CHRISTIAN FASTING (PART 2)
Bible Passage: ISAIAH 58: 1-14 MEMORY VERSE: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6). INTRODUCTION:- Fasting as part of our devotion as follower of Christ should be done according to the will of God simply because they fall short of the purpose of God. In our text today, God makes it clear that He knows when our worship and fasting were actions that are not from a pure hearts and also when they are. God is reminding us that no religions act has any value to him if it does not come from someone who humbly tries to obey god and who compassionately reached out to those in needs. LESSON OUTLINES 1.) RIGHT ATTITUDE IN CHRISTIAN FASTING God looks beyond appearance of our actions and sees the motives of our hearts behind such an action (Isaiah 58:5, 1sam. 16:7). The commitment that pleases God involves active compassion for those who are oppressed or in new. Helping others in practical ways is one of the best ways to show love for Lord. Gods people must understand that paying tithes and giving offerings to the church does not free them from their responsibilities to give to those in need. We should share our food with the hungry, provide clothing for those who have none and work to ensure justice for those who are mistreated. We must make sincere effort to discover the needs that exist in our communities and especially within our local church congregations- and commit ourselves to helping in whatever way we can. If we do this as a natural result of our relationship with God, then his favour will be on us. (2.) PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN FASTING Fasting and prayer has several Purposes: (a.) To honour God (Zech. 7:5; Lk. 2:37; Acts 13:2) (b.) To humble ourselves and put spiritual concerns above our own desires (Ezra 8:21;Ps. 69:10;Isa.58:3) so that we may experience more of God’s power (1Peter 5:5) and presence (Isa. 57:15; 58:6-9) (c.) To mourn over personal sin and failure (1 Sam.7:6; Neh. 9:1-2). (d.) To mourn over the sins of the church, nation and world (1 Sam.7:6; Neh. 9:1-2). (e.) To seek God’s grace for a new task and to reaffirm our devotion to God (Matt. 4:2). (f.) To deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our resistance against spiritual forces of evil (Judg. 20:26; Ezra 8:21,23,31: Jer. 29:12-14; Joel 2:12; Lk. 18:3;Acts 9:10-19). (g.) To show repentance (i.e sorrow for sin, readiness to turn from our own way and surrender to God)- both for ourselves and for God’s people as a whole- so that God has a reason to change His plan of judgment (2 Sam. 12:16, 22; 1Kg. 21:27-29; Jer. 18:7-8; Joel 2:12-14; Jh. 3:5,10). (h.) To rescue people from slavery to evil (Isa. 58:6; Matt. 17:14-21; Lk. 4:18). (i.) To gain spiritual insight and wisdom concerning god’s will (Isa. 58:5-6,11; Dan. 9:3,21-22; Act 13:2-3). (j.) To open way for the Holy Spirit to operate powerfully among God’s people as he prepares them for Christ’s return. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Since fasting and prayer are so prominent in the bible, modern Christians should do more of this until they receive power with God over all the powers of the devil. Many things about fasting and its benefits are not known to modern men, but those through the ages who have been men of great prayers have also fasted much. QUESTIONS 1.) What should be the Christian attitude in fasting? 2.) What are the Biblical purposes for Christian fasting?