Fasting: A Path to Spiritual Intimacy with God
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the spiritual discipline of fasting, drawing from Matthew chapters 4 and 6. We began by examining Jesus' own experience in the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and nights to prepare for the temptations of the devil. This act of fasting was not merely about abstaining from food but was a means for Jesus to strengthen His spiritual resolve and reliance on God's word.
We then delved into the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His disciples on the practice of fasting. He emphasizes the importance of fasting with the right motivation, not for the approval of others but as an act of humble seeking and worship towards God. Jesus' use of the word "when" instead of "if" in Matthew 6:16 suggests that fasting is expected to be a part of a believer's life, a tool for facing spiritual battles and growing in faith.
Throughout the sermon, we discussed the various reasons why fasting has been an integral part of the lives of God's people, both in the Old and New Testaments. Fasting has been a response to times of national crisis, personal struggles, and moments of seeking God's will. It is a practice that helps believers to break away from the physical and focus on the spiritual, to retune our ears to God's voice and align ourselves with His will.
We also addressed some of the reasons why fasting may not be as prevalent in modern Christian practice, including historical misuse and a misunderstanding of its purpose. However, we emphasized that fasting is not about legalism or earning God's favor but about drawing closer to Him and growing in our relationship with Him.
As we approach Easter, I extended an invitation to the congregation to engage in fasting over the next two weeks. This could involve abstaining from food, media, or other comforts that occupy our time and thoughts. The goal is to seek intimacy with God, to open our hearts to His will, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus both practiced and taught. It is not merely about abstaining from food but about denying ourselves to deepen our reliance on God and His word. When we fast, we follow Jesus' example of preparing for spiritual battles and temptations. [24:31]
- Jesus' instruction on fasting in the Sermon on the Mount reveals that the practice should be done with a humble heart, seeking God in secret rather than human approval. This teaches us that our spiritual disciplines should be motivated by a desire to know God more intimately, not by a desire for recognition. [25:05]
- Fasting is not a legalistic requirement but an invitation to draw closer to God. It is a practice that can be integrated into our lives either regularly or as needed, in response to personal or communal challenges, or when seeking God's guidance. [42:05]
- While fasting often involves food, it can also extend to other areas of life that may dominate our attention. By choosing to fast from things like media or certain comforts, we intentionally turn away from worldly distractions to focus on spiritual growth and communion with God. [52:01]
- Engaging in a fast should be approached with wisdom and care, especially for those with health concerns or a complicated relationship with food. Fasting is about honoring God, not harming ourselves. There are many ways to fast that can be beneficial to our spiritual health without jeopardizing our physical well-being. [50:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:1-4
> 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. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
2. Matthew 6:16-18
> When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
3. Romans 12:1-2
> Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' response to the devil's temptation after His forty days of fasting in the wilderness? (Matthew 4:1-4)
