Scripture: Isaiah 58, John 8:34-36
At some point in your life, you’ve probably experienced a season where you were on fire for God—where prayer was powerful, worship was real, and you had a deep hunger for His presence. But then, life happened. Work, family, distractions, and maybe even sin crept in, and before you knew it, that fire had faded.
That’s exactly what happened to Israel in Isaiah 58. They were still going through the religious motions—attending feasts, offering sacrifices, and even fasting—but they had drifted from God. Their worship was outward, but their hearts were far from Him.
This is why we are committing to The God Fast—not just to go without food or drinks, but to return to God, to restore our love for Him, and to break free from the chains that hold us back.
What is the God Fast? (Isaiah 58:6-12)
Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food—it’s about removing humbling ourselves before God. True fasting is about transformation, not just self-denial. In Isaiah 58, God lays out what He desires from a fast:
Loosen the bands of wickedness (Break free from sin)
Undo heavy burdens (Lay down emotional weight)
Let the oppressed go free (Releasing those you have not forgiven)
Break every yoke (Remove the things keeping you burdened)
Care for those in need (Bless others)
When we fast in the way God desires, He promises incredible results:
Light will break forth in our lives
Our spiritual health will be restored
We will have power in prayer
We will experience God’s presence like never before
This isn’t just about discipline—it’s about revival.
Loosing the Bands of Wickedness? (John 8:34-36)
Jesus said in John 8:34, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” That means sin isn’t just something we do—it’s something that can enslave us. We often think we control our sin, but in reality, sin begins to control us.
Some of the things that bind us may not seem extreme, but they still take hold:
Anger, unforgiveness, gossip, pride
Addictions (lust, pornography, alcohol, entertainment, social media, etc.)
Idolatry (money, power, self-image)
Worry, fear, lack of trust in God
Sin takes captives, but it leaves no captives in the end. James says then end of all sin is death. But the good news is found in John 8:36: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
You cannot break free from sin on your own. Willpower will always fail. That’s why we need Jesus. Through His power, sin is overcome.
How Do We Break Free?
If we truly want to loose the bands, we must:
Starve the Flesh – The point of fasting is to deny the sin nature and feed the spirit. You can’t keep feeding sin and expect to have victory.
Seek God First – Fasting isn’t about twisting God’s arm—it’s about realigning your heart with His will. It’s about removing distractions so you can hear His voice more clearly.
Don’t Go At It Alone – Find accountability. A brother or sister in Christ to pray with and fight alongside. Sin thrives in isolation, but freedom is found in community.
So What Now?
In our God fast this week our goal is to loose the bands of wickedness. Lay you sin at the foot of the cross and leave it there.
Reflection Questions:
What is one sin in your life that has been holding you back spiritually?
Are there areas where you have justified sin, thinking it’s not “that bad”?
What would true freedom in Christ look like for you?
Who in your life can help hold you accountable in your walk with God?
That’s what we talked about this week. If you missed it, go back and watch—it’s time to break free!
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