Lesson 4: Fasting 51
Christians cease regular schedules of daily living in order to seek
God, to worship and honor him, and to acknowledge our dependence
upon him in all things. We fast in times of fear and anxiety, to aid our
personal and corporate worship, and when we need direction for new
challenges or circumstances.
The benefits of fasting include:- Strengthening self-discipline for God’s service
- Growing in faith as we grow deeper in Christ
- Gaining spiritual insight for the challenge at hand
- Maturing as a believer
- Deepening Christian fellowship and unity in the church
- Arming ourselves for spiritual battles
- Breaking bad habits or patterns of behavior
- Discerning the leadership of the Holy Spirit
Fasting strengthens believers by allowing us to feast on God and his
word instead of on earthly food or entertainment.
What needs do you have in your life or in your church right now?
Would a time of fasting, personally and corporately, be beneficial?
Fasting means we are ready to be serious with God.
In a world where we want it all, highly effective disciples want God
first (Matthew 6:33).
TEACHING PLANS
Teaching Plan—Varied Learning Activities
Connect with Life
- Ask, As a follower of Jesus Christ, what are your greatest fears
and challenges? Allow several members to respond. As members
respond, ask them to share how they make decisions during those
significant times. Ask, What spiritual disciplines do you utilize on