Welcome to Sunday Fuel! This series of questions is designed to assist your personal reflection and fellowship with others about the sermon from this past Sunday.
1. What misconceptions of fasting did Pastor Francis’s definition address or correct? Consider Donald Whitney’s purposes for fasting:
- Strengthening prayer (Ezra 8:23; Joel 2:13; Acts 13:3)
- Seeking God’s guidance (Judges 20:26; Acts 14:23)
- Expressing grief (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:11–12)
- Seeking deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3–4; Ezra 8:21–23)
- Expressing repentance and returning to God (1 Samuel 7:6; Jonah 3:5–8)
- Humbling oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27–29; Psalm 35:13)
- Expressing concern for the work of God (Nehemiah 1:3–4; Daniel 9:3)
- Ministering to the needs of others (Isaiah 58:3–7)
- Overcoming temptation and dedicating yourself to God (Matthew 4:1–11)
- Expressing love and worship to God (Luke 2:37)
Which one(s) resonate with you at this time?
2. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against doing good works (specifically giving, praying and fasting) for the wrong reasons. This week, Pastor Francis focused on how we can “make our faces disappear” so we can appear a certain way to others, such as talking about how busy we are with the subtle implication that we are hard workers or doing important things.
Honestly reflect on how we might “play the game” of humility that masks our pride. Or consider your response when you are not credited or recognized for something you do. Take time to confess this before the Lord.
3. What would it look like for you to do things for God “in secret” without making a big deal about it? Ask your Father to help you trust he sees your service. Pray that you will be satisfied with His reward instead of settling for the praise and approval of others.
4. When was the last time you were truly aware of your need for God? Consider fasting a meal or a day to remind yourself of your dependence on Him, following Pastor Francis’s suggestions to start small, have a plan, and remember the purpose. If you do, what did God show you about the things you desire and depend on? Was there a specific truth about God that stood out? Is there a next step he wants you to take?
5. Fasting is not just an individual pursuit but can also be a corporate endeavor. Would you consider taking time to fast and pray for our church’s CUP hearing this Wednesday evening (10/21) at 6:30 p.m.? (Read more here.)