Fasting: A Path to Deeper Spiritual Connection

Devotional

Day 1: Fasting as a Physical Expression of Spiritual Hunger

Fasting is a profound act of worship that goes beyond merely abstaining from food. It is a physical manifestation of our deep spiritual hunger for God, aligning our bodies with our desire for His presence. In a world filled with distractions and excess, fasting helps us focus on what truly sustains us—our relationship with God. By offering our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—as a living sacrifice, we engage in a form of worship that draws us closer to Him. This practice is not about earning God's favor but about expressing our longing for His presence in our lives. [58:40]

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?"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can express your spiritual hunger for God today, even if you are not fasting?

Day 2: Embracing Our Dependence on God

Fasting reveals our inherent weakness and dependence on God. In a culture that often values self-sufficiency and material abundance, fasting strips away these illusions, reminding us that we are not self-sustaining. It is a practice that levels all humanity, showing us that regardless of our status or resources, we are all dependent beings. By fasting, we acknowledge our need for God to truly live, recognizing that He is the source of our strength and sustenance. [01:11:42]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God today, and how can you invite Him into that space?

Day 3: Fasting's Historical and Biblical Significance

Fasting has deep roots in biblical tradition and church history. It was a regular practice among early Christians and a way to experience God's presence more intimately. Figures like Moses and others throughout church history have used fasting as a means to draw closer to God. Despite its absence in many modern Christian practices, fasting remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth, helping us align our physical actions with our spiritual desires. [45:49]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the historical and biblical practice of fasting into your spiritual life this week?

Day 4: Participating in the Sufferings of Christ

By fasting, we participate in the sufferings of Christ, experiencing in a small way the sacrifice He made for us. This practice allows us to draw near to God and experience His presence in our lives. Fasting is a way to physically express our hunger for God, aligning our bodies with our spiritual longing for His presence. It is a tangible reminder of the sacrifice Christ made and an invitation to share in His sufferings. [01:03:04]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: What is one way you can participate in the sufferings of Christ today, and how might this deepen your relationship with Him?

Day 5: An Invitation to Spiritual Renewal

While fasting is not a command, it is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. In a culture of excess, fasting offers a countercultural path to spiritual renewal, helping us focus on what truly sustains us—our relationship with God. It is a practice that can lead to greater spiritual awareness and intimacy with the Lord, inviting us to experience His presence in new and profound ways. [01:17:51]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: What is one specific step you can take today to accept the invitation to spiritual renewal through fasting or another spiritual discipline?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the often overlooked spiritual discipline of fasting, as highlighted in the Sermon on the Mount. Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, is not merely about abstaining from food but is a profound act of worship and a means to draw closer to God. We began by acknowledging the cultural context of fasting in Jesus' time, where it was a regular practice among the Jewish people and early Christians. They fasted not for public recognition but as a genuine expression of devotion and a way to experience God's presence more intimately.

Fasting serves as a tangible reminder of our dependence on God. In a world where we often mask our weaknesses with material abundance and self-sufficiency, fasting strips away these illusions, revealing our inherent need for God. It is a practice that levels all humanity, reminding us that regardless of our status or resources, we are all dependent beings. This act of self-denial is not about earning God's favor but about offering our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—as a living sacrifice to Him.

We also discussed the historical significance of fasting, tracing its roots back to figures like Moses and its practice throughout church history. Despite its absence in many modern Christian practices, fasting remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth. It is a way to physically express our hunger for God, aligning our bodies with our spiritual longing for His presence. By fasting, we participate in the sufferings of Christ, experiencing in a small way the sacrifice He made for us.

As we concluded, we were reminded that while fasting is not a command, it is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It is a practice that can lead to greater spiritual awareness and intimacy with the Lord. In a culture of excess, fasting offers a countercultural path to spiritual renewal, helping us to focus on what truly sustains us—our relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

1. Fasting as Worship: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is an act of worship that offers our whole selves to God. It is a physical expression of our spiritual hunger for Him, aligning our bodies with our desire for His presence. [58:40]
2. Dependence on God: Fasting reveals our inherent weakness and dependence on God. In a culture that values self-sufficiency, fasting reminds us that we are not self-sustaining and that we need God to truly live. [71:42]
3. Historical and Biblical Roots: Fasting has deep roots in biblical tradition and church history. It was a regular practice among early Christians and a way to experience God's presence more intimately. [45:49]
4. Fasting and Suffering: By fasting, we participate in the sufferings of Christ, experiencing in a small way the sacrifice He made for us. It is a way to draw near to God and experience His presence in our lives. [63:04]
5. Invitation to Spiritual Renewal: While not a command, fasting is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It offers a path to spiritual renewal, helping us focus on what truly sustains us—our relationship with God. [01:17:51]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:15] - The Joy of Eating and Community
[05:45] - Jesus' Ministry of Feasting and Fasting
[10:20] - The Practice of Fasting in the Bible
[15:00] - Modern Misunderstandings of Fasting
[20:30] - Biblical Fasting: What It Is and Isn't
[25:00] - Fasting as a Response to Crisis
[30:15] - Personal and Communal Fasting
[35:40] - The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting
[40:50] - Fasting and Our Dependence on God
[45:49] - Historical Context of Fasting
[50:57] - Fasting and Physical Hunger for God
[55:38] - The Benefits of Fasting
[71:42] - Invitation to Practice Fasting
[94:24] - Benediction and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Bible Reading:

