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?