Fasting

Introduction

In a world of constant noise and consumption, it's easy to get lost in the motions of our faith. This sermon will explore the discipline of fasting as a powerful way to intentionally press pause and recalibrate our lives toward God. Looking at Jesus' example and teaching, we'll see that fasting isn't about self-deprivation, but about self-discovery and God-direction. It's a practice that teaches us that true fullness is found not in what we consume, but in a deeper, more profound relationship with the One who created us.

Point 1: The Discipline of "Less."

Fasting is the abstention from food for intentional usually religious reasons. in the Bible there are two kinds of fasting, private and public. private fasts were observed as acts of penance or a morning fasting can be a means of seeking Divine counselor aid or simply of expression devotion to God public fast for periodically proclaimed for the community as a whole the purpose were essentially the same as with private fast to obtain God’s help or protection to express repentance or to mourn the death of leaders fasting was typically accompanied by prayer and supplication is sometimes by wearing sackcloths as a sign of humility penance or mourning. The “deying oneself is synonymous with fasting was required on the day of atonement public class ordinarily lasted a day and offerings of various source were made and the tragic days of surrounding the fall of Jerusalem four days wereFasting is the deliberate choice to do with less. This "less" could be food, technology, or entertainment. It creates a vacuum in our lives that we can then fill with more of God's presence. Jesus' 40-day fast was a commitment to less to prepare for more of God's power and purpose in his life.

This discipline of less, i find to be the most challenging one in toay’s culture. We have an overindulgence problem in society. We consume and we consume alot. in fact, consumption is a main component in what drives our economy. HOwever, as i said before, we are spiritual beings living in a physical world world and the care of our souls are often pushed to the side for the sake of our flesh. Fasting requires us to deny self, to give up what is essential to the body. Food is the main part of a fast and i will get to that in a second, but i think that there are so many other htings that demands our attetnion that we can fast from with the intentions of connecting with God. Research shows that the average person spends about 5 hours on their phones and 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media. If we sleep, on average, 6-8 hours, work for another 8 and spend time on our phones for 5, that leaves us with roughly 3 hours left for the day. I didnt factor in eating, commuting or social activies.

Now that is a stretch but i think it speaks volume to the discipline of less. We deseprately need the presence of God. But how can we when the demands of every day, is consuming us from connecting. Fasting opens us up more, declutters our leaves by subtracting the neccesar (or unneccesaary) for the essential.

It recalibrates us Romans 8:5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” we are training ourselves to be led by the Spirit, not the flesh. It's an exercise in prioritizing spiritual longings over physical cravings.

It gets us in on what matters the most Matthew 6:33 “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

It’s a call to committment Luke 9:23 “Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Self-denial is at the heart of fasting. The act of giving up food is a form of self-denial that teaches us to surrender our will and our needs to God. It is a spiritual exercise that helps us to die to ourselves and our desires so that we can better follow Jesus.

Point 2: Finding Our "More."

When we intentionally choose "less," we create an opportunity to seek "more." What is that more? More time in prayer, more time in God's Word, and a greater awareness of His presence. This intentional pursuit of God helps us find clarity, direction, and strength.

Point 3: Fasting as a declaration of God's Supremacy.

Again, fasting isn’t a Chrisitian practice. Many in different reiligous and non-religious groups have practiced this practiced for centirues. But here is why I find fasting, as a God given practice; He created the body and knows everything it needs. As the maker, God is aware of what we truly needs and the practice of fasting provide significant benefits to the body:

Weight Management and Metabolic Health

Fasting, particularly intermittent fasting, helps people consume fewer calories naturally, leading to fat loss.Weight Loss:

It can improve insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also help reduce blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol.Metabolic Improvement:

Cellular Repair and "Anti-Aging"

Fasting triggers this cellular cleanup process, where the body removes and recycles damaged cell parts.Autophagy:

This process is believed to slow down aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.Longevity:

3. Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Many fasters report improved focus and concentration.Mental Clarity:

Fasting may help protect brain cells and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.Neuroprotection:

4. Reduced Inflammation

Fasting can decrease inflammatory markers in the body, which are linked to chronic diseases.Lowering Markers:

5. Digestive System Rest

It provides a much-needed rest for the digestive system, helping to regulate its functions.Breaks for the Gut:

But all of those are the caviots to their practice. Ultimately, fasting is a tangible way to declare that God is supreme in our lives. It's an act of worship that says, "You are more important to me than my comfort, my cravings, or my routines." It is a radical way to re-orient our hearts and minds, moving us beyond the motions of our faith into a real and vibrant relationship with God.

We have to be careful not to reduce this practice to self-merit. JEsus warns us referring to the Pharisees and reiligious leaders

Matthew 6:16–18 ““And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”