The Simple Path - Part 8 - Simple Stillness // April 6th, 2025
Teaching overview
Pastor Riley Taylor concluded his sermon series "The Simple Path," with part 8 “Simple Stillness”. He encouraged us from Matthew 23:1-12; Jesus confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who teach the law but don’t live it out. He warns against religious showmanship and encourages humility and servant-heartedness. The heart of the message: true greatness is found in humility and service, not status or titles. To step away from the noise. Sit with Jesus. Let Him unburden your soul. Simplicity and stillness bring us back to the heart of God.
Our prayer for your Community
Lord, help me slow down and sit at Your feet, laying down every burden I carry. Teach me to find stillness in Your presence and rest in the truth that You are enough.
Group questions
What part of Sunday’s message convicted, encouraged, or surprised you? (Seek)
Take time to revisit your notes or reflect on what you heard during the teaching. Consider where God might have been drawing your attention—not just what you thought, but what God might have been saying. A helpful practice is to spend a few quiet moments in Lectio Divina—slowly reading the passage of Scripture again, listening for a word or phrase that stands out, meditating on it, and letting it speak to your heart. Before speaking your own thoughts, let the Word speak first and ask that God's presence would join you.
What perspective do I need to change or adjust to come under the authority of scripture? What action does the text call me to do in light of this perspective? (Practice)
Hearing the word is just the beginning—following Jesus means living in obedience to it. The Spirit often prompts us toward simple obedience, repentance, or renewed action. This is not about being perfect, but about being faithful. What small step could you take this week to practice what was preached?
How can we as a group support you in living out what we’ve discussed this week? (Mission)
Discipleship is not only about inward formation but also outward compassion, and we want to walk that journey together as a community. As we pray for one another and seek Jesus together, our hearts are shaped toward His mission to renew all things. Our group isn’t just for us, but a place where we practice loving each other and live out the Kingdom of God.
For further meditation through the rest of your week…
Take time today to examine where you might be seeking approval or recognition. Ask God to shape your heart into one that serves quietly, loves deeply, and lives humbly.
Pause in the midst of your busyness. Choose the better portion—sitting with Jesus—and allow His presence to be enough without needing to prove, produce, or perform.
Let this be a week of slowing your pace. Breathe deeply, sit in God’s Word, and trust that in stillness, He restores what busyness drains.
