Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline for Deeper Connection
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the spiritual discipline of fasting, exploring its significance and practical application in our lives. We began by acknowledging the freedom we have to worship openly, a privilege not shared by many of our brothers and sisters around the world. This freedom should inspire us to engage deeply in spiritual practices that draw us closer to Jesus.
We focused on Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus teaches about fasting. The key takeaway is that fasting is not an optional practice but an expected rhythm for His followers. Jesus emphasizes that fasting should be done with a sincere heart, not for public approval but for a deeper connection with God. This aligns with the broader theme of our series, "With Him," which encourages us to adopt the spiritual disciplines Jesus practiced to experience a life of freedom and lightness.
We also examined the cultural context that often tells us to indulge our desires, contrasting it with Jesus' call to deny ourselves and follow Him. Fasting serves as a counter-cultural act that helps us resist being conformed to the world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
We looked at three instances where fasting appears in Jesus' ministry: His 40-day fast in the wilderness, His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, and His response to questions about why His disciples did not fast. Each instance underscores the importance of fasting as a means of spiritual warfare, preparation, and longing for Jesus' return.
Practically, fasting can take various forms—abstaining from food, social media, or other comforts. The goal is to create space for God, to examine our hunger for Him, and to cultivate a deeper longing for His presence. We concluded with a call to ask Jesus what He would have us fast from this week and to establish a regular rhythm of fasting in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Fasting as Spiritual Warfare: Fasting is not just a ritual but a form of spiritual warfare. Jesus' initial triumph over the enemy in the wilderness was through fasting, highlighting its power in resisting temptation and aligning ourselves with God's will. When we fast, we train our bodies and spirits to say "no" to lesser desires, preparing us to stand firm in moments of spiritual battle. [51:00]
2. Counter-Cultural Act: Our culture often tells us to indulge our desires, but Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Fasting is a counter-cultural act that helps us resist being conformed to the world. It reminds us that true satisfaction comes not from fulfilling every desire but from aligning our lives with God's purposes. [42:48]
3. Longing for Jesus' Return: Fasting is a way to express our longing for Jesus' return. Just as Jesus said His disciples would fast when the bridegroom is taken away, our fasting today reflects our anticipation of His second coming. It keeps our hearts focused on the eternal wedding feast that will never end, where we will celebrate with Jesus forever. [01:01:30]
4. Practical Benefits of Fasting: Fasting helps us gain perspective on what truly sustains us. It creates space in our lives for deeper intimacy with God and helps us examine our hunger for Him. When we feel physical hunger, it serves as a reminder to seek spiritual nourishment and to desire God more than anything else. [06:11]
5. Establishing a Rhythm: Jesus expects His followers to fast regularly. It's not a matter of "if" but "when." Establishing a regular rhythm of fasting—whether it's a meal, a day, or a week—helps us stay spiritually disciplined and connected to God. It’s a practical way to abide in Jesus and bear much fruit in our lives. [53:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:52] - Introduction to Fasting
[36:50] - Jesus' Invitation to Come to Him
[37:26] - Overview of Spiritual Disciplines
[38:01] - Structure of Today's Teaching
[39:26] - Prayer for the Persecuted Church
[40:35] - The Importance of Being Formed in Christ
[42:48] - Cultural Worldview vs. Jesus' Teaching
[45:54] - Fasting and the Image of God
[46:37] - Jesus' Teaching on Fasting
[47:46] - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
[49:42] - Jesus as the True Israel
[51:00] - Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
[52:22] - Practical Teaching on Fasting
[58:42] - Longing for Jesus' Return
[01:03:14] - Biblical Overview of Fasting
[01:06:11] - Practical Benefits of Fasting
[01:17:23] - Establishing a Rhythm of Fasting
[01:24:28] - Communion and Jesus' Fasting
[01:33:47] - Prayer of Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Romans 12:2: "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."
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 6:16-18, what instructions does Jesus give about the manner in which we should fast?
