“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 NIV
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 NIV
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV
How Do I Nurture My Hunger for God?
- I need to acknowledge my hunger
- I need to realize what I’m hungry for
- I need to eliminate the things that suppress my hunger for God
- I need to practice the things that increase my hunger for God
What is Spiritual Fasting?
- Fasting is a voluntary abstinence of food (or other things), for spiritual power and growth.
“Fasting is not a no to the goodness of food or the generosity of God in providing it. Rather, it is a way of saying, from time to time, that having more of the Giver surpasses having the gift.” John Piper
- Fasting is expected
“When you fast…” Matthew 6:16
- Fasting helps us gain discipline, discipline leads to godliness
“…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8-9 NASB
- Fasting demonstrates humility and dependence on God
“I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” Psalm 35:13 NIV
- Fasting is a way of seeking God for a breakthrough
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6 NIV
- Fasting is way of seeking God’s wisdom and direction
“While 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3 NIV
- Fasting is a way of strengthening our prayers
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21 NKJV
Four Types of Fasts:
Normal Fast: Abstaining from food, but not water (Matthew 4:2)
Partial Fast: Limiting the diet to certain foods or from certain foods, (Daniel 1:12, Matthew 3:4) or certain activities or pleasures.
Private Fast: Do not announce it, do not complain, do not neglect appearance (Matthew 6:16-18)
Congregational Fast: (Nehemiah 9:1)
When you fast… Drink a lot of water, Feed your spirit, and try and let it become a habit in your walk.