Primary Scripture: Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Sermon Notes
Thoughts to Consider:
1. We live in an age of mass
2. Fasting is not about what we give
3. Fasting sets aside what
Quote from Dallas Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines:
“In fasting we learn how to suffer happily as we feast on God. It clears the way for us to extend our joy in him and his world to others, increasing our love and well-being.”
(The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 167)
Mentions of fasting in the scriptures:
Matthew 6:16-18 – Jesus addresses fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the attitude behind fasting. It’s important to highlight that fasting isn’t meant for show but for drawing closer to God.
Isaiah 58:6-7 – This passage discusses the true purpose of fasting, not just refraining from food but also addressing injustice, helping others, and repentance.
Daniel 9:3-5 – Daniel’s fast is an example of turning to God in humility, with prayer and supplication. It emphasizes fasting as a way to seek God’s mercy and guidance.
Joel 2:12-13 – In the context of repentance, fasting is a sign of returning to God with all one’s heart.
Acts 13:2-3 – The early church fasted when they were seeking God’s guidance, particularly before sending Paul and Barnabas on mission.
Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus’ own fasting in the wilderness before beginning His ministry provides a model for how fasting can help prepare us spiritually for major events or challenges.
Ezra 8:21-23 – Ezra called for fasting as a community to humble themselves and seek a safe journey, again linking fasting to dependence on God.
Key Themes:
Sacrifice of the Body: Romans 12:1 ties into fasting as an embodied way of offering ourselves to God. It’s a practical, physical act that mirrors the spiritual call to surrender.
Fasting for Transformation: Connecting Romans 12:2 (being transformed by the renewing of the mind) with fasting, we can explore how denying the physical body sharpens the focus on spiritual renewal.
Humility and Dependence: Fasting is a practice that shows dependence on God for sustenance, aligning with the theme of living a life surrendered to God.
Extra-Biblical Resources:
Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline – The chapter on fasting is particularly helpful in understanding fasting as a spiritual discipline meant to sharpen one’s focus on God.
John Piper’s A Hunger for God – This resource delves into fasting as a way of expressing longing for God’s presence, showing that fasting is not simply an act of self-denial but a pursuit of something greater.
Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines – Willard emphasizes how spiritual disciplines, including fasting, cultivate Christlikeness.
Scott McKnight’s Fasting:The Ancient Practices – McKnight offers a thorough look at fasting from a historical, biblical, and practical perspective, arguing that fasting is always a response to a sacred, grievous moment.
The Didache (Early Christian Writing) – This early Christian document speaks to the importance of fasting as a communal and personal practice.