Fasting Defined FASTING - WHAT IS IT? WHY SHOULD I FAST?

Transcription

1 Fasting Guide

2 Fasting Defined FASTING - WHAT IS IT? What is fasting? Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. WHY SHOULD I FAST? Jesus Expects us to Fast In Matthew 6, Jesus says, When you fast..., and then goes on to give instructions on how to fast. His instructions assume that his disciples will, in fact, be fasting. Otherwise, there would be no need for him to give any instructions on the matter. But Jesus did more than just instruct about fasting, he actually demonstrated its importance. Before he went into public ministry, he fasted for forty days. Even during his ministry he would often come away from the crowds to pray alone. In short, a long stretch of fasting empowered his entire three-year ministry. Fasting Kills our Love of Lesser Things It s easy to be preoccupied with the good stuff of life (money, people, job, school, relationships, etc.) and miss the greatness of God. Fasting helps us to remember that, man doesn t live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God, (Matt. 4:4). In forsaking food, we forsake that on which we depend for physical life, to remember the one on whom we ultimately depend on for true life. Fasting helps us to focus on Jesus and to put out the fires of devotion to lesser things. Fasting is an Act of Humility and Consecration Humility results in the grace of God. When we humble ourselves in prayer, we have instant access to the heart of God. As we deny ourselves as an act of consecration, we are better able to exercise self-control. We can keep our emotions and desires under control.... I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting... (Psalm 35:13) 1

3 Fasting Fans into Flame our Passion for God God does not want us to be halfhearted in our devotion to Him. Fasting causes us to see freshly our dependence on God and thus stirs our affections for Him. It causes us to see him as our daily bread, and sweeter to us than honey (Psalm 19:10). This makes true worship rise from our hearts to God because when we fast, all we have is our hunger and God. We have no choice but to fight to feast on the fullness of God. Fasting Causes Us to be Generous Isaiah 58 shows us that one of God s intentions behind fasting is that we might take the food and resources we re not using during that time and give them to the poor and oppressed. By abstaining from food and the extras in life, we re able to be more generous. Consider the words of Scripture:...if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame (Isaiah 58: 10-11). Fasting Strengthens Prayer Scripture gives us examples of fasting strengthening our prayers, thus the common pairing of Christians fasting and praying. When we fast, our minds and hearts become focused, and our prayers are often more filled with fervor and life. That s not to say that our emotional commitment to pray somehow makes God listen better, but it does allow us to pray better, and more in line with God s will. (See Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:17-29; Acts 10:30) Fasting Helps Us Become Sensitive to the Holy Spirit When we deny ourselves of our natural cravings, our spiritual antennas become sharper. We become more sensitive to His voice as we divest ourselves of worldly distractions. We are better able to focus on God and submit to His will. This opens the door for the Holy Spirit into our lives. While they were worshiping the lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. (Acts 13:2). Here are some additional reasons that Scripture gives us to fast: To be Christ-like (Matthew 4:1-17; Luke 4:1-13). To grow in holiness (Isaiah 58:5-7). To repent from sins (See Jonah 3:8; Nehemiah 1:4, 9:1-3; 1 Samuel 14:24). To mourn for the dead (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12). To request God's help in times of crisis and calamity (Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:4-11). 2

4 WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FAST? Scripture gives us examples of a few different forms of fasting. The Absolute Fast One type of fast is the absolute fast. In this fast, one abstains completely from all food and water for a certain period of time. Moses and Elijah both fasted in this way (Deuteronomy 9:9, 10:10, 18:25-29; 1 Kings 19:8). This is not a commonly performed fast, and should be done with a great deal of care. It s not recommended to pursue this type of fast for more than three days, and only to do so under the supervision of your doctor. The Solid-Food Fast The next kind of fast is a solid-food fast. This is exactly as it sounds abstaining from solid foods, while allowing yourself to drink water and juice. Some theologians think that Jesus did a fast like this, because the Scriptures don t mention him being thirsty at the end of it (Matthew 4:2). The Partial-Fast The final kind of fast that Scripture shows us is a partial fast. Daniel, for example, fasted from delicacies, meat, and wine for 21 days (Daniel 10:3). HOW SHOULD I PREPARE? Spiritual Preparation In preparation for this special time with God, examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. Physical Preparation Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should not fast without specific physical preparation. 1. Begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that "last big feast" before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable. 2. Wean yourself off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast. 3. Throughout your fast, you may feel somewhat weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable. Lightening your workload and cutting down on strenuous exercise would be a very good idea to maintain your health. 3

5 Fasting Plan Fasting is always done with prayer. Commit and plan to pray fervently during your fast. Set aside intentional times during the day to pray. (For example, you may want to wake up 20 minutes early for a time of focused prayer and during your lunch break find a spot where you can be alone and commit that time to prayer. Also commit your usual dinnertime to prayer). The key is to have a plan for your focused prayer time and strive to stick to it. When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advice is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. HOW SHOULD I FAST? Choose one of the following options. Option One: Do an absolute fast (No Food nor Drink) till 12pm each day. Option Two: Do a solid fast (Water, Juices and/or Soup allowed) till 3pm each day. After you break your fast, I recommend one or two light meals for the rest of the day. Option Three: Do a solid fast (Water, Juices and/or Soup allowed) till 6pm each day. After you break your fast, I recommend just one light meal for dinner. Option Four: Do a solid fast (Water, Juices and/or Soup allowed) the duration of 7 days. PASTOR S NOTE: While I do not believe that fasting may be from television, social media, or hobbies, I believe in abstaining from them to allow one more time to devote to prayer and reflection. 4

