Fasting For Victory | Ps. Sumanth Perumalla | 27th October 2024

Summary

In this powerful sermon, the speaker discusses the transformative power of fasting and prayer in overcoming life's struggles and achieving spiritual breakthroughs. He explains that fasting is not about forcing God to act but about humbling oneself and dedicating time to seek God's presence. Drawing from biblical principles and examples, such as Jesus' teaching on deliverance through fasting (Mark 9:17-29) and King Jehoshaphat's humility in crisis (2 Chronicles 20), the speaker encourages both personal and corporate fasting. The message calls for dependence on God and promises victory and breakthrough through collective prayer and sacrifice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fasting is a powerful spiritual tool that can lead to breakthroughs and victory in difficult circumstances.
• 😀 Fasting is not about manipulating God or obligating Him to act, but about dedicating oneself to prayer and seeking God more intentionally.
• 😀 Biblical principles, like faith, forgiveness, and giving, operate similarly to fasting—yielding blessings and spiritual benefits when practiced correctly.
• 😀 Fasting opens the supernatural power of God over our lives and helps reignite passion and spiritual revival.
• 😀 Fasting is an act of humility, showing dependence on God rather than relying on one's own strength or resources.
• 😀 It is important to fast both personally and corporately, as the Bible advocates for both individual and group fasting for specific purposes or causes.
• 😀 The act of fasting and prayer can lead to miraculous interventions, as demonstrated in the story of the demonized child in Mark 9.
• 😀 Fasting helps focus attention away from physical needs, placing more emphasis on spiritual nourishment and growth.
• 😀 The battle is God's, not ours—fasting reminds us to trust in God's power, not our own abilities, during times of hardship and uncertainty.
• 😀 Fasting can be a means to overcome specific challenges that might feel insurmountable through natural efforts alone, especially in spiritual warfare.
• 😀 When we fast, we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging that we need His help and guidance, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of this message?

The primary theme of the message is the spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer. The pastor emphasizes how fasting can lead to spiritual victories and breakthroughs in difficult situations, encouraging believers to humble themselves before God through these practices.

Why does the pastor mention fasting in the context of victory?

The pastor mentions fasting in the context of victory because fasting is seen as a powerful tool that can help believers overcome spiritual stagnation and unlock breakthroughs, especially in situations where they feel stuck or unable to make progress.

What does the pastor mean by fasting being a 'principle'?

Fasting is referred to as a biblical principle, similar to other principles like faith, giving, and forgiveness. When believers follow the principle of fasting, they position themselves to receive blessings and the power of God, just as they would experience the fruits of faith or generosity.

How does the pastor describe the purpose of fasting?

The pastor describes fasting as an act of sacrifice and humility, where believers give up something important (such as food) to focus more intensely on prayer and seeking God’s guidance. The purpose is not to change God, but to change the person fasting, by inviting God’s presence and power into their lives.

What does fasting reveal about humility?

Fasting is a sign of humility because it is an outward expression of the inner attitude that says, 'I can't do this on my own; I need God’s help.' It is a way of acknowledging dependence on God and moving away from self-reliance or pride.

Why does the pastor stress that fasting does not change God?

The pastor stresses that fasting does not change God because God remains the same. Fasting is about changing the person who fasts, helping them to focus more intently on God, seek His guidance, and invite His power into their circumstances.

What example from the Bible does the pastor use to illustrate the power of fasting?

The pastor uses the story from Mark 9:17-29, where a demon-possessed boy is brought to Jesus’ disciples, but they are unable to cast the demon out. Jesus explains that this kind of challenge can only be overcome through fasting and prayer, highlighting the power of fasting in difficult spiritual situations.

What role do testimonies play in the fasting process?

Testimonies are important because they glorify God and inspire others. The pastor encourages anyone who experiences a breakthrough during the fasting period to share their testimony with the church, as it can strengthen others' faith and encourage those who may be struggling.

How does fasting relate to spiritual revival?

Fasting is linked to spiritual revival by helping believers rekindle their passion for God. The pastor compares it to a drink where the solid parts settle, and fasting helps stir up the 'concentration' in a person’s spiritual life, bringing back focus, fervor, and purpose.

How does the pastor apply the story of King Jehoshaphat to fasting?

The pastor references the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, where Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah fast and pray in response to an imminent threat from their enemies. This act of humility and dependence on God leads to a divine intervention, demonstrating how fasting can bring God’s guidance and victory in challenging situations.