The Challenge of Fasting - Pastor Dave Klassen

Today’s focus is on the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of fasting, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Fasting, along with prayer and giving, forms the heart of a vibrant Christian life. While prayer and giving are commonly practiced and discussed, fasting has largely fallen by the wayside, both in our culture and in the church. Yet, Jesus places it on equal footing with the other two, assuming that his followers would fast—not as a legalistic requirement, but as a natural outflow of a life seeking God.

Fasting, at its core, is abstaining from food for a period of time, though there are variations such as partial fasts or even fasting from other things that distract us from God. The biblical examples range from Esther’s three-day absolute fast to Moses’ and Elijah’s supernatural forty-day fasts. Most often, fasting is a private matter between the believer and God, though there are times for corporate fasting in response to crisis or as a call to repentance.

The purpose of fasting is not to manipulate God or to earn answers to prayer, but to humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and surrender to His purposes. Fasting is an act of worship, a way to draw near to God, and to allow Him to purify us from sin and self-reliance. It is a means of breaking spiritual strongholds, seeking direction, and deepening our understanding of God’s Word. Fasting exposes the “real you,” bringing to the surface both physical and spiritual toxins that need to be dealt with. It is often uncomfortable, even painful, but it is in that weakness that God’s strength is made perfect.

There are also practical benefits to fasting: increased clarity, contentment, and confidence as we learn to rely on God rather than our appetites or routines. Fasting is not just about food; it can mean giving up anything that has a hold on us—technology, comfort, privacy—for the sake of drawing closer to God and serving others. The call is to approach fasting thoughtfully, with humility and openness to God’s leading, and to make it a regular part of our walk with Him, just as we do with prayer and giving.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Fasting is a neglected but essential spiritual discipline that Jesus assumes will be part of a believer’s life. It is not commanded as a rigid rule, but presented as a natural practice for those who desire deeper intimacy with God. Fasting, prayer, and giving are meant to be woven together as the core of a vibrant Christian walk. [16:15]
• 2. The true purpose of fasting is worship and surrender to God, not to manipulate Him or force His hand. Fasting is about humbling ourselves, seeking God’s face, and allowing Him to reveal and cleanse the hidden areas of our hearts. It is a way of saying, “God, I want You more than I want comfort or control.” [18:54]
• 3. Fasting brings to the surface both physical and spiritual “toxins”—the hidden attitudes, sins, and weaknesses that we often mask in daily life. In the discomfort and weakness of fasting, the real self is exposed, and this is where God can do His deepest work of cleansing and transformation. The process is often humbling and even unpleasant, but it is necessary for true spiritual growth. [40:42]
• 4. There are many forms and purposes for fasting: seeking God’s direction, breaking spiritual strongholds, interceding for others, or simply drawing closer to God. Fasting can be from food, but also from anything that distracts or enslaves us—technology, comfort, or even our own privacy. The key is to let go of what we rely on, so that we can rely more fully on God. [24:46]
• 5. Fasting should be approached with wisdom, preparation, and humility. It is not about impressing others or following a formula, but about responding to God’s call in your life. Start gradually, seek God’s guidance on what and how to fast, and expect both challenges and spiritual breakthroughs as you make space for God to work in you. [42:07]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - Introduction: The Heart of Christian Practice
• [00:54] - The Challenge and Neglect of Fasting
• [02:36] - Corporate vs. Personal Fasting
• [03:48] - Historical Misuse and Modern Attitudes
• [05:26] - What is Biblical Fasting?
• [06:22] - Hunger Strikes vs. Spiritual Fasting
• [07:24] - Types of Fasts in Scripture
• [09:14] - Daniel’s Partial Fast
• [10:13] - Esther’s and Paul’s Absolute Fasts
• [11:35] - Moses’ and Elijah’s Supernatural Fasts
• [13:01] - Corporate and Public Fasts in the Bible
• [14:30] - John Wesley and the Discipline of Fasting
• [15:10] - Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting
• [16:15] - Fasting as a Core Spiritual Practice
• [18:27] - The Purposes of Fasting
• [24:46] - Isaiah 58: Fasting as Sacrifice and Service
• [29:29] - Fasting for Discernment and Direction
• [31:22] - Fasting from Distractions
• [33:29] - Personal Testimonies and Growth Through Fasting
• [40:42] - Fasting as Spiritual Cleansing
• [42:07] - Practical Guidance for Fasting
• [44:25] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV) — > “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV) — > “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

Acts 13:2-3 (ESV) — > “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 6:16-18, what instructions does Jesus give about how we should fast, and what is the reason for these instructions? [15:38]
2. In Isaiah 58:6-7, what kind of “fast” does God say He desires from His people? What actions are included in this fast? [24:46]
3. In the sermon, what are some different types of fasts mentioned, and what are some biblical examples given for each? [09:14]
4. What happened in Acts 13 when the early church fasted and prayed together? [19:53]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus assumes that His followers will fast, even though He doesn’t command it as a strict rule? What does this say about the place of fasting in the Christian life? [16:59]
2. The sermon says that fasting is not about manipulating God or earning answers to prayer, but about humbling ourselves and seeking God’s face. How does this change the way we might approach fasting? [18:54]
3. Isaiah 58 describes a fast that involves serving others and giving up comfort or privacy. How is this different from simply abstaining from food? What does this reveal about God’s heart for fasting? [25:25]
4. The pastor shared that fasting often brings out the “real you,” exposing hidden attitudes and weaknesses. Why might God want to use fasting in this way? [40:42]

Application Questions

1. The sermon points out that fasting is often neglected in our culture and churches. Why do you think that is? Have you ever fasted before? If not, what has held you back? [01:16]
2. Jesus teaches that fasting should be done in secret, not to impress others. How might the desire for approval or fear of judgment affect your willingness to fast? What would it look like to fast “for your Father who is in secret”? [15:38]
3. The pastor mentioned that fasting can be from food, but also from anything that distracts or enslaves us—like technology, comfort, or privacy. Is there something in your life right now that you sense God might be asking you to “fast” from? What would it look like to let go of it for a time? [31:22]
4. Fasting is described as a way to humble ourselves and allow God to cleanse us from sin and self-reliance. Is there an area of your life where you need God’s cleansing or breakthrough? How could fasting be a part of seeking God in that area? [21:46]
5. The sermon says that fasting can bring clarity, contentment, and confidence as we learn to rely on God. Can you think of a time when letting go of something (even temporarily) helped you draw closer to God or see things more clearly? [32:47]
6. Isaiah 58 challenges us to fast by serving others and giving up comfort. What is one practical way you could “share your bread with the hungry” or “bring the homeless poor into your house” in your context? What would be hard about this for you? [25:25]
7. The pastor gave practical advice to approach fasting with wisdom, preparation, and humility. If you sense God leading you to fast, what is one step you could take this week to prepare—whether it’s planning, praying, or talking with someone for support? [42:07]