CENTRAL THOUGHT
Fasting should be done the way it is prescribed in Scriptures.
HYMN: Nearer, my God, to Thee.
TEXT: MATTHEW 6:16-18, ISAIAH 58
INTRODUCTION:
Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord, accompanied with prayers and study of the Word. Fasting, is a means given to believers to approach the Lord, is practiced by many denominations. However, the purpose and its usefulness have been abused by a lot of individuals intentionally and unintentionally. For instance, its effectiveness is sometimes seen by some persons in the number of days one can fast or should fast, in order to receive from the Lord. Some believers pride themselves in the number of days they and their church members have fasted. Thus, it becomes a show. Some persons tacitly believe that fasting is a must as we enter into the new year or else that year will be less glorious. Sometimes some believers fast because their church or denomination has proclaimed a fast and not because they believe that it is the will of God for them to fast. Others think it is a sure way of receiving from the Lord irrespective of the way they live. Such persons do not see anything wrong with fasting in strife, unforgiveness, immorality, corruption etc. This study is to remind us that our fasting must be done according to the pattern prescribed in Scripture.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson include to:
- Make us understand that Fasting is a necessity.
- Know the proper way to fast
- Appreciate the reasons why we fast and
- Know what to expect when we fast.
BIBLE TRUTH
QUESTION 1.) IS FASTING NECESSARY FOR BELIEVERS? MATT 6:16-18; LUKE 5:35
From the above Scripture (Matt 6:16-18) the Lord Jesus used the Word “when” which indicates that HE expects us to fast. To make the point more obvious, the Lord Jesus was specific about it when He said “but you, when you fast”. Also in Luke 5:35, the Lord Jesus boldly declared that “ the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they (His disciples; His body- the church) will fast in those days.” This is to affirm the truth that the Lord Jesus expects us to fast.
QUESTION 2.) FROM OUR MAIN TEXT, WHAT ARE THE PROPER WAYS TO FAST?
The proper ways to fast as recommended by God Himself in the Scriptures include:
Fasting is expected to be between the person fasting, other parties that may be involved and God alone (Matt 6:17-18). It may therefore involve you and the church (Acts 13:1-2), your spouse and/or family members (1 Cor.7:5), and prayer
group members. It is not what we should broadcast or make a public show of or make boast of. Fasting is a time when we humble ourselves before the Lord. One of the reasons God didn’t respond favorably to the fast of the children of Israel was that they behaved as they pleased and not to
please the Lord. During fasting they quarreled, they fought and were in bitterness, strife and unforgiving ( Isaiah 58:3-4). It is also not a time for sensual pleasures. The Bible says that we cannot fast like this and expect our voice to be heard. Rather its’s a time where men humble themselves before the Lord.
Fasting is the time of forgiveness- when we forgive all that have offended us and make peace with them for Christ sake. It is a time of repentance from all forms of ungodliness and carnality; it’s a time to be generous and friendly, sharing the love of God to all around us. (Isaiah 58:6-7).
It is a time when we present our petitions before the Lord in prayers and a time to listen for answers from Him. If we must fast we must be ready to make out time to pray, for fasting is meaningless without praying. It completely loses its value.
God expects us to fast and pray in faith. (Hebrews 11:6). No matter how we come to God, if it is not in faith, God is not pleased.
QUESTION 3.) WHY DO WE FAST?
Many reasons abound in the Bible why the people of God fasted. However, some of the reasons are:
(A) IT IS A WAY OF WORSHIPPING GOD: In the New Testament fasting was mentioned at least twice as one of the ways of worship (that is to serve or minister) to the Lord ( Acts 13:2; Luke 2:37). It is making out time for a quality fellowship with the Lord, worshipping HIM for who HE is.
(B.) IN TIMES OF REPENTANCE AND REDEDICATING ONESELF TO THE LORD:
This was the case with the children of Nineveh in the days of Jonah. Daniel also confessed with a fast, the sins of his fathers that had led Israel into captivity ( Daniel 9:3-5). Finally, in Joel 2:12 fasting was one of the ways the Lord recommended His people should repent before Him.
(C.) WE FAST WHEN WE ARE SEEKING DIRECTION, GUIDANCE, AND INSIGHT FROM THE LORD INTO A MATTER:
As we go through this life we will surely come across situations where we are not sure of what to do? In such situations we can go to God in prayers and fasting just as Ezra did. (Ezra 8:21-23). Like Joshua we can go to God for insight why things are not turning out as expected ( Joshua 7:19). Daniel and his friends through fasting and prayer were able to get insight into the King’s dream and as such God delivered them from death.
(D.) WHEN TROUBLE LOOMS (ESTHER 4:15-16; 2CHRON. 20:1-4).
When we sense trouble, threats by or from men, danger etc. we can go to God in fasting and prayers, for wisdom and direction in handling the matter. We fast for God’s help and deliverance. (Please note, don’t take any threat lightly and don’t also fret about it. All you need to do is report/present it to the Lord and ask Him to defend you).
(E.) Furthermore we can also fast and pray to dedicate and commit ourselves (and all that concerns us), people, the church, our nation etc. into the hands of the Lord. (Acts 14:23).
QUESTION 4.) WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT WHEN WE FAST AND PRAY?
Faith in God produces expectations. It keeps our eyes on the best from God. It creates a mental evidence of what we are believing God for. Therefore, we expect God’s response to us by answering our prayers and granting us our hearts desires, ( Ezra 8:21-23). God’s plans and purposes for our lives can be revealed in times of fasting and praying for the deliverance of His people (Daniel 2:14-45). We also get direction, God’s approval and assurance when we fast and pray. (1 Sam. 30:8-10).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Fasting is recommended for believers in scripture. However, we are to fast according to the prescriptions in scripture. Fasting must be done with prayers and study of the Word; should be devoid of hypocrisy, unforgiveness, bitterness, strife etc. It is a time to humble ourselves before the Lord, believing in faith that HE will respond to our prayers. We fast because of our love and trust that God can and will deliver/answer us. Out of God’s benevolence and mercies He delivers/ answers us, not necessarily because we have fasted. God is God all by Himself.
MEMORY VERSE:
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Mon: FASTING IS A NECESSITY.
Mt.6:16-18; Luke 5:35
Tue: THE WAY NOT TO FAST.
Isaiah 58:3-5.
Wed: THE WAY TO FAST.
Isaiah 58:6-7.
Thu: WHY WE FAST
Dan. 9:3-5; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:5-10; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2
Fri: WHY WE FAST
Joshua 7:1-19; 2 Chronicles 20:1-4; Esther 4:15-16; Ezekiel 18:21-23; Acts 14:23
Sat: AN EXAMPLE OF BENEFIT OF FASTING.
Daniel 10:1-21.