Transformative Power of Prayer and Fasting
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the transformative power of prayer and fasting, emphasizing their roles in deepening our connection with God and disconnecting from worldly distractions. We began by praying for those affected by the fires in LA, trusting in God's ability to bring peace and protection. This prayerful mindset set the stage for our ongoing 21 days of prayer and fasting, a practice we've embraced for seven consecutive years. This spiritual discipline is not just about abstaining from food or other comforts but about drawing closer to God and seeking His will in our lives.
We explored Matthew 17:14-21, where Jesus highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and fasting in overcoming spiritual challenges. This passage reminds us that prayer connects us to God, while fasting helps us detach from worldly influences. As a community, we are encouraged to engage in various types of fasting, whether it's a complete fast, a partial fast, or a soul fast, where we abstain from media and other distractions to focus on God.
Our journey through the book of John brought us to chapter 12, a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. We reflected on the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a fulfillment of prophecy and a profound symbol of His role as the Passover Lamb. This event, occurring during Passover, underscores Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood covers our sins and grants us freedom from spiritual slavery.
We also delved into the story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume, an act of extravagant worship that challenges us to examine our own hearts. Judas' reaction to this act serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of offense and the importance of humility and submission to authority.
Finally, we acknowledged that following Christ involves embracing suffering and pain as part of God's plan. Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we are called to persevere through trials, trusting that God is with us and that there is joy and growth on the other side.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Prayer connects us to God, while fasting disconnects us from the world. Together, they are powerful tools for spiritual growth and overcoming challenges. By dedicating time to these practices, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His transformative power. [49:33]
- Extravagant Worship and Heart Motives: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume teaches us about the heart of worship. True worship is not about the action itself but the motive behind it. Extravagant love and generosity can be offensive to those with hardened hearts, but they are precious in God's sight. [01:03:18]
- The Danger of Offense: Judas' offense at Jesus' rebuke led to his betrayal. Offense is a trap that can lead to spiritual bondage. We must guard our hearts against offense, especially when corrected by authority, and respond with humility and a willingness to grow. [01:12:31]
- Jesus as the Passover Lamb: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem during Passover symbolizes His role as the ultimate Passover Lamb. His sacrifice frees us from the slavery of sin and offers eternal life. This profound truth calls us to choose Jesus as our Savior and live in the freedom He provides. [01:30:13]
- Embracing Suffering in God's Plan: Suffering is part of the Christian journey, but it is not without purpose. Like Jesus, we are called to endure trials with faith, knowing that God is with us and that there is joy and growth on the other side. Our suffering can lead to deeper intimacy with God and greater spiritual maturity. [01:36:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Power of Prayer
[03:00] - Praying for LA
[05:30] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
[10:00] - Matthew 17: Faith and Fasting
[15:00] - Types of Fasting
[20:00] - Book of John Overview
[25:00] - Jesus' Triumphal Entry
[30:00] - Mary’s Extravagant Worship
[35:00] - Judas’ Offense
[40:00] - Jesus as the Passover Lamb
[45:00] - Embracing Suffering
[50:00] - Personal Application
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:00:00] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 17:14-21
- John 12:1-19
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 17:14-21, what was the reason Jesus gave for the disciples' inability to cast out the demon? How does this relate to the importance of faith, prayer, and fasting? [50:49]
2. Describe the scene in John 12:1-8 where Mary anoints Jesus with perfume. What was Judas' reaction, and what does this reveal about his character? [01:03:18]
3. What was the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as described in John 12:12-15? How did the crowd respond to Him? [01:26:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between prayer and fasting and their roles in spiritual growth? [49:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual challenges? What does it mean to disconnect from worldly influences? [50:49]
2. In the story of Mary anointing Jesus, what does her act of worship teach us about the motives behind our worship? How can this be applied to our own lives? [01:03:18]
3. The sermon mentions the danger of offense, as seen in Judas' reaction. How can offense lead to spiritual bondage, and what steps can be taken to guard against it? [01:12:31]
4. Reflect on the symbolism of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. How does this imagery deepen our understanding of His sacrifice and its implications for our lives? [01:30:13]
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and fasting. What specific steps can you take to incorporate these practices into your daily routine to deepen your connection with God? [49:33]
2. Consider a time when you felt offended by someone in authority. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Judas' story to handle similar situations differently in the future? [01:12:31]
3. Mary's act of anointing Jesus was an example of extravagant worship. What is one way you can express your love and devotion to God this week, even if it seems extravagant to others? [01:03:18]
4. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. How does this understanding influence your view of salvation and your relationship with God? [01:30:13]
5. The sermon discusses embracing suffering as part of God's plan. How can you find purpose and growth in your current trials, and what steps can you take to trust God more deeply through them? [01:36:06]
6. Identify a worldly distraction that is hindering your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize its impact and focus more on your relationship with God? [50:49]
7. How can you cultivate a heart of humility and submission to authority, especially when faced with correction or rebuke? What role does prayer play in this process? [01:12:31]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are spiritual disciplines that, when practiced together, create a powerful synergy for personal and communal transformation. Prayer serves as a direct line of communication with God, allowing believers to express their desires, seek guidance, and find solace in His presence. Fasting, on the other hand, is a deliberate act of abstaining from certain comforts or distractions to focus more intently on spiritual growth. By engaging in these practices, individuals can align themselves more closely with God's will, experience His transformative power, and overcome spiritual challenges. This dual approach helps believers disconnect from worldly influences and deepen their connection with the divine. [49:33]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "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 specific worldly distraction can you fast from this week to deepen your connection with God through prayer?
