14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples

52 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples

a regular basis? Write responses on a marker board or poster. Say,

Today we are going to focus our attention on the spiritual discipline

of fasting. This habit of highly effective disciples is often overlooked

when making significant life decisions.

2. Call attention to the sidebar in the Study Guide on fasting. Ask
   a member to define fasting. If not included in the definition, ask
   another member to explain the purpose of fasting. Invite members
   to look at the list in the Study Guide of the different types of fasting
   in the Bible. Say, In the Scripture passages we will be studying today,
   we have the opportunity to look at three types of fasting and make
   application to our personal lives and to the corporate body of Christ.

Guide Bible Study

3. Create two posters. On one poster write Corporate Fasting and on
   the second poster write Personal Fasting. Place the posters in two
   different locations at the front of the room. (A copy of these assign-
   ments is available in “Teaching Resource Items” for this study at
   http://www.baptistwaypress.org))


4. Call attention to the Corporate Fasting poster. Divide the class
   into two discovery groups. Give each group one of the following
   assignments. (A copy of these assignments is available in “Teaching
   Resource Items” for this study at http://www.baptistwaypress.org))
   
   
   • Group One: Read 2 Chronicles 20:1–4, 13–15. Discuss how
     God used the practice of fasting in the life of the nation
     Judah to guide them during a time of national threat. Be
     prepared to share with the other group what you discover.
   
   
   • G r o u p Tw o : Read Acts 13:1–3. Discuss how God used the
     practice of fasting in the life of the church at Antioch to
     reveal his plan for missionary action. Be prepared to share
     with the other group what you discover.
     After the groups have had time to complete their assignments, call
     for reports and compile a list of truths on corporate fasting that can
     be applied to the church today.
   
   
   
   


5. Call attention to the Personal Fasting poster. Ask, Why is it difficult
   for believers today to practice fasting? Read Jesus’ words on fasting