Fasting To Feast

Nick

The Heart Of Worship • Sermon • Submitted 5 months ago • Presented 5 months ago

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Announcements:

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-Christmas Party 12/16

-Christmas eve service

-New years eve service (no morning service) we will be having a watch night service Sunday night.

So today we are going to wrap up our “Heart Of Worship” Series… Week one we really tackled how we praise the Lord and bless Him. Last week Pastor Manny powerfully walked us through Amos 5 and how to often our worship to the Lord isn't genuine but can sometime be a front and we don’t give Him our best. Today we are going to focus on fasting and how ultimately fasting leads to us feasting on the Lord and His word.

Read Matthew 4:4 “He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.””

What Do We Feast On & How It Impacts Us:

-I think it is important to first address some of the things we tend to feast on today......

-We live in a day and age where culture says that if you don’t have 3 large meals a day along with snacks then you may be on the verge of starvation.

-We must always be “satisfied” across the board....We want our appetites and flesh to be satisfied at all times. So hear

Food: Overeating or consuming unhealthy foods in excess can lead to weight gain and health issues.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious health consequences, including liver damage and addiction.

Social Media: Spending too much time on social media platforms can be detrimental to mental health and productivity.

Technology: Overindulging in screen time, whether it's on smartphones, computers, or other devices, can lead to various issues, including eye strain and sedentary behavior.

Shopping: Compulsive shopping or excessive spending beyond one's means can lead to financial problems.

Work: Some people overindulge in work, neglecting other aspects of their lives such as relationships, hobbies, and self-care.

Sugar and Junk Food: Excessive consumption of sugary and processed foods can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

-Lets dive in deeper on the impact over indulging on social media and technology and the impact that has on us.

-there is a growing body of research examining the impact of overindulgence in social media and entertainment on various aspects of individuals' lives.

Time Spent on Social Media:

Studies have shown that many people spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms (3+ hrs). Excessive use may lead to negative outcomes, including reduced productivity, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased face-to-face social interactions. But if you also cant resist the temptation to not be on social media throughout the day yet it doesn't total 3 hrs + thats is still and issue.

Mental Health Effects:

Overindulgence in social media has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of social isolation. Constant exposure to curated and often idealized representations of others' lives can contribute to negative self-perception and stress.

Impact on Well-Being:

Excessive use of social media and entertainment can potentially contribute to decreased overall well-being. Studies have explored the connection between heavy social media use and lower life satisfaction and happiness.

Addiction and Dependence:

Some individuals may develop addictive behaviors related to social media and entertainment consumption. Research suggests that the constant need for validation through social media interactions can contribute to addictive tendencies.

Sleep Disruption:

The use of electronic devices for social media and entertainment, particularly before bedtime, has been associated with sleep disturbances. The exposure to blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Relationship Impact:

Excessive social media use may have implications for interpersonal relationships. Studies have explored the connection between heavy social media use and relationship dissatisfaction, jealousy, and communication breakdowns.

Productivity Challenges:

Overindulgence in entertainment, such as binge-watching television shows or playing video games excessively, has been linked to decreased productivity and academic performance, particularly among younger individuals.

Physical Health:

Sedentary behavior associated with prolonged use of social media and entertainment can contribute to physical health issues, including obesity and related health concerns.

-When we also look around how culture talks about fasting it views it much differently then God’s word does.

-Let’s be honest. When you look at the world for advice on how to fast, you’re not going to get very far. The goal of a Christian fasting according to the Bible is not to lose weight, capture the secret of anti-aging, or fit into your skinny jeans.

Biblical Fasting:

-Fasting has been an important spiritual practice throughout the biblical period and into modern times. It involves abstaining from food in all cases and sometimes also from water. In the Bible, people fasted to attain ends such as victory in battle (e.g., Judg 20:26-28) and as a sign of repentance for sin (e.g., 1 Sam 7:5-6). We are gonna dig into the reasons we see people fast in scripture.

-People also misused fasts, such as when Jezebel called a fast as a ruse to have Naboth killed (1 Kings 21:8-15). Given the widespread use and abuse of fasting, it is no wonder the practice was important enough for Jesus to teach on in the Sermon on the Mount

-We will often talk about giving and praying in church, but you know Jesus’ acknowledged fasting right after he talked about how to give and how to pray…And the context to why he was breaking these down was because people turned what was supposed to be glorifying to God and spiritual into a self-centered practice. Jesus was calling out the hypocrisy i these things and how they are to be truly done.

Read Matthew 6:16-18

-Jesus’ statement when you fast (cf. Matt. 6:16) indicates that fasting is normal and acceptable in the Christian life. He assumes His followers will fast on certain occasions, but He does not give a command or specify a particular time, place, or method.

- Because the validity of the Day of Atonement ceased when Jesus made the once-for-all sacrifice on the cross (Heb. 10:10), the single prescribed occasion for fasting has ceased to exist.

