Matthew 5:6. Matthew 6:16-18. John 6:35.  Zechariah 7:4-6. Acts 13:2-3.  Acts 14:23

 

Have you ever thought about why God made you feel hungry and thirsty?  

 

Jesus said, 

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."  Matthew 5:6

        

 "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will not thirst."  John 6:35

 

- What is Fasting?  Biblical fasting is going without food and or water for a specific time and for a spiritual purpose.

 

- In God's Word the purposes for fasting are repentance, confession of sin, weeping, mourning, guidance, and seeking the Lord

 

  - Moses fasted 40 days on the mountain with God - the Ten Commandments

  - David fasted for 7 days for his infant son until he died.

  - Esther asked the Jews to fast with her for 3 days before she approached the King.

  - Israel fasted for 7 days when King Saul and his 3 sons were killed in battle.

  - Jesus fasted for 40 days while in the wilderness.  Matthew 4:2

  - In Acts 13:2-3 the church fasted and set apart Barnabas and Saul.

  - Having prayed with fasting they appointed elders for them in every church.  Acts 14:23

 

-  Fasting is NOT:

       - A diet plan to lose weight.

       - About punishing your body.

       - About manipulating God.

       - About appearing more spiritual than others.  (Matthew 6:16-18)

 

- Why is fasting important?  The Motive. (Zechariah 7:4-6)

 

    - God asked, "When you fasted all those years, was it actually for Me that you fasted."

 

      - "Fasting is feasting upon God". David Willard

 

      - Fasting is far more about focus than food.

      - Fasting changes you, not God.

 

- Types of fast:

     - Daniel fast - eat vegetables only

     - food only

     - food and water

     - sexual relations

     - social media, tv, etc.

 

Will you join me this week as we feast upon God?