Bible Study - Preparing Ash Wednesday

 

Preparing Our Hearts for Ash Wednesday

Today is the Wednesday before Ash Wednesday, the day before we enter the season of Lent. This is a time of spiritual preparation, where we examine our hearts, reflect on our relationship with God, and commit to the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and repentance.

Today’s scriptures focus on three key themes:

1. Self-Examination: What Is in Our Hearts? (Luke 6:39-45)
2. Victory Over Sin and Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)
3. Bearing Good Fruit Through God’s Grace (Sirach 27:4-7, Psalm 92:12-15)

Let us reflect on these themes as we prepare our hearts for Ash Wednesday and the journey of Lent.

 

I. Self-Examination: What Is in Our Hearts? (Luke 6:39-45)

A. Jesus’ Teachings on the Heart

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts before judging others:

“Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Luke 6:41)

He also says:

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

This reminds us that our words and actions reflect what is truly in our hearts.

B. Preparing Our Hearts for Lent

Lent is not just about external sacrifices like fasting or giving things up—it is about internal transformation.

• Are we truly repentant?
• Are we harboring unforgiveness or pride?
• Are we speaking words of kindness and truth?

C. The Lesson for Us

• Before correcting others, we must first examine ourselves.
• Lent is a time for deep reflection and self-examination.
• We must ask God to purify our hearts, so we can reflect His love.

What areas of my heart do I need to surrender to God before Lent begins?

 

II. Victory Over Sin and Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

A. The Promise of Resurrection

Paul proclaims a powerful truth about Christ’s victory:

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin and death no longer have the final word.

B. Strength for the Lenten Journey

Lent is often seen as a season of sacrifice and struggle, but we must remember:

• We are not striving alone—God gives us victory through Christ.
• Lent is not just about sorrow, but about hope and transformation.
• The sacrifices we make should lead us closer to Christ.

C. The Lesson for Us

• We fast, pray, and repent not out of fear, but because of love and victory in Christ.
• Lent prepares us to celebrate the power of the resurrection at Easter.
• We are called to stand firm in faith and live in victory.

How can I use this Lent to grow stronger in faith and hope?

 

III. Bearing Good Fruit Through God’s Grace (Sirach 27:4-7, Psalm 92:12-15)

A. The Test of Our Character

Sirach 27 compares our words and actions to the fruit of a tree:

“The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one's speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.” (Sirach 27:6)

Psalm 92 echoes this truth:

“The righteous flourish like a palm tree... they still bear fruit in old age.” (Psalm 92:12-14)

B. Lent: A Season of Growth

Lent is not just about removing sin, but about cultivating spiritual growth.

• What kind of fruit are we bearing in our lives?
• Are we nourishing our faith through prayer and God’s Word?
• Are we growing in holiness and love?

C. The Lesson for Us

• Lent is an opportunity to be spiritually “pruned” so we can bear good fruit.
• We should focus not just on avoiding sin, but on growing in righteousness.
• God desires that we flourish in faith, even in difficult seasons.

What spiritual “fruit” do I need to cultivate during Lent?

 

As we approach Ash Wednesday, let us commit to:
Examine our hearts and repent (Luke 6:39-45).
Stand firm in Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).
Bear good spiritual fruit through God’s grace (Sirach 27:4-7, Psalm 92:12-15).

Lent is a journey not just of sacrifice, but of transformation. Let us approach it with sincerity, faith, and expectation that God will do a new work in our lives.