“The Discipline of Fasting”

SERMON Title: The Discipline of Fasting
SCRIPTURE: Ezra 8:21 ESV

Introduction

In our passage today from Ezra, we see a moment where God’s people fasted before a long journey—much like how we’re about to journey through this sacred week. And from this short yet rich text, we can learn three essential truths about biblical fasting that can guide us in this season. So for today, we’re going to focus on:

1. The Practice of Fasting – What is fasting? How was it practiced in Scripture, and how can we engage in it meaningfully today?

2. The Posture of Fasting – What kind of heart posture should we have when we fast?

3. The Object of Fasting – What is our fasting for? What are we seeking in our fasting?

4. And lastly we’ll look into some practical guidelines to keep in mind as we engage in fasting

I. The Practice of Fasting

In the book of Ezra, the Israelites return from exile, but face great uncertainty and danger. Ezra, entrusted by the Persian king, was to lead the exiles to Jerusalem to rebuild. With no military escort, Ezra declared a fast for safe passage. Ezra writes in verse 23: "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty." Fasting was a public declaration of dependence on God, humbling themselves to ask for divine protection.

Fasting is setting aside food to seek God, especially with a specific burden. As Dallas Willard said, “Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food.” Throughout Scripture, fasting is practiced at pivotal moments, not as a ritual but as a profound act of worship:

• Moses fasted for forty days (Exodus 34:28).

• Samuel called Israel to fast during a national crisis (1 Samuel 7:5-6).

• Nehemiah fasted for Jerusalem’s broken walls (Nehemiah 1:4).

• Esther and her people fasted during genocide (Esther 4:3, 16).

• David fasted for personal repentance (Psalm 35:13; 69:10; 109:24).

• Joel calls for fasting with mourning (Joel 2:12). In the New Testament:

• Anna worshiped with fasting (Luke 2:37).

• Jesus fasted before His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2).

• Jesus assumes fasting is normal for disciples (Matthew 6:16).

• The early church fasted before commissioning missionaries (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). Fasting remains vital and biblical, though neglected by many Christians today. As disciples, we are called to engage in fasting to train our hearts to hunger for what truly satisfies, declaring, “God, I need You more than my next meal.”

II. The Posture of Fasting

Fasting must be done with humility. Ezra’s fast was to humble themselves before God (Ezra 8:21). Fasting isn’t about building a spiritual resume but surrendering to God. As David said in Psalm 35:13, “I humbled myself with fasting.”

Fasting is a response to our dependence on God. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against fasting for show, saying it’s a private act of worship, not for earning approval. Fasting is not about proving spirituality but confessing desperation. It’s about asking God to intervene where we can’t. We fast because we need God to heal our hearts, break cycles of sin, and restore relationships.

In a world full of confusion, corruption, and apathy, we fast to seek God’s intervention, not because we have the answers but because we need Him to move. Fasting is humbling ourselves and crying out for God’s mercy.

III. The Object of Fasting – What Are We Fasting For?

Fasting is about more than food; it’s about seeking God in prayer with focus and urgency. In Scripture:

• Nehemiah fasted for Jerusalem’s brokenness (Nehemiah 1:4).

• Moses fasted to receive God’s Word (Exodus 34:28).

• Daniel fasted for restoration (Daniel 9:3).

• The early church fasted for missionary work (Acts 13:3) and leadership decisions (Acts 14:23).

Fasting should be directed toward a specific need. In Ezra’s case, the people sought a “safe journey,” asking for protection and guidance (Ezra 8:21). Similarly, when we fast, we should fast with focused, intentional prayers. Fasting creates sacred space to seek God’s direction, saying, “God, I need You more than my daily bread.”

During Passion Week, some may fast for clarity in decision-making or for personal revival, desiring to love Christ more and be reawakened. As Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” As a church, we seek corporate revival and God’s wisdom, asking for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit to renew our hunger for Him.

IV. Practical Guidelines about Fasting

1. Take Baby Steps
   Start small, especially if you are new to fasting. Consider skipping one meal a day and using that time for prayer. Gradually increase the duration as you become comfortable. In Scripture, we see fasts of varying lengths for different purposes.

2. Know Your Limits — Fasting May Not Be for Everyone
   Fasting is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant or nursing women, individuals with eating disorders, children, the elderly, diabetics, or those on medication should consult a doctor before fasting. However, we can still fast from distractions, such as limiting screen time, social media, or ungodly entertainment. Fasting is about creating space for prayer and seeking God.

3. Expect Resistance — Fasting Is Spiritual Warfare
   Fasting is not only a physical discipline but a spiritual battle. When you fast, your flesh resists, making you feel weaker, hungrier, or more irritable. Recognize this resistance as spiritual warfare and rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and endurance.

4. Don’t Be Legalistic
   Fasting isn’t about perfection. If you make a mistake, such as unintentionally eating, don’t panic. Fasting is about posture, not performance. Keep your focus on God, not on legalistic perfection.

V. The Fasting of Jesus – A Gospel-Centered Perspective

Jesus’ fasting was a model of deep dependence on God, especially during His time in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2). Ultimately, His greatest fast was giving up His glory, comfort, and will for our salvation. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).

Because Jesus fasted, we are healed, forgiven, and brought into salvation. Fasting for us is not about just giving up food but feasting on Christ. Each time we hunger, we are invited to feast on His presence through prayer, His Word, His grace, and His love. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we now feast on the richness of Christ, the true bread of life.

Conclusion

So brothers and sisters, during this Passion Week, may your fasting become a deeper feasting on Jesus. And as you turn from the temporary, may you taste the eternal. As you say no to lesser things, may you find your soul saying a greater yes to the One who gave everything for you.

Because Jesus fasted, we now feast on the fullness of God.
Because Jesus fasted, we now live. Amen.

Reflection and Response

At this time, as the Worship come forward, I want to invite us into a moment of reflection and response.

We’ve heard today that fasting is not just about abstaining from food—it’s about humbling ourselves before God, seeking Him with greater intentionality and urgency, saying “God, I need You more than I need anything else.”

And so as we begin Passion Week, let me ask you:

• What might God be inviting you to fast from in order to feast more deeply on Him?

• Where is He calling you to humble yourself and seek His presence—whether for personal revival, clarity in decision-making, healing in relationships, or greater hunger for His kingdom?

• How can you intentionally carve out space this week—not just to remember Christ’s suffering, but to draw near to the One who fasted for you?