Scottsbluff Church of Christ
July 26, 2020
Matthew 6:16-18 ESV
Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Fasting Defined
Abstaining from food and/or anything good or right in an effort to achieve something better.
Fasting Defined
We only commanded one day a year in the Old Testament
Leviticus 16:19 ESV
Fasting Defined
Israel began observing other times for fasting. Often in response to God's judgement. (Zechariah 7:3)
Fasting Defined
Not commanded in the New Testament but was practice often by the church. ( Matthew 9:15, Acts 9:9; 13:3; 14:23)
When should we fast?
Fasting Situations in OT
When seeking God's pardon thorough repentance
1 Samuel 7:6 ESV
And (the king) issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, "By the decree of the king and his nobles; Let neither man or beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not fee or drink water, but let man and beast be covered in sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God.:"
Jonah 3:7-9 ESV
When seeking God's power.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4 ESV
When seeking God's Providence
Ezra 8:21-23 ESV
When seeking God's mercy through Spiritual mourning.
Nehemiah 9:1 ESV
When seeking God's favor in national calamity.
Esther 4:16 ESV
When seeking concern of others.
Psalm 35:13 ESV
When seeking God's vindication
Psalm 69:10 ESV
When seeking God's faithfulness
Daniel 9:3 ESV
Fasting Situations in the NT
Times of mission preparation
Matthew 4:2 ESV
Times of spiritual and physical needs
Mark 9:28-29 ESV
Times of evangelistic endeavor
Acts 13:2-3 ESV
Times of commission
Acts 14:23 ESV
Fasting Results
Centers our minds on God
Places the spiritual above the physical
promotes dependence on God
Promoted self-denial
Not for the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18)
It is an act of righteousness
Isaiah 58:3-9 ESV
For guidelines on fasting see the back of the sermon notes or David's blog on our website.
Psalm 68:18 ESV
