Online: Fasting

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

To help the church understand fasting as a faith-filled practice that deepens prayer, sharpens spiritual hunger, and forms disciples during the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: Fasting does not earn God’s presence, it creates space to receive what God already desires to give.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

REVIEW — FROM FAITH-FILLED PRAYER TO FASTING

Prayer is to the Father, through the Spirit, in the name of Jesus.

Fasting does not replace prayer — it supports and intensifies it.

Prayer is how we speak to God; fasting is how we quiet competing voices.

Fasting removes distractions so we can hear the Spirit cry, “Abba, Father.” (Gal. 4:6)

We fast because we belong. We fast as children.

Fasting doesn’t make God closer, it makes us more aware of His nearness.

1. Reflection Question: What distractions most often compete with my awareness of God’s presence?

ex: TV, Video games

WHAT FASTING IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

Matthew 6:16–18 “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.”

A. What fasting is NOT

Not spiritual dieting

Not earning favor

Not impressing others

Not punishing the body

B. What fasting IS

A voluntary setting aside of something good

A physical expression of dependence on God

A way of saying, “I want You more.”

Fasting says with our bodies what we believe in our hearts.

2. Reflection Question: Am I approaching fasting as a duty to perform or as a way to deepen relationship with God?

THE FAST GOD DESIRES

Isaiah 58:3 “3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.”

Isaiah 58:6–12 “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? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”

A. Fasting that leads to freedom

Loosing bonds

Breaking yokes

Caring for others

B. Fasting that leads to light and healing

God’s presence becomes visible

Our witness becomes authentic

True fasting moves prayer outward toward love and mission.

3. Reflection Question: How might God want to use my fasting to bless someone else, not just change me?

ex: money I save not eating I can give to send kids to camp

Conclusion/Reflection:

PRACTICING FASTING DURING THE 21 DAYS

A. Choose a fast you can sustain

Full food fast

Partial fast

Media or comfort fast

B. Replace what you remove with prayer

Hunger cues → prayer cues

Silence → listening

4. Reflection Question: What kind of fast will best help me stay attentive to God during these 21 days?