Fasting and Spiritual Growth for Christians

Introduction

• Analogy: Fasting for Christians is like powering up in anime TV shows.
• Purpose: Denying bodily desires to focus on spiritual growth.
• Personal Experience: The speaker fasted for seven days, which heightened their sensitivity to God's voice and spirit.
• Goal: Drawing closer to God and achieving greater spiritual heights.

Proper Way to Fast

Step 1: Pick a Purpose

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 4:2 - Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting His ministry.
• Purpose Examples: Important decisions, spiritual discipline, significant prayers.
• Safety Note: Consult a doctor if planning an extended fast, especially with health conditions.
• Spiritual Power: Mark 9:29 - Certain demons can only be cast out through fasting.
• Summary: Fast to draw nearer to God.

Step 2: Stop Eating

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 4:2-3 - Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil with food.
• Definition: Traditional fasting involves abstaining from food, not other activities like social media.
• Challenges: Physical hunger, mental justification to break the fast.
• Tip: Drink water and pray for strength during hunger.
• Purpose: Exercise of dying to self to grow spiritually.

Step 3: Keep It Between You and God

• Biblical Reference: Matthew 6:16-18 - Do not show outward signs of fasting.
• Main Point: Make fasting a private matter between you and God.
• Public Interactions: Do not flaunt fasting; if asked, deflect without lying.

Step 4: Pair Fasting with Prayer

• Biblical References: Matthew 17:21, Acts 10:30, Acts 14:23, 1 Corinthians 7:5.
• Repetition: Fasting is often accompanied by prayer in the Bible.
• Focus: Use time normally spent on meals to pray and read God's word.
• Private Prayer: Learn to sit quietly before God.
• Quote: Samuel Chadwick - "Hurry is the death of prayer."

Conclusion

• Personal Uses: The speaker fasted for guidance, relationship decisions, and protection for others.
• Encouragement: Fasting draws God nearer and strengthens the spiritual journey.
• Final Note: Jesus loves you.