BIBLICAL FASTING
Text:- Mark.9.29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (NKJV)
Definition:
Fasting is abstaining from food or other pleasures to focus on God
Scriptural Mandate:
Fasting is a Spiritual discipline that was practiced by the prophets, Jesus and the apostles.
Examples:
Old Testament:
-Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28),
-Esther interceding for her people (Esther 4:16).
New Testament:
Jesus during His temptation (Matthew 4:2),
The church commissioning Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3).
Types of Fasting
- Normal Fast:-
Abstaining from food but drinking liquids i.e water,Fresh fruit juice , pumpkin soup etc. you can go for a longer period.
- Partial Fast :-
Also called Daniel’s Fast
Restricting specific foods or meals, as in Daniel’s fast (Daniel 10:3).
- Absolute Fast:-
Also called Dry Fasting
Abstaining from all food and water for a short period of time, (Esther 4:16).
- Lifestyle Fast :-
Choosing to do away with specific pleasures or habits for a period of time (e.g., social media, entertainment,Sleep,Sex etc).
SOME OF THE BODY REACTIONS DURING FASTING
- Hunger
- Physical weakness
- Bad Oduor
- Change of skin colour
- High fever
- Loss of weight
- pale eyes,lips Tongues etc
- Uncomfortable (Sleepless nights)
- Change of colour in Urine ,stool etc.
HOW TO CONDUCT AN EFFECTIVE FASTING
- Study the word and do meditation
- Spent time in prayer
- Worship – Listen to gospel songs
- Have time to rest( Allow God to speak to you )
- Maintain cleanliness( Matt 6: 16-17)msb
6.Don’t announce it to everybody
7.Avoid talking too much
- Sharing your food with the hungry (Is 58:7)
WHY FAST
UNBIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING
1.For starvation in order to see God.( Shakahola)
2.To loose weight
3.To oppress others
4.To look More spiritual than others (Pride)
BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING
- Spiritual Growth and Intimacy with God (Joel 2:12-13).
- Repentance and Humility (Jonah 3:5-10).
- Guidance and Direction (Ezra 8:21,Acts 13:2)
- Deliverance from Strongholds (Isaiah 58:6).
- Preparation for Ministry (Luke 4:1-14).
- Worship and Adoration (Acts 13:2).
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF FASTING
1.Quiets the Flesh
2.It enhances(improves) our spiritual sensitivity
Divine wisdom, Revelations, Directions and Discernment
3.It brings us close to God.(Intimacy)
- It intensifies the power of prayer
- It empowers our spiritual life
-Speaking with authority
-casting out devils
-To effectively wage spiritual warfare( dealing with spiritual principalities.
BREAKING THE FAST
Breaking the fast is more important than the fasting itself
End gradually with light, healthy meals to avoid physical harm.
– Don’t rush and eat. – Githeri
– Hot milk
– Meat Etc
-You can Begin with warm porridge
-Fresh fruits/ Juice
-Use a lot of Warm water
-Pumpkin soup
-Plain Rice
-Use Veges