What could possibly be the purpose of fasting other than a bizarre need to hear our stomachs growl and become increasingly irritable with our friends and family? The answer to that question involves an understanding of the inseparable connection between body and spirit.
Let me share some Scriptures with you that illustrate this connection . . .
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God . . . Therefore honor God with you bodies.” (I Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with . . . Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body . . . Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness . . . offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” (Romans 6:6, 12-14, NIV)
These are just a few among many Scriptures that illustrate how important our physical/mortal bodies are in our discipleship.
In the days ahead, we’re going to look at each one of these passages and then conclude with an explanation of Jesus’ words from Matthew 4:4 which is actually a quotation of Moses found in Deuteronomy 8:3.
Stay tuned and stay hungry. Hungry for God.
In Christ,
Dan