PRAY TO STAY, FAST TO LAST!

Why Should We Fast? – Because Jesus Said So!

Matthew 6:16 New Living Translation “And when you Fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their Fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”

Our time of Fasting and Consecration is upon us. Fasting will begin at the start of each weekday and end on that day at 4 p.m. Of course, all Fasting is voluntary, yet a very necessary part of our Christian experience. This teaching aide mentions just a few things to keep in mind as we enter this highly beneficial discipline established by Jesus for His believers. Remember, Biblical Fasting always includes Consecration unto God, but Consecration does not always include Biblical Fasting (Daniel 10:2-3).

Three Types of Bible Fasts:

1. Absolute (No food or water).

2. Complete (Water only – black coffee/tea permitted if needed).

3. Scriptural Consecration: Commonly called “Daniel Fast” - Fruits / Vegetables (Unsweetened juices for 21 Days) *Normally for those who should not medically go without food*

- Note: The Complete Fast is recommended for most. An Absolute Fast should only be entered into with the leading of the Holy Spirit and medical discretion.

Scriptures:

Esther 4:15-17, Psalm 35:13, Isa. 58:3-14, Dan.10:2-3, Mk. 2:20, Mt. 9:15, Mt. 6:16-17, Acts 9:9

BENEFITS: To lose ... the bands of wickedness, To undo ... the heavy burdens, And to… let the oppressed go free, - Isaiah 58:6

Defining Fasting - What is the definition of Christian Fasting?

Christian Fasting is the act of intentionally abstaining from food or a regularly enjoyed good gift from God to focus on a period of spiritual growth or deepening our relationship with God. In the act of Fasting, we humbly deny the flesh to focus on and glorify God, become more in tune with His Spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life. Fasting is for stretching ourselves to enrich our dependence on Jesus by being in a weak state before Him, for He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Fasting is also a way to demonstrate to the Lord that we are serious about Him by fixing our eyes on Him alone. “I turned to the Master God, asking for an answer—praying earnestly, Fasting from meals, wearing rough penitential burlap, and kneeling in the ashes. I poured out my heart, baring my soul to God, my God.” - Daniel 9:3 (MSG)

Christian Fasting should be a regular part of the Christian life. Jesus clearly expects His followers to Fast regularly. When Jesus taught about Fasting in His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:16, He didn’t say “if” you Fast, but “when” you Fast. And in Matthew 9:15, He doesn’t say His followers “might” Fast; but “they will.” It’s something that He expects of us if we are in relation with Him and expect to go deeper in our intimacy with Him.

Biblical Fasting should not be considered a method for dieting, but a method for growing into deeper communion with God and being more in tune with His Spirit. The primary Biblical reason to Fast is to take our eyes off the things of the flesh and to open our eyes to the things of God. “… In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” - Ephesians 4:22-23

Fasting isn’t easy because our natural tendency isn’t to deny the flesh but to gratify it. So, the immediate result of a Fast might be temptation and discouragement, which is why during the Fast, we must keep in mind that Scripture commands us to continuously die to self, and our rewards aren’t stored up in earthly treasures but treasures in heaven. We must live a life of putting off temporary fleshly satisfaction to store up eternal satisfaction.

Biblical Examples of Fasting

Fasting is a tool that has been used by God’s people throughout Biblical history, and it is still a powerful way for Christians to deepen their relationship with God. We see Fasting documented throughout the Bible and is frequently referenced as an act of worship accompanied by prayer and repentance.

- David’s Fast for the Healing of His Sick Child

In 2 Samuel 12:14-16, David pleaded with God for the healing of his sick child through Fasting. Although God chose to not spare the child’s life, but the purpose of David’s Fast remained because ultimately, it served its purpose in bringing David closer to God after being separated by sin. After receiving the news about his child’s death, David worshiped because his intention behind the Fast was not to get what he wanted, but to be reconciled with God.

- Fasting Before Making a Decision

All throughout the book of Acts, we see the apostles Fasting to seek God’s will when making decisions as a congregation. They did this in Acts 14:23 when ordaining elders in the church, and in Acts 13:2-3 when the church sent Barnabas and Saul to do the Lord’s work as missionaries.

- Jesus’ Fast for 40 Days and 40 Nights

Before Jesus started His public ministry, He Fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil himself for all 40 days of the Fast (Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11). Matthew 4:1 tells us that He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, which indicates that the purpose of Him going into the wilderness was for the temptation to come. Jesus’ own example of Fasting can be instrumental in preparing us to overcome future temptations and tribulations.

- The Prophetess Anna

Luke 2:36-40 tells us of a prophetess named Anna who was old in age and was married for 7 years and a widow for 84. The Bible records her never leaving the temple, and her vocation was worshiping God with Fasting and prayer day and night.

- Ezra and the Israelites Fast for a Safe Journey

In Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra proclaimed a Fast at the river of Ahava for 220 temple servants that they might humble themselves before God and ask Him for wise guidance and a safe journey for them, the children, and all of their possessions. Ezra was embarrassed to ask the king for a bodyguard because he had just told him that God lovingly looks after those who seek Him and turns away in disgust from those who leave Him, so they Fasted and prayed that God would take care of them and He listened.

