Spiritual Habit of Simplicity: Loving God and Serving Others (Matthew 6:19-21)

Sermon on 8 February 2026 by Pastor Justin

Introduction

What is the biblical meaning of simplicity? What are your priorities? Do you put God first?

Message

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21

Treasures refer to valued possessions. Whatever we value most will shape our hearts (Matthew 6:21).

As in water face reflects face, so a man’s heart reveals the man. - Proverbs 27:19

The spiritual habit of simplicity is a daily choice to place God at the centre of our lives and to hold everything else loosely (2 Corinthians 4:18). Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christian life.

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18

It is not about how much we should own, but about what owns us (Matthew 6:19). Mammon refers to money, reputation, fame, status, or anything whose value you place higher than God. If you love mammon, you despise God (Matthew 6:24).

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. - Matthew 6:24

It does not mean that Christians must be poor, that Christians cannot own nice things. It is about being free from the control of things (1 Corinthians 6:12; Romans 6:16).

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. - 1 Corinthians 6:12

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? - Romans 6:16

Biblical simplicity is to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Biblical simplicity realigns our hearts with God’s purpose and releases us to serve others with joy (Galatians 6:2).

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses called the people to choose life, choose blessing.

The spiritual habit of simplicity starts with what truly matters. It removes distractions and frees your heart to love God (Revelation 2:4;5; John 14:15; Deuteronomy 6:5).

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. - Psalm 73:25

The spiritual habit of simplicity enables our generous service to others (Luke 12:15).

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” - Luke 12:15

The spiritual habit of simplicity anchors us in eternal hope (Colossians 3:2).

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. - Colossians 3:2

Closing

The spiritual habit of simplicity is a way to love God fully and serve others faithfully. Examine our priorities and reorder our lives around what truly matters.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33