Spiritual Life of a Christian Series I 02/10/2018
A true and vital relationship with God starts from within and does not come through external religion and ritual.
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| Rev'd G. S. Adeyemo |
Review
In the part 1 of this topic, ‘Christian Fasting’ we examined the definitions of fasting as: Fasting as spiritual discipline is self-denial of things you cherish, do regularly or enjoy for specified period.
Also, we talked about Types of fasting, Reasons for fasting and what fasting is not.
By the grace of God we will examine the requirements for biblical fasting today and how to go about your fasting.
Requirements for Fasting Isaiah 58
Isaiah’s call was reaffirmed and re commissioned to reprove sin and hypocrisy among the people of God. Sin of hypocrisy is a rebellion against the will of God. “…Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.” Isa. 58:1. The people wanted to earn God’s blessings through religious activities. God desires spirituality more than activities.
Going through the motions of religion, even those of sacrifice and fasting, does not move God. A true and vital relationship with God starts from within and does not come through external religion and rituals. Israel’s lack of social justice became worrisome as they were boasting of their religious programmes like fasting, keeping the Sabbath etc. Isa. 58: 2-3; Luk. 6: 46; Mk 7: 6; Matt. 6: 1; Titus 1: 16; Matt. 23: 27, 28; Luk. 20: 46, 47
Observe
6“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. 7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
“Spirituality is shown by the loving quality of our personal relationships (Isa. 58:4) and by our commitment to social justice and to helping the poor and oppressed (Isa. 58:6–7), not by fasting” says, Lawrence O. Richards
Have the right motives while fasting. Just as we learnt in our previous study, biblical fasting is to humble yourself before God. It is a way of glorifying our Lord not for personal pride. During fasting, focus your attention on Jesus Christ. According to our passage in Isaiah 58, fasting requires:
1. Justice: Deut. 24:14-15; Prov. 14:31; Amos 2:6-7; Luke 1:52-53; the will of God is that no one should be heavy laden by fellow brother. No matter how spiritual you claim to be, if you deprive others of right to justice, you are a deceiver.
2. Love : Mark 12:31
3. Giving: So give with a glad and generous heart because the very act of letting go of money does something within us. It destroys the demon greed and allows generosity to grow. 2 Cor. 9: 7; Pro. 18: 16; 1 Chro. 29: 14; Pro. 11: 25; Luk 6: 38
4. Hospitality: Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
How to Fast
1. Pray before the fast
2. Meditate on the word of God
3. Determine the length of the fast
4. Drink much water before start
5. Pray for specifics and remember to intercede for others
6. When breaking your fast, avoid rushing solid foods. Instead be gradual by taking warm water, a fruit like water melon, orange, and other soft fruits
7. Close the day with praises and worship trusting God for speedy response.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, remember fasting is not an end on itself. Fasting is very essential in our walk with God. It calls for self denial, close relationship with the Lord and a humble way to seek the will of God and showing love for others. As we do that with sincere heart, your heaven will be opened and doors will be opened for surpassing grace for all sufficiency in Jesus name.
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