PREACHING ON JANUARY 19, 2025:

Mentor Marco Vittorio

THE POWER OF FASTING

In this worship service, we will reflect on a theme titled "The Power of Fasting," an essential practice that is part of Jesus' "threefold cord," which includes giving, praying, and fasting; therefore, we will explore together how this spiritual discipline can transform our lives and manifest divine power. Every year we begin with these three disciplines, as was also mentioned in the previous week, because they form a solid spiritual foundation. The Bible states that "... a three-stranded rope doesn't break so quickly." (Ecclesiastes 4:12), and the number three is significant in that it represents victory, resurrection, and new level, but it also represents divine perfection in the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is with this understanding that we wish to begin the year, sowing in these three areas, aware that we will reap what we sow, as stated in the book of Galatians:

Galatians 6:7; 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

The reflection invites us to ask ourselves what we are sowing and to commit ourselves to giving, praying, and fasting, placing God at the center of our lives. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus addresses these three practices, emphasizing that it is not the act itself that matters, but the motivation, highlighting how this is more important than the action itself. Furthermore, Jesus warns against doing these things to be seen by men, for otherwise our reward will only be human approval.

Matthew 6:16-18; 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

These practices are not required by God as self-serving deprivations, but as tools to position ourselves rightly to receive His blessings. God, being eternal and self-sufficient, does not need our fasting, prayers, or offerings, but invites us to perform them for our own good, so that we may draw closer to Him and live under His protection.

Matthew 6:33; 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This teaches us that when we put God first, He takes care of the rest. The "first fruits" are not limited to material goods, but include our time, our commitment, and the best of ourselves. By offering God what we hold most precious at the beginning of the year, we can trust in Him with the certainty that He will provide for our tomorrow. This principle may seem paradoxical, especially in times of economic or personal difficulty, but God invites us to trust in Him through prayer and fasting, rather than seeking solutions with our own strength. Fasting thus becomes a powerful spiritual weapon that helps us overcome the fears and anxieties that often dominate our lives. Jesus does not present fasting as an option, but as a way of life: "When you fast..." (Matthew 6:16). Indeed, fasting means changing ourselves, not God, because God is unchanging. The flesh, which represents our main spiritual obstacle with its desires, opposes the will of God, but through fasting, we can mortify it and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. John the Baptist expresses this clearly, saying: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). This process of self-denial is essential for seeing God's glory in our lives. But what exactly is fasting? It is the voluntary abstention from food or other activities, with the purpose of seeking God and deepening our relationship with Him. Fasting means saying "no" to the desires of the flesh in order to say "yes" to the Spirit, dedicating time to prayer and meditation on the Word, away from distractions. This allows us to draw closer to God and be purified spiritually and physically, because fasting also has benefits for the body, eliminating toxins and offering rest. Fasting and prayer together destroy the obstacles that stand between us and God, such as our thoughts, our pride, and our independence from Him. For when we practice them, we completely surrender to God, allowing His Spirit to guide our lives. There are various types of fasting that we can practice, such as partial, total, or absolute fasting. Partial fasting, for example, involves eliminating certain foods, as Daniel did, who ate only vegetables and water for ten days (Daniel 1:12). Total fasting involves abstaining from solid foods, consuming only liquids, while absolute fasting involves complete abstinence from food and water, as practiced by Moses (Exodus 34:28), Esther (Esther 4:16), and Paul (Acts 9:9). Some may think that fasting is a practice from the Old Testament, but in reality, Jesus Himself practiced it, fasting for forty days in the desert before beginning His ministry, thus demonstrating its importance. In fact, after this period, Jesus emerged full of the power of the Holy Spirit, showing that fasting prepares our spirit to receive and discern God's will. This is particularly evident when Jesus promptly responds to the devil's temptations using the Word of God, because His spirit was fully aligned with the Father. The apostles also considered fasting fundamental: Paul mentions it in 2°Corinthians 6:5, speaking of fasts as part of his ministerial life, while in Acts 13:1-3, we read that, while the disciples were praying and fasting, the Holy Spirit gave them clear instructions for the ministry of Barnabas and Saul. This shows that fasting does not force God to respond, but makes us more sensitive to His voice. Fasting is not just about food; it can involve anything that distracts us from God, such as the phone, work, or other "idolatries" that steal our time. Dedicating this time to prayer and the Word of God helps us put Him first, as Matthew 6:33 teaches: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." This reminds us that God desires the best for us but requires that we put Him at the center of our lives. Fasting is not a sacrifice for its own sake, but its practice teaches us to depend on God, purifying us and preparing us to receive His blessings. Furthermore, it is a tool that allows us to grow spiritually, strengthen our faith, and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. As mentioned before, fasting does not change God, but it transforms us. In fact, there are aspects of our life that remain unchanged until we choose to fast and seek God's face. The degree to which we practice fasting determines the level of change in the areas that need transformation. This act brings discipline into our lives, humbling us to lift God up and positioning us in a favorable spiritual place. By fasting, we can break negative cycles such as gluttony or other eating habits that dominate us, declaring that it will not be these habits that command our lives, but God. However, fasting without prayer has no spiritual value because if we do not seek God while fasting, we are simply enduring hunger with no benefit. Fasting becomes meaningful when we remove something from our life to make space for God's presence, dedicating ourselves to prayer and intimacy with Him. In fact, our relationship with God is proportional to the degree to which we seek Him. He gives His power to those who love Him, honor Him, and obey Him, respecting the spiritual law of giving and receiving: "What we sow, we will reap." A fundamental aspect of fasting is humbling ourselves before God, which involves submitting our flesh and desires to Him, as expressed in the Psalms:

