This study was first taught on November 10, 2010

Topic: The Believer’s Responsibilities (3): Fasting (1)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week, we looked at the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” When studied in the context of the entire verse (Matthew 6:13) the applicability and relevance of the doxology is clear: for we are saying, “You, my Father, can lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from the claws of the evil one: because this realm in which I live is part of Your kingdom (of which You alone are King); and You have the ability and authority to do so; and it is all for Your glory (the manifestation of Who You really are – the King of kings, the longsuffering God, the God who makes all things good in His time, and so on) forever (not for a season, or in certain ages). And this I affirm for sure!” The above paraphrase should allay concerns about whether or not the doxology should be included in the bible (for some have said that ancient manuscripts did not include it). Furthermore, we saw that this particular doxology is similar to the one David spoke in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, and thus one of the direct quotations of the Lord Jesus from scripture. Also, we noted that the early apostles made doxological declarations. We thus inferred that we should include doxologies in our prayers, to affirm our trust in God.

We also saw that the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” speaks of God’s sovereignty. This means that God can do whatsoever He wishes to, and no one can query Him! Thus, while we do not doubt God’s ability, authority, and dominion; we recognize that the answer to our prayer is not automatic, but subject to God’s willingness and omniscience. The doxology also speaks of our total submission to the sovereignty of God. We therefore do not get despondent when God does not answer our prayer as we would want, or when we want, or even when He does not answer at all! Finally, this doxology enables us to appreciate that whatever God does is for His glory; and this, we (His children) are interested in. We therefore do not struggle with God; rather, we yield to His decision to answer our prayers or not; for we now know that it is in praising God that His glory is revealed!

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:16-18
Tonight, we move on to another area of a Christian’s responsibility: Fasting. Our scripture text mentions the fast by hypocrites, as well as the fast we should engage in. May the Holy Spirit help us to study this all important, and yet abused subject, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
There is obviously a proper and improper way to fast. But before we look at the way to fast, we shall be establishing the fact that fasting is something that God expects His children to engage in. Thus, we shall establish that fasting is a believer’s responsibility.
Matthew 6:16a; Mark 2:18-20; Deuteronomy 9:8-19; Leviticus 23:27-32; Joel 2:15-27; Matthew 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:23-30; Jonah 3:5-10; 2 Corinthians 8:7; Matthew 6:16-18; 1 Kings 21:1-29; Isaiah 58:3-12.

Conclusion
Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is called to act responsibly by including fasting as one of his or her Christian duties; for the Lord said, “… when ye fast …” not “… if ye fast …”. Indeed, our study tonight has revealed that the Lord expected us to fast, “… when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” The Bridegroom, the Lord Himself has been taken away from us, so this is the time to fast!

We also established that people have fasted to God in every age, including those under the sentence of God’s judgment among God’s own people, and unbelievers, when they wanted to avert the judgment of God. We are therefore to fast.

Finally, we have seen the hypocritical way to fast, which is always an outward show, while the inner man remains wicked and evil. And even when the inward intention may be right, fasting must be done in a proper way. One principal thing that evidences a proper fast is humility. The improper way is evil through and through, while the proper way always leads to seeking and releasing God’s goodness into people’s lives (2 Chronicles 7:14).

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