Fasting

Posted in Christian Living by Pastor John Fresia

Remember
The main purpose for fasting is to fellowship with God.

How to Fast

  • Da 10:3 - eating less than usual, avoiding delicacies
  • Lu 4:2 - avoiding solids completely, drinking only
  • Ac 9:9 - completely avoided eating and drinking

People who Fasted

  • Moses (Ex 24:18)
  • David (Ps 69:10)
  • Johoshaphat (2Ch 20:1-4)
  • Elijah (1Ki 19:8)
  • Ezra (Ez 8:21-23)
  • Nehemiah (Ne 1:4)
  • Joel (Joe 2:15)
  • Anna (Lu 2:37)
  • Jesus (Mt 4:2)
  • Apostles (Lu 5:35)
  • Paul (Ac 9:9)
  • Church (Ac 14:23)
Reasons to Fast

  • To avoid being controlled by the flesh
  • A part of repentance and confession of sin
  • Prayer and meditation
  • Whenever intercession of important matter is needed

Combine Prayer and Fasting

  • Fasting alone has no value in the sight of God
  • Christian fasting is always combined with prayer:
    • Joe 2:13
    • Col 2:23
    • Isa 58:5
    • Zec 7:5

Biblical Fasting

  • Ac 13:2 - worshipping the Lord
  • Ac 13:3 - sedning out missionaries
  • Ac 14:23 - elders elected/put into office
  • Es 4:16 - in danger
  • Ps 35:13 - when specific prayer called for
  • Mt 6:16-18 - seen in secret by the Father

Life Control

  • Fasting reveals what truly controls our lives
  • Fasting helps keep our bodies under control (1Co 9:27)
  • Fasting helps us to avoid addictions (1Co 6:12)

Conclusion

  • Fasting is completely voluntary
  • Helps dedication to prayer
  • Practitioners of fasting testify to it
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