This study was first taught on November 17, 2010

Topic: The Believer’s Responsibilities (3): Fasting (2)

No audio available for this study.

---

Background
We began last week to study the third responsibility of a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ—fasting. We saw that every Christian is expected to fast, because the Lord said, “… when ye fast …” not “… if ye fast …”. He also affirmed that while He (the bridegroom) was around, there wasn’t any need for fasting, but after He is gone, then shall we fast; and He’s been gone for almost 2,000 years now! Furthermore, we established that fasting unto God has been practiced in every age, including unbelievers who were on God’s pronouncement of judgment. With these evidence, we concluded that fasting is not just something that we may engage in; rather, it is something we must do!

We noted that there are however, acceptable and unacceptable fasts. We saw that an acceptable fast before God, must be unto God, and is essentially an abstinence from food, an affliction of the soul, and a repudiation of evil deeds. We also saw that there is a hypocritical fast, which is always an outward show (to be seen of men), even though the inner man remains wicked and evil. A proper fast on the other hand is marked by an inward as well as an outward attitude of contrition before God, and is evidenced by humility; which is a trait that has always moved God to change His mind; instead of the mere act of refusing to eat.

We concluded that hypocritical or improper fast is evil through and through, but the acceptable or proper fast always leads to seeking and releasing God’s goodness into people’s lives.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:16-18
Tonight, we shall be reviewing the kinds of fasts recorded in the bible. May the Holy Spirit lead us through this study tonight, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
A fast can be identified by a number of parameters, such as, the convener of the fast, the duration of the fast, the number of hours per day, the level of abstinence, the number of people participating in the fast, and the circumstance that can require a fast. As we go over the scripture passages below, we shall seek to identify these parameters, with a view to arriving at a conclusion on the kinds of fasts we ought to engage in, as well having a better understanding of how to fast acceptably before God.
Deuteronomy 9:9-21 (Exodus 24:12-16; 34:28); Joshua 7:1-13; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; 1 Kings 19:1ff; 2 Chronicles 20:1-25; Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:1-4; Esther 4:15-16; Daniel 9:2-4; 10:1-3; Joel 2:15-17; Jonah 3:5-10; Luke 4:1-2; Acts 27:21, 33-37.

Conclusion
From our study tonight, we can conclude that believers in Jesus Christ should:
1. engage in fasts convened by God, our spiritual leader, or by self;
2. engage in fasts ranging from one day to forty days (dry fasts) or more (breaking at 6 p.m.);
3. engage in daily fasts from dawn to dusk each day (that is, breaking at 6 p.m.), or for whole days (without breaking until the end of the number of days—at most 40 days);
4. engage in fasts that require total abstinence (that is, no food nor water) usually for a few days; no food, but with water (for up to forty days), or unpleasant bread (usually for those who are engaged in hard work; and the unpleasant bread, should truly be unpleasant);
5. engage in fasts with others in tow (in group fasts, it is imperative that all participants be of one accord);

The circumstance for convening a fast can vary and may include; wanting to spend time with God; seeking God’s help or counsel; to overcome temptation; to repent before God; and to intercede on behalf of loved ones. Also, we have seen that a fast can become a game-changer in the affairs of men. However, the final authority on whether or not a fast will change things in our favour is God.

In general, however, every believer in Jesus Christ should fast often (at least once a month) for his own issues, for the issues of others or nations, or as God may direct. Also, a true Christian should progress in his fasting from short to lengthy; from some hours a day to whole days; and from unpleasant bread to total abstinence.

---

Back to all Bible Study Outline List