Gracious Jesus 4 – Kingdom Lifestyle Part 2 Sample

Fasting

Fasting is a practice which has run through centuries, religions and cultures. Often it is a religious tradition in some cultures, with medical benefits.

Jesus however, as always gives a new perspective to fasting. (Matthew 6:16-18) Biblical fasting comprises self-denial (usually with respect to food).

It should involve humbling of ourselves before God and mourning for sin of self, others and the nation. Fasting is always associated with prayer and right living.

A fast is a period of soul focus and introspection; if it does not express true sorrow for sin, and does not promote the putting away of sin, it is not a fast.

Reasons for Fasting

There are many occasions on which people fast in the Bible. These are some of the reasons for fasting in their lives:

· Protection from evil: on the Lord’s mission (Ezra 8:21), of the Lord’s people (Esther 4:16)

· Release from demons, bondage: Mark 9:29, Isaiah 61:1

· Mourning over sin: 1 Kings 21:27-29; 1 Samuel 7:6; Joel 2:12-15; Daniel 9:3

· Yielding to God’s will:Is 58:5,6; Matt 26:39

· Empowering God’s leaders: Acts13:3,14:23

· Repentance: Daniel 9:5, Nehemiah 9:1-3

· Salvation: 2 Samuel 12:16, Jonah 3:5-9, Luke 2:37

Ritual Fasting

There are many people who fast as a tradition, thinking that the fast alone will get their requests met by God. The Bible tells us that fasting alone does not produce any results. It needs to be accompanied by true personal repentance and a life of faith and obedience. (Isaiah 58:3,4)

There are some who fast even when their lives are broken beyond repair. When even God says “do not pray” (Jeremiah 14:11,12) for them, it is the most tragic scenario.

Righteous Fasting

When fasting is accompanied by a life of faith and obedience to God and love to those around, the promises in the Bible are many.

Isaiah 58:8-9 “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’”

The bottom-line is that fasting is not the end. It is not a necessary, but helpful, means to achieving a better relationship with God and people. The main criteria are repentance and holy living.

Are we genuinely grieving over the sin in our lives and seeking how we can stand righteous before God?