7-2- 17

Louie Captain PRAYER AND FASTING

Introduction: A. Teaching on Fasting is one of the most neglected in the Bible. B. Yet, as we hear the words of Jesus, He seems to clearly indicate that fasting would be a practice of the New Testament Church. Scripture Text: Matt. 6:16-18 Matt. 9:14-15 I. What is Fasting? A. It is when someone abstains from eating food. 1. This may be total or partial (all foods or certain foods) 2. This may be for a short or long period (1 meal to 40 days) 3. Word BREAKFAST (eating again after night without food) B. Normally this involves the elements of self-denial & discipline 1. When hungry for food, fasting is choosing not to eat it. 2. In a world where self-indulgence & satisfying our needs is taught as most important, self-denial in fasting isn’t popular 3. But, self-denial & discipline of the body are Christian traits C. And the Bible reminds there can be spiritual benefit in fasting 1. It must be more than just missing a meal, or cutting down on food to diet, or just for discipline sake only 2. Spiritual fasting is rewarded, as discipline leads to humility before God, & seeking & surrender to His Will. 3. This is why FASTING is usually connected with PRAYER II. What are the Spiritual Purposes of Fasting? A. To Express Repentance for past sins committed 1. Nehemiah (9:1) assembled the people to fast & confess sins 2. Daniel (9:2f) sought God by prayer & fasting, making confession for the sins of Israel for which God brought them to captivity. (Then God gave 70 Weeks Prophecy) 3. Jonah (3:5) Jonah preached destruction on Ninevah, but in repentance the ruler declared a fast for the whole pagan city 4. Paul waited in repentance & fasting 3 days in Damascus for God to give instructions for salvation. Acts 9:9

5. We need to show God we too are serious about sin. B. To Ask for God’s Intervention in a Situation 1. When Hannah remained childless - I Samuel 1:7 2. When Protection was needed from evil forces a. Esther (4:12-16) b. Ezra (8:21-23) 3. Don’t we sometimes need God’s intervention? C. To Listen to & confirm God’s Wisdom & Will 1. While Moses received commands on Sinai Exodus 34:28 2. While Jesus was in the desert before beginning his earthly ministry he fasted for 40 days Matthew 4 3. How serious our we about knowing & following God’s will D. To Dedicate Persons to God’s Service 1. Acts 13: 1-3 A growing, visionary church at Antioch of Syria was led by the H.S. to set apart Barnabas & Saul as missionaries. They fasted & prayed & laid hands on them and sent them off. 2. Acts 14:23 As Paul & Barnabas appointed elders in each church, they fasted & prayed & committed them to Lord 3. How serious are we in setting apart workers for God? III. What Principles Should Be Observed When Fasting? A. Things to Avoid 1. Not to fast in order to call attention to ourselves- Matt. 6:16 2. Not to fast as merely a programmed ritual 3. Not to fast, but neglect obedience to God’s Will B. Things to Do 1. Fast with a definite objective in mind, like a prayer need 2. Use Prayer & Bible Reading along with the fast to feed your spirit as your body is being denied. 3. Enter the fast with faith God will reward you - Matt. 6:18