Summary

In this sermon, the pastor discusses the spiritual discipline of fasting as a key to experiencing 'mountaintop moments' with God. He emphasizes that Jesus assumed his followers would fast, stating 'when you fast' rather than 'if you fast' in Matthew 6. The pastor explains that fasting is the voluntary choice to abstain from food for spiritual purposes, creating space for deeper awareness of God's presence, humbling our souls, helping discern God's will, bringing divine favor, and giving power over demonic forces.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting, we ask that You would open our hearts to Your teaching. Help us to be receptive to what You want us to learn today about drawing closer to You through prayer and fasting. Remove any distractions or preconceptions that might hinder us from hearing Your voice. Guide our conversation and help us to understand how we might incorporate fasting into our spiritual lives in ways that honor You and deepen our relationship with You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's your favorite meal of the day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), and what do you enjoy most about that particular meal?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 6:16-18
2. Matthew 4:1-11
3. Acts 13:2-3
4. Mark 9:28-29
5. Nehemiah 1:4

Questions

1. The pastor mentioned that only 21% of Christians participate in some form of fasting. Why do you think fasting is practiced so infrequently despite being mentioned more times in the Bible than baptism?
2. Have you ever fasted before? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what has prevented you from trying it?
3. The sermon described several types of fasts (seeking, favor, discernment, slump, breakthrough, gratitude, and dream fasts). Which of these resonates most with your current spiritual situation and why?
4. How might replacing food with prayer and scripture during a fast change your spiritual experience compared to simply abstaining from food?
5. The pastor suggested that many Christians feel stuck in a spiritual rut. Have you experienced this? How might fasting help overcome spiritual stagnation?
6. Jesus faced three specific temptations during his 40-day fast. How do these temptations relate to challenges we might face during fasting?
7. The sermon emphasized that Christianity isn't meant to be comfortable. How does fasting challenge our cultural tendency toward comfort and convenience?
8. What practical steps could you take this week to incorporate some form of fasting into your spiritual disciplines?

Life Application

This week, choose one type of fast mentioned in the sermon (seeking, favor, discernment, slump, breakthrough, gratitude, or dream fast) that addresses your current spiritual need. Start with something manageable—perhaps skipping one meal or fasting from sunrise to sunset for one day. During the time you would normally eat, intentionally read scripture and pray, focusing specifically on your purpose for fasting. Journal what God reveals to you through this experience. Remember that fasting isn't about earning God's favor but about creating space to hear His voice more clearly and depend on Him more fully.

Key Takeaways

1. Fasting is not optional but assumed in scripture—Jesus said 'when you fast,' not 'if you fast.'
2. Fasting increases our awareness of God's presence by removing distractions and creating space for deeper intimacy with Him.
3. Different types of fasts serve different spiritual purposes: seeking God, requesting favor, gaining discernment, breaking spiritual slumps, achieving breakthroughs, expressing gratitude, or pursuing God-given dreams.
4. Fasting should be accompanied by prayer and scripture reading, replacing physical nourishment with spiritual nourishment.
5. The spiritual discipline of fasting prepares us for battles we cannot win through our own strength alone.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for reminding us of the powerful spiritual discipline of fasting. We confess that many of us have neglected this practice that You clearly intended for Your followers. Give us courage to step out of our comfort zones and experience the deeper connection with You that comes through fasting. Help us to approach fasting not as a religious duty but as an opportunity to draw closer to You, to humble ourselves before You, and to create space in our lives to hear Your voice more clearly. May our fasting never be for show but always be motivated by a sincere desire to know You more intimately. As we consider incorporating fasting into our spiritual lives, guide us in wisdom about the timing, duration, and type of fast You are calling us to. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.