How come life gets so busy, so complicated, so quickly? Simplifying does not mean we do less or give all our stuff away, rather it gives us a focal point, bringing everything into perspective and making room for God. We will explore how the apostle Paul’s life was simplified when he ended up in jail yet was content and joyful. Paul’s letter to the Philippians will help us put things in perspective and simplify our lives.

In a world consumed by the noise of life we can easily forget both the power and necessity of quietness. Yes, God speaks above the chaos and can come marching boldly into our situations, but He also desires to speak to us in moments of quiet, where we lean in and experience the intimacy of His gentle whisper. Let’s come together this Saturday as we explore the spiritual discipline of “Quieting” from the perspective of 1 Kings 19:9-18.

Getting started:
1. What is the noisiest part of your life? OR Share a time where you have been overwhelmed by noise. OR
Share a time when you have experienced the power of silence.

Digging Deeper - 1 Kings 19:9-18
2. What do you notice about this conversation between God and Elijah?
3. What was the cave for Elijah?
4. What was the cave for God?
5. In what ways do we listen for God in our everyday?
6. How does Elijah respond to God whispering in that moment?
a. How does his posture change?
b. How does his listening change?
c. Whataction comes out of it that was different from before?
7. How does a gentle whisper prove pivotal to the story?
a. God’s approach
b. Elijah’s response
8. Do you believe that God still whispers today?
a. How can a gentle, but direct, conversation with God impact someone’s
trajectory?

How To Apply This:
9. What needs to change in your own life for a whisper from God to be heard?
10. Are you willing to hear and respond to what God has to say?
a. What time and space are you going to give this week for God to speak into your life?
b. How are you going to practice sitting without speaking, trusting that God will show up in your
silence

In this passage, Jesus shares on the need for self-denial and sacrifice in following Him. He highlights that true life is found in losing one's life for His sake and questions the value of worldly gain if it costs one's soul for eternity. This teaching underlines the eternal significance of prioritising spiritual over material wealth in our lives. Join us this Saturday as we dig deeper into this passage.

Getting started:
1. Share a time when you had to yield or surrender something for someone else so they
could receive the benefit or the spotlight?

Digging Deeper - Matthew 16:24-26
2. What does it mean to “deny oneself” in the context of following Jesus?
3. How do we practically “take up our cross” in our daily life?
4. In what ways might following Jesus requiresacrifice or hardship?
5. How can the desire to “save our life” lead to losing it?
6. How do material possessions and worldly success compare to the value of one’s soul?
7. How can we guard against the temptation to exchange our soul for worldly gains?

How to Apply This:
6. What specificactions can you takethis week to deny yourselfand follow Jesus more
closely?
7. Is there an area in your life where you need to let go of worldly pursuits to focus more
on your spiritual growth?
8. How can you share the message of this passage with others in your community or
sphere of influence?