THE SPIRITUAL VIRTUES OF FASTING (ONLINE BIBLE STUDY SERIES)

INTRODUCTION

Fasting implies abstaining from food and pleasurable activities for a specific/defined period of time (hours/days).

Fasting is neither an option nor a suggestion; it is a lifestyle in the kingdom. Fasting is spiritual. It generates a quickening in the realm of the spirit. Fasting is an accelerator of spiritual engine, and it is a life wire for believers.

Fasting heightens your spiritual antennae and connects you to the spiritual flow of unction. It is a supernatural radar that aids us in tracking spiritual events.

Jesus not only fasted as an example for us, He also taught about fasting and emphasized the need for us to fast. He told the disciples, “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). And He equally prepared their minds towards fasting when He said, “But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days” (Luke 5:35).

God Almighty also identifies with fasting: He said, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” (Isaiah 58:6a). As a matter of fact, God through Paul said that the only time a couple can be excused from sexual intimacy is on the basis of fasting and prayer, but this for an agreed and defined period. “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency” (1 Corinthians 7:5)

Many people fast amiss just the way people pray amiss. These people complain that they do not see the impact of their fasting. But God says that not every fast is acceptable to Him. “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?” (Isaiah 58:5a, 5c). It is sad that many fasting end up as hunger strikes because of wrong motives.

Fasting is so efficacious that even the worshippers of satan also fast. As a matter of fact, when Jezebel wanted to kill Naboth she organized a fast which created the opportunity for her to set him up and kill him (1 Kings 21:9-13).

10 VIRTUES OF FASTING

1.      Fasting is a way of life in this kingdom. It is an act of fellowship with God. Just the way praying is a divine instruction and not an option, the same way fasting is a kingdom requirement.

2.      Fasting is a key to the realm of revelation

-          Daniel fasted and saw things (revelations). Daniel 9:3-end

-          After a long abstinence (fasting), Paul had a revelation to share with the people. Acts 27:21

3.      It opens the door of mercies and forgiveness

-          Ahab fasted and God changed His mind concerning the punishment He pronounced. 1 Kings 21:27-29

-          Judgement was hanging over Nineveh, but the people repented through fasting and God hearkened. Jonah 3:5-10

4.      Fasting generates spiritual strength, establishes divine authority, produces victory over battles, and multiplies grace.

-          When the enemies came against Jehoshaphat, he became afraid and organized a fast, and God fought for them. 2 Chronicles 20:3

-          The strength of fasting is so great that it naturally makes you hate sin at the moment.

-          Jesus told His disciples, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

5.      Fasting commands open doors of favour

-          Queen Esther organized a city-wide fasting program among her people so as to obtain favour before the king. Esther 4:16

-          Nehemiah fasted to obtain the king’s favour. Nehemiah 1:4

(For example, you may fast and ask for divine favour before going for a job interview, etc)

6.      Fasting provides direction. Ezra 8:21-23; Isaiah 58:9a; Acts 13:12. It gives skills and understanding. Daniel 9:22c

7.      It is a tool for intercession

-          Daniel fasted while he interceded for his people. Daniel 9:3, 20

-          God says, “Is this not the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free...” (Isaiah 58:5)

8.      Fasting amplifies your voice in the spiritual realm and makes your voice to be heard (Isaiah 58:9). It makes your life to shine forth in beauty and holiness (Isaiah 58:8)

9.      Beyond the spiritual, fasting makes you physically healthy. “And thy health shall spring forth speedily” (Isaiah 58:8b).

10.  There was a king that had an expectation for the morning and he decided to fast overnight. In the morning, his expectation was not cut off. Daniel 6:18. Whatever your expectation is, sustain it by fasting, and ‘the expectation of the righteous shall not be cut off’.

TYPES OF FASTING

1.      Personal (Individual) fasting. The type Daniel did.

2.      Corporate fasting: Churches, retreats, prayer meetings, etc. This was the type Esther did, etc.

NOTE: Do not wait until your church declares a day (or days) of fasting, develop your personal fasting calendar and chose your personal days to fast. Chose other day(s) apart from your church general day of fasting (and prayer). Never allow a week pass by and you do not fast.

CONCLUSION

Jesus said, “by PRAYER and fasting...”, and not just fasting. So, ensure that when you fast, you also pray: the two go along together. God bless you.

NOTE

·        This study has left out some more detailed things about fasting which includes issues like the place of water in fasting, different timings of fasting, various forms of fasting like dry fasting, marathon fasting, fruit fasting, white fasting, etc. Should you need more specific clarifications, please send a mail and the specific subject to info@treasuredhouse.org.

·        There is no copyright whatsoever on this Bible Study. Anyone who is led can share freely online, in churches/fellowships, etc for the purpose of spiritual edification of the church.