2. According to Jesus in Matthew 6:16-18, how should one conduct themselves when fasting?
3. What does Romans 12:1-2 suggest about the relationship between our physical actions and spiritual worship?
4. In the sermon, what reasons were given for why fasting might not be as prevalent in modern Christian practice? [35:23]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the word "when" instead of "if" regarding fasting in Matthew 6:16? What does this imply about the expected practices of His followers? [42:25]
2. How does fasting help believers to "not conform to the pattern of this world" as mentioned in Romans 12:2? [46:19]
3. The sermon mentioned that fasting is not about earning God's favor but about drawing closer to Him. How does this perspective change the way we approach fasting? [38:01]
4. Reflect on the pastor's story about fasting for his friends who were experiencing miscarriages. How does this example illustrate the communal and intercessory aspect of fasting? [49:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus fasted to prepare for spiritual battles and temptations. Are there specific challenges or temptations in your life that you feel could be better faced with the practice of fasting? [40:43]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of fasting with the right motivation, not for human approval. How can you ensure that your spiritual disciplines, including fasting, are motivated by a desire to know God more intimately rather than seeking recognition from others? [43:05]
3. Fasting can extend beyond food to other areas of life that dominate our attention. Is there a particular activity or comfort (e.g., social media, TV) that you feel called to fast from in order to focus more on your relationship with God? [52:01]
4. The pastor invited the congregation to engage in fasting leading up to Easter. What specific steps can you take to incorporate fasting into your spiritual preparation for Easter? [55:03]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually flat or distant from God. How might the practice of fasting, combined with prayer and scripture reading, help you to reconnect and deepen your relationship with Him? [27:01]
6. Considering the health warnings mentioned in the sermon, how can you approach fasting in a way that is safe and beneficial for your spiritual health without jeopardizing your physical well-being? [51:01]
7. The sermon mentioned that fasting can help us to "retune our ears to God's voice." What practical steps can you take during a fast to ensure that you are actively listening for God's guidance and direction? [33:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Emulating Christ's Fasting Practice
Fasting is more than a ritual of self-denial; it is a profound spiritual discipline that Jesus both exemplified and taught. It serves as a means to fortify spiritual strength and deepen reliance on God's Word. When individuals choose to fast, they walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness, not as a display of piety but as preparation for the spiritual challenges ahead. This practice is not about the physical act of abstaining from food but about the spiritual act of turning one's focus towards God, seeking His guidance, and preparing oneself for the trials and temptations of life.
The discipline of fasting, therefore, is not to be taken lightly or performed as a mere tradition. It is a conscious decision to set aside earthly sustenance to highlight one's need for spiritual nourishment. By doing so, believers can gain a clearer perspective on what is truly essential in life and can cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on the divine. It is a journey of faith that echoes the solitude and sacrifice of Christ, inviting a closer communion with the Father. [24:31]
Matthew 4:2-4 (ESV)
"And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.' But he answered, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."'"
Reflection: How might fasting from a particular comfort or habit for a period of time help you to focus more on God and His Word?
Day 2: Fasting with a Humble Heart
True fasting is an intimate act of worship, meant to be done with a humble heart and for the eyes of God alone. It is not a public display for admiration or approval but a private discipline that deepens one's relationship with the Creator. When Jesus spoke of fasting, He instructed His followers to do so in a manner that does not draw attention to themselves. The focus of fasting should be on God, seeking Him in the quiet places of one's heart, where the true rewards of spiritual growth and understanding are found.
This approach to fasting teaches that the value of spiritual disciplines lies not in outward expressions but in the inward transformation they facilitate. It is about aligning one's heart with God's heart, stripping away the facades that often accompany religious practices. When done with the right motivation, fasting becomes a powerful tool for personal reflection and spiritual renewal, allowing individuals to encounter God in a more profound and meaningful way. [25:05]
Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your acts of worship, including fasting, are done with sincerity and not for the approval of others?
Day 3: Fasting as an Invitation, Not an Obligation
Fasting is not a legalistic requirement but an invitation to draw nearer to God. It is a practice that can be woven into the fabric of one's spiritual life, either regularly or in response to specific needs. Whether facing personal struggles, communal challenges, or seeking divine guidance, fasting is a voluntary act of faith that opens the door to a deeper communion with God. It is a way to lay down one's burdens and seek clarity and peace in the presence of the Almighty.
The beauty of fasting lies in its flexibility and personalization; it is not a one-size-fits-all commandment but a practice that can be tailored to each individual's journey with God. It is a spiritual exercise that can bring about transformation and growth, helping believers to tune out the noise of the world and tune into the voice of God. By embracing this invitation, one can experience the richness of God's love and the power of His guidance in a more tangible way. [42:05]
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 personal or communal challenges might lead you to consider fasting as a way to seek God's guidance and strength?
