Faith Talk - August 25, 2024

August 23rd, 2024
by Faith Talk
Sunday: August 25, 2024
Series: Fasting: Biblical and Beneficial
Sermon: Fasting: Biblical and Beneficial

Scripture

Acts 13:2-3 - As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

Summary

Today, we began a new series, Fasting: Biblical and Beneficial. This year at Connection Point Church, we are developing and practicing the spiritual discipline of fasting. We fast on the first of every month, and next Sunday falls on the first, a day we will be worshiping and fasting together, much like the early church.

We started with a biblical definition of fasting given by Dr. Jim Denison, "In a strictly biblical sense, fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes" (Ex. Dan. 10:3; Luke 4:1-2). Fasting can be certain foods or all foods, but biblically speaking, it's almost always food.

Pastor Brian outlined several components of biblical fasting:
  • We fast for a significant spiritual purpose (Luke 4:1-13)
  • We fast full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1)
  • We fast feeding on God's Word (Matthew 4:4)
  • We fast humbly but also corporately (Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 13:2-3)
  • We fast for God's reward and spiritual breakthrough (Matthew 6:18)
  • We fast to honor God with our bodies and be available to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We fast intentionally:
  1. Begin with a partial fast. Most people find it easiest to skip breakfast and build from there. Aim for 13 hours, then 16 hours, then 20 hours.
  2. Move to a normal fast. In Scripture, the typical Jewish fast was a 24-hour period from sundown to sundown (dinner to dinner).
  3. Seek God's will for a longer fast. You may want to go past sundown and fast through dinner and all night. You can extend it from here based on how God leads you, the Holy Spirit sustains you, and the spiritual breakthrough frees you. 
  4. Break your fast spiritually: with inner rejoicing. Celebrate what you have experienced. 
  5. Break your fast physically: with intentional eating. Especially for a longer fast, consider starting with bone broth, then probiotic and prebiotic foods, then steamed vegetables, then clean protein, and then fresh fruits. Give 30 minutes between food introductions.

Discussion

  1. Share your experience with fasting in the past.
    • Have you ever fasted? If so, what was your experience? What did you learn about God? About yourself?
  2. Discuss your thoughts on participating with the church by fasting on the first.
    • What fear or concerns do you have?
    • How can you prepare to participate?
  3. Discuss a plan to fast with the church on September 1.
    • Will you do a partial fast or a total fast?
    • How you will you incorporate the components of fasting Pastor Brian mentioned above? (Holy Spirit, God's Word, etc.)
  4. Take time to prepare how you will pray while fasting.
    • Do you have a copy of the Forward by Faith prayer requests of the church?
    • Make a list of prayer requests for your home and family.
    • Make a list of your personal prayer requests to God

Pray Together

Father, thank You for inviting us into deep and meaningful fellowship with You. We are eager to experience Your Spirit and Word, church worship, and the spiritual breakthroughs that come by fasting. I ask that you prepare me spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally for this fast. I want to fully experience all You have for me. We commit to fasting as You lead us to participate. May we be changed, and You be glorified. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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