Fasting in the Christian Pespective

Fasting in the Christian Pespective

  • Submitted By: Blandinah
  • Date Submitted: 03/24/2010 4:51 AM
  • Category: Religion
  • Words: 258
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 627

Fasting
Definition – Abstaining from food so as seek God’s face. (Daniel 9v3)
 It’s a sacrifice/commitment one take to draw close to God.
 It’s a sign of humbleness. (Psalms 35v13 )
 A way of disciplining ourselves.
 It’s way of serving/ministering to our God. (Act 13v2)
 It’s not pleasant to our bodies and is about forsaking other things (Daniel 10v3)
 A way of seeking God’s direction. (Ezra 8v21)
Should we fast? – Yes
 Christ calls us/ orders us to fast. (Mat 6v16 onwards)
 The scripture says when you fast and not if you fast meaning we are to fast.
How?
 During fasting we are to focus on God and not on ourselves or the desires of the flesh (Isaiah 58v3)
 We must pray and read the word. (Jeremiah 36v6)
 Do be done in secret. Between you and God. (Matthew6v16).
 Our motive should be genuine. We should do it whole heartedly. (Isaiah 58v6 onwards)
Benefits of fasting
 Fosters repentance. (Joel 2v11-13).
 Builds a strong relationship between us and God. Enables us to hear from God. (Luke 2 v37), (Act 13v2).
 Enables us to see things in the spiritual realm. (Acts 10v29-31).
 Helps us deal with sin. (Psalms 69v10).
 Destroys the desires of the flesh and feeds the spirit. (Psalms 109v24).
Examples of people who fasted in the bible
 Jesus
 Moses
 David
 Daniel
 Esther and God’s people
 Elijah
 The people of Nineveh and many more
Other supporting scriptures
 Matthew 15v32
 Mark 8v3
 Acts 27v33
 2 Chronicles 20v1-30
 Isaiah 58
 Isaiah 13v1-3

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