Preface

FASTING Lesson 6Memory TextIsaiah 58:6The Bible clearly shows that prayer is definitely linked with fasting.Biblical fasting is intensified prayer. Things are accomplished throughprayer with fasting which cannot be accomplished by prayeralone. “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer andfasting.” Matthew 17:21 Remember: Adam and Eve plunged theentire human race into sin over food.WHAT ARE SOME BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FASTING?Prophet’s Fast:a. Moses - 40 days. Exodus 24:17-18, Deuteronomy 9:9b. Elijah - 40 days. I Kings 19:8c. Jesus - 40 days. Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2NOTE: Moses and Elijah fasted 40 days without food orwater. They were supernaturally sustained by the presenceof God. These were God-directed fasts. We should notattempt to imitate them unless it is clearly commanded byGod.Total Fast:a. Esther fasted three days and nights without food or water.Esther 4:16b. Paul fasted three days. Acts 9:9c. Paul fasted often. II Corinthians 11:27d. David fasted 7 days without food. II Samuel 12:16-18Pleasant Food Fast:a. Daniel fasted 21 days without sweetened food. Daniel 10:1-3Group Fast:a. Israel had special days of fasting, especially the Fast Day ofAtonement. Numbers 29:7; Acts 27:9. This was a day ofaffliction of soul.b. The church at Antioch fasted. Acts 13:2Are There Other Examples of Fasting?Yes: Any kind of self-denial, if done with the proper motivation andattitude, can be considered a form of fasting and discipline.I Corinthians 7:5Partial Fast:a. Denying yourself certain foods.Mental Fast:a. Reading nothing but the Word of God.L E S S O N 6 Fasting27