2. In Romans 12:2, what does Paul say about conforming to the world and the transformation of our minds?
3. What reason does Jesus give in Matthew 9:14-15 for why His disciples do not fast while He is with them? [59:47]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural worldview regarding self-indulgence versus Jesus' teaching on self-denial? [42:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of fasting in secret rather than for public approval, according to Matthew 6:16-18? [53:58]
2. How does fasting serve as a form of spiritual warfare, as illustrated by Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness? [51:00]
3. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and how does fasting contribute to this transformation? [41:14]
4. How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence the practice of fasting, based on Matthew 9:14-15? [01:01:30]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How might incorporating fasting help you draw closer to God? [36:50]
2. In what ways do you find yourself conforming to the patterns of this world, and how can fasting help you resist these influences? [42:02]
3. Jesus expects His followers to fast regularly. What specific steps can you take to establish a regular rhythm of fasting in your life? [53:16]
4. Think about a time when you indulged in something that you later regretted. How might fasting help you develop self-control and align your desires with God's will? [42:48]
5. How can you use the physical hunger experienced during fasting as a reminder to seek spiritual nourishment and deepen your relationship with God? [06:11]
6. What are some practical ways you can create space in your life for God by fasting from not just food, but other comforts or distractions? [01:17:59]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper longing for Jesus' return through the practice of fasting, and what impact might this have on your daily life? [01:01:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
Fasting is not merely a ritualistic practice but a powerful form of spiritual warfare. When Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, He triumphed over the enemy's temptations, demonstrating the strength and focus that fasting can bring. By denying ourselves physical sustenance, we train our bodies and spirits to resist lesser desires and align more closely with God's will. This practice prepares us to stand firm in moments of spiritual battle, helping us to say "no" to temptations and "yes" to God's purposes. [51:00]
Matthew 4:1-2 (ESV): "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel spiritually attacked? How can you incorporate fasting as a means to seek God's strength and guidance in this battle?
Day 2: Counter-Cultural Act
In a culture that constantly encourages us to indulge our desires, fasting stands as a counter-cultural act that aligns us with Jesus' call to deny ourselves and follow Him. By choosing to fast, we resist the world's pressure to conform and instead focus on the true satisfaction that comes from God. This practice reminds us that our deepest fulfillment is found not in material pleasures but in aligning our lives with God's purposes. [42:48]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one desire or habit that the culture around you promotes but that you feel God is calling you to deny. How can fasting help you resist this pressure and focus on God's will?
Day 3: Longing for Jesus' Return
Fasting is a way to express our longing for Jesus' return. Just as Jesus said His disciples would fast when the bridegroom is taken away, our fasting today reflects our anticipation of His second coming. This practice keeps our hearts focused on the eternal wedding feast that will never end, where we will celebrate with Jesus forever. It serves as a reminder of our ultimate hope and the joy that awaits us in His presence. [01:01:30]
Matthew 9:15 (ESV): "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'"
Reflection: How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your daily life? What can you fast from this week to deepen your longing for His presence?
Day 4: Practical Benefits of Fasting
Fasting helps us gain perspective on what truly sustains us. By creating space in our lives for deeper intimacy with God, we can examine our hunger for Him and cultivate a greater desire for His presence. When we feel physical hunger, it serves as a reminder to seek spiritual nourishment and to desire God more than anything else. This practice helps us to prioritize our relationship with God above all other needs and distractions. [06:11]
Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV): "And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
Reflection: What are some distractions or comforts that you rely on more than your relationship with God? How can fasting help you refocus on seeking spiritual nourishment from Him?
Day 5: Establishing a Rhythm
Jesus expects His followers to fast regularly. It's not a matter of "if" but "when." Establishing a regular rhythm of fasting—whether it's a meal, a day, or a week—helps us stay spiritually disciplined and connected to God. This practice is a practical way to abide in Jesus and bear much fruit in our lives. By making fasting a consistent part of our spiritual routine, we can grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. [53:16]
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV): "And 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."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can incorporate fasting into your regular spiritual routine? How can you ensure that your fasting is done with a sincere heart and not for public approval?
