4 Tips for HOW to Fast

Summary

The video script explores the spiritual practice of fasting from a Christian perspective, likening it to a character's power-up in anime. It emphasizes the importance of fasting for spiritual growth and heightened sensitivity to God's voice. The speaker shares personal experiences, including a seven-day fast, and outlines four steps for proper fasting: setting a purpose, abstaining from food, maintaining privacy, and combining fasting with prayer. The script also cautions against fasting for extended periods without medical advice and suggests that true fasting involves more than just food, aiming to draw closer to God.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Fasting in Christianity is a spiritual practice of denying bodily desires to focus on spiritual growth and drawing closer to God.
• 🕊 The speaker shares a personal experience of fasting for seven days, which led to an increased sensitivity to God's voice and guidance.
• ⏱ The longest fast mentioned in the script is 40 days, drawing a parallel to Jesus' fasting before starting his ministry.
• 🚫 Fasting should be approached with caution, especially for extended periods, and medical advice should be sought if necessary.
• 🎯 The first step in fasting is to pick a purpose, such as making an important decision, praying for something significant, or growing in spiritual discipline.
• 🍽 The primary form of fasting discussed is abstaining from food, as opposed to fasting from other activities or items like social media or desserts.
• 💪 Fasting can be challenging, and the speaker suggests drinking water and praying when the desire to eat becomes overwhelming.
• 🤫 Jesus taught that fasting should be a private matter between the individual and God, advising against making it a public display of piety.
• 🙌 Fasting is often paired with prayer, as indicated in several biblical passages, to deepen the connection with God during times of self-denial.
• 📖 The time saved from not eating should be utilized for prayer, reading scripture, and seeking God's will, especially when hunger sets in.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of fasting according to the speaker?

The primary purpose of fasting, as described by the speaker, is to deny bodily desires in order to place greater attention on growing the spirit inside and drawing closer to God.

How long is the longest fast the speaker has personally experienced?

The longest fast the speaker has personally experienced is seven days.

What does the speaker suggest can happen during a period of fasting?

During a period of fasting, the speaker suggests that one can feel an unusual hypersensitivity to the voice of God and the leading of the spirit.

What is the first step in fasting according to the speaker?

The first step in fasting, as outlined by the speaker, is to pick a purpose for the fast, such as making an important decision, praying for something important, or growing in spiritual discipline.

What is the duration of the fast that Jesus undertook before starting His ministry according to the script?

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before starting His ministry, as mentioned in the script.

Why does the speaker advise consulting a doctor before fasting for extended periods?

The speaker advises consulting a doctor before fasting for extended periods to ensure it is physically safe, especially for individuals with health conditions.

What does the speaker consider as the correct way to fast in a biblical context?

In a biblical context, the speaker considers the correct way to fast as abstaining from food altogether, rather than fasting from social media, electronics, or other non-food items.

What advice does the speaker give for when fasting becomes difficult?

When fasting becomes difficult, the speaker suggests drinking a big cup of water, praying for help, and remembering that fasting is about dying to oneself to grow closer to God.

Why does the speaker recommend keeping the fasting private?

The speaker recommends keeping the fasting private to maintain the personal and intimate nature of the spiritual practice between the individual and God, without flaunting it as a spiritual badge of honor.

How does the speaker suggest pairing fasting with prayer?

The speaker suggests pairing fasting with prayer by using the time that would normally be spent on food to engage in prayer and reading God's word, seeking His will and listening for His voice.

What are some of the personal reasons the speaker has fasted?

The speaker has fasted for needing direction in life, before moving forward in a romantic relationship, and when specific people needed protection due to their life being in danger.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 The Spiritual Significance of Fasting

The paragraph discusses the concept of fasting in Christian practice, drawing a parallel to the 'powering up' seen in anime characters. Fasting is described as a way to deny bodily desires to focus on spiritual growth, which can lead to a heightened sensitivity to God's voice and guidance. The speaker shares personal experience of fasting for seven days, emphasizing the difficulty and the spiritual benefits. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to a four-step guide on how to fast correctly, starting with setting a purpose for the fast, as exemplified by Jesus fasting for 40 days before beginning his ministry.

