Fasting: A Pathway to Spiritual Closeness with God

 

Summary

Today, I shared a message on the spiritual discipline of fasting, emphasizing its significance not just as a religious act but as a profound means to draw closer to God. We began by acknowledging the various spiritual disciplines that believers might engage in, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these practices. Each discipline, whether of abstinence or engagement, serves to foster a deeper relationship with Christ.

I confessed that fasting, the focus of today’s sermon, is not something I would have naturally chosen to discuss. Yet, it's clear that fasting is a biblical discipline, deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, and practiced by many key figures in the Bible. Moses, David, Esther, and Elijah all fasted during critical moments in their lives, seeking God’s presence and guidance. Their experiences underscore that fasting is less about physical deprivation and more about spiritual gain—drawing nearer to God and seeking His will.

In the life of Jesus, fasting was pivotal before He began His public ministry. He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, demonstrating His reliance not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This act of fasting was not just a test of physical endurance but a declaration of dependence on God.

I shared personal reflections on how fasting has revealed what controls us, often exposing our pride or dependence on physical comforts. By abstaining, we learn to relinquish control and submit to God’s lead, allowing His spirit to work through our humility.

The sermon also touched on the practical aspects of fasting, advising that anyone considering this discipline should seek medical advice if necessary, and choose a form of fasting that is appropriate for their health and circumstances. Whether it's abstaining from certain types of food or from activities such as social media, the goal remains the same: to free our distractions and focus more fully on God.

I concluded by inviting the congregation to reflect on their motives for fasting, emphasizing that it should not be to impress others or out of a mere sense of duty. Instead, fasting should stem from a desire to grow closer to God, to seek His face, and to align our lives with His purposes. As we engage in this discipline, we join a long tradition of believers who have sought God through fasting, finding their spiritual strength not in food or earthly sustenance, but in the presence of God Himself.

### Key Takeaways:
1. Fasting as a Reflection of Inner Desire - Fasting should reflect a deep desire to draw near to God, not a superficial attempt to fulfill religious obligations. It's about heart posture, not just dietary changes. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings that emphasize the importance of sincerity in our spiritual practices. [47:12]

2. The Power of Scriptural Engagement During Fasting - When Jesus fasted, He countered Satan's temptations by quoting Scripture. This highlights the power of combining fasting with the Word of God. Engaging with Scripture during fasting fortifies us spiritually, providing strength and wisdom. [42:00]

3. Historical and Biblical Precedence of Fasting - Fasting is not a new concept but one deeply embedded in Christian tradition and the lives of biblical figures. Understanding its historical context enriches our practice and connects us with a broader spiritual heritage. [37:29]

4. Fasting Reveals Personal Idols - Fasting exposes what controls us, often revealing hidden idols like comfort or pride. This realization invites a deeper examination of our hearts and motives, leading to genuine spiritual renewal and transformation. [50:43]

5. Community and Corporate Fasting - While fasting can be a personal discipline, there is also significant biblical precedent for communal fasting. When practiced with others, fasting can unify a community, amplifying its spiritual impact and fostering a collective reliance on God. [56:09]

### Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
00:34:13 - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
00:35:21 - Personal Challenges with Fasting
00:37:29 - Biblical Examples of Fasting
00:42:00 - Jesus' Example in the Wilderness
00:47:12 - Motives in Fasting
00:50:43 - The Impact of Right Motives
00:56:09 - Avoiding Extremes in Fasting Practices

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 34:28-30 - "Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights. In all that time, he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant, the Ten Commandments, on the stone tablets. When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord."
2. Matthew 4:1-4 - "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.' But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’'"
3. Isaiah 58:3-7 - "'We have fasted before you!' they say. 'Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!' 'I will tell you why!' I respond. 'It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary purpose of Moses' fast on Mount Sinai according to Exodus 34:28-30?
2. How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptation during His fast in the wilderness as described in Matthew 4:1-4?
3. According to Isaiah 58:3-7, what were the Israelites doing wrong in their fasting practices, and what kind of fasting does God desire?

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Moses' experience on Mount Sinai illustrate the spiritual benefits of fasting? ([37:29])
2. What does Jesus' response to Satan in Matthew 4:1-4 teach us about the importance of Scripture during fasting? ([42:00])
3. In Isaiah 58:3-7, what does God’s critique of the Israelites’ fasting reveal about the relationship between fasting and social justice? ([50:43])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you fasted. What was your primary motive, and how did it align with the motives discussed in the sermon? ([47:12])
2. Jesus used Scripture to counter temptation during His fast. How can you incorporate Scripture into your fasting practice to strengthen your spiritual resolve? ([42:00])
3. Isaiah 58 emphasizes the importance of social justice in fasting. How can you ensure that your fasting is accompanied by actions that reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy? ([50:43])
4. The sermon mentioned that fasting reveals personal idols and what controls us. What are some things that fasting has revealed about your own dependencies or idols? ([38:57])
5. The pastor shared that fasting should not be about impressing others. How can you maintain a humble and sincere heart posture during your fast? ([47:12])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of community and corporate fasting. How can you engage in or encourage communal fasting within your small group or church community? ([56:09])
7. Considering the practical advice given in the sermon, what steps will you take to ensure your fasting is safe and appropriate for your health and circumstances? ([43:46])

Devotional

Day 1: Fasting as a Reflection of Inner Desire
Fasting is not merely a ritual or a test of willpower; it is a profound expression of one's longing to connect more deeply with God. When one chooses to fast, it should stem from a heartfelt desire to set aside distractions and focus on the divine. This practice is about cultivating a posture of sincerity and humility, aligning one's spirit with the teachings of Jesus who emphasized the importance of genuine spiritual practices. Fasting is an opportunity to examine one's motives and ensure they are not tainted by desires to impress others or by mere obligation. It's a time to seek intimacy with God, allowing the physical emptiness to be filled with spiritual abundance.

