You don’t drift into God-first living
- You decide daily, deliberately, intentionally, and in your calendar
Scripture: Memorize
Matthew 6:33–34 (ESV)33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Scripture:
Matthew 17:14–21 (NASB95)
14 When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 “I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” 17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
JESUS’ DIAGNOSIS
Unbelief
- Not doubt or atheism
- Weak connection to God
Perverse Generation
- Over-connection to the world
- Too much noise, distraction, appetite, input
Key Truth:
Prayer strengthens to God
WHY JESUS SAID “PRAYER AND FASTING”
- Prayer connects us to God
- Fasting disconnects us from what competes with God
“Prayer strengthens our connection to God.
Fasting weakens our attachment to the world.”
Important Order:
- Prayer and fasting
- Not fasting and prayer
WHAT FASTING IS NOT
- Not starvation
- Not punishment
- Not manipulation
- Not earning God’s favor
WHAT FASTING IS
Fasting is denying the fleshly appetites of the body and re-ordering the desires of the mind, will, and emotions so our spirit becomes more responsive to God.
HOW WE ARE MADE
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Body — appetites
- Soul — mind, will, emotions
- Spirit — God-connected
THE GOVERNING PRINCIPLE
- Whichever part is strongest rules your life
Romans 8:5–6 (ESV)
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Key Phrase:
- Whatever you feed leads
- Whatever you starve loses power
- What you stave you can carve
WHY FASTING PRODUCES
- Weakens the flesh
- Quietens the soul
- Strengthens the spirit
- Prayer with fasting gives the spirit traction for breakthrough
JESUS EXPECTED FASTING
- Jesus said you fast, not if
- Matthew 6:16–18 (NLT) And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
FASTING IS ALWAYS CONNECTED TO PRAYER
- Fasting brings clarity, direction, and confirmation
Scripture:
Memorable Line:
- A diet changes how you look
- Prayer with fasting changes how you see
WHEN SHOULD WE FAST?
- At the start of the year
- Before major decisions
- During important seasons
HOW SHOULD WE FAST?
- Complete or total fast
- Selective fast (what you crave most)
- Soul fast (media and distractions)
WHAT SHOULD WE FAST FOR?
- Spiritual breakthrough
- Victory in spiritual warfare
Scripture:
PRAYING FOR OUR NATION
- God responds to humility, prayer, and repentance
Scripture:
NEXT STEPS
Reminder:
- Prayer strengthens our connection to God
- Fasting loosens our attachment to the world
REVIEW
Prayer with fasting gives the spirit traction for breakthrough.
- Prayer strengthens our connection to God
- Fasting loosens our attachment to the world
- Together, they create traction where effort alone keeps slipping
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Where do you feel stuck spiritually right now?
- What does “traction” mean in your walk with God?
- What might God be inviting you to fast from?
- Which part of your life needs to move from accidental to intentional?
- How can prayer and fasting help realign your priorities?
- Who could you meet with this week to pray or talk this through?
Consider getting together with someone for coffee or tea this week and discussing these questions together.