- The Daniel Consecration (Partial food Fast)

In Daniel 10:1-3, Daniel Fasted for an answer to prayer and an understanding a vision, which was what would become of the people of God in the future. Verses 2 and 3 tell us that the Fast was for 3 weeks, and he ate only plain and simple food with no meat or wine. He also didn’t bathe or shave until the three weeks were up. This along with Daniel’s other Fast (Daniel 1:12, 15-16) are the basis for what many call a “Daniel Fast,” which is characterized by only eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with the only drink being water.

- Nineveh Fasts in an Act of Repentance

When Jonah preached to the city of Nineveh, the whole city came together and Fasted in an act of repentance. The king of Nineveh issued a public proclamation throughout Nineveh of a Fast of no water and no food so that they would be brought to repentance from their evil lives and violent ways. They were to “cry mightily to God” (Jonah 3:8) so that God would change His mind about them and forgive them. After their Fast, God saw what they had done and that they had turned from their evil ways, forgave them, and didn’t do to them what He said He was going to do.

- Paul Fasts Often

In 2 Corinthians 11:27, Paul states that he Fasted often in his list of ways that he had suffered for the gospel. Paul Fasted often because he constantly felt the need for God’s help in his sufferings and many trials, and he used Fasting as a tool to help strengthen him spiritually.

- Fasting to Gain Victory

In the book of Judges, it records that forty thousand men died in battle within two days. In response to this, the Israelites cried out to God for help. Judges 20:26 says “All the People of Israel, the whole army, were back at Bethel, weeping, sitting there in the presence of God. That day they Fasted until evening. They sacrificed Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings before God.” They asked God if they should continue in battle or if they should call it quits, and He responded to them and said “Attack. Tomorrow, I’ll give you victory.”

Some Right Motivations for Fasting Include:

– For God’s intervention. – For humility and repentance.

– To break demonic bondage.

– To deepen spiritual hunger for God.

– For clarity on a decision you must make.

– To test and see what desires control us.

HOW TO START FASTING

1. Have a Purpose. It’s necessary to have a purpose behind your Fast. Whether it’s fighting against sin, seeking wisdom on a decision, longing for more of Jesus, or something else, it’s important to have a reason for your Fast and remind yourself of that reason during your Fast.

2. Start Carefully. It’s important to start carefully and take into consideration the practicalities of Fasting. Some people are shocked when they first Fast, and their blood sugar levels may drop. Start carefully, drink plenty of water (unsweetened, unflavored, coffee & tea are permitted), and get plenty of rest. Spend extra time in prayer, Bible reading, and spiritual activities.

3. Fasting While on Prescriptions That Require Food. If Fasting from food doesn’t work for you due to health conditions, do an abbreviated Fast (from the time you awake until whatever time you must eat in order to take your prescription). You should also Fast other pleasures in your life, such as social media. Examine your own heart and discern what would you should do.

4. Fast From Something Other Than Food. Fasting isn’t simply abstinence from food, but abstinence from a life connected to worldly pleasures, including sex according to scripture. 1 Corinthians 7:3-6 says, “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

5. Plan What You’ll Do Instead. Fasting opens up time to spend in prayer and meditation on God’s Word, so I suggest taking the time you would spend doing the thing you’re Fasting from and devoting that time to the Lord instead.

“Without a purpose and a plan, it’s not Christian Fasting; it’s just going hungry.” Desiring God

Before the Fast

Evaluate why you’re Fasting and what you want the Lord to do as a result of your Fasting. People in the Bible Fasted and prayed because they wanted something specific to happen. They wanted God to change their circumstance, reveal something to them, or change them. If your Fast is for an extended period of time, it’s important to prepare mentally, practically, and physically since Fasting is abstinence from a regular aspect of your life. You should reduce heavily caffeinated drinks and drink more water as well.

During the Fast

Spend the time you would normally spend eating meals, on social media, or whatever it may be you’re Fasting from with the Lord. Keep a journal of the things the Lord has been speaking to you and showing you, and set aside specific and significant time to worship, pray, and seek Him. Many people begin Fasts by repenting of any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to mind, so it doesn’t bring hinderance to their communication with God. Don’t rush your fellowship with God. Take time to listen. During your Fast, remind yourself consistently of why you’re Fasting, and keep your eyes and mind on the Lord rather than whatever it is you’re Fasting from. Don’t give into temptation and remember to drink plenty of water. “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” - Romans 8:7-18 Remind yourself that by Fasting, you’re denying the flesh, which is pleasing to God! Fasting is temporary, but the treasures you store up in heaven are eternal.

Ending the Fast

Especially with food, ending extended Fasts shouldn’t be done abruptly. End your Fast by taking small portions of food or liquids. It’s important to pace yourself and slowly return to your normal diet. After the Fast, read your journal entries about the things the Lord revealed to you, and continue to pray about it. Ending a Fast is easy because it feels like our reward is what we Fasted from, but remember that earthly rewards are fleeting, and our satisfaction is in Christ alone. Your Fast developed discipline, so even after your Fast is over, keep putting that discipline into practice! “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” - Titus 1:8

                                                                                                                    Some information provided by Justdisciple.com