|
Introduction
The Biblical fasting is
imperative for the members of the body of Christ. It is essential, among
other things, to deal with the flesh, that fallen nature, which is still
much around to prevent us from prospering in the things of the spirit.
Apostle Paul said "But I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection…" (I Cor. 9:27).
A.
What is
fasting?
Fasting means abstinence and Biblical fasting means abstaining from food
and drink (depending on the duration) for a period. This fasting is a
voluntary act of denying ourselves of things that give us pleasure with a
view to suppress the flesh and uplift the spirit. Fasts could be divided
as follows:
-
Absolute Fast:
means abstinence from both food and water. It is advisable not to exceed
three days.
-
Total Fast:
Abstinence from food only. Water may be taken.
-
Partial Fast:
One meal/fruit may be taken in 24 hours. Water may be taken.
B.
Who should
fast?
-
Individual believer
II Sam. 12:16; Matt. 6:16-18
-
Group of believers
Acts 13:1-3
-
A whole nation Jonah
3:5-9; Esther 4:15-17
C.
What fasting
is set to Achieve, Isa. 58:6-14 (please note that the list below is not
exhaustive)
1. To
loose the bands of wickedness (vs.6)
2. To
undo the heavy burdens (vs.6)
3.
To let the
oppressed go free (vs.6)
4. To
break every yoke (vs.6)
5. To
give bread to the hungry (vs.7)
6.
To restore the
poor (vs.7)
7. To
clothe the naked (vs.7)
8. Not
to hide from relative who need your help (vs.7)
All these could be
summarized in James 1:27. It should be pointed out here that whether or
not you are fasting, you are expected to lead a life of daily practical
holiness. I Peter 1:15-16
D.
Other
advantages of fasting
0. It
puts down our flesh and increases our spirtual capacity, strength and
awareness. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength…" Is. 40:31; Ps. 35:13
1. It
makes clearer the purpose of God in your situation as you become more
receptive in the spirit. Act 9:8-9
2. You
possess keener perception of divine things and clarity of thought.
3. Fasting
helps to kindle and develop faith. Through fasting, spiritual fire is
kindled and faith operates well
4. It
helps break the power of Satan, and brings about deliverance and
healing. Mark 9:28-29
5. It
improves your prayer life tremendously. Luke 11:9-11
6. It
enhances continuous flow of anointing
E.
When do we
fast?
0. When
asking for divine secrets. Dan. 9:3, 20-22, 10:2-3
1. When
in danger. Acts 27:21-25; Jonah 1:17; 2:1
2. When
taking a crucial decision. Ester 4:15-16
3. When
sick and needs deliverance. II Chro. 7:14
4. When
preparing for a great task, revival, evangelism, missionary work etc.
Matt. 4:13; Act 13:3-5
5. When
asking God for intervention. Neh. 1:3-4; II Chro. 20:3-10
6. When
interceding for other people. Dan. 9:3
7. We
fast so that our spirit will readily be alive when God speaks. Acts
13:2-4
F.
How to
operate in Biblical fasting
0. The
one who is fasting needs to be very close to God, seeking His face in
prayers and supplication for the duration of the fast. And as already
mentioned, there must be abstinence from food and/or drinks.
1. Where
the fast goes beyond three days, it is not medically advisable to
continue without water. Such drinking water should be pure, and of
adequate quantity.
2. When
the person fasting needs to undertake some heavy task and undertake long
distance journeys, other liquid drinks will be advisable.
3. The
duration of a fast should be a covenant between you and God and the
purpose must be very clear, or else, the fast may be a waste of time, a
hunger strike, or dieting.
4. During
periods of fasting, those who are married must be like those who are
not, that is abstaining from sexual relationship. I Cor. 7:5
5. There
must be concerted prayers, adequate meditation on the Word and listening
distinctly to the Holy Spirit for the duration for the fast.
6. When
the days are fulfilled, withdrawing from fast should be done with all
caution and discipline. You need to exercise more self -control than
when you were fasting so that your health is not impaired.
7. Remember
to Pray before you end the fasting - very important!
G.
What Fasting
does to your health
0. Medical
science tells us that fasting is excellent for good health building, the
digestive system should be given periodical rest.
1. Overweight
and obese people are advised to eat wisely in order to reduce weight.
However, biblical fasting is not for above reasons.
H.
What fasting
does not achieve
0. It
does not bribe God, Duet 32:4. Therefore when we fast, we depend on
God's grace and promises Esther 4:16
1. It
does not replace true repentance from sin. Gal. 6:7-8. It is better for
us to confess and forsake our sins before starting to fast so as to get
God's attention
2. Prov.
28:13. You do not fast to loose weight. You may loose weight during a
fast but this should never be your goal for fasting unto God. However
this does not mean that you would not opt to abstain from food or cut
down on the amount for the purpose of loosing weight as you desire.
CONCLUSION
Apostle Paul declared that he was "in fasting often" II Cor. 11:27. Every
believer should endeavor to have the one day duration fast, at least, once
every week and other higher duration as the Spirit leads and/or situation
dictates. Do nothing to indicate to people you are fasting if you desire a
reward from it. Matt. 6:16-18
MEMORY VERSE MARK 9:29
|