Bible Study - Ash Wednesday

 

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of repentance, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter.

• The ashes remind us of our mortality: “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
• It is a time to turn away from sin and turn back to God.
• We reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and our need for His grace.

Main Themes for Today’s Sermon:

1. The Call to Repentance (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17)
2. True Fasting and Righteousness (Isaiah 58:1-12)
3. Be Reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)
4. A Life of Humility Before God (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
5. God’s Compassion and Forgiveness (Psalm 103:8-14)

 

I. The Call to Repentance (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17)

A. The Urgency of Repentance

The prophet Joel warns Israel of the coming Day of the Lord:

“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill.” (Joel 2:1)

• The trumpet is a warning of judgment and a call to wake up spiritually.
• But God, in His mercy, offers hope:

“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)

B. A Call for Wholehearted Repentance

Joel reminds us that repentance is not just an outward ritual but a matter of the heart:

“Rend your hearts and not your garments.” (Joel 2:13)

• God desires genuine transformation, not just external actions.
• Ashes symbolize humility and repentance, but they must reflect an inner change.

Am I truly repenting with my heart, or just going through religious motions?

 

II. True Fasting and Righteousness (Isaiah 58:1-12)

A. The Wrong Way to Fast

God rebukes empty religious practices:

“Day after day they seek me out… they ask me for just decisions, but they do not act justly.” (Isaiah 58:2)

• The Israelites fasted and prayed but continued to oppress others.
• True fasting is not just giving up food but giving up sin.

B. The Right Way to Fast

God defines true fasting:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… to set the oppressed free?” (Isaiah 58:6)

• True fasting is about action—helping the poor, caring for the needy, and living righteously.
• When we fast in a way that pleases God, He promises:

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8)

Am I using my fasting to grow closer to God and serve others?

 

III. Be Reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)

A. The Urgency of Reconciliation

Paul reminds us:

“We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20b)

• Lent is a time to examine our hearts and make things right with God.
• Now is the time to accept God’s grace:

“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

B. Living as Servants of God

Paul describes the sacrifices of true discipleship:

• Hardships, sufferings, yet rejoicing.
• Being poor, yet making others rich in faith.
• Having nothing, yet possessing everything in Christ.

Am I living a life that reflects reconciliation with God?

 

IV. A Life of Humility Before God (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

A. Beware of Hypocrisy

Jesus warns against seeking human approval in religious practices:

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)

• True giving, praying, and fasting should be done for God, not for show.
• Fasting should be about drawing closer to God, not gaining attention.

B. Store Up Treasures in Heaven

Jesus reminds us:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

• Lent is a time to focus on eternal things, not temporary pleasures.
• Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Am I seeking God’s approval or the world’s?

 

V. God’s Compassion and Forgiveness (Psalm 103:8-14)

A. The Lord is Compassionate

Psalm 103 beautifully describes God’s mercy:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8)

• God does not treat us as our sins deserve.
• As far as the east is from the west, He removes our sins from us.

B. Why This Matters on Ash Wednesday

• Ashes remind us of our sin, but also of God’s mercy.
• God forgives, restores, and renews those who seek Him.

Am I fully trusting in God’s mercy and forgiveness?

As we begin this Lenten season, let us take Ash Wednesday seriously:
Repent sincerely, with our hearts, not just outward actions.
Fast in a way that pleases God—through righteousness and service.
Be reconciled to God and live for eternal treasures.
Trust in God’s mercy and seek renewal.

Final Challenge:

• How will I use Lent as a time of true transformation?
• What do I need to turn away from to grow closer to God?
• How will I make prayer, fasting, and giving more meaningful this season?