The Importance of Fasting to Your Spiritual Life

Matthew 5:6. Matthew 6:16-18. John 6:35. Zechariah 7:4-6. Acts 13:2-3. Acts 14:23 Have you ever thought about why God made you feel hungry and thirsty? Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6 "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will not thirst." John 6:35 - What is Fasting? Biblical fasting is going without food and or water for a specific time and for a spiritual purpose. - In God's Word the purposes for fasting are repentance, confession of sin, weeping, mourning, guidance, and seeking the Lord - Moses fasted 40 days on the mountain with God - the Ten Commandments - David fasted for 7 days for his infant son until he died. - Esther asked the Jews to fast with her for 3 days before she approached the King. - Israel fasted for 7 days when King Saul and his 3 sons were killed in battle. - Jesus fasted for 40 days while in the wilderness. Matthew 4:2 - In Acts 13:2-3 the church fasted and set apart Barnabas and Saul. - Having prayed with fasting they appointed elders for them in every church. Acts 14:23 - Fasting is NOT: - A diet plan to lose weight. - About punishing your body. - About manipulating God. - About appearing more spiritual than others. (Matthew 6:16-18) - Why is fasting important? The Motive. (Zechariah 7:4-6) - God asked, "When you fasted all those years, was it actually for Me that you fasted." - "Fasting is feasting upon God". David Willard - Fasting is far more about focus than food. - Fasting changes you, not God. - Types of fast: - Daniel fast - eat vegetables only - food only - food and water - sexual relations - social media, tv, etc. Will you join me this week as we feast upon God?