Fasting Together #1
Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus expects His disciples to fast. What does this mean?
What is FASTING?
Hebrew Word: TSOM (refers exclusively to abstaining from food)
Greek Word: nesteuo (hungry, without food, fasting)
Definition: fasting is the spiritual discipline of limiting our food intake for the sake of pursuing God and learning self-control of the flesh.
What’s the POINT of FASTING? Key Biblical Themes…
-Repentance of sin and renewal of holiness. (1 Samuel 7:5-6)
-Removal of idols and recommitment to God. (Exodus 34:28)
-Personal humility and identification with the poor. (Isaiah 58)
-Living in expectation of God’s future feast with His people. (Zechariah 8:19)
-To remember and follow Christ’s example (Matthew 4:1-11)
-To honor God and receive His blessing (Matthew 6:16-18)
-To eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus (Luke 5:33-35)
What does FASTING NOT do?
-Reconcile us to God or make us righteous (Luke 18:9-14)
-Force God to answer our prayers (Luke 22:42)
-Make us more spiritual than others (Matthew 6:16-18)
How do we FAST TOGETHER for 21 days?
-A FULL Fast (no food for 21 days)
-A PARTIAL Fast (skip one meal for 21 days or remove a part of your diet that you will feel for 21 days)
-A SOUL Fast (removing something from your daily rhythm to focus on God)
-A CORPORATE Fast (with your church family)
What are my next steps?
-Pray and ask the Lord to guide you in this fast.
-Talk to your family about what you can do together.
-Tell your life group what you are doing and ask for prayer.
-Plan ahead for a 21-day fast (it takes preparation).
-Pursue God DURING the fast (this is the primary goal).
