Summary of "So We Fasted… | Ezra 8:21-23 | Philip Anthony Mitchell"

2819 Church Podcast
Episode Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "So We Fasted… | Ezra 8:21-23," Philip Anthony Mitchell passionately addresses the congregation of 2819 Church, urging both local and digital disciples to embrace a deeper level of consecration through fasting and prayer. The message is rooted in biblical teachings and emphasizes the necessity of authentic spiritual discipline to combat personal and communal sin.

The Call for an Acts 2 Church

Mitchell begins by expressing his heartfelt desire for 2819 Church to embody the characteristics of an Acts 2 church. He states, "I would be formed into an Acts 2 church. It's the whole foundation of this ministry" (02:00). This vision underscores a community deeply devoted to Scripture, prayer, and genuine fellowship, reflecting the early church's spirit of unity and mission.

The State of the Church Today

The speaker shares a personal moment of despair, describing how he was moved to tears in his prayer room over the current state of the American church. He laments, "I was grieved over the condition of the church in the west in America" (05:45). Mitchell criticizes the church's drift towards performance and market-driven practices, yearning instead for a return to sincere worship and communal integrity.

Personal Struggles and the Flesh vs. Spirit

Mitchell delves into the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit, referencing Paul's struggles in Romans 7. He confesses his own challenges with sin, stating, "I'm watching porn and I'm lusting and I'm smoking" (10:30). This candid admission serves to connect with listeners who grapple with similar issues, highlighting the universal nature of spiritual warfare.

The Power of Fasting

Fasting is presented as a vital spiritual discipline that weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. Mitchell explains, "Biblical fasting is the abstinence from food for a period of time for the sake of consecrating the heart to grow closer to God through prayer" (15:10). He emphasizes that fasting is not about mere abstention but about asserting authority over the flesh to foster deeper intimacy with God.

Biblical Examples of Fasting

Mitchell cites several biblical instances where fasting led to divine intervention and guidance:

1. Ezra 8:21-23: Ezra calls a corporate fast to seek God's protection for the journey back to Jerusalem. Mitchell highlights, "We fasted... God listened to our entreaty" (18:20), illustrating collective reliance on God during times of uncertainty.

2. Acts 13:1: The church at Antioch fasts and prays before sending off Barnabas and Saul for ministry. Mitchell notes, "They fasted and prayed, and God gave them guidance" (22:15), demonstrating how fasting can provide clear direction for significant decisions.

3. Joel 2: A call to national repentance through fasting, weeping, and mourning. Mitchell passionately urges listeners, "Return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning" (25:40), reinforcing that fasting is a means to restore a broken relationship with God.

The Discipline of Prayer

Alongside fasting, prayer is emphasized as a crucial component of spiritual growth. Mitchell references Matthew 6:5-16, instructing believers to pray sincerely and privately. He asserts, "Pray in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (30:05), advocating for genuine, heartfelt communication with God without seeking human approval.

The Lord's Charge on Fasting and Prayer

Mitchell reiterates Jesus' teachings on prayer and fasting, emphasizing their obligatory nature for all followers of Christ. He quotes, "When you pray, do it in secret" (35:20), and maintains that fasting is not optional but a divine mandate for spiritual advancement and divine revelation.

Practical Application: The 7-Day Fast

The episode culminates in a robust call to action—a seven-day total fast for the church. Mitchell outlines the following:

• Duration: Seven days starting the following Monday.
• Nature: Total fast with only water, abstaining from all food and pleasurable stimuli.
• Focus: Immerse in the Word of God, emphasizing Matthew 4:4, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God" (40:30).
• Support: Encourages mutual accountability and support within the congregation throughout the fasting period.

Mitchell passionately declares, "This week, we kill the flesh. We take authority over this body" (45:00), urging the congregation to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Conclusion and Benediction

In his closing remarks, Mitchell prays for the congregation, asking God to grant them the grace to consecrate themselves through fasting, prayer, and worship. He envisions miraculous transformations, healing, and a renewed passion for God among the members. The episode ends with a collective act of worship as the congregation lifts their hands in unity.

Notable Quotes

• "I am too old for that foolishness. The Lord didn't call us to do or play. He called us to be a church." (03:15)
• "Biblical fasting is the abstinence from food for a period of time for the sake of consecrating the heart to grow closer to God through prayer." (15:10)
• "Return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning." (25:40)
• "When you pray, do it in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (30:05)
• "This week, we kill the flesh. We take authority over this body." (45:00)

Final Thoughts

Philip Anthony Mitchell's sermon "So We Fasted…" is a compelling call to spiritual depth and authenticity. By intertwining personal vulnerability with scriptural mandates, he challenges the 2819 Church community to undergo a transformative week of fasting and prayer. The message underscores the power of disciplined spiritual practices to overcome sin, strengthen community bonds, and foster a more profound relationship with God.