Fasting From Fleshly Desires

Recently I have been going through the Beatitudes in the book of Matthew and preaching on them in our Youth group.  This past Wednesday I preached on Mathew 6:16-18 where Jesus preached about fasting.  Theologically I know there is a lot of depth and breadth to fasting that can be discussed.  However, one thought that came to me as I was studying that I would like to share; fasting from fleshly desire. 

As I was reading through Isaiah 58, fasting from fleshly desires caught my attention.  For one I understand that fasting should not only be for our benefit spiritually, but also for the benefit of those in need.  Our doing without should benefit those in need.  Isaiah 58:6 reveals this truth; however I see another purpose in this verse.  Fasting from fleshly desires.

Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

There is no doubt that fasting is commonly associated with food, but not limited to nutritional intake.  Jesus came into this world to set us free from the bondage of sin.  He offers us another option to sinful fleshly desires.  He offers us His way, truth and life.  Jesus spoke this as it relates to salvation; “Unless you repent, you too will perish.” (Luke 13:3,5). 

Repent is to turn from sin.  In other words it is to eliminate and even deny yourself sinful behaviors and practices.  Fasting is to deny yourself food or other physical needs.  Both are practiced for the purpose of drawing nearer to God.  They are practiced so that your spiritual life can be renewed and transformed.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Let me share this thought with you; fasting from fleshly desires.  When you fast, eliminate, and deny yourself sinful and fleshly desires, then are you not set free from the yoke of oppression?  Think about it, sin is a yoke that keeps us in bondage to the flesh and ways of this world.  Sin is the yoke that oppresses you spiritually.  Sin is an addiction and addiction just as damaging as drugs, alcohol and sex. The only cure for any addiction is to eliminate and deny yourself whatever it is you are addicted to.

May I encourage you to fast from your fleshly desires so that you may be set free from the oppression of sin?  In doing so my prayer is that your life will be renewed and transformed in the likeness of Christ.

The picture is me and Laura.  Laura was once oppressed by abandonment and abuse in another country.  She was adopted by and American family. I was blessed with the opportunity to share Jesus with her during a youth mission trip.  Laura has been set free!

 

Romans 13:14   Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

May my life be the proof and evidence of Christ’s love!