Train Yourself to be Godly An 8-week Spiritual Fitness Class Strength Endurance Flexibility

Training Tip Core Stability The stronger my relationship with God (core), the greater will be my ability to benefit those around me (distal mobility). increases Distal Mobility.

Fasting: To Go Without Food Works the core because it strips us of what we normally depend on. “More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.”

Training Tip Form is important. Using a lot of weight while doing an exercise incorrectly, can injure the person exercising. Correct form: a sincere heart.

Why do people fast? “Sackcloth and ashes.” Without pretention. As is. Get closer to God. Freedom from besetting sin. Insight. Guidance. Affect outcome of hopeless situation.

Misuses of Fasting Islam—Ramazan 12-hour+ fast; over-eating at night.

Misuses of Fasting Judaism—both Old and New Testament times. “Why doesn’t God answer?! We are fasting!” Isaiah 58:5-7 Jeremiah 14:12 Matthew 6:16

Misuses of Fasting Christianity— “The traditional carnival celebrations which precede Lent in many cultures have become associated with the season of fasting if only because they are a last opportunity for excess before Lent begins.”

Misuses of Fasting Secularism— used for body image under guise of “for health reasons.”

Misuses of Fasting Islam—12-hour+ fast; over-eating at night. Judaism—both Old and New Testament times. “Why doesn’t God answer?! We are fasting!” Christianity—giving up chocolate and coffee for Lent; indulging at other times or on weekends. Secularism—used for body image under guise of “for health reasons.” Hypocrisy

Danger— Fasting is one of the easiest disciplines for believers to practice in a meritorious way. Example: “God, you see how serious I am because I am fasting. I know you will answer me because I REALLY mean it!” We don’t come to prayer or service in this way: “God I know you will answer because I prayed 30 extra minutes today!” or “God, I know you will answer because I did an extra volunteer day at the church!”

The Heart of Fasting Fasting is the body’s natural response to grief. Fasting is intentionally grieving what God grieves and being willing to make the necessary adjustments. It is humbling oneself before God.

adapted from Scot McKnight Event happens that grieves me. I fast in response. God answers and works in the situation. A B C

The Heart of Fasting The question in fasting is not “What power can I release through this fasting in order to change the situation,” but rather, “What about this situation is breaking my heart?” God responds to the humble and broken-hearted.

Who’s Who of Fasting Long, supernatural fasts (40 days): Moses Elijah Jesus

Who’s Who of Fasting Who What did they grieve? IsraelitesGross immorality of God’s people. DavidShame to God’s name; death of Saul. NinevitesCondition of self and society. DanielBringing about Jeremiah’s prophecy. (sin) EzraCondition of Jerusalem; needed safety. EstherJews were going to be annihilated. NehemiahWalls of Jerusalem broken down. BelieversWorshipping. (grieving??) Common theme: “God, we are undone!”

Types of Fasting Complete fast: abstaining from all food for a specified period of time. 24-hr. fast is skipping 2 meals. 36-hr. fast is skipping 3 meals. 48-hr. fast is skipping 5 meals. Partial fast: abstaining from certain food items, or from food at certain times.

Practical Guidelines for 24-hr. Fast Drink lots of water. Timing—arrange majority of fasting so main responsibilities can be met directly after your last meal.

Practical Guidelines for 24-hr. Fast Stomach growling—trained response of the body. Usually stops after 20 minutes. Tiredness—limit activity if possible. Bad breath– Sam Fuller: Well, like it or not, that plane is not taking off unless we are both on it. Gracie Hart: You might consider a tic-tac.

Practical Guidelines for 24-hr. Fast Distracting thoughts—expect lots of “observations.” Mixed motives—can be discouraging. Fasting reveals motives: so as they come to mind, simply confess that they are there, receive God’s mercy, and move back to purpose for which you are fasting.

Practical Guidelines for 24-hr. Fast Solidarity—fasting at same time as others can be helpful and encouraging. Multi-tasking—most often done with prayer and solitude. It is beneficial even by itself. Journal if you can.

Assessment: Do you practice Fasting? Are you fasting as a meritorious act? What are you grieving? Are you willing to make adjustments revealed during fasting?