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Who are YOU?

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)

You are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Why Fast?

-You are called to live by the spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)

-Fasting loosens the bonds of sin.

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)

-Fasting properly aligns your spirit, soul, and body.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

-Jesus calls us to fast.

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.” Matthew 6:16

fasting
Fasting and Spiritual Discipline

How To Fast

1. Do Without; deprive your body.

  • Not just doing without food, but replacing it with extra time in God’s Word and in prayer.
  • Morning to morning? Evening to evening?
  • Food, entertainment, news, social media, screen time, video games, etc.
  • Seek God’s guidance. He will direct you.

2. Watch your motives. Don’t play the victim card.

“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.” Matthew 6:16 (ESV)

3. Watch your motives. Don’t play the hero card.

11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.Luke 18:11-12

4. Be ready for your body to fight back. Your flesh may have been running the show for a while and won’t give up quietly!

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