6 Day One A MAN WHO KNEW GOD Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. - Exodus 33:11a (NASB) 1. How does verse 11 describe how the Lord would speak to Moses? A sample conversation is portrayed in verses How would you compare this to how you speak to God during your quiet times with Him? What do we learn about our own relationship with Jesus in John 15:15? 2. Name the 3 prayer requests of Moses in chapter 33: What do they reveal about the heart of Moses? 3. What was the purpose of the prayer request of Moses in verse 13? 1. As you spend time with the Lord starting this week journal what are the things that you personally discover about God just like Moses did after the Lord appeared to him in Exodus 34: What do the Lord s words in Exodus 33:19, I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion reveal about God s character? How submissive are you to that truth even with regards to your own petitions to God? 3. Why did Moses want God s presence to go with them in verses 15-16? In the NT how are disciples distinguished from other people (e.g. John 13:35, Romans 8:14)? How true are those in your life? Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God. - Andrew Murray Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Pray that an authentic relationship with Jesus will be the highest of your affections, and knowing him the goal of your life. Investing (Pray for others): Pray for those you know, that the lies they believe will be replaced with the truth, and that they would forsake small pleasures for true satisfaction in God. Pray for friends and family to believe the truth of the gospel. Inviting (Pray for our communities): Pray for the metro area, that a gospel revival and renewal around the truth of God s word would happen soon. 5

7 Day Two THE DANGER OF NOT KNOWING GOD Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 2 Timothy 3:7 (NASB) 1. How do you differentiate learning in verse 7 from knowing the truth? What danger does mere learning pose to today s Christians? 2. Will genuinely knowing God prevent you from developing those traits mentioned in vv. 1-6? Why or why not? 3. 2 Tim. 3:6 describes ungodliness among certain church people who are still in bondage to the flesh either as a victimizer or as a willing victim. They are led on by various impulses (NASB). What should you do to not be led by your impulses (Gal. 5:16-18)? 1. Go through the list of the ungodly traits and use the dictionary to get the definitions of unclear terms. Then ask the Lord to reveal to you manifestations of any of those traits in your life. Ask God s forgiveness. 2. Verse 5 says, They will appear to have a godly life but they will not let its power change them. Name an attitude (e.g. self-righteousness), a habit (e.g. absence of reflection on the message after the service), or any barrier (e.g. bad company) that prevents you from being changed by God s word? What steps will you take to correct the problem? The church is in trouble. Superficiality, immaturity and mediocrity has characterized the church. Carnality and compromise has robbed the church of the spiritual power and spiritual authority to make a difference in this world. - Edmund Chan Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Pray that you would feast on God s word. That God s words would be for you a source of life, wisdom, and life change. Investing (Pray for others): As you read God s word, look for promises for others in your life. Pray for the sick, the lost, and the broken based on the promises in God s word. Inviting (Pray for our community): The Scripture tells us to pray thy Kingdom come. Pray this prayer over our city and county. 6

8 Day Three THE NEED TO KNOW GOD Two of Jesus' disciples were going to the village of Emmaus As they were talking and thinking about what had happened, Jesus came near and started walking along beside them. But they did not know who he was. - Luke 24:15-16 (CEV) 1. Verse 16 says that although Jesus Himself joined 2 of His own followers they did not know who he was. Later on in verse 31 they knew who he was. What do you think prevented the disciples from initially recognizing Jesus? What was the implication when Jesus had to explain the Scriptures to them again in verse 27 before they would recognize Him? 2. In verse 19, how did Cleopas perceive Jesus to be up to this point? What important truth is missing in his description of Jesus? 3. What does his account of Jesus in verses reveal about Cleopas? For what was he rebuked by Jesus in verse 25? 1. Jesus explained Moses and all the prophets (a reference to the Scriptures during those times) to the 2 disciples in verse 27. In verses 44-46, He also explained the Scriptures to the eleven and those who were with them. How important is knowing and believing in the words of God in having a clear knowledge of who God is in your life? 2. What concrete steps will you do so that you will grow in the word of God? Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfold as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul. - J. I. Packer Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Pray that you would be free from sin today. Ask the Lord to give you grace to kill the sinful desires in your own heart, and to set you free to love and follow him. Investing (Pray for our church): Ask the Lord to make our church a holy people who run from sin and who look progressively like Jesus. Inviting (Pray for our communities): Ask the Lord to free us from the bondages our city experiences to sin. Pray for your workmates, friends, business, and school. Pray for love of holiness to come over our communities. 7

