TEXT: ISAIAH 58: 1 – 12
INTRODUCTION:
True and Biblical fasting is abstaining from food, drink or sex to fast on a period of spiritual growth. It is to humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit and go deeper in our prayer life.
Christian fasting is not and should not be seen as a kind of “work” or “requirement” for getting something “serious” from God. However that does not mean that is not important or not recommended for spiritual growth. The book of Acts even recorded that believers fast and prayed before they made major decisions (Acts 13: 2; 14: 23). Yes, believers should fast from time to time to develop a closer walk with God.
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
1. Differentiate between true and false fasting. Isaiah 58: 1 – 12, Matthew 6: 16 – 18; Joel 2: 12.
2. What do you think that link fasting and prayer together? Luke 2: 37, Mark 5: 33; Acts 14: 23; Acts 13: 2.
3. Fasting should not be considered as “dieting method” as some do today. Discuss Ezra 8: 21 – 23; Jonah 3: 5 – 10. We should not fast to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.
4. What are other ways a believer can fast? 1 Corinthians 7: 1 – 5; 1 Corinthians 9: 27; Daniel 10: 2 – 3.
CONCLUSION
The main purpose of Christian fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is our own way as believers of demonstrating to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with God.
Therefore, anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered as fast. Even avoiding internet for a period of time can be effective fast.
MEMORY VERSE
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” Isaiah 58: 6