THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FASTING

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FASTING ---> INTRODUCTION TO FASTING

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6 | Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: To believe more deeply that fasting is a discipline for all believers

Feel: To feel more passionately that the discipline of fasting is still applicable and effective for current living

Do: To more readily incorporate fasting as a tool for seeking and drawing closer to God

Fasting is an essential tool in the life of every believer. Fasting is defined as abstaining from any food or material item for a specified period to draw closer to God. The subject of fasting as a current principle can cause even the most devout believer to grimace. Therefore, our goal in this series is to convey a powerful message that fasting is not a fad nor punishment, but a powerful bible-based discipline that is appropriate for all believers.

We desire that our time of fasting encourages believers to connect with and grow closer to God. It increases dependence on the power of the Spirit and proves that man does not live on bread alone. Fasting can be physically healthy and lack spiritual substance. We want to go beyond healthy eating and intimately experience God.

The Approach to Fasting

Isaiah 58 begins with a plea from God’s people about unanswered prayer. They felt God had been unfaithful to them because they had lifted up their voices and fasted yet had received no answer. They further explain that they have delighted in God’s ways daily and have done good. This spiritual reasoning displayed their shallow understanding of coming before God. God exposes the reality of their worship by explaining how they had an outward display of sincerity but simultaneously had other things going on in the background. God states, “in the day of your fast you find pleasure and exploit your laborers”. In other words, they did not have the right heart or motive. Fasting resulted in an empty ritual. God would not accept their fasting if it was not connected to a sincere heart led by obedience.

Likewise, our fasting cannot be centered around self glorification. Strife, wickedness, debate, and making ourselves heard should not be a part of the fasting equation. This quickly results in fasting being a manipulative tool, attempting to control God’s outcomes. We cannot afford to waste time fasting in error.

4 Reasons for fasting.

Isaiah further explains in verse 6 the type of fast that God has chosen. Using the discipline of fasting should be inclusive of these reasons:

1. To loose the bonds of wickedness

2. To undo heavy burdens

3. To let the oppressed go free

4. To break every yoke

God demonstrates in this verse the character and blessing of true worship. He carefully explains the kind of worship and fasting most acceptable to God. We must begin with getting right with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wickedness toward one another is unacceptable. We must not hold each other in bondage and refrain from oppression.

Furthermore, fasting must be done in a manner of humility and secrecy.

Matthew 6:16-18 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Luke 18:9-14 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Biblical Fasting and Results

Daniel 1:8-15, v20 - Daniel and Friends experience healthy appearance and increased wisdom

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat. 20 And in all matters of

wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Esther 4:16-17 Esther calls a corporate fast for guidance and favor before the king.

16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

When Esther received word about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews she was grieved. Mordecai likewise rent his clothes and wept over their pending demise. When word gets back to Esther she requests a three day absolute fast on her behalf. Esther understood the impact of fasting when facing opposition. As she stood in the need of supernatural favor and guidance, she activated the tool of fasting to draw closer to God.

Conclusion

Fasting is an essential tool in the life of every believer. As we open our hearts to receive teaching on the benefits, types of fasting, and its current application, allow God to be the lead on your lifestyle of fasting. Churches can call corporate fasting, but the choice is yours. Your pastor can encourage individual fasting, but the choice is yours. Fasting will be most effective for you as you make an intentional choice to join with a body of believers, trusting God to move on your behalf.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FASTING ---> TYPES OF FASTING

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6 | Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: To believe more deeply that fasting is a discipline for all believers

Feel: To feel more passionately that the discipline of fasting is still applicable and effective for current living

Do: To more readily incorporate fasting as a tool for seeking and drawing closer to God

BACKGROUND

The book of Genesis describes all that God created. God created light, the sky, dry land, the seas, plants, trees, the sun, the moon, stars, and flying creatures. He made man from the dust of the earth. During creation, God gave man some specific instructions governing his daily living. The book of Genesis provides a snapshot of God's most precious product, man and woman. Let us visit Genesis 1:26-29 NIV).

26 Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female, he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." 29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die."

Genesis 3:1-3(NIV)

1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"

The practice of refraining from eating was instituted in Genesis. God specifically told Adam," You are not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will surely die. Both Adam and Eve disobeyed a direct order. This breach violated a healthy or dietary constraint that God imposed or commanded. The banning or disallowing in the garden signified a life of abstinence, a condition commanded by God. God told the man in the Garden of Eden to practice the discipline of restraining the appetite. Was this the first fast?

