Deeper Than A Diet Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting Hiram R. Orama Jr.

The Problem Rather than having Christ as our main focus, we all tend to give priority to the desires of our body. Philippians 3:19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Dallas Willard: The Spirit of the Disciplines “One of the frequent misunderstandings of the spiritual disciplines involves the idea of self- inflicted pain or of accepting pain from the hand of another. And the historical context is real. It derives from certain actual practices of the Middle Ages. The phrase, ‘discipline’ was for centuries used to refer to a whip of a certain kind that was used to chastise the body during acts of penance…Such practices, needless to say, really have nothing to do with the following of Christ. He himself never engaged in them.”

The Purpose An intentional practice of abstaining from food in order to focus our hearts, minds and bodies on God.

Biblical Examples (Overview) Esther – (Esther 4:16) Esther – (Esther 4:16) David – (2 Samuel 12:16-22) David – (2 Samuel 12:16-22) Nehemiah – (Nehemiah 1:4) Nehemiah – (Nehemiah 1:4) Barnabas & Paul (Acts 13:2-3) Barnabas & Paul (Acts 13:2-3)

The Particulars Fasting reminds us of our need for God. Matthew 4:4 (NIV), “ It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

The Particulars Fasting can help you express your desire for God. Matthew 9:14-15 “One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, ‘Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?’ Jesus replied, ‘Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’ ”

Fasting can help you express your desire for God. Luke 2:37 Anna, The Prophetess “…never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God through fasting and prayer.”

The Particulars When we fast, we are to keep it private before God. In Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

The Particulars Our fasting is only meant to be private, because privacy creates intimacy.