Back to the Basics | Fasting | Pastor Eleah Tercero

In this week's Back to the Basics series, we explored the biblical practice of fasting and what it means for followers of Jesus today. While many people associate fasting with religious obligation, self-discipline, or earning God's favor, Scripture presents it as something entirely different. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God or prove our spirituality—it is a grace-filled invitation to draw near to Him. Throughout the Bible, we see God's people fasting in response to His presence, and Jesus not only modeled fasting Himself but also assumed His followers would practice it. Because of Christ, we no longer fast to earn forgiveness, holiness, or God's approval. Instead, we fast from a place of already being deeply loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father.

We also discovered that biblical fasting specifically means abstaining from food, allowing our physical hunger to remind us of our deeper hunger for God's presence. Fasting exposes the places where we seek comfort, control, or satisfaction apart from Him, inviting the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts with compassion and grace. Though fasting can be disruptive and uncomfortable, it creates intentional space to pray, worship, and simply be with God. Ultimately, fasting is a declaration of faith that Jesus is our true sustainer and that nothing satisfies like His presence. As we practice this discipline, we are responding to the God who has already come near to us through Christ and who lovingly invites us to experience a deeper relationship with Him.

Read:  

• Matthew 4:1-2
• Matthew 6:16-18
• Isaiah 58:1-12

5 Discussion Questions for Young Adults

1. Before this message, what was your understanding of fasting? How did today's teaching challenge or reshape your perspective on why followers of Jesus fast?
2. The sermon says that fasting is not about earning God's favor but responding to His love. Why is this distinction so important, and how does it change the way we approach spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and worship?
3. Fasting often reveals the things we rely on for comfort, security, or satisfaction. What are some things you tend to turn to instead of God when you're stressed, anxious, or discouraged? What might God be inviting you to surrender?
4. The message described fasting as creating intentional space to draw close to God. What are some practical ways you could use that time to seek Him if you chose to fast this week?
5. Jesus invites us to come close to Him because we are already loved and accepted by the Father. What is one step you can take this week—whether through fasting or another spiritual practice—to deepen your relationship with God and make room for His presence in your daily life?