Quotes
1. "And stress seems to be normal. But Jesus offers us the opportunity. To come to Him. To experience Him. To learn from Him. And to live our lives with Him. And this looks like practicing the same disciplines and habits that Jesus practiced. So, spiritual disciplines help us to experience Jesus and live freely and lightly with Him." [36:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we are not intentional about being transformed in Christ, we are being formed into the pattern of this world. Is everybody with me? Like, when you're not intentional, you're being formed to the pattern of this world. This is why this entire series is why we're talking about it. There's an intentionality to saying, I want to practice the rhythms of Jesus as a way of not being conformed to the pattern of this world, but instead being transformed by the renewing of my mind." [41:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The context of original sin, the brokenness of, the brokenness entering into the good creation that God made, that brokenness and sin and evil came through eating what you shouldn't. I'm pressing here because fasting is a big deal. And our cultural worldview says, like the serpent said to Eve, the Bible says that Eve looked at this fruit and it was pleasing to her eyes. It was a delight to her eyes. And the serpent was saying, if you want it, go and get it. Brokenness in the world. If you want it, go and get it, brings brokenness to our lives." [44:22] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we just go after our physical lusts and passions, we're actually dehumanizing the image of God within us. There's a destructive nature when we are driven only by passions and lusts. Is everyone with me? It is a dehumanizing thing to be driven simply by our bellies. I know it's feeling heavy. It's about to not be." [45:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says, the bridegroom, He's talking about Himself. I'm here with my people. See, Jesus sees Himself as a groom. And He shows up. He says, I'm here. And when the bridegroom and the people in the wedding, when they're together, there's no fasting. It's party time. And then He says, but there's a coming a time where the bridegroom will be removed. What's He talking about? He's talking about His death and resurrection. And then ascension. As He's removed, actually. He says, and when the bridegroom is removed from them, then they will fast." [01:01:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I want to want you, and desire you more, Jesus, than the air that I breathe. Is everybody with me? And that aching inside of our physical bodies provides opportunity to say, I want to long for you, Jesus, the way my body is longing for a Big Mac or whatever, you know? I want that hunger for God. It actually provides an opportunity to examine our longing and then to ask Jesus for that kind of hunger and longing." [01:08:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Sometimes we are so full physically that we're not hungry for God. I think I've used this analogy. Let's say that you had reservations at Boca or some fine restaurant and you're looking forward to some filet and some beautiful garlic mashed potatoes. Oof. Brussels sprouts, balsamic glaze, some carrots. Woo! I'm getting hungry. Let's say you had reservations and it was a special anniversary, you and your spouse, you can't wait, you've been actually not eating all day so you can really enjoy this, and on the way, you see a white castle and it has a sign, it says cheesy 10-sack for $10." [01:09:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The psalmist says, O taste and see that Yahweh is good. The psalmist says, How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth. I want to want the Lord like that. Many of you know that one of the single greatest mentors in my life was a man by the name of A.W. Tozer. I remember reading Pursuit of God, I think I was like middle school when I first read it. And finished chapter one. At the end of every chapter in his book, Pursuit of God, Dr. Tozer just writes out a prayer. I remember as a middle school boy reading chapter one of Pursuit of God and then reading his prayer at the end. This prayer, I'm not kidding, literally changed my life." [01:11:53] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "It is grievous to me that when a situation comes before me, I get so, so anxious and frustrated and arrogant because I don't see that Jesus is infinitely more glorious than this thing that has come before me that's stressing me out. And it's almost like we have blinders over our eyes where we literally, we literally think that the opinion of people on TV is more glorious than Jesus' opinion. Or our spouse, or our kids, or our coworkers. There is coming a day when the scales will be removed and I will have eyeballs and you will have eyeballs in Christ. You will have eyeballs that can see the glory of Jesus and not be completely destroyed." [01:14:37] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I bless you, church family. I bless you with no heaviness with regard to this rhythm. I bless you with minds and hearts that are free in the grace of Jesus. I bless you with ears, the ears of your heart, that you would hear Jesus very clearly in this season. I bless this church family with an increased hunger for Jesus. And Jesus, we thank you. We thank you for your teaching and your example that you promise to walk with us in these moments. So I bless you, my friends, with the nearness of Jesus as you fast, that you would know his presence in a very real way. That his peace, you would experience his peace and his presence." [01:33:47] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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