Explore the necessity, purpose, and benefits of fasting as a means to express our deep desire for God and align our lives with His will, following Jesus' example and teachings.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a topic that might not be the most popular, but it's something that Jesus talked about and practiced in His life: fasting.
I came across a quote by David Mathis that I believe sets the tone for our discussion today. He said, “and saying with our fast, 'This much, O God, I want more of you.'” It's not about earning brownie points or trying to twist God's arm, but it's about expressing our deep desire for Him and aligning our lives with His will.
Let's take a look at what Jesus had to say about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18:
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
As we examine these words of Jesus, let's ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the truth and teach us how to draw closer to God through fasting.
Fasting is a topic that may not be widely discussed or practiced in many churches today, but it is an essential aspect of our spiritual lives. Jesus Himself fasted and taught His disciples to do the same. In fact, He assumed that His followers would fast, as evidenced by His words in Matthew 6:16, "Moreover, when you fast..." He did not say "if" you fast, but "when" you fast, indicating that fasting is an expected practice for believers.
Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and expressing our deep longing for His presence and guidance in our lives.
In our fast-paced, consumer-driven society, it is all too easy to become entangled in the cares and concerns of this world, losing sight of our true purpose and priorities as followers of Christ. Fasting provides an opportunity for us to step back from the noise and busyness of life, to quiet our hearts and minds, and to focus our attention solely on the Lord.
As we abstain from food or other activities during a fast, we are reminded of our utter dependence on God for our sustenance and well-being. This realization can lead to a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for all that He provides and a greater awareness of our need for His grace and mercy in our lives. Fasting also helps to cultivate a spirit of humility, as we recognize that we are not self-sufficient but wholly reliant on God's provision and care.
When we fast, we are essentially saying to God, "This much, O God, I want more of you." Our hunger for food becomes a tangible expression of our hunger for God and His presence in our lives. As we deny ourselves physical nourishment, we become more attuned to our spiritual hunger and our need for God's sustaining grace.
Fasting can also serve as a means of intercession, as we stand in the gap for others and seek God's intervention in their lives. In the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals and communities fasting and praying for God's guidance, protection, and deliverance. Fasting can be a powerful way of joining our hearts with others in prayer, as we seek God's will and purpose for their lives and our own.
As we fast, we are not only denying ourselves physical sustenance but also engaging in a process of self-examination and repentance. Fasting provides an opportunity for us to confront the sin and selfishness in our lives, to confess our shortcomings, and to seek God's forgiveness and healing.
As we draw near to God in fasting and prayer, we open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit, who can bring about lasting change and growth in our lives. Fasting can lead to a greater sensitivity to the Spirit's leading and a deeper understanding of God's Word, as we seek His wisdom and guidance in all areas of our lives.
In addition to these spiritual benefits, fasting can also have positive effects on our physical and emotional well-being. By abstaining from food or other activities, we give our bodies a chance to rest and detoxify, which can lead to increased energy and improved health. Fasting can also help to break unhealthy habits and patterns in our lives, as we learn to exercise self-control and discipline in our choices and actions.
Despite the many benefits of fasting, it is important to remember that the ultimate goal of this spiritual discipline is not self-improvement or personal gain but rather a deeper intimacy with God. Fasting is a means of drawing near to the Lord, of seeking His face, and of aligning our hearts and lives with His will and purpose. As we fast, we are reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
Fasting is an act of humility and submission to God, acknowledging our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance and sustenance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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