Lessons from A Fasted Life

Small Group Guide: A Fasted Life
Spiritual Disciplines Series - Part 2
OPENING PRAYER (5 minutes)
Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to the discipline of fasting and prayer, and for wisdom to apply these truths practically.
ICEBREAKER (10 minutes)
Question: What's one habit or discipline (spiritual or otherwise) that you've tried to start but struggled to maintain? What made it difficult?
KEY SCRIPTURE READINGS

• Matthew 4:1-2
• Matthew 6:16-18
• Matthew 9:15
• Acts 13:1-3
• Acts 14:23

SERMON SUMMARY
This sermon challenges us to incorporate fasting as a regular spiritual discipline, not as a legalistic requirement but as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, clarity, and breaking the power of our flesh. Fasting separates us from animals—it demonstrates we are spiritual beings, not controlled by physical appetites. The early church fasted twice weekly, and Jesus said His followers would fast after His departure.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Understanding Fasting (15 minutes)

1. Before this sermon, what was your understanding or experience with fasting? How has this message challenged or changed your perspective?
2. The pastor said, "When what you're after is more important to you than the food, fasting is easy." What does this reveal about Jesus' priorities during His 40-day fast? What would this look like in our lives?
3. Read Romans 8:6-8. How does fasting address the hostility between our flesh and God's will? Why can't our flesh submit to God's law on its own?

The Purpose of Fasting (15 minutes)

4. Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast" (Matthew 6:16-17). Why do you think fasting has become optional or rare in modern Christianity when it was central to the early church?
5. Review the spiritual benefits listed in the sermon:
   • Cultivates heightened awareness of God's presence
   • Humbles the soul and fosters spiritual growth
   • Reduces the power of self-will
   • Increases spiritual receptivity
   • Reveals the state of your inner being
   • Renews spiritual vision
6. Which of these benefits do you most need in your life right now? Why?
7. The pastor shared: "You want to break some stuff off in your life? Starve it out." What area of struggle (lust, anger, addiction, greed) might benefit from the discipline of fasting in your life?

Practical Application (15 minutes)

7. The early church (according to the Didache) fasted twice weekly—Tuesdays and Thursdays. The pastor suggested picking one day per week to fast consistently. What obstacles do you anticipate if you committed to this? How could you overcome them?
8. Acts 13:1-3 and 14:23 show the early church fasted before making major decisions. What major decision are you facing (or might face) that would benefit from a season of fasting and prayer?
9. The sermon mentioned physical benefits of fasting alongside spiritual ones. How does the physical discipline of fasting train us for spiritual discipline in other areas?

Going Deeper (10 minutes)

1. The pastor confessed he used to pray for each church member by name daily but had gotten undisciplined. What spiritual disciplines have you let slip? What would it take to restore them?
2. "Don't give back to the devil what God gave you, piece by piece, through compromise." Where have you been compromising and slowly surrendering ground that God delivered you from?
3. Fasting reveals we are "more than mere men"—we are spiritual beings. How does our consumer culture and constant access to food work against this truth?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
✓ Fasting is biblical and expected - Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast"
✓ Fasting demonstrates spiritual authority over our flesh - We are not controlled by appetites like animals
✓ Fasting should accompany major decisions - The early church fasted before appointing leaders and making commitments
✓ Consistency matters more than intensity - One day per week is better than sporadic long fasts
✓ Fasting brings both spiritual and physical benefits - It's good for your soul and your body
✓ Fasting should be done in secret - Not for show, but for genuine connection with God
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This Week:

1. Choose one day this week to fast (water only, or from one meal, depending on your health and experience level)
2. Spend the time you would have eaten in prayer - pray specifically for something you're struggling with or a decision you need to make
3. Journal your experience - Note any spiritual insights, struggles, or clarity you receive

This Month:

1. Commit to one day per week for fasting - Pick a consistent day (the pastor suggested Fridays)
2. Combine fasting with increased Bible reading and prayer
3. If facing a major decision, commit to a 3-5 day fast (with medical clearance if needed)

This Year:

1. Make fasting a regular spiritual discipline - Like the early church, make it part of your rhythm
2. Fast before major life decisions - job changes, relationships, ministry commitments
3. Track your spiritual growth - Write down testimonies of what God does through fasting

ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS

• Will you commit to fasting one day this week? Which day?
• What specific thing will you pray about during your fast?
• Who in this group can you share your experience with next week?
• What obstacle is most likely to prevent you from following through, and how will you overcome it?

CLOSING REFLECTION (5 minutes)
Read together: Matthew 6:16-18
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Silent Reflection: What is one specific area where you need God's power to overcome your flesh? Commit it to Him silently.
CLOSING PRAYER (5 minutes)
Pray for:

• Discipline to incorporate fasting into our lives
• Deliverance from areas where our flesh controls us
• Clarity and direction for decisions we're facing
• Humility to do this for God's glory, not recognition from others
• Physical and spiritual strength for those who will fast this week

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For Further Study:

• Read the book of Acts and note every instance of fasting
• Study Old Testament fasts (Esther 4, Daniel 9-10, Nehemiah 1)
• Research the Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) to learn about early church practices

Medical Note: If you have health conditions, diabetes, eating disorders, or are pregnant/nursing, consult a physician before fasting. Modified fasts (giving up specific foods rather than all food) can still be spiritually beneficial.
"Dare to be different. Dare to be Gospel Life. Dare to challenge yourself to grow and to learn and to move on."