Basics For Believers

Lesson Fifteen: Fasting

“But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and they shall fast.” (Matt. 9:15).

I. What does it actually mean to fast (Matt. 4:2; Luke 4:2)

1. From our scriptures, we can see that fasting means NOT EATING

a. Some have tried to say that fasting means self denial or abstaining from things. We can overspiritualize an important teaching.

2. God is the object of our fast (Zech 7:5; Acts 13:2).

a. As in many things, we may be tempted to fast for selfishness (I.E. losing weight, become healthier, etc.).

b. If we expect God to bless us in our fasting then we must direct our fast towards Him.

II. The importance of fasting.

1. Adam and Eve's disobedience was a result of food. Also Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage (Gen. 3:6-7; 25:31-33).

a. The children of Israel tempted God by a lust for food (Ps. 106:14-15).

2. Christians must realize that one must have a PURPOSE for fasting.

a. In other words, don't fast just to be fasting. Have a goal in mind. What are you seeking God for?

b. Examples: Fasting for direction, healing, or dealing with a demonic spirit (Isa. 58:4-12; Acts 13:2; 9:9; Matt. 17:14-21).

3. Fasting MUST be accompanied with prayer.

III. The Importance of fasting (Continued)

1. Fasting helps to overcome the devil in many areas (Luke 4:1-13).

a. Jesus faced the same temptations as Adam and Eve, yet He overcame through fasting.

b. Fasting will give men power over the temptations of the flesh.

c. Daniel overcame the prince of Persian through fasting and prayer (Dan. 10:2-5, 12-14).

IV. The types of fasts and how to break a fast.

1. There are different types of fasts.

a. SUPERNATURAL: Moses on Mount Sanai. Was kept by God.

b. TOTAL: Fasting without food but drinking water.

c. NO DELACACIES: The case of Daniel (Dan. 10:3).

d. NON TOTAL: Eating nothing but drinking juice or milk.

2. Christians must realize how to BREAK (or stop) a fast.

a. We must be careful never to GORGE ourselves after a fast, especially a long one. That could be dangerous.

b. The fast must be broken little by little. (Maybe starting with soup and working our way back to a normal diet slowly).

CONCLUSION: We are very critical of people who smoke and drink alcoholic beverages. Practicing these habits are wrong, yet many Christians have a similar problem. Many Christians have no control over their appetites. This is just as much a sin as smoking and drinking. The reason for the lack of power in many churches today is due to a lack of fasting. Christians need to come back to this practice and learn to consecrate themselves unto God.

E-mail: victoryword@yahoo.com

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