SPIRITUAL WARFARE THROUGH FASTING

Title: SPIRITUAL WARFARE THROUGH FASTING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 17:21
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 58:6, Ephesians 6:12, Joel 2:12-13

INTRODUCTION:
Spiritual warfare is an ongoing battle that every believer faces in their Christian walk. The Bible teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Fasting plays a vital role in spiritual warfare, empowering believers to overcome the forces of darkness. In Matthew 17:21, Jesus explains that certain strongholds and demonic influences can only be defeated through prayer and fasting. This message delves into the power of fasting as a weapon in spiritual warfare, unlocking breakthroughs and victory over every challenge.

1. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL WARFARE

a) The Nature of the Battle
Spiritual warfare involves the constant conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

b) The Invisible Realm of Conflict
Our battle is against unseen spiritual entities—evil spirits, principalities, and rulers of darkness (Colossians 1:16).

c) The Victory Already Won
Although we face battles, we have been given authority through Jesus Christ to overcome (Luke 10:19).

d) The Role of the Believer in Spiritual Warfare
Believers are called to stand firm in faith and resist the devil, who will flee from us (James 4:7).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus engaged in spiritual warfare with the devil through fasting and the Word of God, emerging victorious.

2. THE PURPOSE OF FASTING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

a) Strengthening the Spirit
Fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit, enabling us to hear God more clearly and engage in more effective spiritual warfare (Matthew 26:41).

b) Humbling the Soul
Fasting is a form of humility before God, allowing us to submit ourselves fully to His will and align with His purposes (Psalm 35:13).

c) Overcoming Strongholds
Certain strongholds, such as addiction, depression, and generational curses, can only be broken through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).

d) Increasing Spiritual Authority
Fasting empowers the believer to walk in greater authority as they rely on God’s strength to overcome the enemy (Acts 13:2-3).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Fast (Daniel 10:2-3).
Daniel fasted for 21 days to seek divine intervention, and the Lord responded with a message of victory over the spiritual forces opposing him.

3. FASTING AS A TOOL FOR DELIVERANCE

a) Breaking the Yoke of Bondage
Fasting is a powerful means of breaking free from spiritual and emotional bondage, such as addiction, fear, and oppression (Isaiah 58:6).

b) Tapping into Divine Power
When we fast, we surrender our own strength and rely on God’s supernatural power to fight on our behalf (Zechariah 4:6).

c) Cleansing from Unclean Spirits
Fasting helps to cleanse the spirit and body, breaking the influence of evil spirits and unclean forces (Matthew 12:43-45).

d) A Catalyst for Breakthrough
Fasting accelerates the process of deliverance, turning delayed promises into immediate action (Joel 2:12-13).

e) Biblical Example: The Deliverance of the Israelites (Exodus 12:31-32).
God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, and fasting played a role in their preparation for the journey to freedom.

4. THE SPIRITUAL STRENGTH THAT COMES THROUGH FASTING

a) Renewed Faith and Hope
Fasting strengthens our faith and trust in God, knowing that He will answer our prayers (Psalm 69:10).

b) Greater Intimacy with God
Through fasting, we experience a deeper relationship with God as we seek His face and listen to His voice (James 4:8).

c) Increased Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
Fasting heightens our spiritual sensitivity, allowing us to better discern God’s will and the enemy’s tactics (John 14:26).

d) Greater Boldness in Prayer
As we fast and pray, we gain boldness to approach God’s throne of grace and receive mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church and Prayer and Fasting (Acts 13:3).
The apostles fasted and prayed before making major decisions, which brought them clarity and divine direction.

5. FASTING AND THE WINNING OF SPIRITUAL BATTLES

a) Preparing for Spiritual Warfare
Fasting prepares the believer to confront and defeat the enemy with supernatural power, both in the physical and spiritual realms (Matthew 17:21).

b) Gaining Victory Over Evil Forces
Fasting is a tool that allows us to overcome demonic forces and principalities that seek to hinder our spiritual progress (Mark 9:29).

c) Shifting the Atmosphere
Fasting shifts the spiritual atmosphere, breaking demonic resistance and releasing God's kingdom to advance (Daniel 9:3).

d) Releasing Breakthrough
Fasting unlocks breakthrough and opens the doors for the manifestation of God’s promises (Isaiah 58:8).

e) Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s Fast (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).
When the Israelites were surrounded by their enemies, they fasted and prayed, and God gave them victory in the battle.

CONCLUSION:
Fasting is a powerful spiritual weapon that believers can use in times of warfare, trials, and temptation. It strengthens our spirits, humbles our hearts, and positions us to receive divine intervention. Through fasting, we tap into God's supernatural power, receive deliverance, and break the hold of the enemy. As we fast and seek God's face, we are equipped to overcome any battle, and victory is assured. Let us commit to fasting as a lifestyle of spiritual warfare, knowing that God will fight for us and give us the victory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I submit myself to You in fasting and prayer.

2. I break every stronghold of the enemy in my life in the name of Jesus.

3. Lord, give me the strength to stand firm in spiritual warfare through fasting.

4. I declare that every yoke of bondage in my life is broken through fasting.

5. Father, let Your power be released in my life as I seek You through fasting.

6. I cast down every evil force that has been opposing my breakthrough.

7. Lord, give me spiritual authority to overcome every work of darkness.

8. Let my fast bring me closer to You, Lord, and increase my intimacy with You.

9. I declare that my victory is assured as I engage in spiritual warfare through fasting.

10. Father, let Your supernatural deliverance come to me as I fast and pray.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. As you fast and pray, every spiritual chain holding you captive is broken in Jesus' name.

2. Every demonic attack against your life will lose its power through the power of fasting.

3. Your fast will release supernatural breakthroughs and open the heavens over your life.

4. You will experience victory over every spiritual enemy that has come against you.

5. The fire of God will purify and strengthen you as you engage in fasting.

6. Your prayers and fasts are causing shifts in the spiritual atmosphere around you.

7. Divine wisdom and clarity will be released to you during your times of fasting.

8. The power of God will manifest in every area of your life as you seek Him in fasting.

9. You will walk in greater authority and dominion over spiritual forces through fasting.

10. Through fasting, you will experience an unparalleled breakthrough in every area of your life.