Discussion Guide
At the beginning of a new year, many people focus on resolutions, goals, diets, exercise plans, or a “word for the year.” Others are completely over all of it. But whether we love or hate resolutions, most of us can agree on this: it's a natural time for a reset. What we need most isn’t just better habits—it's a heart and mind that hunger and thirst for God. Often, we assume nothing needs to change, or we tell ourselves that we will deal with spiritual things later. Over time, that delay can harden our hearts without us realizing it. Together, we want to be a church that intentionally seeks Jesus in 2026—not out of pressure or guilt, but out of desire and trust.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Did you get your driver's license right at 16, or did you wait? Why? Did you get a job at 16 or later? What influenced that decision? What is something you don’t like to wait for?
2. Read Matthew 8:18-22. Why do you think the disciple asked to delay following Jesus? Were the reasons given bad or sinful—or just important? What are some “good reasons” today that can still keep us from fully following Jesus? How do excuses—intentional or not—slow our spiritual growth?
3. Read Matthew 4:1-4. What do you already know about fasting? When you hear the word “fasting” what thoughts or emotions come up? Have you ever fasted from food, social media, or something else? Share your experience. What does Jesus mean when He says we don’t live on bread alone?
4. Read Matthew 6:16-18. According to Jesus, what is the right motive for fasting? What are some wrong motivations for fasting or spiritual disciplines? Why do you think it’s easy to put our spiritual life on hold? How can fasting reveal what we rely on most?
Action Step: Ask God how you can join us as a church in a once-a-week fast during the month of January.
• Choose a specific day and time period
• Keep it simple and between you and God
• Adapt if needed for health reasons
• Remember: fasting is not about adding more duties, but removing something to make space for God
Reminder: sometimes we have to buy in and intentionally seek Him. Fasting is not about suffering; it's about recentering our lives around Christ.
Deeper Dive: Read Matthew 16:25. What does Jesus mean by “losing” and “finding” your life? How does fasting help us loosen our grip on control or comfort?