why fast?
May 5th, 2008
I. SERMON OUTLINE:
A. WE FAST AND PRAY TO EARNESTLY PLEAD GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY
1. Jonah 3:4,7-9 : an unbelieving nation repents with fasting and averted destruction
2. 2Kings 20:1-6: good king Hezekiah experienced God’s grace with his tears
3.1Kings 21:21,27-29: evil king Ahab repents with fasting and God postponed wrath
4. Exodus 32:10-14: Moses pleaded with God to have mercy on straying Israel
all these incidents seem to show that God changed his mind but it only appears so - God is intent on blessing and having mercy, but their sin brought on them his wrath and only their earnest repentance caused Him to show his mercy: God was acting in uncnanging consitency to his character of grace and mercy(Joel 2:13)
B. WE FAST AND PRAY FOR UNDERSTANDING
Daniel sought God in fasting, asking him to give him undertanding of his plans and purposes (Daniel 10:2,3,11,13)
C. WE FAST AND PRAY FOR GOD’S BLESSING BEFORE MAJOR UNDERTAKINGS
Ezra fasted and prayed for safe passage to Jerusalem and success (Ezra 8:21-23)
Acts 13:1-3 Antioch leaders fasted and worshipped and prayed before the first missionary journey of Paul
D. WE FAST AND PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL POWER AND BREAKTHROUGHS
Mark 9:28,29 some stubborn demons, bondages, strongholds and addictions can only be overcome by fasting and prayer
PRACTICAL TIPS:
1.Get clearance if you have a medical condition.
2. Take plenty of liquids.
3. Fast in secret unless fasting as a group.
4. Do not expect instant results.
5. Beware of vulnerabilities like irritability and impatience during fast.
6. Beware of self-righteousness.
II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. List down the benefits of fasting and prayer?
2. Mark 2:19-21 Jesus said when he goes back to heaven it is time for them to fast. Why should Christians fast before the second coming of Christ?
3. What are the different ways people can fast and pray? How can a busy working person best fit fasting and prayer into his schedule?
4. Share your experience of fasting? What was challenging and what was beneficial about it?
5. When should a Christian fast?
Entry Filed under: Ministry
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