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