Listen - Watch - MP3

A Practical Guide to Fasting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This  is a continuation of the series of messages Meet Me on the Mountain, and the subject of fasting. Fasting is generally not understood by Christians. This message is a basic primer on the subject where we try to put things in perspective. 

 

Many define fasting differently. My definition of fasting is to lay aside any pleasurable and/or vital activity for a period in order to intensely pursue God and know His mind with the intent of obeying His revealed will. There are numerous examples from the OT, NT, and throughout Church history right up to the present day that made practice fasting a normal part of their walk with the Lord.

 

Many think of fasting only as doing without food and certainly food is a part of it. The pastor identified six types of fast. Think though these with the group to assure there is a good understanding of them.

1. Normal Fast - Water Only Fast
2. Absolute Fast—to give up food and water 
3. Partial Fast or Daniel Fast   
4. Juice Fast — Usually for an extended fast  
5. Sundown Fast
6. Idols Fast

 

Anyone with access to the Internet can go to www.billbright.com/7steps and find helpful information about fasting.

Ask God how you should fast, the real issue of fasting is between you and God. Assure that you are sincerely sacrificing something important to you. If what you give up is not meaningful to you, then it really doesn’t demonstrate the heart and intent of fasting.

 

 

Series: Meet Me on the Mountain – Part 6
A Practical Guide to Fasting
Mark 9:28 - 29

Pastor Don’s definition of fasting is… 

To lay aside any pleasurable and/or vital activity for a period in order to intensely pursue God and know His mind with the intent of obeying His revealed will. 

I. Where Does It Say, “Fast?” 

A. Explicit Commands

God specifically commanded people to fast as a continual ordinance in connection with the Day of Atonement.

 
Four annual fasts to be observed appear in Zechariah 7:1-7 and 8:19

Joel 1:14, 2:12-15 is for people to return to the Lord and repent of their sinfulness.

 
B. Expected Conviction 

Jesus taught true fasting is a duty but not regulated by religious ritual.

 
II. Why Should I Fast?

1. Fasting helps to keep us in the presence of God.

2. Fasting helps us humble ourselves before God.

3. Fasting helps us recall our dependency upon God.

4. Fasting helps us focus on the issues.

5. Fasting helps us to control and discipline our lives.

6. Fasting helps to keep us from being enslaved by habit.

7. Fasting helps us to stay physically fit.

8. Fasting helps to release the purposes and power of God in our lives and those for whom we are praying.

 
III. When Should I Fast?

 
1. When we feel a special pull, a call within our hearts to get alone with God.

 
2. When special needs arise.

a) Public calamity - 1 Samuel 31:13

b) Private affliction - 2 Samuel 12:16

c) Affliction of others - Psalm 35:13

d) Approaching danger 2 Chronicles 20:3

e) Ordination of ministers - Acts 13:3; 14:23

 
3. When we need to humble ourselves before God.

 
4. When we need a very special power from God.

IV. How Do I Fast? - Types of Fast

 
1. Normal Fast - Water Only Fast

Jonathan did this in1 Samuel 20:34. David did it in 2 Samuel 3:35. Jesus did it in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. 

2. Absolute Fast—to give up food and water 

This is used primarily for spiritual emergencies. Examples are Moses in Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:9, 18 Saul Acts 9:9.

 
3. Partial Fast or Daniel Fast

 

This is to abstain from certain foods, they may cut out all meats, fish, dairy products, or refined sugar for 30 or 60 days. Example is Daniel in Daniel (10:3). 

4. Juice Fast

 

This is usually for people who feel called to engage in an extended fast. People with blood sugar problems should be careful about entering into this type of fast.

 
5. Sundown Fast

 

Cut back to one meal a day, often eaten after sundown.

 
6. Idols Fast

 

For a set period give up television, newspapers, magazines, Internet, sports, hobbies, etc. Sincerely sacrifice something important to you.

 
V. Accompanying Attitudes and Actions

 A. Attitudes Accompanying Fasting

Fasting should always take place with…

PrayerDaniel 9:3

Humility Deuteronomy 9:18; Nehemiah 9:1

Confession and mourning 1 Samuel 7:6

Read and memorize scripture Jeremiah 36:6

 
B. Actions Accompanying Fasting

A very helpful resource is Bill Bright’s paper entitled, 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer. Find it at www.billbright.com/7steps. www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

1. Set Your Objective— Have a goal in mind before you begin to fast and pray.

 
2. Make Your Commitment— Making commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast.

3. Prepare Yourself Spiritually—Confess your sins seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

 
4. Prepare Yourself Physically— Don’t rush into a fast, prepare by eating smaller meals a couple of days beforehand.

 
5. Put Yourself on a Schedule—Incorporate a “prayer walk” during one of the meal times.

 
6. End Your Fast Gradually— Eat small meals and increase to your normal diet over a period of 2-3 days. 

7. Expect Results— Expect God to reveal Himself to you and answer your prayers.