Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline for Deeper Connection
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delve into the spiritual discipline of fasting, as outlined in Matthew 6:16-18. Jesus instructs us not to fast like the hypocrites who disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Instead, we should fast in a way that is only noticeable to our Father in heaven, who will reward us for what is done in secret. This passage sets the stage for understanding the true essence of fasting.
We began with a prayer, asking God to help us understand how our physical bodies are designed to worship Him and to embrace the truth that how we live reflects what we truly believe. We prayed not just for ourselves but also for our fellow believers at First Baptist Church in Fishkill, affirming that the best is yet to come because of Jesus Christ.
I introduced the concept of spiritual disciplines, or "holy habits," using a quote from Richard Foster's "The Celebration of Discipline." Foster highlights how fasting has been largely neglected in modern times, both inside and outside the church. This neglect raises the question: How interested are we in developing a rhythm of fasting in our lives?
We then explored various perspectives on fasting, including its historical context and its significance in the early church. Fasting was a regular rhythm for early Christians, often practiced twice a week. This practice was not just about abstaining from food but about redirecting our physical hunger towards a spiritual hunger for God.
I shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges and benefits of fasting. For instance, my first fasting experience in college was difficult, but subsequent attempts, especially when done in community, were more spiritually enriching. This led us to the current initiative of 21 days of prayer and fasting, called the "Upside Down Kingdom," which aligns with our study of the Sermon on the Mount.
We discussed the various reasons people in the Bible fasted, such as Esther fasting in response to a threat to her people and Daniel fasting to maintain his obedience to God. These examples show that fasting is often a response to grievous or sacred moments in life. It is a way to seek God, grieve, and align our will with His.
I emphasized that fasting is not a tool to manipulate God but a means to deepen our relationship with Him. It helps us unstuff ourselves from worldly distractions and make room for a deeper hunger for God. Fasting amplifies our prayers, helps us grow in holiness, and allows us to stand in solidarity with the poor.
As we wrapped up, I offered practical advice for fasting: have a focus, substitute eating time with prayer or service, and check your heart to ensure your motives are pure. I also encouraged giving ourselves grace if we fail, as building spiritual fasting muscles takes time.
Finally, I invited Ann Leonard to share her testimony on the value of fasting, and I blessed the congregation, praying that fasting would help us taste and see that the Lord is good.
### Key Takeaways
1. Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is a spiritual discipline designed to deepen our relationship with God. It redirects our physical hunger towards a spiritual hunger for God, helping us to love Him more and to love our neighbors. This practice, though often neglected, is a powerful way to experience God's presence and align our will with His. [01:53]
2. Historical and Biblical Context: Fasting has been a significant practice throughout biblical history. Figures like Esther, Daniel, and Jesus' disciples fasted in response to grievous or sacred moments. These examples show that fasting is a way to seek God, grieve, and align our will with His. It is not about manipulating God but about deepening our relationship with Him. [28:56]
3. Practical Advice for Fasting: When fasting, it is essential to have a focus, substitute eating time with prayer or service, and check your heart to ensure your motives are pure. Fasting should be seen as an opportunity to experience Jesus more deeply, not as a duty or obligation. This mindset makes all the difference in the spiritual benefits we receive. [49:25]
4. Fasting in Community: Fasting is more effective and spiritually enriching when done in community. My personal experiences and our current initiative of 21 days of prayer and fasting, called the "Upside Down Kingdom," highlight the importance of communal support in this spiritual discipline. Doing it together helps us stay committed and experience the spiritual benefits more profoundly. [45:20]
5. The Gift of Fasting: Fasting is a gift from God that helps us unstuff ourselves from worldly distractions and make room for a deeper hunger for Him. It amplifies our prayers, helps us grow in holiness, and allows us to stand in solidarity with the poor. By denying our physical appetites, we can experience a greater spiritual hunger and intimacy with God. [50:00]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:53] - Opening Prayer
3. [03:34] - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
4. [05:46] - Why Talk About Fasting?
5. [06:43] - The Gift and Beauty of Fasting
6. [09:39] - Perspectives on Fasting
7. [15:13] - When You Fast
8. [18:20] - What is Fasting?
