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Christian Living

Fasting: A Biblical and Practical Study

This course examines the biblical practice of fasting from the Old Testament through the New Testament and early church, exploring its purposes, its connection to prayer and repentance, and practical guidance for fasting today in a way that guards the heart against legalism and pride.

True Gospel Canada 6 weeks Text
Start Week 1

Learning Objectives

  • Understand what biblical fasting is and its purposes throughout Scripture
  • Survey key examples of fasting in the Old Testament, including mourning, repentance, and seeking God
  • Study Jesus's own teaching and example regarding fasting
  • Examine fasting in the early church as recorded in Acts
  • Learn practical guidelines for different types of fasts
  • Guard the heart against legalism, pride, or fasting as a means of earning God's favor

Syllabus

Overview

This course examines the biblical practice of fasting from the Old Testament through the New Testament and early church, exploring its purposes, its connection to prayer and repentance, and practical guidance for fasting today with a heart guarded against legalism and pride.

Reading Plan

Week 1: what biblical fasting is and why we fast. Week 2: fasting in the Old Testament. Week 3: Jesus's teaching and example on fasting. Week 4: fasting in the early church (Acts). Week 5: types of fasts and practical guidelines. Week 6: the heart of fasting - avoiding legalism and pride.

Required Materials

A personal Bible in one of the following standard translations: ESV, NIV, NASB 1995, CSB, LSB, or NLT; a notebook or journal for reading notes and reflection.

Grading & Completion

Assessment focuses on engagement with Scripture and demonstration of comprehension. Students complete weekly reading assignments and a short weekly quiz covering that week's material. A final exam covering the entire course is available once every week has been passed.

Course Outcomes

  • Upon completion, students will be able to explain the biblical purposes and examples of fasting
  • Upon completion, students will be able to articulate Jesus's teaching on fasting and its proper heart posture
  • Upon completion, students will be able to practically apply fasting in their own spiritual life with wisdom and humility

Weekly Lessons

  1. Wk 1 What Is Biblical Fasting and Why Do We Fast?
  2. Wk 2 Fasting in the Old Testament: Mourning, Repentance, and Seeking God
  3. Wk 3 Jesus's Teaching and Example on Fasting
  4. Wk 4 Fasting in the Early Church (Acts)
  5. Wk 5 Types of Fasts and Practical Guidelines
  6. Wk 6 The Heart of Fasting: Avoiding Legalism and Pride