The Fast that God Sees ( Part 1 )

INTRODUCTION

Fasting is something that has been lost in this 21st century. So its meaning has been lost to a lot of us. Before we go into the text proper, I would like to give a primer on fasting. This will be Part One of our study. We will be looking into the WHAT and the WHY of fasting.

BODY SERMON

In part two, we will see the HOW of FASTING.

TEXT: Matthew 6:16 – 18

I ) NEGATIVE DEFINITION:

1.It is NOT a HUNGER STRIKE.
2.It is NOT DIETING.
3.It is NOT done for HEALTH PURPOSES

II ) POSITIVE DEFINITION:

A)Times of National trouble and repentance

B)Since fasting is always connected with prayer, a Spirit led fast is an effective means of dealing with temptation.

C)Self-humiliation before God, often in connection with confession to avert God’s wrath.

D)For some special petition before the Lord out of anguish, danger, or desperation.

E)To prepare for an important task and for guidance.

RESULTS OF FASTING:

This had been broken down into 10 categories by Chatham, a scholar in Biblical and Historical Fasting.

1. Self-discipline and Spiritual Growth – awareness of sins and shortcomings.
2. Church Growth
3. Financial needs supplied
4. Spontaneous Revivals
5. Miracles of Healing
6. Miracles of Salvation
7. Church problems solved
8. Divine wisdom and direction
9. Acts of Divine Judgment
10. Supernatural Visitation

CONCLUSION

With an understanding of the WHAT and the WHY of Fasting, let us re-introduce this into our lives and ministry.