9 Day Four THE BLESSINGS OF KNOWING GOD I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. - Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) 1. The passage enumerates the spiritual blessings of being in Christ. List down the blessings from each of the 3 persons of the Trinity. How are each of those blessings true in your own life? 2. The phrase in Christ and in Him are repeated 9x in verses What is the importance of this in connection with the spiritual blessings mentioned? What does it mean to be in Christ? Is it possible to know God apart from Christ? 3. According to verse 13 how were you included in Christ (NIV)? Enumerate the 3 steps in the process based on this verse. 1. From the list of spiritual blessings you made in Reflect 1 compose a love letter to the Lord that expresses your gratitude and deep respect to Him. The private and personal blessings we enjoy - the blessings of immunity, safeguard, liberty and integrity - deserve the thanksgiving of a whole life. - Jeremy Taylor Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Ask the Lord to make you fruitful. Pray John 15:1-5 over your life. Investing (Pray for our church): Pray that God would make Redemption Church fruitful, and that we would bring God much glory even as we bear much fruit together. Inviting (Pray for our communities): Ask God to give our city the fruits of righteousness. Those parts of our city that are fruitless and bearing bad fruit, ask him to prune them. Ask him to grow the fruits of righteousness, faithfulness, holiness, love, and peace. 8

10 Day Five A ER TO KNOW GOD And I pray that you may have power, together with all the Lord s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) 1. Having listed down each of the spiritual blessings mentioned in Ephesians 1:3-14, what is the main prayer of the Apostle Paul in our passage today which he mentions in verses 17 and 18a (NASB)? 2. Paul enumerates 3 things that a believer will realize in verses 18b-19 as a result of knowing God better. What are those? 3. In verses 19-21, how did Paul describe the great power that is available for us if only we will know God better? [He explains this power more in Eph. 2:1-7, Romans 8:11, and Eph. 3:16-19]. 1. From the example of Paul in verses 17-18, how should we pray for ourselves and also for others? Why is this type of prayer important? 2. How will knowing God and realizing His hope, His riches, and His great power for you (vv ) help you through all the challenges in your life? How can they help you in your present problems? As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. - Psalm 42:1-2a (NIV). Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Ask the God for more faith. Repent of self-reliance and small faith. Repent also of the ways you've been untrustworthy. Ask God to make you a faithful man or woman of faith. Investing (Pray for our church): Pray that God will make our faith in him ever increasing. We are trusting him for more disciples, more growth, the planting of new churches, and the expansion of missions. We need faith to see all of that happen. Inviting (Pray for our communities): Ask God to grant the gift of faith to many in our city. Pray that he would cause the unbelieving to believe, and those of weak or small faith in him to trust in him more and more. 9

11 Day Six THE GOAL: TO KNOW GOD I want to know Christ yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV) 1. According to Paul in verses 5-7 what were the things he considered as valuable before but realized them to be worthless? 2. Aside from the list of things he mentioned in verses 5-7, what does he say in verse 8 twice which he likewise considers rubbish? 3. The word know means to know experientially. What 3 areas did Paul identify through which he wanted to experientially know Christ in verse 10? 1. As you reflect on what Paul considered to be worthless come up with your own list of worthless background, accomplishments or ambitions when compared to the value of knowing Jesus better. How does clinging on to those worthless things hinder you from having more of God? 2. Paul mentions in verse 14 that he is dead set in pursuing a goal for which God has called him. Do you have a similar goal? If not, what heavenly goal does God want you to adopt in your own life. Ask the Lord to reveal to you. Share to your accountability leader. Until you have given up yourself to Him, you will not have a real self. - C.S. Lewis Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Ask the Lord to give you a heart for metro Atlanta. Pray that God would open your heart. Investing (Pray for our church): Ask God to make Redemption Church a church of great Kingdom influence in Atlanta and Gwinnett County. Ask the Lord for growth, and that He would bless our efforts to plant churches all over Atlanta. Ask the Lord to send laborers here, and for the resources and wisdom to see those laborers bear fruit in Gwinnett. Inviting (Pray for our city): In all these things, pray for the city of Atlanta. Ask God to work mightily among us. 10

12 Day Seven THE DESIRE TO KNOW GOD But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 9:24 (ESV) 1. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, to boast means to find hope and joy in the source of boasting. What are the usual things man boasts about? What are you inclined to boast about? 2. Why should you only boast in the Lord? 3. In light of all the injustices and unrighteousness happening in the world which act of God clearly demonstrates that the LORD practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth? Why? 1. From Psalm 103:6-18 list down the attributes and traits portrayed of God by David. 2. From the list above name 2 attributes of God you have clearly experienced in your life. 3. From the same list can you identify 2 attributes which you seem to least know about God or have least experienced from Him? You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 29:13-14a (NLT) Intimacy (Pray for yourself): Ask the Lord to give you a heart for the nations of the earth. Consider partnering with missionaries. Investing (Pray for our church): As our church continues to grow, pray that God would call some from among us as missionaries across the world. Inviting (Pray for our communities): The nations of the world live in our city! Ask God to give us open doors into the internationals in our city. Pray that there would be a revival among them. 11