9. [21:56] - Personal Experience with Fasting
10. [28:56] - Biblical Examples of Fasting
11. [32:54] - True Fasting: Isaiah 58
12. [34:32] - Jesus' Teaching on Fasting
13. [37:22] - Fasting is Not Optional
14. [39:26] - Worshiping God with Our Bodies
15. [45:20] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
16. [49:25] - Practical Advice for Fasting
17. [50:00] - The Gift of Fasting
18. [50:53] - Growing in Holiness
19. [52:20] - Amplifying Your Prayers
20. [53:18] - Standing with the Poor
21. [53:59] - Substituting Eating Time
22. [56:23] - Checking Your Heart
23. [57:21] - Giving Yourself Grace
24. [58:30] - Testimony and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV): "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. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:16-18, how does Jesus instruct us to fast, and what should be our attitude while fasting?
2. What are some historical examples of fasting mentioned in the sermon, and what were the reasons behind those fasts? ([27:28])
3. How did the early church incorporate fasting into their regular spiritual practices? ([16:12])
4. What practical advice did the pastor give for fasting, and why is it important to have a focus during a fast? ([49:25])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of fasting in secret, and what does this reveal about the nature of our relationship with God? ([17:15])
2. How can fasting help us redirect our physical hunger towards a spiritual hunger for God, according to the sermon? ([19:48])
3. What are the potential spiritual benefits of fasting in community, as highlighted by the pastor's personal experiences and the church's 21-day initiative? ([45:20])
4. How does fasting serve as a response to grievous or sacred moments in life, and what does this teach us about the role of fasting in our spiritual journey? ([21:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual disciplines. How interested are you in developing a rhythm of fasting in your life? What steps can you take to incorporate fasting into your spiritual practices? ([04:42])
2. Think about a recent grievous or sacred moment in your life. How might fasting have helped you seek God or align your will with His during that time? ([21:56])
3. The pastor mentioned that fasting is not a tool to manipulate God but a means to deepen our relationship with Him. How can you ensure your motives for fasting are pure and focused on seeking God? ([25:31])
4. Consider the idea of fasting in community. How can you involve others in your fasting journey to stay committed and experience the spiritual benefits more profoundly? ([45:20])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of substituting eating time with prayer or service. What specific activities can you engage in during your fasting periods to connect more deeply with God? ([53:59])
6. Reflect on the concept of "unstuffing" yourself from worldly distractions. What are some distractions in your life that you need to let go of to create more space for God? ([23:52])
7. The pastor encouraged giving ourselves grace if we fail in our fasting attempts. How can you practice self-compassion and patience as you build your spiritual fasting muscles? ([57:21])
Devotional
### Day 1: Fasting as a Path to Spiritual Depth
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that redirects our physical hunger towards a deeper spiritual hunger for God. It is not merely about abstaining from food but about creating space in our lives to experience God's presence more profoundly. By fasting, we acknowledge our dependence on God and seek to align our will with His. This practice helps us to love God more deeply and to extend that love to our neighbors.
Fasting has often been neglected in modern times, but it remains a powerful way to deepen our relationship with God. It allows us to unstuff ourselves from worldly distractions and make room for a greater spiritual hunger. When we fast, we are not trying to manipulate God but are instead opening ourselves up to experience His love and guidance more fully. [01:53]
Bible Passage:
"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." (Joel 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection:
What distractions in your life are keeping you from experiencing a deeper relationship with God? How can you use fasting to create space for God to work in your heart?
### Day 2: Historical and Biblical Context of Fasting
Fasting has been a significant practice throughout biblical history. Figures like Esther, Daniel, and the disciples of Jesus fasted in response to grievous or sacred moments. Esther fasted in response to a threat to her people, and Daniel fasted to maintain his obedience to God. These examples show that fasting is a way to seek God, grieve, and align our will with His.
Fasting is not about manipulating God but about deepening our relationship with Him. It is a response to the sacred and grievous moments in our lives, helping us to seek God's guidance and comfort. By fasting, we express our dependence on God and our desire to align our lives with His will. [28:56]
Bible Passage:
"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." (Ezra 8:21, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you use fasting as a way to seek God's guidance and align your will with His?
### Day 3: Practical Advice for Fasting
When fasting, it is essential to have a focus, substitute eating time with prayer or service, and check your heart to ensure your motives are pure. Fasting should be seen as an opportunity to experience Jesus more deeply, not as a duty or obligation. This mindset makes all the difference in the spiritual benefits we receive.
Practical advice for fasting includes setting a clear focus for your fast, such as seeking guidance, grieving, or growing in holiness. Substitute the time you would spend eating with prayer, reading Scripture, or serving others. Ensure that your motives are pure, seeking to deepen your relationship with God rather than trying to earn His favor. [49:25]
Bible Passage:
"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. 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." (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV)
Reflection:
What is the focus of your fast? How can you ensure that your motives are pure and that you are seeking to deepen your relationship with God?