05:04

📜 The Four Steps to Fasting

This paragraph outlines the four steps to fasting as a spiritual practice. The first step is to choose a purpose for fasting, which can range from making important decisions to seeking spiritual growth. The speaker advises consulting a doctor before embarking on extended fasts, especially for those with health conditions. The second step is to abstain from eating, which is the core of fasting, and the speaker clarifies that fasting should involve food only, not other activities or items like social media. The third step is to keep the fast private, drawing from Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:16-18, which discourages public displays of fasting to avoid appearing hypocritical. The final step is to pair fasting with prayer, as seen in various biblical passages, to truly draw near to God and seek his will during the period of fasting.

Keywords

💡Fasting

Fasting, as discussed in the video, is the practice of abstaining from food and drink for a certain period of time, often for spiritual reasons. It is likened to 'powering up' in the context of the video, suggesting that it can lead to increased spiritual sensitivity and strength. The video emphasizes that fasting is a way to deny bodily desires to focus on spiritual growth, and it can be a means to draw closer to God. The speaker shares personal experiences of fasting for seven days and feeling a heightened sense of God's presence during that time.

💡Bodily desires

Bodily desires refer to the natural urges and cravings of the human body, such as hunger and thirst. In the context of the video, fasting is presented as a method to deny these desires, allowing for greater focus on spiritual matters. The video suggests that by suppressing these bodily desires, one can achieve a deeper connection with the divine.

💡Spiritual growth

Spiritual growth is the process of developing one's spiritual or religious life, often through practices like prayer, meditation, and fasting. The video posits that fasting can facilitate spiritual growth by creating an environment where one can focus on their inner spirit and connect more deeply with God.

💡Purpose

Purpose, in the video, refers to the specific reason for which one chooses to fast. The speaker advises that before embarking on a fast, one should have a clear purpose, such as seeking guidance, praying for a specific need, or growing in spiritual discipline. This purpose is seen as a driving force behind the fast and helps to maintain focus and commitment during the period of abstinence.

💡Physical safety

Physical safety is mentioned in the video as an important consideration when fasting, especially for extended periods. The speaker cautions that fasting can be physically unsafe for certain individuals, particularly those with health conditions, and recommends consulting a doctor before engaging in prolonged fasting.

💡Discipline

Discipline, in the context of the video, refers to the practice of self-control and the cultivation of habits that align with one's spiritual goals. Fasting is presented as a form of spiritual discipline that can help individuals develop greater self-control and focus on their spiritual journey.

💡Prayer

Prayer is a central theme in the video, closely linked with fasting. The speaker suggests that fasting should be paired with prayer, as it is a time to seek God's guidance, ask questions, and listen for His voice. Prayer during fasting is seen as a way to deepen one's relationship with God and to use the time gained from not eating for spiritual reflection and communication.

💡Hypocrites

Hypocrites, as used in the video, refers to those who might fast or engage in religious practices not out of genuine spiritual motivation but to appear pious or holy to others. The speaker quotes Jesus from Matthew 6, instructing followers to fast in private so that their fasting is known only to God, rather than as a public display.

💡Secret place

The 'secret place' mentioned in the video is a metaphor for the private and personal relationship one has with God. It is in this 'secret place' that one's fasting and prayer are to be conducted, away from the eyes of others, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of the spiritual practice.

💡Dying to self

Dying to self is a concept that refers to the process of letting go of one's own desires, needs, and ego to become more aligned with God's will. The video describes fasting as a form of 'dying to self' where one endures physical discomfort to grow spiritually and to draw closer to God.

💡Direction

Direction, in the video, is used to describe the guidance or path that one seeks from God. The speaker shares personal experiences of fasting to gain clarity and direction in life, such as before making significant decisions or when praying for the safety of others.

Highlights

Fasting is compared to characters powering up in anime, serving as a spiritual exercise for Christians.

