Icebreaker Question: What's one spiritual discipline you'd like to grow in this year, and why?

Key Takeaways

1. Fasting is a stolen gift - One of the greatest spiritual disciplines darkness has robbed from the church is the power of fasting.
2. Biblical foundation - Fasting appears throughout Scripture as a response to urgent spiritual needs, for God's guidance, and as an act of worship.
3. F.A.S.T. principle - Fasting Activates Spiritual Tenacity
4. Purpose over performance - Fasting isn't about legalism; it's about deepening your personal relationship with God.
5. Practical approach - Keep it manageable, happy, focused, and make the main thing your main thing.

Discussion Questions
Understanding Fasting

1. What has been your previous experience with fasting? What made it challenging or meaningful?
2. Pastor mentioned that medical science has proven fasting is good for you. How does this physical benefit parallel the spiritual benefits?
3. Read Matthew 6:16-18. Why do you think Jesus said "when you fast" rather than "if you fast"? What does this tell us about His expectations?

Personal Application 

6. Pastor said, "We think what'll make us happy is if the people or situation around us will change. The problem is the person in the mirror." How does this challenge your perspective on what needs to change in your life?
7. The sermon outlined five practical guidelines:
   • Keep it manageable
   • Keep it happy
   • Keep it focused
   • Keep the main thing your main thing
   • Impact community and mission
8. Which of these guidelines do you find most challenging? Why?
9. Pastor mentioned cutting out distractions like internet, television, and social media. What distractions keep you from deeper intimacy with God? Which one could you eliminate during a fast?

Pray together for:

1. Preparation - That God would prepare hearts for the upcoming 21-day fast
2. Hunger - For increased spiritual hunger and desire for God's presence
3. Breakthrough - For specific areas where group members need breakthrough
4. Unity - That the church would experience unity and revival through corporate fasting
5. Tenacity - For spiritual strength to fight the flesh and press into God

Personal Prayer Requests: (Allow time for group members to share specific prayer needs)