07-22-09 - Series: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

This lesson was taught over 3 different Wednesdays.

Here is the link for Part 1



Here is the link for Part 2



Here is the link for Part 3



An Introduction To Fasting

1 Timothy 4:7-8
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

1. Introduction

A hunger for God is the single most important thing that we can have.
1. Introduction

• Through fasting, we allow the “things” of this world to be replaced by the treasures of the Kingdom.
• It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things and there is no room for great. God did not create you for this.

2. Why Most Do Not Fast.

• We fast to move us in a greater position with God.
• The second danger with fasting is not so much spiritual as it is physical.

3. Why Fast?

• Because of the perilous times that surround the Church in our society.
• Because the Church needs a divine empowerment as it has never needed before.
• Because of our own personal needs particularly in a devotion to God and overcoming disobedience and carnality.
• Because the world in general and the Church in particular are crying out for people of character and integrity and such traits can be fostered with fasting as it assists us in overcoming the pull of this world and carnality
• Because we have allowed the “American Dream” to overwhelm our spiritual lives with distractions and the pursuit of many things instead of one thing
• Because we need the will of God to manifest itself in our lives.
• Because our physical bodies could benefit from the poor nutritional habits. We have an abundance of food and medical care but we are not necessarily more healthy
• Because fasting helps us to fight two wars.

4. Jesus Christ and Fasting

Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Deuteronomy 6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

Deuteronomy 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness
(NOTE: As Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit),
to humble thee, and to prove thee
(NOTE: As Jesus was tested or proved),
to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. [3] And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger
(NOTE: As Jesus was made hungry by his own fasting),
and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live
(NOTE: Just as Jesus says to Satan).

The hard lesson in this is that we must hunger for the will of God more than the wonders of God.

5. Conclusion

• It will strengthen prayer.
• It assists us in seeking God’s guidance.
• It sometimes can be an expression of grief.
• It helps to gain deliverance or protection.
• One may fast to express repentance and the return to God.
• It is used to humble ourselves before God.
• It is used to express concern and facilitate the work of the Kingdom of God.