Fasting: A Path to Spiritual Intimacy and Power
Summary
Fasting is a profound spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's will and opens the door to His blessings. It is a practice that honors God, as seen in the heavenly worship described in Revelation, where even angels bow in reverence. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is about seeking God's face and trusting His hand. It is a voluntary act of obedience that brings us closer to God, allowing us to partake in His perfection and blessings. Through fasting, we prepare ourselves for new tasks and reaffirm our consecration to God, as Jesus did during His 40-day fast in the wilderness.
Fasting also serves as a means to seek grace for new tasks and to reaffirm our consecration to God. It is a time of separation, crucifying the flesh, and seeking God's guidance for the tasks He has set before us. As Jesus fasted before beginning His ministry, we too fast to prepare for the new realms God is calling us to walk in. This year, we are believing for new tasks and spiritual growth as we fast and pray.
Moreover, fasting is a way to long for the outpouring of the Spirit and Christ's return. While Jesus was with His disciples, they did not fast, but now, as we await His return, we fast to invite His Spirit into our lives, churches, and communities. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles the flesh and pleases the Spirit of God. It is where we find spiritual power, as it draws us closer to an all-powerful God who demands humility.
Fasting also loosens the bonds of wickedness and undoes heavy burdens. It is a chosen fast, ordained by God, to break the chains of wickedness and set the oppressed free. As we fast, we seek to remove distractions and hindrances, drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in our lives. This chosen fast is not just a religious duty but a call to deeper intimacy with God, where we can experience His power and restoration in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Fasting is a spiritual discipline that honors God and aligns us with His will. It is not just about abstaining from food but about seeking God's face and trusting His hand. Through fasting, we open the door to His blessings and partake in His perfection. [05:47]
- Fasting prepares us for new tasks and reaffirms our consecration to God. It is a time of separation and crucifying the flesh, seeking God's guidance for the tasks He has set before us. As Jesus fasted before His ministry, we too fast to prepare for the new realms God is calling us to walk in. [12:09]
- Fasting is a way to long for the outpouring of the Spirit and Christ's return. It invites His Spirit into our lives, churches, and communities, drawing us closer to an all-powerful God who demands humility. [15:46]
- Fasting loosens the bonds of wickedness and undoes heavy burdens. It is a chosen fast, ordained by God, to break the chains of wickedness and set the oppressed free. As we fast, we seek to remove distractions and hindrances, drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in our lives. [17:18]
- Fasting is a call to deeper intimacy with God, where we can experience His power and restoration in our lives. It is not just a religious duty but a chosen fast that brings us closer to God and allows us to experience His blessings and restoration. [30:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:47] - Honoring God Through Fasting
[12:09] - Preparing for New Tasks
[15:46] - Longing for the Spirit's Outpouring
[17:18] - Loosening Bonds of Wickedness
[20:17] - The Power of a Chosen Fast
[24:33] - Breaking Chains and Setting Free
[30:19] - Deeper Intimacy with God
[36:49] - Revival Focus
[38:03] - Generational Impact of Fasting
[40:00] - Lasting Benefits of Obedience
[41:29] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 4:1-2 - "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
2. Isaiah 58:6 - "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
3. Matthew 9:14-15 - "Then John's disciples came and asked him, 'How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?' Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'"
Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 4:1-2, what was the purpose of Jesus' fasting in the wilderness, and how long did it last?
2. In Isaiah 58:6, what are the specific outcomes that God desires from a chosen fast?
3. How does Jesus explain the difference in fasting practices between His disciples and others in Matthew 9:14-15?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how fasting can prepare us for new tasks? [12:09]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness serve as a model for preparing for new tasks and spiritual challenges? [12:09]
2. What does Isaiah 58:6 suggest about the relationship between fasting and social justice or personal freedom?
3. How might the absence of Jesus physically, as mentioned in Matthew 9:14-15, influence the practice of fasting among His followers today?
