Is fasting really for today? Isaiah 58:6-7

Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV) 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Introduction

What is fasting?  Fasting is a voluntary withdrawing from food and/or drink, or other fleshly appetite, for a specified period of time  Fasting is also for a spiritual purpose  Fasting is not missing breakfast/lunch/dinner because you’re too busy  Fasting is not for weight loss  Fasting involves sacrifice i.e. to go without  Fasting is not limited to just food, but could be anything that has gripped you or addiction

What type of fasting?  Normal fast Ex. 34:28 – no food, but can have liquid  Time frame:  1 day (Judges 20:26)  3 days (after Paul’s encounter with God on the road to Damascus)  40 days (e.g. Moses, Jesus, etc.)  Partial fast – to omit certain foods (e.g. Daniel 1)  Absolute fast – nothing enters the mouth

Is fasting for Christians?  YES!  Matthew 6:16 – “When you fast…” NOT “if you fast”  So there will be a time when we need to fast  There are numerous examples of people in the bible that fasted and they include – Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, Paul and Jesus, just to name a few

Why fast?  A way to seek God by denying the physical in order to focus on the spiritual  Fasting increases our hunger for God  Fasting (in the original word) means “to put your hand over your mouth”, which has 2 purpose:  Not to take in food  Not to speak (i.e. allow God to respond)

The purpose of fasting?  Fasting to focus our passions  Fasting to purify our lives  Fasting to focus on prayer  Fasting to humble ourselves  Fasting to show repentance

The pitfalls of fasting?  Pride  Twisting God’s arm  Punishing ourselves  Dieting

Application…  How to fast?  Start small – 1 day instead of 40 days to begin with  What is the purpose of the fast? To seek God, direction or pray for others?  What type of fast? Normal, no food, liquids, partial, media, no work (retreat), etc.  How long? 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days or 40 days (make sure you have done it progressively)  Plan for the fast. Set a time & ensure there is nothing important you have to do during your fast period (e.g. a birthday party, etc.)

Application…  Get people you know and trust to pray for you during your fast. Protection from distractions  Don’t call attention to your fasting. A simple “I’m skipping lunch today” could be an adequate explanation for most situations  Stay focus on the Lord. If your fasting leaves you irritable with family or co-workers, it will not honour God.

Application…

Please take a photo of this…  How to fast?  Start small  Know the purpose  What type  How long  Plan it well  Get people to pray  Don’t call attention to your fasting  Stay focus