Bible Study

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Bible Study – February 18, 2026

Lenten Lesson

The season of Lent is a forty-day period (not including Sundays) of Christian observance dedicated to repentance, fasting, prayer and preparation.

This time reflects the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring temptation before beginning his public ministry.  This emphasizes sacrifice, self-discipline, and spiritual stamina. 

During this time Christians are collectively intentional about remembering our conversion – our turning away from sin and toward God.

The Christian community seeks spiritual growth.  We reflect on who Jesus is and all He did to redeem us from sin and prepare us for presentation to the Father.   (Jude 24-25)

Traditionally, on Ash Wednesday, ashes from the burned palm branches of the previous year were placed on the foreheads of the people in the shape of the cross.

These ashes were used to remind us of our mortality.   We have come from dust and we will return to dust.   Human life is fragile.  We are not self-sufficient.  (Genesis 3:19)

Ashes also symbolize remorse and repentance.  In the Old Testament, people would sit in ashes as a sign of sorrow for sin and a desire to change (Job 2:8; Esther 4:1).  The external sign expressed an internal movement of the heart.

Three traditional practices are observed during Lent – Prayer   Fasting   Almsgiving

These are not random spiritual exercises.  They correspond to our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with others.

Prayer strengthens our relationship with God.

We increase personal devotion, scripture study, and worship to deepen the relationship.

• Prayer develops the personal relationship with God
• Prayer provides guidance and wisdom
• Prayer brings peace and comfort
• Prayer increases faith and trust in God
• Prayer allows intercession for others
• Prayer helps resist temptation
• Prayer aligns our will with God’s Will

Fasting disciplines our desire toward God.

Many believers give up foods or habits, reflecting on Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness and practicing self-discipline.  Fasting promotes spiritual clarity and insight; it secures our spiritual focus.

Moses on Mt. Sinai – Exodus  34:38       

Jehoshaphat during threat of war – II Chronicles 20:1-3 

Queen Esther fasted before going to the king – Esther 4:15-16

Almsgiving directs our love for others.

Acts of charity, such as donations or service to others are good ways to show compassion for community.

• Almsgiving promotes spiritual growth by developing compassion, selflessness, and a sense of purpose.

• Almsgiving is biblical.  It is seen as an expression of love and commitment to God.

• Almsgiving gives a sense of social responsibility. It encourages believers to care for the less fortunate.

• Almsgiving is fulfilling.  It leads to gratitude and fulfillment.  It helps us to acknowledge the blessings in our own lives.