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Today we talk about the spiritual discipline of fasting. Very few Christians do this anymore, and they’re missing out! In this episode, John and Bryan share some of their own experiences with fasting – both blessings and challenges.

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Today we talk about fasting for breakthrough. Now, before you say, “Woah, that’s not for me!” I want you to know that Jesus has an expectation that his followers will incorporate fasting into their spiritual journey.  Fasting isn’t just for “Super Christians” or pastors and church leaders.  It isn’t something that only legalistic people do.  It’s something that every believer should incorporate into their disciplines and it’s something that will bless you.

Matthew 9:14-15  One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast[e] like we do and the Pharisees do?”15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

• The disciples of John the Baptist feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick.  They’re fasting, but Jesus’ disciples are not.  The Pharisees fast, so why are Jesus’ disciples fasting on a regular basis?  Jesus tells them now isn’t the time to fast, because he is with them.  But, someday the groom will be taken away and then they will fast. Jesus is the groom and Jesus is saying, there will be a time for fasting when I am gone.  He says, “Then they will fast.”  He doesn’t say then they might fast.  He has an expectation that they will fast.  

Matthew 6:16-18 And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[d] and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

• Jesus is giving instructions about fasting to the crowds as he’s teaching them.  He leads off with “when” you fast.  He says “when” not “if”.  There is an assumption that we will fast.  And then he goes on to give instructions about how to fast.  Basically, we shouldn’t try to make it obvious that we’re fasting.  We don’t fast to garner attention or respect from others.  The only one we should want to know we’re fasting is God.  Now, there will be times when you’re fasting that others are going to know, particularly if you’re doing it as a small group or as a church, but we don’t try to make it obvious.  
• Lastly, I would just say that if you’re a little hesitant or you’ve never really incorporated fasting into your spiritual journey, I know exactly how you feel.  A couple of years ago when we preached through this series, I was convicted that fasting had never really played