The Breakaway Disciplines: Fasting 

September 24, 2023 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor  

What is fasting? 

Fasting is the practice of self-denial from necessities to attend to God intentionally. The awareness of one's emptiness or hunger is the reminder to seek Christ, who alone satisfies. 

Why is fasting a practice for today's Jesus followers? 

 [1] Fasting reminds us of the body and spirit connection. 

 Matthew 4:1-4 ESV 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”  

 [2] Fasting is expected.  

 Matthew 6:16-18 ESV 

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  

 [3] Fasting is the demonstration of practical repentance.  

 Joel 2:12-13 ESV 

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13  and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.  

 [4] Fasting is a sacred rhythm. 

 [5] Fasting is the deliberate seeking.  

 Ezra 8:21-23 ESV 

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.  

What should I include in fasting? 

[1] Bring your Bible, journal, pen, or book. 

[2] Be present in a place where you can think or contemplate. 

[3] Pray Samuel's response.  

[4] Practice thanksgiving.  

[5] Use the time to pray, read, be still and quiet, and listen.