EFFECTIVE FASTING

INTRODUCTION

       Fasting is defined as the voluntary abstinence of food and pleasures of the flesh to seek God.

• Fasting is part of the discipline of self control. It is a way of showing that we depend on God for survival, and as our main source of strength and supplier of our needs.
• It is not a way of manipulating God.
• Fasting is a way of focusing totally on God when seeking His guidance and help.
• It is a form of service and sacrifice to God (Luke 2; Romans 12:1-2).
• Fasting should be done seriously and sincerely.
• You should be correct in your motives (Isaiah 58:6-7).

OUTLINE

1. Biblical purposes of fasting?
   1. To deviate God’s wrath (v.4). King declared a fast
      1. That all men and beasts should not eat or drink (v.7)
      2. That all men and beasts should dress in sackcloth (v.7)

• Everyone was challenged to call upon God (v.7)

1. People were told to give up their evil ways and their violence (v.7)

1. Jesus expects the church to fast (Matthew 6:16-18)
2. For guidance (Acts 13; 14:23; Judges 20:26-28)
   1. They needed guidance on who to sent and through prayer and fasting, the Holy Spirit guided them-Barnabas and Saul(Acts 13: 2-3)
   2. Paul fasted and prayed in order to know who to choose as elders (Acts 14:23)

• Israelites fasted to know from God if they were to go for war or not ( Judges 20:26-28)

1. For intensity in prayer (2 Samuel 12; Ezra 8:21-23)
   1. David fasted to seek God to heal the ill child(2 Samuel 12: 15-17)
   2. Ezra sought God to protect them on their way back to Jerusalem (Ezra 8: 21-23)
2. As a sign of morning (Nehemiah 1:4-6)
   1. Nehemiah mourned for the sins of Israelites
   2. He confessed his sins and those of the entire Israelite community
3. To show humility in the presence of God (Ps. 35:13)
4. For spiritual strength- disciples faith was weak and Jesus here is advising them how their faith can be strong (Luke 4:1-11; Mark 9:29; Matthew 17:20-21)
5. Results of genuine praying and fasting
   1. God forgave them (Jonah 3:10)
   2. God shows his grace and compassion by not destroying them ( Jonah 4:2)
   3. It brings quick healing (Isaiah 58:8)
   4. God answers prayers (Isaiah 58:9)
   5. It breaks the yoke and people are set free (Isaiah 58:6) and salvation is released.
   6. It opens closed doors and gives you direction

• Benefits of fasting
  1. Brings us closer to God
     1. When we draw closer to God in fasting, He draws closer to us
     2. As we decrease in physically, the spirit increases (2 Cor. 4:16)
• As we humble and deprive our bodies through fasting, our spiritual man is made stronger and our senses more acute (Acts 13:2-3)

1. Wicked kings, destined for destruction, received mercy from humbling themselves and fasting (1 Kings 21:29; Jonah 3:10)
2. Prepares us for the work of the ministry (Matthew 4:
   1. Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His earthly ministry
   2. Moses waited for 40 days and received Divine revelation of God’s commandments
3. It helps you body system with the digestion

CONCLUSION

There is power in fasting. Train yourself to be fasting when things in your life seem to be unbearable or they are difficult. When you need breakthrough, fasting is the way to go.