March 1 - FAITH IN THE WILDERNESS

Hungering for God

Icebreaker
What happens to you when you get really hungry?

Study

1. In Matthew 6:16–18, what contrasts does Jesus make between hypocritical fasting and authentic fasting?
2. Jesus says “When you fast,” not “If you fast.” What does that suggest about how fasting was understood among God’s people?
3. Looking at examples like Moses (Exodus 34:27-28), David (2 Samuel 12:15-18) Esther (Esther 4:16), Daniel (Daniel 9:3), Jesus (Matthew 4:3–4), and the early church (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23), what different situations lead people to fast?
4. What lesson does God teach in Deuteronomy 8:1–3 about hunger and dependence on Him?
5. What did Pastor Jim say is the purpose of fasting, and how is it different from simply denying yourself food?

Application

1. What stood out most to you from the teaching about fasting—something new, surprising, or challenging?
2. In what ways do you see physical appetites (food, media, comfort, etc.) sometimes crowding out spiritual hunger for God?
3. If you were to try fasting, what would be a realistic and healthy first step for you?
4. The message said to focus “less on the blessing and more on the Blesser.” What might that look like in your daily spiritual life?

Prayer
Ask God to deepen your hunger for Him and to help you desire His presence and truth more than temporary satisfactions. Pray for the courage to practice habits that draw you closer to God and for grace to trust Him to fill the deeper needs of your soul.