The Why, When, How of Fasting
Study Guide

Key Truth - Fasting draws us closer to God and moves God into action.

Why I/We Should Fast:

1. The Example of Jesus - Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-2

Matthew 4:1-2
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights…

Luke 4:1-2
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days…

2. The Teaching of Jesus - Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15

Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 9:14-15
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

Mark 9:29
“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” NKJV

3. The Examples of the New Testament Church -
Acts 13:2-3; 14:23

Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

4. The Examples in the Old Testament:

a. On the Day of Atonement

Numbers 29:7
On the tenth day of the seventh month, come together for a special service. You must not eat anything on that day… NIRV

b. In Times of War - Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6

c.

Someone was Sick - 2 Samuel 12:16-23

d. When Someone Died - 1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12; 2 Samuel 1:12

e. When Seeking God’s Forgiveness - Deuteronomy 9:15-18; 1 Kings 21:17-29; Jonah 3:4-10; Daniel 9:3-5

f. When Faced with Danger - 2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21;
Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:3; 4:16

When I/We Should Fast:

1. When the Power of God is Needed

2. When the Direction of God is Needed

How I/We Should Fast:

1. Under the Radar

2. With Confession and Repentance

3. With Prayer and Meditation

4. With Expectation and Trust

GIVING
Your giving is changing the world!
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
https://forchurch.org/give