You might have heard about the physical benefits of fasting from your fitness trainer, a friend, or maybe even your doctor. But did you know that fasting can have spiritual benefits as well? In fact, fasting is probably the MOST OVERLOOKED spiritual practice in the lives of Christians, and we are missing out on some major benefits because of it! So what exactly does spiritual fasting look like and what are these benefits?
There are rhythms to our spiritual development. Like getting healthy, there’s diet, exercise, sleep, rest, weights. Today, I want to talk to you about one of the most important and most neglected rhythms. The spiritual rhythm of fasting.
It’s in PRAYER and FASTING that we discover the barnacles of our heart and the gaps in our faith.
[Matthew 6:16]
“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.”
Fasting is the physical restraint from the desire to eat.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Jesus takes it for granted that his disciples observe the porous custom of fasting. Strict exercise of self-control is an essential feature of the Christian life. Such customs have one purpose – to make the disciple more ready to accomplish those things which God would have us do.”
2. JESUS TAUGHT THAT YOU SHOULD FAST WITH THE RIGHT HEART
[Matthew 6:16-17]
“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. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.”
[Matthew 6:1-6]
“1 Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
[Matthew 6:33]
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
3. GOD RESPONDS WHEN WE PRAY AND FAST
[Matthew 6:18]
“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.”
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?