Matthew 6:16-18 (Sermon on the Mount)
Romans 12:1
Colossians 1:24

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Observation Questions:

According to the sermon, how did Jesus' practice of fasting differ from the cultural practices of His time? [49:33]
What are some historical examples of fasting mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to biblical figures like Moses and Esther? [45:49]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between fasting and experiencing the sufferings of Christ? [01:03:04]
What are the two main ways fasting is presented in the Bible, as discussed in the sermon? [50:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

In what ways does fasting serve as an act of worship and a means to draw closer to God, according to the sermon? [58:40]
How does the sermon suggest that fasting can reveal our dependence on God and challenge the cultural value of self-sufficiency? [01:11:42]
What does the sermon imply about the significance of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, as mentioned in Romans 12:1? [01:03:04]
How does the sermon explain the communal and individual aspects of fasting, and what is the significance of each? [55:38]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How might incorporating fasting help you deepen your relationship with God? Consider starting with a small step, like skipping one meal. [01:17:51]
In what areas of your life do you rely on self-sufficiency rather than dependence on God? How might fasting help you recognize and address these areas? [01:11:42]
The sermon discusses fasting as a way to participate in the sufferings of Christ. How can this perspective change your approach to fasting and other spiritual disciplines? [01:03:04]
Think about a time when you felt particularly weak or dependent. How did that experience affect your relationship with God, and how might fasting help you reconnect with that sense of dependence? [01:15:10]
The sermon mentions that fasting is not a command but an invitation. How do you feel about this invitation, and what might be holding you back from accepting it? [01:17:51]
Consider the cultural context of excess and self-sufficiency. How can fasting serve as a countercultural practice in your life, helping you focus on what truly sustains you? [01:17:51]
How can you incorporate the practice of fasting into your community or small group, and what benefits might arise from communal fasting? [55:38]

Sermon Clips

Fasting is not just giving something up. I mean, sometimes people use you fast from, you know, you fast from sugar, or you fast from social media, you fast from something like whatever it is that you enjoy in your life. You fast from meat. And we use that word fast to describe something you're giving up. That's common usage of the word. But actually, biblical fasting is not just giving something up. It literally means restraining from food. [00:49:31] (27 seconds)

Fasting is also, you see in the Bible, both individual and communal. Let's look at verse 16 again. 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. Now, I think it would be wrong to say that Jesus is only encouraging a fasting that is personal, private, and in secret. [00:54:17] (25 seconds)

Ultimately, throughout the Bible you see it's because the people of God want to draw near to God. Fasting is not about you. It's about you and your relationship to God. Don't make it about yourself. It's about you and the Lord. And that's why intermittent fasting, while it could be good for your health, is not this kind of fasting. It may emulate the same action, but the intention is different. [00:56:07] (26 seconds)

If it's ultimately about your relationship to God, the main reason we fast is an offering of ourselves, an actual offering of our tangible selves to God. It is spiritual worship through denial of food, offering your hunger to God, offering your self-denial to God. [00:57:10] (22 seconds)

The early church practiced feasting and fasting because they wanted to experience the abundance of the Lord and the suffering of the Lord. And those of you who fasted, maybe more than just 24 hours, you understand. You go beyond 24, you go to two, three, five plus days, you experience a kind of death. You experience a kind of suffering that exists through that. [00:58:15] (29 seconds)

I mean, John Piper, another pastor, scholar, he calls fasting a whole body hungering for God. Hungering is wanting something you don't have. I mean, we understand this. Children come into this world understanding this. Even if they can't say anything, they just scream it because they're immediately hungry because they're detached from the biblical court. And they hunger. It's a whole body hungering. [00:59:23] (24 seconds)

But I'm assuming a majority of you, especially in this day and age, sadly, most people don't even see attending church as a regular thing to honor the Lord anymore. But if you're here listening, you likely want something in your relationship with God. You want nearness. You want more joy. You want more experiences of God. I want you to know that this actually can be a pathway towards more of that. [01:01:21] (26 seconds)

And that Paul says, offer your bodies, your whole self, not just your heart, your actual self, which includes all of you. Your heart, body, mind, soul, everything. Remember, we are not compartmentalized people as much as a modern society wants to compartmentalize us. We are inseparable as a whole person. [01:03:54] (20 seconds)

And the amazing thing about this is everyone can do this. Rich, poor, man, woman, every circumstance of life. If you want to know more of God and experience more of God, you can actually experience that through this practice of fasting. Jesus gave himself up for us, blood and body. [01:11:06] (20 seconds)

Fasting puts us in touch with the fact that we are not self-sustaining. We need something. It exposes all the delusions that we are strong, powerful, and capable. When you are hungry, it levels all humanity. In every place, in every language, in every socioeconomic group. Everyone is a dependent person. And fasting can do that. [01:14:21] (25 seconds)

And so even though it's never a command, and you can have a meaningful, full relationship with the Lord in many ways without fasting, I think by not having this, there's a part of us that's missing. And I think this is deeply important today in a culture of excess, in a culture where we pretend we are strong, in a culture where we think we have it all together. [01:17:51] (21 seconds)