Matthew 6:17-18
"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: Reflect on your previous experiences with fasting. Were they more about fulfilling a religious duty or were they genuine attempts to deepen your relationship with God?

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Day 2: The Power of Scriptural Engagement During Fasting
Combining fasting with the engagement of Scripture can significantly enhance the spiritual journey. As Jesus demonstrated during His 40 days in the wilderness, the Word of God is a powerful tool to combat spiritual and physical challenges. By integrating scripture reading into fasting, one not only strengthens their spiritual resolve but also gains deeper insights and wisdom from God. This practice helps in focusing the mind and spirit on God's promises and truths, making the fasting period a transformative experience that fosters a stronger reliance on God's word rather than on earthly sustenance. [42:00]

Psalm 119:147-148
"I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise."

Reflection: During your next fast, how can you more intentionally incorporate Scripture reading into your practice to enhance your spiritual focus and strength?

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Day 3: Historical and Biblical Precedence of Fasting
Fasting is a discipline deeply embedded within the Christian tradition, with roots stretching back to key biblical figures and critical moments in scripture. Understanding the historical and biblical context of fasting enriches the practice, connecting us with a long lineage of believers who sought God through this discipline. Figures like Moses, David, and Esther used fasting as a means to seek God's guidance and presence in times of need. This historical perspective not only validates the practice but also inspires contemporary believers to adopt fasting as a tool for spiritual growth and discernment. [37:29]

Ezra 8:21-23
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, 'The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.' So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty."

Reflection: How does understanding the historical and biblical roots of fasting change your perspective on its importance in your spiritual life?

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Day 4: Fasting Reveals Personal Idols
Fasting serves as a mirror, reflecting the things that control us, such as comfort, pride, or dependence on physical pleasures. It is a discipline that not only tests our physical endurance but also exposes the idols of our heart. This realization is crucial for genuine spiritual renewal and transformation. As we abstain from usual comforts or indulgences, we are invited to examine our hearts deeply, confront our vulnerabilities, and turn to God for grace and strength. This process of self-examination leads to true freedom and spiritual growth. [50:43]

Isaiah 58:6-7
"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 personal idols has fasting revealed in your life, and how can you address these to foster a healthier spiritual life?

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Day 5: Community and Corporate Fasting
While fasting is often practiced individually, there is significant biblical precedent for communal fasting as well. When done in community, fasting can unify believers, amplifying the spiritual impact and fostering a collective reliance on God. This practice strengthens the bonds within the church community, encouraging mutual support and shared spiritual growth. Engaging in corporate fasting allows believers to experience a powerful sense of solidarity and encouragement, knowing they are not alone in their spiritual journey. [56:09]

Acts 13:2-3
"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: How can participating in a community fast strengthen your relationship with other believers and enhance your collective spiritual growth?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know, I often like to take my kids to Wawa. I really do. They got great warm chocolate chip cookies. And we normally go to one of two Wawas right near our home. And our kids, they, we kind of have this plan. Like, they run in, they're like, I'll go get, order the cookies. I'll go get the drinks. And we'll all rendezvous back at this point. And like, I don't even have to say anything. And we just go, and we do those things. We're in and out." [01:03:02]( | | )

2. "Today, you might be trusting in all kinds of different things. I want to encourage you, don't trust in fasting. Don't trust in religious activities. No, trust in the Lord. We engage in spiritual disciplines to draw near the Lord. The key, again, is presence with him. Basking in his presence." [01:04:49]( | | )

3. "It has a ripple effect. The ripple effect of fasting. Last week was a special week at the Greenbrier campus because for the first time in almost nine years, we had no power. Praise the Lord. You show up on a Sunday morning, there's power. You're getting ready for the day. You're like, all right, Pastor Grant is going to bring the heat. Power's gone. What's the plan?" [57:56]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Fasting is not just a physical discipline. Fasting is not about earning God's favor. Fasting is not about depriving ourselves. Fasting is not a mere ritual. Fasting is not a solitary pursuit. And fasting, most certainly not a duty to be performed. These are all important things to understand as you look to incorporate fasting as a part of following Jesus and staying near him." [45:33]( | | )

2. "Motives matter in fasting. Now, if we're going to have an honest conversation here this morning, I'm going to talk to the men for a moment. And you see, a lot of men made a decision already today, and it was purely driven by motive. Their motive is what made them come to the decision. And here is the question, and here is what they decided." [47:12]( | | )

3. "The first thing that you, again, you just really need to write this down, please. Motives matter in fasting. It's not so much the words of a prayer, but I want to lead you and encourage you to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Would you pray silently but sincerely in your own heart? Would you say, dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I'm broken, that I'm a sinner, and Lord, I need you." [01:06:43]( | | )

4. "Fasting reveals what controls us, often revealing hidden idols like comfort or pride. This realization invites a deeper examination of our hearts and motives, leading to genuine spiritual renewal and transformation." [50:43]( | | )

5. "We believe in the power of prayer. We believe nothing of eternal significance happens outside of the power of prayer. And so we call to the one who hears us. Who sustains us. Who's able to do more in a moment than we could ever do in a lifetime." [01:09:47]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?