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Fasting: Training Your Appetite

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Fasting 101


  1. What is fasting?

    2. Fasting is: ABSTAINING from food (and/or other things for measured periods of time in order to heighten my HUNGER for the things of God.

    Fasting is not:
    • SELF-PUNISHMENT
    • SELF-SERVING
    • A BARGAINING CHIP
    • A WAY TO GET GOD'S ATTENTION

  2. Why do we fast?

    Fasting is:
    Fasting is not:

    "Jesus, why do John's disciples and the Pharisees fast, but not your disciples?" (Mk 2:18)

    1. You can't fast while you CELEBRATE. (Mk 2:19-20)

    2. You can't add RELATIONSHIP to RELIGION . (Mk 2:21-22)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 2:18-22

  1. Why do you think the disciples of John and the Pharisees were bent out of shape about Jesus’ disciples not fasting?
     
  2. Was Jesus saying fasting is obsolete (see Matthew 6:16-18)? What would the purpose be of fasting today, if it is not something to make you “holier”?
     
  3. What was Jesus’ point about His two stories (the garment/patch and the wine/wineskins)? What are ways people try to mix the old (Law, religious works) and the new (Gospel, grace)? Why can’t you mix the old and the new?

Breakout Questions:

  1. When was the last time you fasted? Is there a reason for you to fast in this season of your life?
     
  2. Pray for one another.