Psalm 35:13; 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

What did the psalmist do when he was sick? He fasted and prayed to receive his healing. This practice reflects our total dependence on Him, following the advice of the Apostle Peter:

1°Peter 5:6; 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

When we humble ourselves, God lifts us up; it is a spiritual law: if we exalt ourselves, God humbles us, but if we humble ourselves, He elevates us. This submission also involves accepting the ministers and spiritual guides that God has placed in our lives, letting go of our pride, and fully trusting in His will. Fasting helps us empty ourselves, making room for God's presence, because when we are full of ourselves, we cannot receive what He desires to give us. This attitude prepares us to discern the times and situations around us. Indeed, during His fast in the desert, Jesus was immediately aware of the devil's deceptions because His spiritual senses were sensitive. Similarly, fasting helps us to see beyond the limitations of the natural world, allowing us to perceive the spiritual reality and God's promises. This gives us peace and confidence, eliminating fear for the future, because we see things through the eyes of the Spirit.

2°Timothy 3:1; 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

This verse warns us that in the last days, there will be difficult times, but while the world fears the challenges and uncertainties, we can remain firm in faith, knowing that God is in control. Through fasting and prayer, we are prepared to face difficulties with divine power. In fact, fasting also allows us to overcome the spirit of delay, which often blocks the blessings that God has already prepared for us. Daniel, in chapter 10, experienced a spiritual delay that hindered the fulfillment of God's promises, but through fasting and prayer, he was able to move God's hand, receiving the promised vision. This shows that when we face obstacles or delays, we must not give up but persevere in fasting to gain victory.

Daniel 10:12; 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

This teaches us that fasting and prayer can accelerate the fulfillment of divine promises. When situations do not change, fasting becomes an essential tool.

Mark 9:29; 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

This example shows us that fasting gives us the spiritual sensitivity needed to discern and face difficult situations.

Isaiah 58:6; 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

This type of fasting not only frees us but also gives us the power to set others free. We have already seen that Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting His ministry, demonstrating the importance of this discipline as spiritual preparation. In fact, after this period, Jesus came out of the desert filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, ready to face the mission given to Him by the Father. This teaches us that fasting is not just a symbolic act, but a means to be filled with power and guided by the Holy Spirit. Through fasting, God wants to free us from every obstacle and prepare us for His promises, a process that requires perseverance and faith. As demonstrated by Daniel, fasting is not just a sacrifice, but a declaration of trust in God, a powerful spiritual weapon that enables us to overcome opposition, discern God's will, and walk in His power. When we fast with sincerity and perseverance, we experience a profound transformation, both personally and spiritually. In Isaiah 58 and Mark 9, we see that fasting is essential for breaking yokes and facing spiritual battles. This reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises and that fasting is a tool He has given us to draw closer to Him, overcome challenges, and live in His glory.

In conclusion, fasting is an essential discipline for every Christian, not a choice, but a lifestyle that brings us closer to God and transforms us from within. Jesus Himself practiced it, and the Bible invites us to follow His example, reminding us that every sacrifice, made with the right heart, bears eternal fruit.