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fasting can lead to spiritual power and intimacy with God? [15:46]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to fast. What was the purpose, and how did it impact your spiritual journey? [05:47]
2. Consider the new tasks or challenges you are facing this year. How might fasting help you seek God's guidance and strength for these tasks? [12:09]
3. In what ways can fasting help you long for the outpouring of the Spirit and Christ's return in your personal life and community? [15:46]
4. Identify any "bonds of wickedness" or "heavy burdens" in your life. How can fasting be a tool to address these issues and seek God's freedom? [17:18]
5. How can you ensure that your fasting is not just a religious duty but a genuine pursuit of deeper intimacy with God? [30:19]
6. What specific distractions or hindrances can you remove from your life during a fast to draw closer to God?
7. How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual disciplines to experience lasting benefits and generational impact, as mentioned in the sermon? [38:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Will Through Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that goes beyond mere abstention from food; it is a profound act of seeking God's presence and aligning oneself with His divine will. This practice opens the door to God's blessings and allows believers to partake in His perfection. By fasting, individuals honor God, much like the heavenly worship described in Revelation, where even angels bow in reverence. It is a voluntary act of obedience that draws believers closer to God, enabling them to experience His blessings and perfection. [05:47]
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: In what specific area of your life do you need to align more closely with God's will, and how can fasting help you seek His guidance in this area today?
Day 2: Preparing for New Tasks Through Fasting
Fasting serves as a preparation for new tasks and a reaffirmation of one's consecration to God. It is a time of separation and crucifying the flesh, seeking God's guidance for the tasks He has set before us. Just as Jesus fasted before beginning His ministry, believers fast to prepare for the new realms God is calling them to walk in. This year, fasting is a means to believe for new tasks and spiritual growth, as it allows individuals to seek grace and guidance for the journey ahead. [12:09]
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."
Reflection: What new task or calling do you sense God is preparing you for, and how can you use fasting as a tool to seek His guidance and strength for this journey?
Day 3: Longing for the Spirit's Outpouring
Fasting is a way to express a deep longing for the outpouring of the Spirit and Christ's return. While Jesus was with His disciples, they did not fast, but now, as believers await His return, fasting becomes a means to invite His Spirit into their lives, churches, and communities. It is a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles the flesh and pleases the Spirit of God, drawing believers closer to an all-powerful God who demands humility. [15:46]
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 intentionally create space in your life to invite the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance through fasting and prayer this week?
Day 4: Breaking Chains and Setting Free
Fasting is a chosen fast, ordained by God, to break the chains of wickedness and set the oppressed free. It loosens the bonds of wickedness and undoes heavy burdens, allowing believers to remove distractions and hindrances, drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in their lives. This chosen fast is not just a religious duty but a call to deeper intimacy with God, where individuals can experience His power and restoration. [17:18]
Isaiah 58:8-9 (ESV): "Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'"
Reflection: What burdens or chains in your life need breaking, and how can fasting help you seek God's power and freedom in these areas?
Day 5: Experiencing God's Power and Restoration
Fasting is a call to deeper intimacy with God, where believers can experience His power and restoration in their lives. It is not just a religious duty but a chosen fast that brings individuals closer to God, allowing them to experience His blessings and restoration. Through fasting, believers seek to remove distractions and hindrances, drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in their lives. This chosen fast is an invitation to experience God's power and restoration in a profound way. [30:19]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: In what ways do you need to experience God's restoration in your life, and how can fasting help you draw closer to Him to receive His healing and power?
Quotes
"Fasting humbles the flesh when it's done for that purpose. It pleases the Spirit of God. I don't know about you, I want to please Him, and it pleases Him, but it humbles the flesh. It humbles the flesh. You're telling the flesh no, and God does not crucify our flesh. We have to crucify our flesh." [00:12:47] (20 seconds)
"Let me stop and declare something for you today. We're not playing games. We're not playing around. We're not just checking the block so that we can say, well, they can say this or that. No, we are falling underneath the canopy of a chosen fast." [00:19:28] (17 seconds)
"This is a chosen fast. Why is it a chosen fast? Because this is a chosen fast that not your pastor has chosen. This is a fast that God has chosen. Somebody's got to be listening to what God is saying. And God doesn't put everybody in this office, but he does put somebody in this office called the pastor of the church." [00:19:48] (19 seconds)
"How many knows that sometimes there is a wicked world out there and sometimes we just can't break the bands of wickedness unless we obey what God says to do. And this is a, you know, you in a chosen fast that whenever you obey in God and you're praying God and you're seeking his word." [00:21:17] (19 seconds)
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