Sermon Study Guide

Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.

Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Fasting, Feasting and Our Faith | Mark 2:18-22 | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, August 14, 2022

Scripture References

Mark 2:18-22Matthew 11:18Leviticus 16Luke 18:11-12Isaiah 54:5Isaiah 62:5Luke 15:10Luke 5:39

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel explores Mark 2:18-22, explaining why Jesus’ disciples feasted while others fasted. He reveals Jesus as the divine Bridegroom and warns against trying to 'add' Jesus to an old life rather than surrendering completely.

Key Takeaways

1Jesus is the divine Bridegroom, fulfilling the Old Testament picture of God as the husband of His people.
2Fasting for the Christian is an expression of worship and longing for Christ's presence, not a ritual to earn righteousness.
3The Gospel of grace is exclusive and cannot be mixed with man-made, works-based religious systems.
4True conversion is not adding Jesus to an old life; it is receiving a completely new life through a supernatural heart transformation.
5Legalism often turns what should be a celebration of God's presence into a somber, critical ritual.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why did the Pharisees view Jesus' feasting as a sign of spiritual lack? How do we sometimes use external behaviors to judge others' spirituality today?
2Jesus identifies Himself as the 'Bridegroom.' How does this title affirm His deity based on the Old Testament passages Pastor Daniel cited?
3What is the difference between fasting as a religious ritual and fasting as an 'act of longing' for Jesus?
4In the parable of the wineskins, why does the new wine burst the old skins? What 'old skins' of tradition or self-righteousness might be in your way?
5Pastor Daniel mentioned that many people 'add' Jesus to their lives like a patch. What does the difference between 'adding' Jesus and 'surrendering' to Jesus look like in daily practice?
6Luke 5:39 says people often prefer the old wine because it's familiar. What makes works-based religion feel more comfortable than a life of total reliance on grace?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Examine your spiritual disciplines: Are you fasting or praying to be seen by others or to truly hunger for God?
Guard against a critical spirit that looks for faults in others' social habits rather than beholding the glory of Jesus.
Identify 'old wine' traditions in your life that you may be clinging to more than the actual Word of God.
Stop trying to 'patch' Jesus onto your current lifestyle; surrender every compartment of your life (hobbies, career, relationships) to His Lordship.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF

Back to Sermon