6/26 Isaiah 58 - Fasting, God's Way

Fasting is one of the more mysterious aspects of walking with God. Yet God gives us clear instructions about what a true fast looks like, and it's probably not what we'd expect. Today we look at Isaiah 58 which unpacks God's clear purposes for this important aspect of spiritual life. Join us!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    When you think of the spiritual discipline of fasting, what comes to mind? Have you ever fasted? If so, why? What for? How did you do it? 
2.    According to verse 1, what is the general subject matter of this message for God’s people? What is Isaiah to declare to the people? 
3.    The podcast warned that verse 2 is tricky to understand unless we notice that word “as”. What does the word “as” indicate? Why is this key to understanding why (in verse 3) they are not seeing “results” from their spiritual deeds?
4.    These people were “fasting” but in the wrong way. Why were they fasting in verse 4? Why would that be a problem? How do people still fast in these ways today? 
5.    What is the right way to “fast” in verses 5-7? Why is this true fasting? Given what you know about fasting, is this a surprise? In light of these teachings, would you say that fasting is to seek God to align your will with these pursuits? Why or why not? 
6.    What promises does the Lord give in verses 9-11? How would you describe or characterize these blessings? Why does proper fasting ensure these kinds of blessings? 
7.    In verse 12, what kind of society will this kind of fasting produce? How do you think “fasting” factors into this kind of reform? 
8.    Looking over verse 13, what kind of attitude ought they to have for the sabbath? What does this kind of attitude demonstrate? How is this different from the predominant attitude they had towards the sabbath? When they have these kinds of attitudes, what kinds of blessings will they receive in verse 14? 
9.    How has this chapter changed your understanding of fasting? What is its purpose? What does it accomplish? 
10.    Think over the next few weeks in your life. Is there a time when you can apply these principles to your own life and “fast” in the way that we see in Isaiah 58?

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