Title: Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline

Main point: Fasting is a precious means of grace that God has given us to express our desperation and hunger for God and his purposes, and therefore it should be a normative practice in our lives.

Should we fast? 

What is a fast?

 - normal fast

 - absolute fast 

 - partial fast 

 - non-food fast

 - private and corporate

Why do we fast? 

 - To express love and worship for God

 - To strengthen prayer

 - To see God’s guidance

 - To express grief, repentance, and humility

 - To intercede and engage in the work of God

 - To dedicate ourselves to God

 - To desire the King’s return

How should we fast? 

 - Fast to be seen by God and not man

 - Start small

 - Expect the distractions

 - Schedule your fasts

 - Helpful resources

A Hunger for God by John Piper

God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (ch 9) by Donald Whitney