How to Prepare Yourself for Fasting?

The first thing you need to do before you fast is set a definite time period for your fast. Will your fast be one meal, three days, seven days, 21 days, or 40 days? The length of the fast may vary, as demonstrated in the Bible. Many occasions for fasting are recorded in the Bible. Some scriptures to visit are Acts 13:3, 14:23, Exodus 24:1, Psalm 35:13, Judges 20:26-28, I Samuel 1:5-11, Mark 9:29, Matthew 17:21, and many more. The second thing you need to do is decide which type of fast you will undertake. Read God's Word, pray, and worship during mealtimes to overcome temptations.

What are the Types of Fasting Mentioned in Scripture?

Absolute (Dry)Fast

This type of fast is when no food and no liquids are consumed and is not practiced regularly. It is mentioned in the Bible a few times (Moses in Exodus 34:28, who fasted for 40 days and 40 nights). Apostle Paul fasted for three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:9).

An absolute was imposed in the Old Testament in the book of Esther. Queen Esther summoned the entire nation of Israel to fast for their deliverance. She called the people to fast for three days without food or water. Jonah fasted in this manner.

Esther 4:16

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

Jonah 3:6-10

"When Jonah's warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened."

Exodus 34:28

Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant Ten Commandments.

Partial Fast

The Partial Fast is when you abstain from certain foods. You can live on certain foods during this fast, such as bread and water, or you may choose a day(s) to fast from a specific meal each day. Daniel participated in a partial fast (Daniel 10:3) to solicit the Lord's wisdom. He fasted for 21 days and did not eat pleasant food, neither meat nor wine. This type of fast is known as the "Daniel Fast." The Daniel Fast restricts what you can eat. A partial fast may last from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from sunup to sundown.

Daniel 10:3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Corporate/Individual Fast

Corporate fasting happens when the church, as the body of Christ with Jesus as the head, seeks collectively to hear from God as they yield to His spirit. Benefits of Corporate Fasting

1. Corporate Fasting brings unity and a strong awareness of a dependence upon God.

2. Corporate Fasting heightens our hunger for His presence among us.

3. As we look for God to do great things in our church, fasting is the tool that, when used together, releases unity and clarity of vision. Therefore, we can walk in everything He has called for us as a corporate body.

Some examples of corporate fast are:

· I Samuel 7:5-6 "and Samuel said, gather all Israel, and they fasted.

· Ezra 8:21-23 "Then I proclaimed a fast, so we fasted and besought our God."

· Joel 2:15-16 "Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; gather the people."

Individual Fast

As Christians, God may speak to us individually for anything He wants us to sacrifice for some time. The sacrifice may be fasting from many things, such as coffee, desserts, TV, intimacy, shopping, social media, etc. You may fast a few days a week or have only one meal daily. In all of your fasting, seek God for your fasting direction.

Here are some individuals who fasted in the Bible. The list includes Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Elijah, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Ezra, Peter and Paul. We do not have enough time to discuss how they fasted; take some time to research on your own.

· I Kings 21:27-29 "When Ahab heard those words, He fasted and lay in sackcloth and went softly."

· Psalm 35:13: "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting."

Some things to Consider

The length of the fast may vary, as demonstrated in the Bible. Many occasions for fasting are recorded in the Bible. Some scriptures to visit are Acts 13:3, 14:23, Exodus 24:1, Psalm 35:13, Judges 20:26-28, I Samuel 1:5-11, Mark 9:29, Matthew 17:21, and many more. Fasting is significant.

Fasting Do's and Don'ts

 Fasting requires reasonable precautions. If you have health concerns, check with your doctor. When you are fasting, monitor changes in your medical condition.

 Don't go around telling people you are fasting. Your spouse should know that you are fasting.

 Do ask God to give you a personal revelation of Him, illuminate His word, and renew your heart and or the hearts of the people.

 Don't try a long fast without attempting a day fast, then add two days, etc.

 Don't do business as usual when fasting. Fasting is about self-denial. Your thoughts should be about God and not worldly things. Fasting and prayer must go together. You do not cease your everyday life; instead, focus on God.

 Do not fast for selfish reasons.

 Do remember that God is about your spiritual life; not eating in of itself is no big deal to God. Remember, a humble heart, a broken and repentant spirit, touches the heart of God.

Points to Remember (Friends of Fasting)

1. Fasting feeds your faith to seek God and to know His ways.

2. Fasting allows the body to help our minds understand that we are denying ourselves something to achieve a specific purpose, to pursue answers to decisions that may come in our lives.

