How Fasting Can Help My Faith

“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. 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. MATTHEW 6:16-18 NLT

WHAT IS FASTING?

to fast — verb. to abstain from certain foods and drink for religious reasons

WHY SHOULD I FAST?

To gain spiritual strength over physical desires

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” MATTHEW 26:41 NLT

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should… 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27 NLT

To say “no” to myself, so I have more capacity to say “yes” to God

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO FAST?

Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?” MARK 2:18 NLT

To overcome temptation

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. MATTHEW 4:1-2 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 NLT

To digitally detox

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! ACTS 18:9 NLT

To fight addiction

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 NLT

To join with a prayer need or request

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. EZRA 8:23 NLT

David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 2 SAMUEL 12:22 NLT

To get help with big decisions

Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting… Acts 14:23 NLT

FASTING HELPS ME:

Clarify my motives

…Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. JAMES 4:2-3 NLT

Hear more clearly from God

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. ACTS 13:2-3 NLT

THIS WEEK, I WILL FAST FROM: _________

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet space to meet with God, asking Him to prepare your heart and mind to reflect on the spiritual practice of fasting. What is your experience with fasting? Whether it’s new to you or part of your walk with Jesus, what Bible passages or points from this message got your attention? Invite God to deepen your understanding of how fasting can help your faith. Take a mental inventory of your life over the past few weeks, even months. How focused have you been on God? In what ways are you struggling to obey Him? Are there any topics or “triggers” that cause you to pull away from Him? What addictions or distractions keep you from prioritizing your relationship with God? Where in your life do you long for God’s clarity, strength or freedom? Fasting helps us say “no” to ourselves, so we have more capacity to say “yes” to God. The most common practice is to abstain from certain foods or drinks for a period of time. What could you fast from “consuming” so you can instead fill your body and soul with something that draws you closer to God? Now, if it’s safe for your health, create a simple, attainable fasting plan for this week. Begin with prayer. What do you feel led to fast from? When will your fast begin and end? What will you pray for to help sustain you as you fast? Share your plan with someone you trust, not for recognition, but to invite encouragement and accountability.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider these passages in your discussion: 1 Corinthians 9:27 and 6:12, Ezra 8:23, James 4:2-3.

3. Ask God. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

START HERE: What’s the longest you’ve gone without food? What was that like?

START HERE: What is fasting? What is not?

START HERE: What have you fasted from in the past? What did that experience teach you about yourself, God or others?

KEEP GOING: What would you hope to gain from fasting?

KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT). Why is it so important to God that we don’t exaggerate or “show off” our choice to fast?

KEEP GOING: Read 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NLT). How can fasting from things we consume, engage in or practice, influence our faith?

KEEP GOING: Read 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT). What might be some warning signs that something is not good for you, even if it’s allowed or good for others?

KEEP GOING: What could you pray for to help sustain and strengthen you during a fast?

LIVE IT OUT: Finish this sentence: “This week, I will fast from .”

LIVE IT OUT: Pray and ask God what a healthy fasting plan looks like for you, then decide how, when and from what you want to fast.