January Series Study Guide - Day 22

Fasting

Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from things such as food for a period of time for spiritual purposes. Christian fasting isn’t some kind of a “work” that’s commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn’t mean that fasting isn’t recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. Fasting is mentioned over 40 times in the Old Testament and over 20 times in the New Testament. Many followers of Christ testify to possessing a greater amount of discipline in their lives once they began fasting on a regular basis. The discipline of conquering the desire to eat transfers over to other areas. To demonstrate that we are seeking God “with all our heart.” Fasting puts things in proper focus. It is a physical way of saying, “Food and the things of this life are not as important to me now as (fill in the blank) Andrew Murray said, “Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything - to sacrifice ourselves - to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.”

Read Matthew 9:14-17 & 6:16-18

Q: Why did Jesus say it was not time for his disciples to fast? When did he expect the appropriate time to fast would be?

Q: What should be the appropriate reason/reasons to fast?

Q: Why do you think our culture does not mention the spiritual discipline of fasting very often?

Q: Besides food, what may be some other healthy things to fast from?

Challenge: Considering fasting for a day and journal about your experience.