Spiritual Disciplines – Fasting

24_12_28 -Ep.344 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Fasting

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**(28:00)**
Last week we looked at biblical meditation, Today we consider the spiritual discipline of fasting!

**(27:00 – 23:00)**
The "one another" commands found throughout the New Testament are critical for followers of Jesus for several reasons.

1. Foundation of Christian Community
2. Reflecting Christ's Love
3. Promoting Spiritual Growth
4. Enhancing Prayer Life
5. Witness to the World
6. Encouraging Humility and Service

**(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

What Are Spiritual Disciplines?
Define spiritual disciplines as practices rooted in Scripture that help believers grow in their relationship with God.
Key verse: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

Biblical Examples and Spiritual Purpose of Fasting
1. Biblical Examples of Fasting
• Fasting in Mourning and Repentance:
◦ David fasting after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-17 - ).
◦ The people of Nineveh fasting in response to Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5-10 )

• Fasting for Guidance:
◦ Ezra fasting for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23 )

◦ The church at Antioch fasting before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2-3 )

• Fasting in Crisis:
◦ Esther and the Jews fasting before she approached the king (Esther 4:16))

◦ Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast when Judah was under threat (2 Chronicles 20:3-4

• Fasting in Preparation for Ministry:
◦ Jesus fasting 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2 )

◦ Paul and Barnabas fasting before appointing elders (Acts 14:23)
1.2 The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting
• Seeking God’s Presence and Power:

• Humble Dependence on God:

• Aligning with God’s Will:

**So, Why Fast?
Mourning, Repentance, Seeking Guidance, Wisdom, A Crisis, Preparation for Ministry

**(00:00) END PART 1**

**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**

Section 2: Practical Application of Fasting
2.1 How to Fast as an Individual
• Preparing for a Fast:
◦ Know Your WHY. What’s your purpose?
◦ Pray and focus on the purpose for the fast.
◦ Choose the type and duration of fasting.
◦ Plan what will replace food, don’t leave a vacuum. Prayer, Bible Reading, Memorization, etc.

• Types of Fasting:
◦ Complete Fast: No food or drink (Esther 4:16, Paul at conversion, Moses on Sinai; extreme circumstances only).
1.Desperate Circumstances: Often connected with life-and-death situations or pivotal spiritual moments.
2.Short Duration: Typically no more than three days unless miraculously sustained (e.g., Moses’ 40-day fast).
3.Purpose: To seek divine intervention, guidance, forgiveness, or revelation.

◦ Partial Fast: Partial fasts in the Bible involve abstaining from certain types of food or drink rather than completely abstaining. These fasts were often used for extended periods or in specific contexts where individuals focused on humility, devotion, or spiritual preparation. (Daniel 10:3 - 2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. John the Baptists Lifestyle)

1. Characteristics of Partial Fasts
2. Select Restrictions: Focus on limiting specific foods (e.g., rich foods, meat, or wine).
3. Purpose: Often linked to humility, seeking God’s will, or preparing for spiritual encounters.
4.Extended Durations: Commonly longer than complete fasts, lasting days or weeks.

◦ Intermittent Fast: Skipping meals during specific times. IE. miss lunch for prayer. Intermittent fasting, characterized by periodic abstention from food or drink for specific times, is not explicitly named in the Bible but can be inferred from certain practices and rhythms. Biblical examples suggest some individuals and communities engaged in fasting at particular times of the day or for designated periods as part of their spiritual devotion. Luke 18:12 – Pharisee fasted twice a week, on a schedule.

Characteristics of Intermittent Fasting in the Bible
1.Time-Based Fasting: Often occurred during specific hours of the day (e.g., morning to evening).
2.Regular Patterns: Certain groups, like the Pharisees, observed fasting on scheduled days.
3.Corporate and Personal Practice: Seen in communal settings (e.g., Israel) and individual devotion (e.g., Anna).
4.Purpose: Spiritual preparation, mourning, seeking guidance, or demonstrating devotion.

◦ Non-Food Fasts: Avoiding distractions like social media, entertainment, or hobbies to focus on God. The Bible does not explicitly describe non-food fasts in the same way it details abstinence from food and drink. However, certain practices resembling non-food fasts can be inferred from Scripture when individuals or groups chose to abstain from particular activities, comforts, or luxuries to seek God or focus on spiritual matters.
◦ Purpose: To demonstrate humility and focus entirely on seeking God during a period of spiritual reflection.

◦ Jonah 3:6-7 - The king of Nineveh declared a fast and removed his royal robes as a sign of repentance: "Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes."
◦ Purpose: Symbolizing humility and repentance before God.

◦ Characteristics of Non-Food Fasts in the Bible
1.Sacrificial Nature: The focus is on denying oneself something of value to draw nearer to God.
2.Symbolic Acts: Often associated with mourning, repentance, or humility (e.g., sackcloth and ashes).
3.Spiritual Intent: Aimed at seeking God, expressing devotion, or prioritizing spiritual over physical needs.

**Ask: What is the biggest time waster that draws me away from god? Can you fast from that activity?

• During the Fast:
◦ Dedicate time to prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. Prepare ahead of time so you are ready.
◦ Journal your thoughts and prayers to track spiritual growth.
• Ending a Fast:
◦ Break the fast gradually, with thanksgiving and continued focus on God’s purpose.

**(5:00 – 1:00)**

Doctrine of the Month - Salvation
*The Need for Salvation
* The Provision of Salvation
*The Response to Salvation
*The Results of Salvation

**(1:00)**

- “Thank you for listening today! Have you incorporated fasting into your spiriutal life? IS there a place in your life God is calling you to grow where fasting might be the right tools to help you humble yourself before Him? It’s worth considering fasting if you are serious about following Jesus!

-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.

**(00:00)**