July 21, 2024
Jon Schock

Hold Fast

Jesus shows that the Light of True Righteousness Penetrates into the Deepest Recesses of the Heart.

Hunger for God, not for the Approval of Others.

Fasting: Abstaining from food for Spiritual Purposes.
AIM: Increase One’s Appetite for God.

1. Righteous Works are the Means, not the End.
   

2. God is the End, not the Means.
   

3. Fasting is Feasting on Jesus.
   

1. What is one of the best meals you have had? If you had to prepare a meal for a distinguished guest, what would you make
   

2. Read Matthew 6:1-18. Point out the similarities and dissimilarities in the three different sections. Why do you think there is redundancy?
   

3. What separates the hypocrite’s righteousness from the righteousness Jesus is teaching about? Do you think God uses both kinds of righteous deeds?
   

4. What comes to your mind when you think of the topic of Fasting? How have you engaged with it in your spiritual life?
   

5. Pastor Schock quoted John Piper saying “The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.” What does this statement mean? Have you found this to be true in your life?
   

6. Read Matthew 9:14-15 and Acts 13:1-3. What instruction does this reveal to us on fasting?
   

7. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. How can fasting help us to understand these verses, even showing us what our deepest desires are?
   

8. Why is it important to have an aim in the practice of fasting as a spiritual discipline? How can you fight a legalistic spirit that can come with any spiritual discipline?