The following are notes and practical tips from the lesson:
Fasting
I. Fasting is a divine weapon ordained by God for all Christians.
A. Matthew 6:6-18
B. Matthew 6:33-35
C. Jesus is our example in all things (I Peter 2:21). Jesus began his public ministry with fasting. Matthew 4:2
D. Fasting is required to see certain works of God manifested. Matthew 17: 21
II. What is fasting?
III. Types of fasts
A. Normal fast – No food but drinking water (plenty of water).
Jesus Matthew 4:2, Luke 4:2
B. Absolute fast – No food or water. Paul - Acts 9:9; Ezra – Ezra 10: 6; Esther – Esther 4: 16; Moses – Deuteronomy 9:9, 18; Exodus 34:28; Elijah – I Kings 19:8.
Normally this was never more than 3 days and seemed to be used in only the most desperate situations.
C. Partial fasts – Giving up certain kinds of food. “Daniel fast” Daniel 1:15 Eating only vegetable and water and Daniel 10:3 eating fruits, vegetables and water.
IV. Lengths of fasts –Duration can vary. Biblically there are 24 hour fasts, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days and 40 days.
A. 40 days – Jesus, Moses, Joshua, Elijah
B. 21 days – Daniel
C. 14 days – Paul
D. 3 days – Paul, Peter
E. 1 day -several
V. What is significant about fasting? Why fast? Why is it so hard to do?
Fasting helps you establish dominion and authority over ___flesh______________.
VI. Wrong approach/motives vs correct approach. Isaiah 58.
What is God saying that they are doing wrong?
What characterizes the God ordained Fast?
VII. Priorities in Fasting
A. Primary- Fasting unto God Zech 7:5. To honor God, to worship God.
B. Secondary:
1. Personal sanctity- Setting ourselves apart, humbling ourselves
2. To be Heard on High Ezra 8:23
3. To seek mercy and grace and prevent God’s judgment. Jonah 3:5, 10
4. To free the captives. To break strongholds. Isaiah 58, Matthew 17:21
5. To seek deliverance from circumstances. Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 20: 3-4,13
6. To seek guidance and direction and protection for the children. Ezra 8: 21-23
7. To intercede for our nation. II Chronicles 7: 14; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:12- 15
VIII. Blessings of Fasts
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Practical tips on Fasting
1. Have a specific purpose for the fast.
2. Start slowly. If this is your first time to fast, start slowly (fasting from specific items, fasting for one meal, fasting for one day, etc.) and move up to longer fasts over a period of time.
3. Set a definite beginning and ending time. If it is an extended fast, be accountable to someone.
4. Begin the fast with the resolve that it is going to have an effect.
5. Plan ahead – look at your schedule and make it a part of your planning for that week (set specific prayer times, etc.).
6. Set aside specific times for the Word and prayer. Natural times would include your usual meal times.
7. Worship and sing through the day to “feed” your spirit.
8. Keep a journal of what you receive from the Lord throughout the fast.
9. Walk by faith and not by feelings. Focus on the fact that you are obeying God. If you are fasting for a longer time than before, you may experience some physical discomforts (headache, etc.) Decide ahead of time that you will let these times lead you to desperation for God.
10. Always drink lots of water and/or juice.
11. You may need more rest than normal.
12. Break the fast with healthy food – soup, or broth, bread, fruit, etc.
13. Make it a part of your regular lifestyle!
Who Should Not Fast?
1. Those on medication which prevents it.
2. Those with specific medical conditions (hypoglycemia, pregnant women. etc.) Consult your physician if you have any questions.
3. People who have hard physical jobs need to be sure and drink plenty of liquids (up to 64 oz.) of water/juice a day.
Note: Fasting is healthy for the average person! It is not harmful when done properly.
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