Fasting: A Pathway to Holiness and Transformation
Summary
In our journey through Romans 7, we explore the profound struggle between our desires and the call to holiness. This passage reveals the internal conflict we all face: the desire to do good, yet often finding ourselves doing the opposite. This struggle is not unique to us; it is a universal human experience. The Apostle Paul articulates this tension, highlighting the war within us between our sinful nature and our desire to follow God's law. This battle is not just about behavior but about the deeper transformation of our hearts and minds.
Fasting emerges as a powerful practice in this context. It is not merely a physical discipline but a spiritual one that aligns our bodies and souls with God's purposes. Fasting helps us grow in holiness by purging our lives of self-defeating cycles of sin and shame. It is a way to sanctify our souls, setting them apart for God's special purposes. Through fasting, we learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus, entering into a life shaped by self-denial and love.
The practice of fasting also reveals the things that control us, exposing our unhealthy dependencies and desires. It is a humbling experience that brings to light our need for God's mercy and grace. As we fast, we reorder our desires, finding that our longing for sin diminishes while our yearning for holiness and communion with God increases. Fasting becomes a means of drawing on the power of God to overcome sin, transforming our inner selves in ways that mere willpower cannot achieve.
Ultimately, fasting is about turning our bodies from enemies into allies in our fight against the flesh. It is a pathway to freedom, enabling us to live in the power of the Spirit rather than being enslaved by our desires. As we engage in this practice, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God, allowing Him to purify and renew us from the inside out. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about deepening our union with God, the true source of our joy and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
- The Struggle Within: Romans 7 highlights the internal conflict between our sinful nature and our desire to follow God's law. This struggle is universal, reminding us that holiness is not about perfection but about transformation through God's grace. [02:06]
- Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is more than a physical practice; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our bodies and souls with God's purposes. It helps us grow in holiness by purging self-defeating cycles of sin and shame. [14:06]
- Revealing and Reordering Desires: Fasting exposes the things that control us, revealing our dependencies and desires. It humbles us and reorders our desires, increasing our longing for holiness and communion with God. [31:35]
- Drawing on God's Power: Fasting is a means of drawing on the power of God to overcome sin. It transforms our inner selves in ways that mere willpower cannot achieve, turning our bodies from enemies into allies in our spiritual journey. [36:15]
- Union with God: The ultimate aim of fasting is to deepen our union with God. It is about opening ourselves to His transformative work, allowing Him to purify and renew us from the inside out, leading to true joy and fulfillment. [42:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Fasting
- [01:07] - Reading from Romans 7
- [03:21] - The Struggle Within
- [05:18] - The Call to Self-Denial
- [06:55] - Four Reasons for Fasting
- [08:35] - Health Benefits of Fasting
- [10:17] - Spiritual Meaning of Fasting
- [12:26] - Holiness Defined
- [14:06] - Fasting and Holiness
- [16:27] - Theology of the Body
- [19:18] - The Body of Death
- [23:38] - The Flesh and Sin
- [28:19] - Power of the Spirit
- [36:15] - Drawing on God's Power
- [42:23] - Union with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:15-25
- Matthew 16:24-25
- Galatians 5:24
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 7:15-25, what internal conflict does Paul describe, and how does he express his struggle with sin? [02:06]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of fasting in revealing and reordering our desires? [31:35]
3. What are the four reasons for fasting mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to growing in holiness? [06:55]
4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate aim of fasting, and how does it relate to our union with God? [42:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's description of the struggle with sin in Romans 7 relate to the concept of fasting as a spiritual discipline? [02:06]
2. In what ways does fasting help believers draw on God's power to overcome sin, as discussed in the sermon? [36:15]
3. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' call to self-denial in Matthew 16:24-25, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? [05:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our physical bodies and spiritual growth, particularly in the context of fasting? [14:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced an internal struggle similar to what Paul describes in Romans 7. How did you address it, and what role could fasting play in such situations? [02:06]
2. The sermon mentions that fasting reveals the things that control us. What are some dependencies or desires in your life that fasting might expose? How can you address them? [31:35]
3. Consider the four reasons for fasting mentioned in the sermon. Which one resonates most with you, and how can you incorporate it into your spiritual practice this week? [06:55]
4. How can you apply the concept of self-denial from Matthew 16:24-25 in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can practice self-denial this week. [05:39]
5. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of fasting. What specific changes do you hope to see in your spiritual life through fasting, and how will you measure your progress? [36:15]
6. Reflect on the idea of turning your body from an enemy into an ally in your spiritual journey. What practical steps can you take to align your physical and spiritual practices? [36:15]
7. The sermon concludes with the ultimate aim of fasting being union with God. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God through fasting and other spiritual disciplines? [42:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Universal Struggle for Holiness
In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul vividly describes the internal conflict that every believer experiences: the tension between our sinful nature and our desire to follow God's law. This struggle is not a sign of failure but a universal human experience that underscores the need for God's grace. Holiness is not about achieving perfection but about allowing God's transformative power to work within us. As we acknowledge this struggle, we are reminded that our journey toward holiness is a process of transformation, not an instant change. Embracing this truth can lead us to rely more deeply on God's grace and less on our own strength. [02:06]
"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good." (Romans 7:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel this internal struggle most intensely? How can you invite God's grace into this specific area today?
