42:43] - God's Provision as a Father
- [43:46] - Trust and Simplicity
- [45:24] - Finding Rest in God
- [46:02] - The Importance of Sabbath
- [47:21] - Trusting God with Control
- [48:36] - Daily Steps of Faith
- [49:23] - Letting Go of Burdens
- [50:05] - The Light Yoke of Jesus
- [51:37] - Baptism as a Step of Faith
- [52:31] - Celebrating Baptism
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living a Life of Simple Faith
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 11:25-30
Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' prayer in Matthew 11:25-26 reveal about who God chooses to reveal spiritual truths to? [34:37]
2. How does the analogy of homemade sourdough bread relate to the concept of simple faith discussed in the sermon? [32:26]
3. What does Jesus promise to those who are weary and carry heavy burdens in Matthew 11:28-30? [45:24]
4. How is baptism described as a simple yet profound act of faith in the sermon? [33:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might God choose to reveal spiritual truths to those with childlike faith rather than the clever or wise? [40:15]
2. How does the concept of rest in God challenge our modern lifestyle of constant busyness and control? [46:02]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that overcomplicating our faith can lead to stress and anxiety? [38:34]
4. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and a reminder of the simplicity of following Jesus? [51:37]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on an area of your life where you tend to overcomplicate things. How can you simplify this area and trust God more fully? [33:42]
2. Consider a situation where you struggle to let go of control. What steps can you take to trust God with this situation and find rest in Him? [45:24]
3. How can you cultivate a childlike faith in your daily life, letting go of pride and control? What practical steps can you take this week? [40:15]
4. Think about a burden you are currently carrying. How can you invite God into this situation and experience His rest? [49:23]
5. If you have not been baptized, what might be holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have been baptized, how can you continue to live out the simplicity and beauty of following Jesus? [51:37]
6. Identify one specific worry or stressor in your life. How can you practice giving this to God daily and trusting Him with the outcome? [48:36]
7. How can you incorporate a regular Sabbath or time of rest into your weekly routine to better trust and rely on God? [46:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Nourishment of Simple Faith
Our faith is meant to be simple, not complicated. Just as homemade sourdough bread is healthier than processed bread, a simple faith is more nourishing to our souls. In our spiritual lives, we often find ourselves overcomplicating things, trying to control every aspect and seeking complex solutions. However, God calls us to trust Him with childlike simplicity. This simplicity is not about being naive but about having a pure and genuine trust in God's plan for us. By embracing a simple faith, we allow ourselves to be nourished by God's love and wisdom, just as we are nourished by wholesome, simple food. [33:42]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life that you have overcomplicated? How can you simplify it today to better trust in God's provision?
Day 2: Trust with Childlike Faith
Jesus teaches that spiritual truths are revealed to those who are childlike in their faith. This means letting go of our pride and control, and trusting God with the simplicity of a child. Childlike faith is not about ignorance but about a deep trust and reliance on God, knowing that He is our loving Father who provides for us. When we approach God with this kind of faith, we open ourselves to experiencing His peace and provision in ways we might not have imagined. By letting go of our need to control and embracing a childlike trust, we can find true freedom in our relationship with God. [40:15]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself trying to control your life instead of trusting God? How can you practice childlike faith in these areas today?
Day 3: Find Rest in God's Presence
True rest comes from trusting God with our burdens. Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary, promising rest for our souls. This rest is not just physical but a deep spiritual rest that comes from letting go of our need to control and allowing God to lead. In a world that constantly demands more from us, finding rest in God is a radical act of faith. It requires us to trust that God is in control and that He will provide for our needs. By resting in His presence, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding and find strength for the journey ahead. [45:24]
Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV): "For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to lay down at Jesus' feet? How can you intentionally find rest in God's presence this week?
Day 4: Take Daily Steps of Faith
Living a life of faith means taking simple, daily steps of trust in God. Whether it's in our finances, relationships, or work, we are called to invite God into our daily lives and trust Him with the outcomes. These daily steps of faith may seem small, but they are powerful acts of obedience that draw us closer to God. By consistently choosing to trust God in the everyday moments, we build a strong foundation of faith that can withstand life's challenges. As we take these steps, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us and providing for us every step of the way. [48:36]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one small step of faith you can take today to invite God into your daily life? How can you make this a regular practice?
Day 5: Celebrate the Simplicity of Baptism
Baptism is a simple yet profound act of faith, symbolizing the death of our old selves and the birth of a new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a reminder of the joy and freedom found in following Jesus. As we witness individuals taking this step, we are reminded of the beauty of living a life of simple faith. Baptism is not just a ritual but a powerful expression of our commitment to Christ and our desire to follow Him wholeheartedly. By celebrating baptism, we celebrate the transformative power of God's love and the new life we have in Him. [52:31]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on what that moment meant for you and how it has impacted your faith journey. If you haven't, what does baptism mean to you, and how might it be a step of faith in your life?
Quotes
Real faith is found in this very simple thing. I need God. It's not like I need to understand. I need answers. No, no, no. There's a moment in time. Here's how you know your faith is real. Where you come to a place and you just say, man, I need God. Nothing else is going to do. It's almost like, oh, I need God. It's almost like a brokenness. [00:38:34] (22 seconds)
And so God hides spiritual things from clever people. And then he says, I'm going to reveal them to those who are childlike. Yes, father, it pleases you to do it this way. So it actually faith is found in simplicity itself. Like real faith is found in simplicity. So that when I let go of my fear and anxiety, it's because I can then begin to trust God that he's in control. [00:40:20] (29 seconds)
Because God is up there. There, he's the father. He's calling us his children. And he says, trust me for everything you need, like a child. Now also imagine, I know like you probably love your kids a lot because I love my kids a lot. Nobody else can understand the love I have for my kids. And yet God still loves me more than I love my kids. [00:42:55] (27 seconds)
I've prayed this verse over people so many times. It says this, come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. And what's, what's funny about this verse is again, over the years, so many hundreds of people have heard this out of my mouth. And I say it when people are stressed out or when they're worried, but just this week was the first time in 18 years of full -time ministry that I put it together, that this verse comes right after where Jesus, Jesus says, keep it simple. [00:44:10] (37 seconds)
And again, somehow for me, I'm a hyper control guy. I need to learn to let go of the things that I'm trying to control. Because when I trust God and have faith like a child, trusting that he's going to provide, he always does. But I got to trust him. And it's hard. And I know that rest comes when someone else is in charge. [00:46:16] (23 seconds)
And if I was to summarize it, I think every day, everybody, every day just needs to take a simple step of faith. And not overcomplicate it. Not jump to conclusions. Not think about. what could be, but just what's in front of us today. And so maybe for you, a simple step of faith today is just to let go of something when you walk out of church today. [00:50:36] (26 seconds)
I thought there's no better way than to end our services with baptisms. And just for context, so you know, baptisms are meant to be highly celebrated. It's an important moment for these people who are going public with their faith. So we treat it like we're at a Seahawks game or if like the Sonics came back. When they go into the water, it represents the old life that's gone. But when they come out of the water, it means that they are living a new life and it's public. [00:52:02] (29 seconds)
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