T he three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) describe a time when Jesus was approached by a man begging Him to to exorcise a demon from his son (Mk. 9:14-29). The demon in this passage was very cruel and caused the son great pain and the father horrible distress. The son being afflicted is the man’s only child and he informed Jesus that he had already sought out the disciples for help. However, the disciples were unable to provide any relief. This dramatic story shows the Messiah directly confronting a member of the demon world and the extraordinary virtue He employed in driving the demon out of a place it must have occupied for several years (vs 21-22).
After performing this great miracle, Jesus was approached by His disciples and asked why they were unable to cast the demon out of the young man. Jesus informed them that this type of exorcism required a strength that only came through prayer and fasting. Although fasting has a weakening effect on the body, it has just the opposite effect on the spirit and Jesus’ life bears the out.
This Mini Study examines fasting and explains how this great spiritual tool is absolutely essential in a true believers Christian walk.
What is Fasting?
- The process of going without food or drink (Ex. 34:28)
Why Fast?
- To draw close to God (Dan. 9:3)
How Should You Fast?
- Fasting should be done secretly (Mt. 6:16-18)
How Shouldn’t You Fast?
- To be seen of men (Mt. 6:16)
- Brag about fasting (Lk. 18:12)
What Should You Fast About?
- For your enemies (Psa. 35:13)
- For your friends (Dan. 6:18 Neh. 1:4)
- About important decisions (Acts 13:2 14:23 Est. 4:16)
- About trials (Mt. 4:2)
- About sin
- Nineveh (Jonah 3)
- Ahab (1Kings 21:29)
How Long Should You Fast?
- David fasted till even when he heard about the deaths of Saul and Jonathan (2Sam. 1:12)
- Darius fasted through the night over Daniel being in the lions’ den (Dan. 6:18)
- Mordecai and Esther fasted for three days over the plight of the Jews (Esth. 4:16)
- Cornelius fasted four days (Acts 10:30)
- David fasted seven days over his dying son (2Sam. 12:18)
- Moses fasted forty days and nights prior to receiving the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:28)
- Jesus Christ fasted forty days and nights prior to His battle with Satan (Mt. 4:2)
How Often Should You Fast?
- Often – as Paul did (2Cor. 11:27)
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