Becoming Like Jesus: Fasting and AbstinenceSample

Better Together

As we engage in the process of becoming like Jesus for the sake of others, we are going to need encouragement and accountability along the way. We need people alongside us to help and challenge us—to see our potential and call out the best in us. The good news is that when you said yes to following Jesus, you became part of a family. That means you don’t have to figure this out on your own.

We are going to read more about that today as we wrap up this Bible Plan.

Pray…

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me and speaking to me. Jesus, I want to walk with you today and become more like you as I do. Holy Spirit, please use me today to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. Help me obey your promptings and follow where you are leading. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. Acts 13:1-3 NLT

Consider…

This passage gives us a glimpse into how the early Church practiced spiritual disciplines. Fasting was part of their normal rhythm. It was as common as worshiping together and as special as someone stepping into their calling.

As a community, we get to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did, together. We are being transformed individually, and we are being built up and strengthened as a family.

You are God’s masterpiece. He points to you as a living, breathing example of what it looks like for His grace and kindness to transform a life (Ephesians 2:7-10).

And, we are all part of a family. God’s family.

…You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21 NLT

One of the best ways to be built up and strengthened is by practicing spiritual disciplines with others. It’s kind of like training with your sports team or practicing with your band. You can and should still practice on your own, but something special happens when we do it together. We start to understand how to use our strengths alongside others in a way that makes everyone more effective, we get to see each others’ potential and encourage one another, and we see Jesus and His grace reflected through the people around us.

All of these things help us become more like Jesus. And that’s what discipleship is all about—becoming like Jesus for the sake of others.

Practice…

Who’s on your team and in your corner? Who are the people who are helping you become more like Jesus? Maybe it’s your small group at church. Maybe it’s the people you are in club with at school. Maybe it’s your brother and your best friend. Whoever those people are, identify them and start training together. Practice fasting and abstinence. Remove distractions. Pick a time to pray for each other. Read a Bible Plan together, and actually do it. Hold each other accountable to becoming more like Jesus every single day.

If you’re interested in learning more about spiritual disciplines and how to make Jesus’ habits your habits, check out the other Plans in the Becoming Like Jesus collection.

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you can continue to be alone with God. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Next, ask God to speak to you. When you get distracted, consider it an opportunity to come back to Jesus by praying this short prayer that He taught us:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 NLT

When the timer ends, thank God again for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and love others.