Sermon by Samaroo Sookraj
SUB:Fasting.
What is fasting? Fasting is the discipline of abstaining from food and personal pleasures for Biblical reasons. It is also called afflicting one's soul. Isa 58:3. and is often observed to demonstrate our sincerity in prayer.
Why should we fast? There are several biblical reasons for fasting.
i) Christians should fast when facing a national crisis. 11Chron 20:3;Ezra 8:21; Esther 4:16.
ii) Fasting should be observed for individual needs. Matt 17:21.
iii) In going through periods of distress, fasting should be observed. 1 Sam 3:35; Ps 35:13.
iv)When facing spiritual decisions one should fast. Matt 4:2; Acts 13:2.
v) In anticipation of Christ's second coming, christian should also fast. Luke 5:35.
How should we fast. There is a passage of scripture in the New Testament that presupposes fasting as a voluntary and religious exercise. Jesus warns however of making it an occasion for a parade of piety or religiousness. Make sure your intentions are pure and honest and that you are not fasting to show how "holy" you perceive yourself to be. Remember Jesus condemned the pharisees for showing off by fasting. It was usually done in secret (Matt 6:18) unless the church was going to send out missionaries or appoint elders which meant that the complete church (a body of scripturally baptized believers covenanting to carry out the teachings of the Bible) then observed fasting. Acts 13:2,3; 14:23.
Benefits of fasting. Many people have found that there are benefits in fasting; I should say though, do not think that you can change God's by fasting, God does not change. Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8.Ps 102:27; James 1:18.
i)Heavy burdens are relieved by fasting Isa: 58;
ii)Wisdom is obtained from fasting. Dan 10;
iii)Revival comes through fasting Isa 58:6.
iv)God's protection from danger is secured by fasting. 1 King 31:27-29.
v) Recovery of a sick loved one may come from fasting. Ps 35:13.
vi) Depending on your physical strength, your health may benefit from fasting.
Conclusion: Before attempting to fast, make sure that there is a need and do not attempt to let anyone know that you are fasting. It is personal between you and God. It is also very important that a married person should not fast without their partner's consent. Because fasting also involves abstinence from sex, one should be careful not to defraud one's partner from the fulfilment of sex.1 Cor 7:3-5. Again, be sure that you are physically fit to fast. God does not want you to do what you might be physically unable to do.
If there is something that you think should be added to this article that in my finite and fallible condition I have overlooked, then please contact me and once it is supported by the BIBLE, in particular, the New Testament or New Covenant, then by His grace, I will be more than glad to do so.
