July 31 / Reason Together / Elegant Weapon week 2 of 6: May the Fast Be with You

Is fasting an Old Testament practice only? Does the coming of Christ negate the need or benefit of fasting in this age of grace and Holy Spirit indwelling?

Jesus, our example, fasted when He began His ministry.

In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus indicates that after He leaves, His disciples WILL fast.

The book of Acts shows that Christians DID fast.

Grace has come, but human nature has not fundamentally changed. In order to pursue things of the Spirit, we have to turn away from things of the flesh. We have to beat our bodies into submission. We have to draw near to God. All of this points to fasting as still relevant, even significant for today.

You don't need to learn about fasting, unless...

you ever feel like you aren't as close to God as you should be.

you ever wrestle with sin.

you ever need God's guidance.

you ever need power to do ministry.