### Day 4: Fasting in Community
Fasting is more effective and spiritually enriching when done in community. Personal experiences and initiatives like the "Upside Down Kingdom" highlight the importance of communal support in this spiritual discipline. Doing it together helps us stay committed and experience the spiritual benefits more profoundly.
Fasting in community provides accountability, encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose. It allows us to support one another in our spiritual journeys and to experience the benefits of fasting more deeply. By fasting together, we can grow in our faith and strengthen our relationships with one another and with God. [45:20]
Bible Passage:
"Then all the people of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled as one man to the Lord at Mizpah. And the people of Israel said, 'Tell us, how did this evil happen?' And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered and said, 'I came to Gibeah that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to spend the night.'" (Judges 20:1-4, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you involve your community in your fasting journey? Who can you invite to join you in fasting and prayer for mutual support and encouragement?
### Day 5: The Gift of Fasting
Fasting is a gift from God that helps us unstuff ourselves from worldly distractions and make room for a deeper hunger for Him. It amplifies our prayers, helps us grow in holiness, and allows us to stand in solidarity with the poor. By denying our physical appetites, we can experience a greater spiritual hunger and intimacy with God.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is about creating space for God to work in our lives. It helps us to focus on our spiritual hunger and to seek God's presence more deeply. By fasting, we can grow in our faith, amplify our prayers, and stand in solidarity with those who are less fortunate. [50:00]
Bible Passage:
"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?" (Isaiah 58:6-7, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you use fasting as a way to stand in solidarity with the poor and to seek a deeper intimacy with God? What worldly distractions do you need to unstuff from your life to make room for a greater spiritual hunger?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Fasting is the kale of spiritual disciplines. We know it's good for us, but we don't seek it out on the menu. I mean, I wonder how many of us woke up today or this past week thinking, man, I just feel like I'm missing something. I might need to. I might need to fast. It might do my body and my soul good." [06:43]
2. "If you're here and you desire to grow in your relationship with God, if you want to experience more of God's presence in your life, or you might feel like your relationship with Jesus is dry, it's stale, it's distant, maybe the next step, because following Jesus is just a series of next steps with Jesus, maybe that next step for you is to incorporate the gift of fasting in your life." [08:38]
3. "Fasting is the response to grievous or sacred moments in life. Moments like, you know, somebody close to you and they die and you're overwhelmed with grief, right? Maybe you're sick to your stomach. It could be not just physical discomfort. It could be emotional or mental pain. Maybe you experience the dysfunction of your family or in your workplace and it causes you to lose sleep." [21:56]
4. "Fasting is letting your body hunger for God to match the hunger your heart and mind has for God. I'm just going to suggest maybe one of the reasons why we don't experience more hunger in our life is because we're stuffing ourselves with other things besides God. Oh, we want, we want God, but we also just want a lot of other things." [23:52]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Fasting puts a spotlight on the kind of relationship you have with food. So I fast so I won't be driven by my appetites. I fast to hear God's voice with greater clarity. I fast to align my will to God's will. I'm humble enough to realize that sometimes I stuff myself with other things besides God, and so fasting helps me to sort of unstuff myself." [42:31]
2. "When you fast, have a focus for your fast. Have a focus of your fast. And Pastor John Mark Comer gives four things. And these are helpful. So one is offer yourself to God. What does that mean? That means offering your body. Not just your mind and your heart, but you're offering your body. You understand, maybe I can fast from other things, but I need to fast and deny my appetite." [49:25]
3. "Fasting is not, I have to, but I get to experience Jesus thing. And, and your mentality makes all the difference. Like you, you can hear these words that Jesus says when you fast and you're like, okay, it's expectation. It's a duty. I don't really want to do it, but that's what Jesus says. And so I'll do it. And you won't get much out of it. Or you can think, man, this, this is a get to experience Jesus thing." [56:23]
4. "Fasting is denying one's physical appetite in order to redirect it to God. Now in our culture that's the last thing that Americans want to do is we want to say no to our cravings to our appetites to our pleasures. No, no. Here's what fasting does and it makes maybe some of us a little awkward, you uncomfortable. Fasting puts the spotlight directly on the kind of relationship you have with food whether for the good or for the bad." [19:48]
5. "Fasting is a gift from God that helps us unstuff ourselves from worldly distractions and make room for a deeper hunger for Him. It amplifies our prayers, helps us grow in holiness, and allows us to stand in solidarity with the poor. By denying our physical appetites, we can experience a greater spiritual hunger and intimacy with God." [50:00]
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