54 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
Guide Bible Study
- Explain how today’s study is organized. The first biblical text is
from the Old Testament and illustrates fasting as a nation to dis-
cover God’s plan for protecting Judah. The second text is from the
Sermon on the Mount where Jesus explained how personal fasting
works in the life of a believer. The third passage tells how fasting
was used by the early church in Antioch to discover God’s plan for
carrying the gospel to the nations. - Brief ly share the background of Jehoshaphat’s successful reign as
king of Judah. Tell the class about his greatest challenge toward the
end of his reign as he faced a surprise invasion from a powerful
coalition of forces. Read 2 Chronicles 20:1–4. Discuss Jehoshaphat’s
reaction and his plan for leading his people to seek the Lord’s guid-
ance through prayer and fasting. - Read 2 Chronicles 20:13–15. Notice God’s response to Judah’s fast-
ing. God spoke through Jahaziel to assure the king and his people
that the battle was not theirs to fight, but God’s. Say, God responded
because the nation of Judah was faithful in practicing fasting to seek
his plan. - Place the next Scripture in context by explaining the occasion
in Jesus’ early ministry for the Sermon on the Mount, as found
in Matthew 5–7. Explain that three acts of personal worship are
addressed in Matthew 6: almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Read
Matthew 6:16–18. Invite members to identify and discuss Jesus’
instructions about how to fast. - Read Acts 13:1–3 and identify this as a turning point in the spread
of the church around the world. Explain that the church at Antioch
became an international missions sending agency. Note that the
call came to Barnabas and Silas while they were worshipping and
fasting, and the church set them apart for service after praying and
fasting. Highlight the role fasting played in believers responding to
God’s will.