Fasting 

"First, let it be done unto the Lord with our eye fixed singly on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven."--John Wesley

Memory Verse: Isaiah 58:6,7

Introduction: In Western society, depriving ourselves of any indulgence seems ridiculous. While this isn't necessarily true of all Christians, this mindset has crept into the Church. We may not fulfill our every desire, but have we honestly examined our attitude and convictions when it comes to indulgence and desire?
  Of all the Spiritual Disciplines, fasting addresses our self-serving attitude more directly than any of the others. Air, food, and water are the most important things we need to sustain physical life on earth. Depriving ourselves of food and water is ludicrous in the eyes of the natural man, but to the spiritual, there is no other way of life. In fasting, we begin to see what drives us and what sinful behaviors dominate us. Combined with prayer and meditation, fasting increases our ability to hear the voice of God and obey.
  While many might look for a direct command to fast, none is found in the New Testament. Jesus' attitude was simply one of expectation--He assumed those that followed Him would fast and pray (Matthew 6:16-18). Does this mean that fasting is a personal choice for each believer? To a degree, yes. Every person must be convicted by the Spirit to fast. While this is true, His desire should be our greatest desire. We need to change our questions from, "Do I have to fast to be a Christian?" to "In what ways can I better know Christ and His Word through fasting?"
  On a practical basis, almost no instruction is given in the New Testament. Some practical guidelines are as follows. Like other disciplines, fasting should be gradual growth--don't try to fast for 10 days if you've never fasted before. Try fasting for one meal, then two, etc. Begin fasting by drinking only juice and then work up to drinking only water. When a fast is broken, don't eat heavy or greasy foods. Eat fruit, vegetables, etc. Unless the Lord directly speaks to you, don't fast from water for more than a day or so. Finally, fasting must be directed at a specific need and it must be combined with prayer and meditation.

Lesson Questions:

1. Explain why Jesus' first statement about fasting has to do with motivation? Matthew 6:16-18.

2. Why is fasting frequently referred to along with worship and prayer? Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2; Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 14:23.
Note: Fasting and prayer are virtually inseparable. In fact, fasting without prayer has no spiritual benefit. It is in fasting that we learn to put off the desires of the flesh. As a result, our prayer life is far greater because we are better equipped to hear from God.

3. What is the eight-fold purpose of fasting as found in Isaiah 58:6,7?

4. What blessings are promised for proper fasting? Isaiah 58:6-12.
Note: The blessings and purpose of fasting are interrelated. From the experience of many who practice this discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us, i.e., pride, anger, bitterness, sexual immorality, etc. Times of fasting seem to bring our weakness to the surface. When we repent, this not only fulfills the purpose of ". . . loosening the bands of wickedness," but fulfills the promise that our ". . . righteousness shall go before [us]."

5. What are some improper motivations for fasting? Isaiah 58:3-5; Matthew 6:16-18; Zechariah 7:5.

6. Discuss the connection between humility, repentance, and fasting. Psalms 69:10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 35:13,14; Joel 1:13,14; Acts 9:8,9.

7. Should fasting be part of every Christian's life? Matthew 6:16; 9:14-17.

8. From the evidence of scripture, should fasting be seen as merely abstinance from food or, more appropriately, feasting on God's Word? Matthew 4:4; John 4:30-34. Connect this with the truths found in Isaiah 55:1,2; John 6:35,53-58.