Day 2: Fasting as a Pathway to Holiness
Fasting is presented as a powerful spiritual discipline that aligns our bodies and souls with God's purposes. It is more than abstaining from food; it is a practice that helps us grow in holiness by breaking self-defeating cycles of sin and shame. Through fasting, we learn to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. This practice sanctifies our souls, setting them apart for God's special purposes. As we fast, we engage in a process of self-denial that leads to a deeper life of love and holiness. [14:06]
"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?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a habit or dependency that you feel is hindering your spiritual growth. How might fasting help you address this issue and align more closely with God's purposes?
Day 3: Revealing and Reordering Desires
Fasting serves as a mirror, revealing the things that control us and exposing our unhealthy dependencies and desires. It is a humbling experience that brings to light our need for God's mercy and grace. As we fast, we reorder our desires, finding that our longing for sin diminishes while our yearning for holiness and communion with God increases. This practice helps us to see clearly the areas of our lives that need transformation and invites us to rely on God's strength to reorder our priorities. [31:35]
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What desires or dependencies have been revealed to you through fasting or self-reflection? How can you invite God to help you reorder these desires today?
Day 4: Drawing on God's Power to Overcome Sin
Fasting is a means of drawing on the power of God to overcome sin. It transforms our inner selves in ways that mere willpower cannot achieve, turning our bodies from enemies into allies in our spiritual journey. By engaging in fasting, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God, allowing Him to purify and renew us from the inside out. This practice is not about relying on our strength but about tapping into the divine power that enables us to live in the Spirit's power rather than being enslaved by our desires. [36:15]
"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's power rather than your own willpower? How can fasting help you draw on His strength in this area?
Day 5: Deepening Union with God
The ultimate aim of fasting is to deepen our union with God. It is about opening ourselves to His transformative work, allowing Him to purify and renew us from the inside out. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about deepening our relationship with God, the true source of our joy and fulfillment. As we engage in fasting, we are reminded that our bodies can become allies in our spiritual journey, helping us to live in the freedom and power of the Spirit. [42:23]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use fasting as a tool to deepen your relationship with God this week? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your fasting leads to a greater sense of union with Him?
Quotes
Fasting emerges as a powerful practice in this context. It is not merely a physical discipline but a spiritual one that aligns our bodies and souls with God's purposes. Fasting helps us grow in holiness by purging our lives of self-defeating cycles of sin and shame. It is a way to sanctify our souls, setting them apart for God's special purposes. [00:14:06]
Fasting is a way to grow in Holiness now I know I just lost a lot of you well maybe not at the maybe not at the 7 a.m. service you're like no we're the Holiness people okay so just pray for the next two Gatherings right Holiness is a bit of a loaded word at this point. [00:21:16]
To be holy is to be separated from the normal status quo of this city in the world around us and to be dedicated to God for his special purposes and there is though because of that a strong moral Dimension to the idea of Holiness because the way to Holiness is living in alignment. [00:25:04]
Fasting is a way to sanctify your soul in the language of scripture to set it apart as holy and dedicated it to God for his special purposes and the Saints have long attested to the power of fasting to grow in Holiness St Augustine of Hippo when asked why fast said this. [00:28:36]
Fasting is a means of drawing on the power of God to overcome sin. It transforms our inner selves in ways that mere willpower cannot achieve, turning our bodies from enemies into allies in our spiritual journey. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about deepening our union with God. [00:36:15]
Fasting is a discipline and like any discipline or habit it's a way to kind of grow and strengthen through resistance training our willpower muscle it's a way to grow in both self-control and self-discipline so self-control is the ability to say no to something to not do something you want to do. [00:36:15]
Fasting is ultimately about drawing your energy not from like your willpower muscle but from the spirit's power from a relational connection to the most powerful being in the universe we come to God this is The Great Exchange of Jesus death burial and Resurrection we give him our weakness. [00:37:35]
Fasting is a way to feed our spirit and starve not our body but our flesh you see there are at least four things happening in you and I when we fast first fasting is weaning us off the Pleasure Principle underneath our desire for food is an even deeper desire what psychologists call. [00:42:23]
Fasting is revealing what's in our heart Richard Foster has that line in his chapter on fasting and celebration of discipline more than any other single discipline fasting reveals the things that control us man fasting will teach you so much about yourself all the things you don't want to know. [00:31:35]
Fasting is drawing on the power of God to overcome sin fasting is a discipline and like any discipline or habit it's a way to kind of grow and strengthen through resistance training our willpower muscle it's a way to grow in both self-control and self-discipline so self-control is the ability. [00:36:15]
Fasting is a way to turn your body from an enemy to an ally in your fight against the Flesh and that is why it is so hard especially at first if you had a really rough week it does get easier I promise but when I first started I mean I was just in a bad mood. [00:37:35]
Fasting is a pathway to Freedom whenever I talk to somebody who is trapped in an ongoing sin and they don't want it a compl they want freedom from it I always recommend fasting in holistic approach of therapy and community and bearing not just that not just you go to no of course a holistic approach. [00:42:23]
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