The purpose of fasting is to deny bodily desires and focus on spiritual growth, leading to greater sensitivity to God's voice.

The speaker shares personal experience of fasting for seven days and the spiritual benefits experienced during that time.

Fasting can be a way to draw closer to God and enhance one's spiritual journey.

There is a correct way to fast, and the speaker outlines four steps to do so properly.

Step one is to pick a purpose for fasting, such as making an important decision or growing in spiritual discipline.

Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting His ministry, setting an example for the purpose and duration of fasting.

Fasting can be physically unsafe for some, so it's important to consult with a doctor before fasting for extended periods.

The power of fasting is mentioned, with certain spiritual benefits, such as casting out demons, being associated with it.

The essence of fasting is to draw nearer to God, which should be the primary motivation behind it.

Step two involves stopping eating, which is the core action of fasting according to biblical examples.

The speaker clarifies that fasting from food is different from giving up other things, which is a form of sacrifice rather than fasting.

Fasting can be challenging, and the speaker suggests drinking water and praying when the hunger becomes unbearable.

Step three is to keep fasting a private matter between the individual and God, following Jesus' teachings on the subject.

Fasting should not be a public display or a means to gain recognition for one's piety.

Step four is to pair fasting with prayer, which is a common theme in biblical references to fasting.

The speaker recommends using the time that would normally be spent on food to engage in prayer and seek God's will.

Fasting should be accompanied by a quiet time of prayer, focusing on listening to God's voice and growing spiritually.

The speaker shares personal examples of when they have fasted and the spiritual closeness felt during those times.

The importance of remembering Jesus' love during times of fasting is emphasized as a source of comfort and motivation.

Transcripts

So you know how in anime TV shows you have those characters powering up?

Well, fasting is kind of like that for a Christian.

Fasting is essentially denying bodily desires so

that you can place greater attention on growing

the spirit inside of you, and this can result in

greater power. The longest I've ever fasted from

food has been seven days, and I'll tell you, to

go that long without food was tough. But during

this period of hunger, I felt this unusual

hypersensitivity to the voice of God and the

leading of the spirit.

And the reason why I'm telling you all of this isn't to boast,

but to tell you that I speak from experience when I say this.

Fasting is one way that you can draw even closer to God

and it could even push you to greater heights in your walk with Him.

However, there is a correct way to fast.

So if you want to learn how, follow these four steps.

Step number one, pick a purpose.

Matthew 4.2

And when he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, afterward he was hungry.

In this passage, before Jesus started His ministry and chose His disciples,

we see that He fasted for 40 days and then He got hungry.

So when you fast, you normally set aside a period of time to fast

and then you fast for a particular reason.

Jesus chose to fast for 40 days.

So for you, you could fast for a single meal,

a full 24-hour period of time, or longer.

I should also tell you that it can be physically unsafe for certain people

to fast from food for too long.

So please check with your doctor if you plan to fast for extended periods of time,

especially if you have any health conditions.

Also note that Jesus chose to fast right before He began His ministry

and before He chose His 12 disciples.

So before you fast, pick a reason on why you're fasting.

You can fast if you have to make an important decision,

or have something important that you need to pray for,

or if you want to grow in spiritual discipline.

I should also mention that there's a certain power

that comes with fasting,

because according to Mark 9, verse 29,

certain demons can only be cast out

if someone is in a state of fasting.

But please note that while you can have many reasons

why you fast, the heart of fasting

can be summed up in this sentence.

We fast so that we can draw nearer to God.

So once you pick a time and a reason to fast,

proceed to step number two, which is to stop eating.

And for this point, I will reread

Matthew chapter four, verse two, and read verse three.

And when he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights,

afterward he was hungry.

Now when the tempter came to him, he said,

"If you are the Son of God,

command that these stones become bread."

In this passage, we see again that Jesus fasted,

was hungry, and that the devil tempted him first with food.

So please note that the result of Jesus's fast

was physical hunger.

So when it comes to fasting, biblically,

you really just have to stop eating.

In the past, I've heard some Christians say

that you can also fast from social media, electronics,

or from desserts or other types of food.

