Middle School Week 2 (March 19): Worship & Fasting
Series Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT)
Discussion Goal: Worship and fasting help us live set apart.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
What two or three things in your life are most likely to steal your time and attention? If you had to spend a week on an island without any of those things, what's one thing you would want to take with you instead?
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
When you hear the words “worship” and “fasting,” what pops into your head?
Outside of church, what are some things — or even people — our culture seems to admire or obsess over? Is this the same as worship of different?
What are some things people put a lot of time, energy, or attention into, almost like they’re worshiping it?
⬆️ Bible Bite: Worship is showing God how much we love and appreciate Him. It can involve singing, praying, reading the Bible, or just spending time with Him. Fasting is when we choose not to eat for a period of time and instead choose to focus on reading our Bibles, prayer, and worship.
Read John 4:23-24. Jesus said true worship is worshiping God "in spirit and truth" — which means from the heart with a focus on God instead of themselves. What does that mean to you?
What does it look like to worship God from the heart and not just go through the motions?
What does it mean to fast? Where have you heard about fasting before? (e.g., intermittent fast, the Daniel fast, social media fast, technology fast, etc.)
Read Matthew 4:1-4. Jesus fasted, but how is that different from what we hear about fasting today (like for diets)? Why do you think Jesus chose to fast?
How do you think fasting might help you focus more on God and live life set apart?
⬆️ Leader Tip: Many people today associate fasting with dieting. However, biblical fasting isn't about losing weight; it's about setting aside food to focus on God and deepen our relationship with Him.
Pray: God, help us understand how worship and fasting can bring us closer to You and set us apart from the world around us. Show us how these spiritual disciplines can help us live a life that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
What does it look like to worship God daily — not just on Sundays? What are some things you can do this week to begin to live a life of worship?
Fasting helps us connect with God by focusing on Him instead of food. What else could you take a break from to help you grow closer to God?
What’s one thing you learned today that you want to put into practice this week to help you live set apart?