This study was first taught on November 24, 2010

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

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Last week we reviewed some biblical fasts based on the following parameters: who convened the fast; how long was the fast for; how many hours in a day did the fast last; the things those engaged in the fast abstained from; the number of people participating in the fast; and the circumstance that gave rise to the fast.

On the basis of our review, we arrived at the following conclusions about the fasts that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ should engage in:
1. Fasts convened by God, our spiritual leader, or by self;
2. Fasts ranging from one day, and up to forty days (for a dry fast) or for more number of days (where you are breaking at 6 p.m. daily);
3. 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. Fasts that require total abstinence (neither 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. Personal fasts, small group fasts, or congregational fasts. In the case where there are groups of people involved, it is imperative that all participants be of one accord.
6. Fasts arising from: (a) wanting to spend time with God; (b) seeking God’s help or counsel; (c) overcoming temptation; (d) repentance before God; (e) intercession for others; (f) fear; (g) not knowing what to do; to mention a few.

We also noted that although fasts can be game-changers in the affairs of men; the ultimate decision of whether or not a fast changes things in our favour rests with God.

Finally, we noted that every believer in Jesus Christ should not only fast often (at least once a month) for his own issues, for the issues of others or nations, or as God may direct; but should also progressively grow in the grace of fasting. We should move from fasting for a few days to fasting for many more days; from fasting for a few hours a day to fasting for whole days; and from eating unpleasant bread to total abstinence.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:16-18
Tonight, we want to investigate the rewards of fasting. Our scripture text makes it clear that there are rewards for fasting hypocritically and for fasting honestly. May the Holy Spirit help us to fast in honestly, so that we can reap the kind of rewards that only God can give.
There is no need to waste time looking at the reward of hypocritical fasts; for the reward is the fact that men acknowledge that they are fasting, and nothing more. However, we shall focus on the rewards or benefits of fasting honestly, which comes from God only.
Isaiah 58: 8-12; Joel 2:15-26; 1 Kings 21:21-29; Jonah 3:5-10; Joshua 7:1-21; 1 Kings 19:8-18; Esther 5:1-5; 6:1-11; 7:1-10; 8:1-8; Ezra 8:21-23; 2 Chronicles 20:1-26; Daniel 9:2ff; 10:1ff; Mark 9:14-29; 2 Samuel 12:16-23.

Conclusion
The rewards of fasting honestly come from God. One major reward is that our specific requests are answered. The rewards of fasting also include tremendous blessings being poured out on those who fasted beyond what they requested.

Through fasting, God has altered the course of events on behalf of His children; in some cases, to extents that are too wonderful to believe. We have seen judgments overturned after fastings that brought humility in the hearts of men. We have also witnessed how the plans of the enemies of God’s children were overturned after God’s people fasted. Then, we have seen God arise to fight on behalf of His fasting children and give them victories that would have otherwise been impossible. Revelations of things that would not occur for thousands of years have been given to people who were fasting. We have also seen that to extinguish and crush certain demonic activities prayer and fasting is not optional. Indeed, fasting and prayer is a force that can breakthrough the most impregnable system.

Finally, one note of caution: God cannot be expected to allow unrighteousness just because we fasted. Our fasting must seek to establish the righteousness of God, rather than our own self-centred desires.

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