SPIRITUAL RHYTHMS
Definition (s) of fast ing :
1. Biblical: A Christian’s abstinence from food for purposes.
2. Broader: The denial of a normal function for the sake of intense activity.
The ty p es of fasting in Scripture :
1. fasts. (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2)
2. fasts. (Daniel 1:12)
3. fasts. (Ezra 10:6; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9)
4. fasts. (Deut. 9:9)
5. fasts. (Matt 6:16-18)
6. fasts. (Joel 2:15-16; Acts 13:2)
7. fasts. (2 Chronicles 20:3; Nehemiah
9:1; Esther 4:16; Jonah 3:5-8)
8. fasts. (Leviticus 16:29-31; Zechariah
8:19; Luke 18:12)
9. fasts. (Matt 9:15)
Jesus both taught & practiced fasting : (Matt 6:16-18)
1. He Christians would fast.
2. He taught the to effective fasting.
The purpose s of fasting :
1. To prayer. (Ezra 8:23)
2. To seek God’s . (Judges 20; Acts 14:23)
3. To express . (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 30:24, 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:11-12)
4. To seek or protection. (Esther 4:16)
5. To express and the return to God. (Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:5-8)
6. To oneself before God. (1 Kings 21:2729; Psalm 35:13)
7. To express concern for the of God. (Nehemiah 1:3-4; Daniel 9:3)
8. To to the needs of others. (Isaiah 58:6-7)
9. To overcome and dedicate yourself to God. (Matt 4:1-11)
10. To express and to God. (Luke 2:37)
Some enemies to fasting :
1. .
2. .
3. .
Benefits of fasting :
1. It reveals the things that us.
2. It reminds us that our is not in food, but in God. (Matt 4:4; John 4:32)
3. It focuses our feelings (and their expression) toward God in _______________ .
4. It helps us live with in mind. (Matt 9:15)
Fasting p ractice s :
1. Start _______________ .
2. Plan what you’ll do of time.
3. Consider how it will affect .
4. Try kinds of fasting.
5. Fast from something other than .
6. Let your hunger drive your .
Fasting good habits :
1. Let God you as to when you fast.
2. Fast for something .
3. Fasting and always go together.
4. Fast to express your to God.
5. Fast to put your body under the Lord’s .
6. Don’t call _______________ to yourself.
7. Reserve enough to spend alone with God during your fast.
8. Don’t get _______________ if you don’t see an immediate answer.
9. Make sure you are fasting for the right .
10. Be _______________ because you denied yourself for God.