3. Fasting develops Godly traits and refines your spirit man to enhance your capacity.

4. Fasting allows you to lean or depend on God's strength and power, not your own.

5. Fasting is a spiritual encounter with God and will intentionally draw you closer to Him.

6. Fasting with prayer will stretch and strengthen your prayer life.

7. Fasting pushes you into reading the word.

The attitude of a heart sincerely seeking God makes the difference when fasting. When fasting, our attention should be on the things of God. Remember that fasting is abstinence from things harmful to us and, most times, foods. Always remember fasting is a spiritual discipline that can unlock your horizons and make your spirit sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FASTING ---> THE BENEFITS OF FASTING

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6 | Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: To believe more deeply that fasting is a discipline for all believers

Feel: To feel more passionately that the discipline of fasting is still applicable and effective for current living

Do: To more readily incorporate fasting as a tool for seeking and drawing closer to God

Holistically speaking, there are many benefits to fasting. One might lose weight and inches. Another person may experience clearer thinking. Yes, fasting can benefit us physically and mentally. Fasting from certain things can cause health issues to go away and might deliver someone from an addiction. What we want to focus on, is the spiritual benefits of fasting with Biblical examples to back up our conversation.

We learned in Lesson 1, Isaiah 58:6-8, why we fast. Those same reasons are benefits as well. 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.

First, we will observe Jesus Christ in the act of fasting and the benefits he experienced.

Matthew 4:1-11

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

• Jesus had just been baptized and God verified who Jesus was in front of everyone. He had been acknowledged as the Son of God! Yet even Christ was required to fast in the flesh

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

• We must remember that Jesus was HUNGRY! Most people that are hungry become vulnerable and are mentally weak. The story of Esau losing his birthright is a great example of how vulnerable someone can be when hungry

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

• Jesus had a strong relationship with God and was fasting, yet the devil came to tempt him. Satan doesn’t care about the relationship, he wanted to test the ability to execute and the ability to resist when potentially vulnerable)

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Benefits of Personal Fasting

• Jesus could identify the misuse/abuse of God’s Word

• God gave him the knowledge and wisdom (Word) to respond effectively.

• God gave him the strength and energy to withstand this attack.

• He silenced the voice of the enemy.

• He didn’t compromise integrity for Wealth.

• The angels personally ministered to him (Divine assistance at our disposal)

Corporate Fasting is vital in the body of believers as well. As one unit, one body, we need to collectively fast together. There is power in our numbers (Deuteronomy 32:30, Matthew 18:20). We should all desire to carry our weight. We need each other and depend on each other. There is a divine flow that can’t be denied when we collectively connect on one accord and follow God’s Word. At that point we can’t be denied his promises.

2 Chronicles 20: 1-4,18-27

1 It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.

Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. 20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his[c] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD,for his love endures forever.” 22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing[d] and also articles of value more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah[e] to this day. 27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.

Benefits of Corporate Fasting

• Success came with unity.

• Everyone received an equal reward.

• There wasn’t a heavy physical toll on anyone to win the battle against the enemy

• Life was preserved and a physical fight wasn’t necessary.

• We can win, even when we are outnumbered.

• Verse 13 shows us it was a family affair. The children learned the benefits of fasting.

• The House/Body received a prophetic Word of Comfort and Assurance

• They received directions and a promise of victory from God.

• Corporate Worship and victory came from corporate fasting.

• The surrounding kingdoms had the fear of the Lord.

• The effects of fasting can cross borders.

FASTING: THEN

→

OLD

TESTAMENT,

&

NOW

NEW TESTAMENT, NOW (How is was and is still applicable)

FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6 | Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Believe: To believe more deeply that fasting is a discipline for all believers

Feel: To feel more passionately that the discipline of fasting is still applicable and effective for current living

Do: To more readily incorporate fasting as a tool for seeking and drawing closer to God

Introduction: Over the last three weeks we have taken an in-depth look at fasting. In week 1 we had an introductory lesson on fasting where we learned the fundamentals. During week 2 we discussed 11 different types of fasting and last we learned about the benefits of fasting. Tonight, we will jump into Fasting: Then & Now by surveying fasting in the Old Testament, the New Testament and Now. During this lesson we will discover how it was applicable then and why it is still applicable now. We will see how and why fasting came into being and why it is more important now than ever. Before we begin, what have you learned thus far?

Fasting: Then & Now

Theme Scripture: Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) Is this not the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Fasting in the Old Testament:

There are numerous occasions and various reasons that fasting occurred in the Old Testament. Here are just a few.