But I would argue that those would be things

that we can sacrifice or give to God.

So I would not categorize those under fasting.

And my main argument for that is because I cannot find

a place in scripture where people fasted something

other than food altogether.

Some people may argue that in Daniel chapter 10,

verses two to three, Daniel fasted different things,

but that was a time of mourning, not fasting.

Now all that to say, if you wanna give up social media

or electronics to God, awesome, you can do that.

And it would probably be healthy for you.

Just note though, that that would be considered something

that you give to God and could not be called fasting.

And should you decide to fast, please note

that it's difficult and that you'll want to eat

and your body will think of excuses to not fast

or your mind will try to justify you eating

and try to get you to break your fast sooner

than you planned.

Fasting food gets especially tough once you hit dinner time

or if you fast for a week,

days two and three are incredibly tough,

at least in my experience it was.

So tip for when you fast, when it gets unbearable

because it might for you, drink a big cup of water

and pray and ask God for help.

And then remember that fasting is the exercise

of dying to yourself so that you can draw closer to God

and to grow in the spirit.

So again, if that's uncomfortable for you, that's normal.

Step number three, keep it between you and God.

Matthew chapter six verses 16 to 18.

Moreover, when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites

with the sad countenance for they disfigure their faces

so that they may appear to men to be fasting.

Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward,

but you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face

so that you do not appear to men to be fasting,

but to your father who is in the secret place

and your father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

In this passage, Jesus teaches his followers

to hide the fact that they're fasting if they're fasting.

And then he tells them to wash their face

so that people don't know that they're fasting.

So the main point here is to make your time of fasting

something special between you and God alone.

So don't go making it obvious that you're fasting.

In the passage, Jesus was talking about how some people

made it very clear that they were fasting

and essentially they were communicating to others,

ooh, look how holy we are, we're fasting.

So for you, don't tell people you're fasting

if you decide to.

In my experience, when people have asked me

if I wanted to eat during a fast,

I deflected with a, I'll eat later, thanks.

However, for you, don't lie and say you're not hungry.

It is okay to tell people you're fasting if they ask you.

The main point of the passage was not to flaunt the fact

that you're fasting like it's some spiritual badge of honor.

And the reason why is because fasting is just us

trying to get closer to God.

So we should try to keep that matter between us and him.

And step number four, pair fasting with prayer.

Matthew chapter 17, verse 21.

However, this kind does not go out

except by prayer and fasting.

Acts chapter 10, verse 30.

So Cornelius said, four days ago,

I was fasting until this hour

and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house.

Acts chapter 14, verse 23.

So when they had appointed elders in every church

and prayed with fasting,

they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

First Corinthians chapter seven, verse five.

Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time

that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.

Please notice the repetition in these passages

and it's that fasting many times is accompanied with prayer.

And this sums up one of the main focuses of fasting.

Fasting isn't just abstaining from food,

it's also drawing near to God

during those times of hunger and death to self.

So if you decide to fast for a meal

or for a 24 hour period of time,

pray and dive into God's word

during the times that you would normally eat.

If you think about it,

a lot of our life revolves around food,

thinking about it, getting it, preparing it, eating it,

and then cleaning up after it.

So utilize this time that you gained from fasting

and think about why you're fasting and pray.

Ask God questions, sit in silence,

read his words, seek his will, and listen for his voice.

And as the day passes and you get hungry,

go back to God and grow in your private prayer life.

And as you pray, learn to sit quietly before God

and don't rush it.

English preacher Samuel Chadwick rightly says,

"That hurry is the death of prayer."

Okay?

So if you ever decide to fast in the future,

please follow these four steps.

Pick a purpose, stop eating,

keep it between you and God, and pair fasting with prayer.

In the past, I fasted when I've needed direction in my life,

before I moved forward in a romantic relationship,

or when specific people needed protection

because their life was in danger.

And during my times of hunger,

I felt God draw nearer to me.

I hope the same will be true with you

and that you'll always remember, Jesus loves you.