Biblical Reasons for fasting we see in scripture:

Barren: Hannah Fasts to Conceive a Child

Battle: The Israelites Fast at Bethel for Victory in Battle, Saul Proclaims a Fast for Victory in Battle, Jehosaphat Proclaims a Fast for Victory in Battle, Judas’ Followers Fast for Victory Against Seron, Judas’ Followers Fast for Victory at Mizpah, Judas’ Followers Fast for Victory at Modein

Commission: Church Teachers Fast for Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Conversion: Paul Fasts After Being Struck on the Damascus Road

Covenant: Moses Fasts to Receive the Ten Commandments

Deceit: Jezebel Proclaims a Fast as a Ruse to Kill Naboth

Deliverance: Esther Proclaims a Fast for Favor With the King, A Psalmist Fasts for Deliverance from Enemies, Darius Fasts for Daniel’s Safety, The Israelites in Judea Fast for Deliverance

Grief: The Jabesh Gileadites Fast to Mourn Saul and Jonathan, David Fasts to Mourn Saul and Jonathan, David Fasts to Mourn Abner, David Fasts for the Life of His Child

Guidance: Church Teachers Fast for Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Habit: Judith Fasts as Habit During Her Widowhood, The Pharisees and Disciples of John Fast as a Discipline

Help: Nehemiah Fasts in Repentance for His People

Journeys: Elijah Fasts to Commune With God at Mount Horeb

Marriage: Tobias Fasts to Attain Sarah as a Wife

Messiah: Anna Fasts in Anticipation of the Messiah

Ordination: Paul and Barnabas Fast Before Appointing Elders

Persecution: Esther Proclaims a Fast for Favor With the King, A Psalmist Fasts for Deliverance from Enemies

Remembrance: Esther Proclaims a Fast for Remembrance of Deliverance

Repentance: The Israelites Fast at Mizpah for Repentance, Ahab Fasts for Repentance, Ezra Proclaims a Fast at Ahava for Repentance, Ezra Fasts for Repentance for Intermarriage, Ezra and the Kingdom of Judah Fast for Repentance for Intermarriage, Nehemiah Fasts in Repentance for His People, The Kingdom of Judah Fasts for Repentance, The Kingdom of Judah Fasts and Hears Jeremiah’s Message, Daniel Fasts in Repentance for His People, The Ninevites Fast in Repentance for Sin

Sin: The Israelites Fast at Mizpah for Repentance, Ahab Fasts for Repentance, Ezra Proclaims a Fast at Ahava for Repentance, Ezra Fasts for Repentance for Intermarriage, Ezra and the Kingdom of Judah Fast for Repentance for Intermarriage, Nehemiah Fasts in Repentance for His People, The Kingdom of Judah Fasts for Repentance, The Kingdom of Judah Fasts and Hears Jeremiah’s Message, Daniel Fasts in Repentance for His People, The Ninevites Fast in Repentance for Sin

Temptation: Jesus Fasts and Overcomes Temptation

Waiting & Understanding:

Fasting To Feast:

Biblical fasting must be intentional and focused on growing closer to the LORD…This isn’t something we do passively. While we may not be feasting on food during our fast…we should be feasting on God and His word!

-Setting aside time to feast on Scripture and worship the Lord during a period of fasting is a intentional and purposeful practice that aligns with the spiritual goals of fasting. Here are several reasons why incorporating Scripture and worship into fasting is significant:

Spiritual Nourishment:

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it's a spiritual discipline aimed at drawing closer to God. Feasting on Scripture and engaging in worship provides spiritual nourishment during a time of physical denial.

Seeking God's Presence:

Fasting is a way to seek the presence of God. By immersing oneself in Scripture and worship, individuals create a sacred space for encountering God, allowing His Word to speak to their hearts and deepening their connection with Him.

Alignment with God's Will:

Reading and meditating on Scripture helps individuals discern God's will. Fasting coupled with a focus on God's Word and worship allows believers to align their hearts with His purposes and understand His guidance more clearly.

Renewal of the Mind:

The Bible encourages the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2 ). Feasting on Scripture during fasting helps transform thought patterns, aligning them with God's truth and fostering a renewed perspective.

Expressing Devotion:

Worship is a powerful expression of devotion and surrender. During a fast, setting aside time for worship is an act of acknowledging God's worthiness and sovereignty, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to honor and draw near to Him.

Strengthening Faith:

Fasting can be challenging, and engaging in worship and Scripture helps strengthen faith. God's promises and the truths found in His Word provide a foundation of trust and confidence, even in the midst of physical or spiritual challenges.

Reflecting on God's Character:

The Bible is a revelation of God's character. Feasting on Scripture allows individuals to reflect on the attributes of God, His love, mercy, and faithfulness, deepening their understanding of who He is.

Gratitude and Thanksgiving:

Feasting on God's Word and worshiping the Lord during fasting helps cultivate an attitude of gratitude. It reminds believers of God's goodness and encourages thanksgiving for His provisions, both spiritually and physically.

Week 3 Questions:

1.Share a praise report from this past week.

2.Of the things listed that we can over indulge in, what is the one that you tend to indulge in?

3.Have you ever done a fast? How did it go? Is there any reason you feel the Lord may be leading you to fast in the foreseeable future?

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