The “Day of Atonement” was the only fast that was commanded by the Law. (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7).

Leviticus 16:29-31 29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: 30 for on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. 31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

The Day of Atonement, though not called a fast in the scriptures, was commanded by God through Moses to the Children of Israel. Of course, during the atonement achieved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ had not yet come to pass. So, the children

of Israel were command to “afflict” their souls, rest from working, offer up a burnt sacrifice unto the Lord and the priest would make an atonement for them, so that they would be cleaned from their sins before the Lord.

David fasts for his first child with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-20).

16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth[b] on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.18 On the seventh day the child died. David’s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, he wouldn’t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.”19 David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

After David was convicted by Nathan and it was revealed that the child he had with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba was going to die as a result of his sin, he sought God and fasted for seven days until the child ultimately died. Though David was not granted his request, he and Bathsheba conceived Solomon not long after.

The People of Nineveh fast for God’s forgiveness

Jonah 3:5-10 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way;

and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

As Jonah feared and objected to, once he obeyed God and preached to the people of Nineveh, they believed God, fasted, and turned from their wickedness and when God saw their works, he forgave them and repented of the evil he had promised would befall them.

Fasting in the New Testament

In the New Testament Jesus himself fasted after being baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus also left instructions on fasting.

Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in preparation for his ministry. One of the most well-known fasts in the New Testament was Jesus’s forty days and forty nights fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). We discussed this in the last lesson, but to recap Jesus fasted for forty days and nights and was hungry afterwards. Shortly after The tempter came onto the scene. It is important to note that Jesus had not eaten for forty days, was hungry and had to be weak. When Jesus was at one of his weakest moments, the enemy came to tempt him. The enemy will attack when he feels you are most vulnerable. The enemy knew who Jesus was and still was bold and arrogant enough to attempt to convince Jesus to worship him. If the tempter will attempt to persuade Jesus to falter, certainly he will attempt to persuade you. Jesus through fasting was able to fight the tempter with the Word of God and cause him to flee.

Jesus leaves instructions on fasting

Matthew 6:16-18 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Fasting like any other service you offer to God it is meant to glorify God. You do not give your offerings to be seen, nor should you help a stranger to post it on your socials for likes, or brag to your neighbors for praise. Nor should you fast in a manner that intentionally draws attention to yourself. The hypocrites only fasted so they could be lifted up and be complimented on how “holy” they are and other undeserved praises. Jesus declares when you do this you have already received your reward from man. But when you offer your fast to God discreetly, He will reward you where everyone can see it.

These are several other instances of fasting found in the New Testament

The church at Antioch fasted as they laid hands on Saul and Barnabas and sent them on their way to complete the work of the Lord. (Acts 13:1-3)

The churches of Galatia fasted when they ordained Elders for the churches and commended them to the Lord. (Acts 14:21-23)

The Prophet Anna spends the rest of her days in the temple worshiping God through prayer and fasting. (Luke 2:37)

Fasting Today

Fasting in the church today is neither a command nor a church ordinance. It is a choice. Unfortunately, it is a choice that is not made nearly enough. Although it is not explicitly commanded, it is absolutely essential in the life of the believer. In these last and evil days, we must use every weapon God has given us to fight with.

The Disciples learn a valuable lesson about fasting in Matthew Chapter 17

Matthew 17:14-2117 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 18

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

A desperate father brings his son to the Disciples to cast the devil out of him and they fail. Along comes Jesus and he rebukes the devil, and he flees from the son. Once the disciples got Jesus in private. They asked why they failed, and Jesus explained to them that they lacked faith. He stated, “this kind only comes out by prayer and fasting” .

Do not miss the implications verse 21 has on life today. There are still some demons, some situations, some issues, some heartaches, and heartbreaks that can only be resolved by praying and fasting. When one chooses to never fast, they forfeit the ability to resolve some of life’s hardest issues and unknowingly resolve to stay in that current state.

Conclusion

Fasting is one of our most powerful yet woefully underused tools. We are warring against a defeated foe, not a weak one. The enemy will use every trick, trap, and plot to “knock you off of your pivot”. Anything the enemy believes will cause you to lose ground will be used against you. In this time of spiritual warfare, it is imperative that we use every single tool we have been provided. Some say it does not take all of that, however it is our belief that it takes all of that and more. Our prayer is that through this month’s lessons and by practical application that you have gained a valuable tool that you will use to do Spiritual battle.