A Fast Way to Grow Close to God

Pastor Jim Achilles

1.15.06

Matthew 6:16-18

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Introduction

Fasting is the act of abstaining from food in order to accomplish a spiritual purpose. Fact: The New Testament never commands a believer to fast. It teaches about other spiritual disciplines with depth and power, but only in a few places does it describe proper fasting, and then only as an explanation and not as a command.

So should we or shouldn't we? That's not really the right question. The Lord's point in the Sermon on the Mount is not whether, but why! What are the motives behind our pursuit of spiritual disciplines? Do we truly long for His honor, His kingdom, and His will?

1) Fasting Defined - The act of abstaining from food in order to accomplish a spiritual purpose.
~ I Timothy 4:4-5 - You are not rejecting food, but abstaining from food.
~ Food represents one of our greatest physical needs. Fasting teaches us what it is to truly hunger and thirst physically, which translates to how we should be hungering and thirsting after righteousness.
~ Abstaining from something that is GOOD (food) for a time should push you to focus on something that is BETTER -- pursuing closeness with God and desiring righteousness.
~ Saying "I could never give up _______" shows idolatry and points out exactly what is distracting you from God and His righteousness...and therefore pinpoints what you need to give up.

2) Is fasting good to do? Absolutely!
~ In verse 16, Jesus says "when" and not "if." It is expected, though not commanded, of a believer's life.
~ The Father rewards proper fasting (6:18). You do not merit this reward by fasting though. He favors fasting and chooses to reward you (I Corinthians 4:4-5).

3) Reasons for Fasting
A. Grief - Matthew 9:14 ff, the Day of Atonement, Matthew 5:4, grief over sin especially.
B. Guidance - Acts 13 and 14. Food dulls your senses, so when it is lacking you are more alert and aware of both your body and your mind.
C. Spiritual Growth - When you have been stagnant, fasting is a wonderful way to refocus your thoughts and priorities. Every hunger pang will remind you of your need for spiritual satiety, just as you need physical satiety. Think of Christ in the wilderness for 40 days!

4) Worthless Fasting
A. To Promote Self (6:16-17) - You will have no eternal reward or spiritual value to your fasting if you do it to promote yourself in front of others. A genuine fast is between you and God, not you and others. How much service for Christ do you do so others will notice? Note: It is perfectly fine for people to KNOW you are fasting. It is impossible to keep it from your spouse. If they ask what you want for lunch, politely decline and let them know you are fasting. Don't make a big deal out of it, but don't be all mysterious about it.
B. To Earn God's Favor - God does not owe you anything, especially for arrogance that causes you to judge others as less holy since you are fasting. You are to favor God. His favor is reserved for Himself because He deserves it!
C. Not Resulting in Holy Living (Isaiah 58:6) - Obey the whole Word, not just the fasting discipline. Fasting is a discipline that is attached to holy living. You fast in order to focus on a sin area, worship, prayer, guidance, fruits of the spirit...anything that should be a part of our walk as Christians.

5) Benefits of Fasting
A. Exposes Your Greatest Desires - Are they in accord with or opposite from God's desires?
B. Teaches you to hunger and thirst for God (Matthew 5:6).
C. Increases your prayer life.

Important:
~ Do not argue with God or try to justify not fasting when you know He is calling you to.
~ Do not fast if you have health issues that would prevent you from doing so. Again, fasting is not commanded and you should not put yourself in harm's way to do so. However, it is still possible for you to abstain from certain foods or even from activities. The absence of certain foods or activities can also put your focus on God and His righteousness if you "fast" from them properly.