Day 2: Extravagant Worship and Heart Motives
The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume is a profound example of extravagant worship and the purity of heart motives. Mary's act was not about the material value of the perfume but the depth of her love and devotion to Jesus. This kind of worship challenges believers to examine their own hearts and the motives behind their actions. True worship is characterized by selfless love and generosity, which may be misunderstood or criticized by others, as seen in Judas' reaction. However, such acts are precious in God's sight and reflect a heart fully devoted to Him. [01:03:18]
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Reflection: What is one way you can offer God an act of worship this week that truly costs you something, reflecting your love and devotion to Him?
Day 3: Guarding Against the Danger of Offense
Judas' offense at Jesus' rebuke serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of harboring offense. Offense can be a spiritual trap that leads to bitterness, resentment, and ultimately, spiritual bondage. It is crucial for believers to guard their hearts against offense, especially when corrected by authority or when things do not go as expected. Responding with humility and a willingness to grow can prevent the destructive path that offense can lead to. By choosing forgiveness and understanding, believers can maintain spiritual freedom and continue to grow in their faith. [01:12:31]
Proverbs 19:11 (ESV): "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel offended or hurt? How can you choose to respond with humility and forgiveness today?
Day 4: Jesus as the Passover Lamb
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem during Passover is a powerful symbol of His role as the ultimate Passover Lamb. This event fulfills prophecy and highlights Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb whose blood covers the sins of humanity, offering freedom from spiritual slavery. Believers are called to recognize Jesus as their Savior and live in the freedom He provides. This profound truth invites individuals to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the eternal life it offers, encouraging them to embrace a life of faith and gratitude. [01:30:13]
1 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as your Passover Lamb change the way you view your freedom from sin and your daily walk with Him?
Day 5: Embracing Suffering in God's Plan
Suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, but it is not without purpose. Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, believers are called to persevere through trials with faith, trusting that God is with them. Suffering can lead to deeper intimacy with God and greater spiritual maturity. By embracing suffering as part of God's plan, believers can find joy and growth on the other side of their trials, knowing that their pain is not in vain and that God is working all things for their good. [01:36:06]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you choose to see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper intimacy with God?
Quotes
"Prayer is the thing that in fasting disconnects us from the world. That's what it does. It's one of the fastest ways I believe to grow spiritually is fasting. And so we're spending more time over these 21 days connecting with God than any other time in the year for a lot of us." [00:50:53] (16 seconds)
"Judas was acting like he cared for the poor, but he didn't. He knew if he got that, she gave that money and he could sell it. He'd get a little bit of that money for it. He was greedy. So I want to give you a couple of thoughts on this first part. Outward appearances can be deceptive." [01:04:04] (20 seconds)
"Jesus, we choose you. Do it. See, that's what they thought they were choosing. But let's remember, what time of year were they in? Passover year, Passover festival. And what were they celebrating at Passover? Well, let's go back 1,400 years before Christ. The Hebrew people are enslaved to the Egyptians, all right?" [01:26:05] (24 seconds)
"Jesus rode in on a donkey on the 10th day of Nisan. Also called the Lamb Selection Day. He was one of their own, from their own flock. Sinless, spotless, without wrinkle. They chose him and cried out, Hosanna. You're going to be that lamb that saves us. You are the king. I choose you." [01:29:43] (33 seconds)
"Jesus was fulfilling the will of his father by entering into Jerusalem on that day on a donkey. That was the prophetic word. It was given hundreds of years before this. He accepted the will of the father knowing it was going to cost him dearly, extreme pain." [01:34:20] (25 seconds)
"God's plan always involves suffering and everybody in the world suffers. Everybody in the world experiences pain, but following Christ, it means something a little deeper. It means you have to love when you've been betrayed. It means you have to pray for those who persecute you." [01:37:18] (19 seconds)
"Your job when you're in this is to say, Lord, I need strength. I need courage. Help me get out of it. But in the midst of it, Lord, I need strength. Lord, I got to learn to forgive. I got to learn to just stay on the path. Let you set things right." [01:40:31] (17 seconds)
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