Fasting and Prayer - 01

An overview of Fasting:

1: What does the Bible say about fasting?

• Matt 9:14-15   (John the Baptist's disciples' question to Jesus)
• Matt 4:4  (read closely -- Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word ...)
• Esther 4: definition of fasting
• Leviticus 23:32: definition of fasting
• Matt 6:16-18 (do not boast)

2: God's Expectations

• Isaiah 58:5-7 (Not just for our personal deliverance - but also concern for our neighbors)
• Put the stomach to sleep, and awaken our hearts to love and concern
• Isaiah 58:9 Then...

3: How often?

• Jesus said, "When you fast..."
• Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:32)
• Paul fasted often. 2 Cor 11:27, Acts 9:9 - a way of life: 1 Cor 7:5
• In preparation for known trials (Matt 4)

4: Preparation

• Jonah 3

5: Not all fasting is for repentance

• Acts 13:2-3 -- intercession and support for Paul and Barnabas
• Acts 14:23 - selecting elders for the church
• Dan 9:3 - deliverance
• Dan 6:18 - protection (fasting by a Gentile king)
• Ex 34:27-28 - draw closer to God (by Moses)
• Ps 35:13 - healing for sick friends
• Mark 9:28-29 - for casting out demons
• Luke 2:37 - Anna fasted in service to the temple

6: Discussion:

• Joel 1:14
• Joel 2:15-16
• Isaiah 58:6
• Deut 32:15
• 2 Chron 29:31
• Prov 3:9-10
• Isaiah 1:19
• Dan 10:3