Day 4: Broadening the Scope of Fasting
Fasting traditionally involves abstaining from food, but it can also extend to other aspects of life that may dominate our attention and time. By choosing to fast from things like media, entertainment, or certain comforts, individuals make a conscious effort to redirect their focus from worldly distractions to spiritual pursuits. This broader understanding of fasting acknowledges that anything which occupies a central place in one's life, potentially overshadowing the presence of God, is a valid candidate for temporary removal.
This practice is about creating space for God to work within one's heart and life. It is an intentional act of self-denial that can lead to a richer, more focused prayer life and a heightened awareness of God's movements. By setting aside these distractions, even for a short period, believers can cultivate a more disciplined and attentive spirit, ready to receive the wisdom and blessings God has in store for them. [52:01]
1 Corinthians 7:5 (ESV)
"Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
Reflection: What non-food item or activity could you fast from to help you become more aware of God's presence and voice in your daily life?
Day 5: Fasting with Wisdom and Care
While fasting is a valuable spiritual discipline, it must be approached with wisdom and care, especially for those with health concerns or a complicated relationship with food. The purpose of fasting is to honor God, not to inflict harm upon oneself. There are numerous ways to engage in fasting that can enhance one's spiritual health without compromising physical well-being. It is essential to consider one's unique circumstances and to seek God's guidance in choosing the most appropriate form of fasting.
The goal of fasting is to draw closer to God, to open one's heart to His will, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a time to reflect on one's life, to repent of sins, and to seek renewal in one's relationship with God. By fasting wisely and with intention, believers can ensure that their practice is not only spiritually beneficial but also respectful of the bodies God has given them. [50:55]
Daniel 1:12-13 (ESV)
"Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see."
Reflection: How can you practice fasting in a way that is respectful of your physical health while still fostering spiritual growth and dependence on God?
Quotes
1) "Fasting intentionally turns us away from the world by choice. It implies discipline, to hold fast, to hold firmly, to let go of this and to look to and hold fast to God. Fasting isn't, you know, while I'm not eating, can this go fast? That's not what it's about." [31:45]
2) "Fasting played an important part, an important role in the life of God's people. The people who sought God, who wanted to know God or live into what God was doing and who God was and where God was and how God was, they fasted. Why? Well, biblical fasting was always done for spiritual purposes." [32:19]
3) "Fasting is a way that we counter what the world is throwing at us. It's an intentional turning from the world and turning towards God. And as what Romans 12 describes, God's will, the renewal of the mind is what we're looking for and seeking and desiring." [47:13]
4) "Jesus needed to fast to face the spiritual battles before him. And if Jesus needed to fast, maybe we do too, at times. Anybody face spiritual battles in your life? Sometimes those spiritual battles feel like anxiety or depression, or, I mean, there's all sorts of things." [41:03]
5) "Jesus teaches his disciple in 6, and us, about these spiritual disciplines, one of them being fasting, and what he instructs to his disciples in verse 16, he says, when you fast, and I'd like you to underline or circle the word when. Notice that Jesus didn't say if. When you fast." [42:05]
6) "I invite you to fast as an individual or as a family. Go to the Lord and pursue intimacy with God. Pick something that you rely on and use. Something that takes up your time and your thoughts and your energy and give it up." [55:07]
7) "And I'm going to tell you this right now, just because it's a spiritual discipline and there is a reward, it is not easy. Whatever you choose. The devil throws wonderful plates of food at you when you're thinking incessantly about not eating." [54:05]
8) "Be careful. Remember fasting is done to honor and glorify God, not to beat yourself up or to lose weight. Don't use it as an excuse to be unhealthy or to further maybe an eating disorder." [51:27]
9) "And I'm going to deliberately step away from those things that kind of feed me in a worldly sense. And I'm going to turn towards God and seek Him for a spiritual benefit, for an intimacy with God." [52:31]
10) "Intimacy with the One who has called you and filled you and created you and longs to know and bless and walk with you. I invite you to fast and receive the promises and the hope and the joy that is Jesus Christ." [56:47]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?