Matthew 6:16-18 (Matthew 1:1-4 & Acts 13:2-3)
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This is the second week in our series Spiritual Disciplines. This sermon is called "Fasting"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect How can you prioritise your relationship with God as your most important relationship?
Warm-Up
- Have you ever fasted before? If so, what was your experience like?
- If you haven’t fasted before, what has been your understanding of fasting?
Read Matthew 6:16-18
- Why do you think Jesus says, “When you fast” instead of “If you fast”? What does this tell us about fasting as a spiritual discipline?
- Jesus warns against fasting for public recognition. How can we ensure that our fasting is focused on God rather than seeking approval from others?
- What are some wrong motivations for fasting, and how can we guard our hearts against them?
- Jesus says that the Father “who sees in secret will reward you.” What do you think that reward might be?
Read Matthew 4:1-4
- Why do you think Jesus fasted before beginning his ministry? What does this teach us about the connection between fasting and spiritual preparation?
- Satan tempted Jesus with food while he was fasting. What are some temptations we face when fasting? How can we overcome them?
- Jesus responded, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” How does fasting help us rely more on God’s Word?
- In what ways can fasting help us overcome personal struggles, temptations, or distractions in our spiritual journey?
Read Acts 13:2-3
- The early church fasted and prayed before making a major decision. Why do you think fasting was an important part of their discernment process?
- Have you ever fasted while seeking God’s guidance? If so, what was your experience?
- How can fasting help us hear from God more clearly in times of uncertainty?
- Is there a situation in your life where fasting might help you seek God’s direction?
- How can we encourage each other to practice fasting with the right heart and purpose?
- As a group, how can we commit to seeking God more intentionally through fasting and prayer?
Apply What are some practical ways to incorporate fasting into your spiritual walk?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of fasting, a way to draw closer to you. Help us to hunger for your presence more than anything else. Following the example of Jesus, strengthen us to fast with the right heart, teaching us to rely on your word. May our fasting deepen our faith, align us with your will, and open our hearts to hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
What influence do you have on your frontline? How could you use it for the flourishing of others?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (Sermon): “The Christian Life” by Aneirin Glyn:
https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/57110/audio/ - Listen (Sermon): “Loving God 24/7” by Jill Firth:
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ridley-chapel/id1555186843?i=1000654378042 - Listen (Sermon): “A Question of Love” by Rico Tice:
https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=50963&show_file=59564 - Read (Article): “A Preposterous Command” by LICC:
https://licc.org.uk/resources/a-preposterous-command-part-1/ - Watch (Video): “Agape/Love” by Bible Project:
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/agape-love/
Series Resources
- Read (book): “Celebration of Discipline” by Richard J. Foster
- Read (book): “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney 📚
- Read (book): “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun 📚
- Read (book): “Reading the Bible for all its Worth" by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart 📚
- Read (book): “Prayer: Experiencing Awe & Intimacy with God " by Tim Keller 📚
- Read (article): “Spiritual Disciplines, Legalism and Laziness” by Trevin Wax:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/why-spiritual-disciples-interview-with-don-whitney/
