Memory Verse
Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do? Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
- Understand why we need to fast in this time.
- Gain a better understanding of how to go about fasting.
- What should we do/not do during the fast?
- How should we position ourselves during fasting?
- How do we ensure we can get the right results during fasting?
- Do we need to fast?
- Are there different types of fasting?
- What does the scriptures say about Christian fasting?
- What is an acceptable fast?
- How do we ensure we go about fasting the right way?
- What should we do to ensure we get the right results?
- There are different types of fasting. (Regular, Dry, Daniels, Liquids, supernatural). Matt 4:2-3, Dan 10:3, Ezra 10:6, Acts 9:9, Deut 9:9)
- Different people in the bible fasted (David, Moses, Jesus, Apostles, etc.)
- Christian fasting is a discipline for the soul. By fasting, I make a conscious decision to sacrifice comfort to draw closer to the heart of Christ.
- The focus of the fast should not be what you abstain from but rather what you focus on. It is about the spiritual benefits derived from a more intimate relationship/encounter with God.
- It is important to go about this the right way. Our attitudinal disposition is very important. Fasting humbles us before God. (Is 58:6-9)
- You need time to focus on the word of God and prayer during the fast. (Acts 13:1-2)
- Fasting should be focused on you and God. Not something you flaunt about (Matt 6:16-18)
- Fasting is encouraged in the scriptures. Matt 6:16)
- If you haven’t fasted before/ in long time, start small and build up over time.
- It is important you trust and rely in the grace of God to sustain you during the fast.
- It is important to know why we are fasting to ensure you go about it the right way.
- We fast for different reasons (expressing grief, seeking direction, overcoming temptation, etc.).
- The state of the heart is important. Stay humble.
- Have some time to really pray and focus on your relationship with God.