Regular Fasting

Spiritual Habits  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  37:57
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Spiritual Habits: Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)

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INTRO
Matthew 6:16–18 ESV
16 “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. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 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.
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MESSAGE

Sermon Title: Fasting: Feasting on God’s Presence

Theme: Understanding the spiritual discipline of fasting as a means to draw closer to God by denying the flesh and nourishing the spirit.

Text: Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 6:16–18 ESV
16 “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. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 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.

I. The Example of Jesus in Fasting (Matthew 4:1-4)

A. Led by the Spirit

Matthew 4:1 ESV
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Quote: “Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food.” – Dallas Willard
Illustration: Imagine a hiker relying on a guide through a dense forest, trusting each step.

B. Overcoming Temptation

Hebrews 4:15 ESV
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Quote: “Fasting is a way of feasting on the Lord and finding Him to be our soul’s delight.” – John Piper
Illustration: A musician practices consistently, overcoming the temptation to quit, resulting in a beautiful performance.

C. Relying on God’s Word

Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV
3 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.
Quote: “The spiritual discipline of fasting is a way of saying with our stomach and our whole body how much we need and want and trust Jesus.” – John Piper
Illustration: A student prioritizes study to succeed in exams, demonstrating reliance on preparation.
Application: Encourage the congregation to seek God’s guidance through fasting, especially in times of decision or temptation.

II. The Purpose of Fasting (Matthew 9:15)

A. Longing for God’s Presence

Psalm 42:1–2 ESV
1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Quote: “Fasting is not about changing God. It’s about changing us.” – David Mathis
Illustration: A long-distance runner pushes through fatigue for the joy of reaching the finish line.

B. Deepening Spiritual Connectivity

James 4:8 ESV
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Quote: “Fasting is the soul’s cry of hunger for God.” – Arthur Wallis
Illustration: A couple sets aside distractions to spend quality time together, strengthening their relationship.

C. Aligning with God’s Will

Romans 12:2 ESV
2 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.
Quote: “Fasting helps to express, deepen, and confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” – Andrew Murray
Illustration: An athlete trains rigorously to align their performance with their goals.
Application: Challenge the congregation to use fasting as a tool to deepen their relationship with God and seek His will in their lives.

III. The Practice of Fasting Today

A. Setting Intentional Time

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Quote: “Fasting, if we conceive it truly, is not a deprivation, but a rich spiritual gain.” – Thomas Aquinas
Illustration: A gardener schedules regular times for watering to ensure a fruitful harvest.

B. Combining Prayer and Fasting

Acts 13:2–3 ESV
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Quote: “Fasting and prayer are the first steps, indissolubly linked, toward dealing with the enemy of your soul.” – Derek Prince
Illustration: A team works together to achieve a common goal, emphasizing collaboration.

C. Fasting with a Purpose

Isaiah 58:6–7 ESV
6 “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? 7 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?
Quote: “The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.” – John Piper
Illustration: A philanthropist focuses on targeted initiatives to maximize impact.
Seek God's Guidance
Use fasting as a time to pray for clarity and wisdom in making important decisions.
Pursuing Spiritual Intimacy
Combine fasting with prayer to deepen your spiritual connection and focus.
Cultivate Self-Discipline
Practice self-control by denying physical needs to strengthen spiritual resilience.
Express Repentance
Use fasting to humble yourself before God, expressing sorrow for sin and seeking transformation.
Intercede for Others
Dedicate a fast to pray for the needs of others, focusing on their well-being and God's intervention.
Application: Encourage the congregation to establish a regular practice of fasting, aligned with prayer and clear spiritual goals.
Conclusion: Invite the congregation to embrace fasting as a discipline that draws them closer to God, feeding their spirit and aligning their lives with His purpose.
GROUP QUESTIONS
Matthew 4:1: How does being led by the Spirit influence our approach to fasting?
Hebrews 4:15: In what ways can fasting help us overcome temptations in our lives?
Deuteronomy 8:3: How can fasting teach us to rely more on God’s Word?
Psalm 42:1-2: How does fasting help us express a longing for God’s presence?
James 4:8: What are practical ways fasting can deepen our spiritual intimacy with God?
Romans 12:2: How does fasting assist us in aligning our lives with God’s will?
Ecclesiastes 3:1: Why is it important to set intentional times for fasting in our spiritual journey?
Acts 13:2-3: How can combining prayer and fasting enhance our spiritual effectiveness?
Isaiah 58:6-7: What purposes should guide our fasting, and how can they impact our actions?
Reflective: How can we support each other in maintaining a consistent practice of fasting and prayer?
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