Love God Greatly - Lent: A Season of Drawing Closer to GodSample

Week 1 Fasting

For the Gospel

Read: Matthew 6:16–18; Mark 8:31–38

SOAP***: Mark 8:34–35

Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and because of the gospel will save it.

Into the Text

Fasting is not an easy practice. Fasting is intentionally denying oneself to focus on God. This is typically done through the denial of food. While there are many types of fasts and reasons for fasting, the biblical intent behind fasting is to deny physical needs so that one can be focused on Christ as well as be more alert and aware of spiritual things.

As believers in Christ, we aim to be more like Him. During the season of Lent, we can remember how Jesus fasted in the wilderness by abstaining from food, certain activities, entertainment, or other pleasures. But, in doing so, the intent is not to be perceived as more spiritual or holy but to become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and of the holiness of God. Fasting’s core intent is to be able to focus more on God because we remove distractions that pull our focus away from Him.

Jesus told His followers that, to truly follow Him, they must deny themselves. To do this, we need to be willing to remove things from our lives that distract us and pull us away from Him. Fasting is not easy, but it is a practice and a discipline to help us focus on what is important. Fasting is one way we deny ourselves and follow Him.

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter this season, ask God to reveal those distractions. Be brave and bold, committing to remove from your life whatever you need to. Fasting doesn’t have to be forever, but the intent is to deny our earthly desires and recognize that Jesus is the only one who can truly bring us fulfillment. When we do, we will find the life He promises.

***SOAP Method

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.