Introduction
As a reminder we will be addressing the habits of grace during our TC as well as discussing Nehemiah. Therefore, please leave time for this discussion and engagement as well. Regardless of how far you get in the discussion questions, please consider reading the overview of the habit and the suggested practice of the habit for this week. Enjoy!Nehemiah chapter three describes the organised effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. A great variety of people, including priests,Levites, merchants and different families are assigned different sections of the wall to repair. The chapter paints a beautiful picture of how in unity and obedience God’s people can come together to doGod’s work, each contributing their part to the overall mission.
Discussion
- Read Nehemiah chapter 3
- What characteristics or skills do you think of when you think of someone that will be used by God in a profound way?
- What characteristics or skills do you believe you lack to be used by God?
- What characteristics or skills are lacking within your group to be used by God? Within our church?
- What is God working on in Perth today?
Habit of Grace
Fasting
Matthew 6:5 starts off with “And when you pray...”. The next section inMatthew, 6:16, begins with “And when you fast...” both sections follow the same pattern of do not pray/fast like this, but rather pray/fast like that. Matthew 9:15 says “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast”
- These passages suggest that there is a basic understanding that disciples of Jesus will fast and they will especially fast in the time after his death.
- Did you know that fasting was a common practice of the Christian church for most of its history? This would commonly include fasting 2 days a week, Wednesdays and Fridays. These days marked the day Jesus was betrayed and the day Jesus was killed.Share with one another
- What is your experience with or thoughts on fasting?
- If you have not fasted before, is there a reason why?
- What do you expect will be the greatest barrier to engaging in the practice of fasting?
Practice
Try fasting until sundown one day this week. If possible, pick the same day as others in your TC, and encourage one another in it.
Going Deeper
If you would like to go deeper on your own time into this month’s Habit of Grace, consider these options: Podcast Check out the first episode on fasting from The Rule of Life Podcast The Rule of Life Podcast - Fasting 01: To Offer Ourselves to God PracticeTry fasting for two days this week Book Read Chapters 1-5 of God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis