Matthew 6:16-18 How to fast.

1. God's Old Covenant people fasted.

   1. God commanded one yearly fast for Israel, on the day of atonement, yom kippur.

• Lev 16:29; Isaiah 58:3

  1. God's people voluntarily engaged in fasting to signify their great need for God.

• Judges 20:26; 1Samuel 7:6; 2Samuel 12:16; Ezra 8:21; Esther 4:16

  1. In the Old Testament Scriptures fasting is a way of "afflicting the soul."

• Deuteronomy 8:16

• Christ and His disciples fasted in New Covenant days.

  1. Jesus fasted to prepare for His ministry.

• Matt 4:2-4

  1. The apostles and their fellow workers fasted to prepare for their ministry.

• Acts 13:1-3

  1. The point of fasting is to show a desire for God's presence, help and guidance.

• Matthew 9:15

• Biblical fasting is a spiritual work reflected in a physical state.

  1. Christian fasting cannot be done in the absence of godly obedience.

• Isaiah 58:3-7

  1. Christian fasting should be visible to God and invisible to your neighbor.

  2. Christian fasting is a companion of prayer.

• Dan 9:3, Matt 17:21, Psalm 35:13, 1Cor 7:5

  1. The meaning of fasting in our spiritual devotions.

     1. We are thirsting for the Living God to come to our aid. Psalm 42:2-3

     2. We are confessing our needy creatureliness before the Infinite Spirit who has no needs.

     3. We are demonstrating how fervently we believe that God hears and answers prayer.

     4. By denying yoursel physically, you show that you expect spiritual benefit.

     5. Fasting is not a warranty you add to your prayer. It is a way of emphasizing your earnest supplication.

  2. When should you fast and pray?

     1. When God leads you to.

     2. When the church calls you to.

     3. When no one else around you will notice.

  3. What should you expect?