The Fast

Hunger

Story about backpacking near Vegas and being so hungry

that day I learned that I could go a lot farther than I thought without food.

The Fast

Let’s look at Christ and his fast.

Matthew 4:1–11 NIV

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus leading up to His temptation fasted, He was preparing himself for what was to come.

Jesus Had A Purpose For His Fast

Fasting is to be done for a purpose, a God centered purpose, if it is not it becomes a miserable, self-centered experience.

Why am I fasting?

what am I fasting?

am I fasting for a self centered reason?

How long is the fast?

If We Focus On The End, It Becomes About Works

If We only look to the end of the fast,

I can’t wait for this to be over

planning your first meal back

complaining about being hungry

and so on

Are we really focused on the reason of the fast or are we trying to bribe God? (Repeat)

During Christ’s fast there is no mention of Him complaining .

When we fast, our hunger serves us, it reminds us to pray “oh my stomachs aches, I need to pray. it is for a reason.

Fasting Serves As A Prayer Intensifier

When we fast it allows us to focus more on God, and less on ourselves.

it is allowing us to seek God instead of our own needs

it adds discipline into our lives and lets us devote ourselves to the God

It makes us rely more on God instead of ourselves

It helps us get closer to God

Why are we talking about Fasting?

What Are You Feeling Lead To Fast?

Fasting is not always food

TV

social media

music

ect

If it is food, it does not always have to be completely

Parcial fast (Daniel fast)

one meal a day

simple single food fast

I will say this, if you feel the need to give up food for multiple days seek medical advice

Why we are talking about fasting

This is not for lent

Let’s Fast and Pray As A Church

For our Church

For our Community

For Revival

God is Moving Right Now

Right now revival is breaking out all over the world

in KY

In OH

In socal

in TN

in Israel

in Mexico

In Africa

I believe that if we are serious about revival and completely sold into reaching those that do not have a relationship with God, then we need to be devoted in prayer and the best way to kick it off is to fast.

Let’s Pray That God Would Stir Our Community

Lets Pray that God would stir and that the walls of our Church and every Church would not be able to contain what is to come.