Osien on Why Believers Fast

Background:

Matthew 10:5-8: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

This is one of the instructions Jesus gave to his disciples when he sent them to preach. Let us break it down:

·   Heal the sick

·   Raise the dead

·   Cleanse the leppers

·   Drive out demons

This instruction is a supernatural assignment in that there is no ordinary human being that can heal the sick and those with leprosy as well as casting out demons. Disciples are supposed to do it.

Matthew 17:14-21(KJV) Disciples have not succeeded in carrying ot the instruction that started in Matthew 10. They were not having results that confirmed the instruction. A frustrated community member comes and reports the failure to Jesus. Verse 16 I brought my demon possessed son to your disciples to cast it out but they could not! Jesus then gives the reason in verse 21(even though some versions don’t have verse 21….they jump from verse 20 to verse 22)

This type can only respond to people who are grounded in their prayer life that is supported by fasting! Gotcha!

Fast forward to Acts when Jesus is no longer on the earth….the disciples are on their own with the help of the Holy Spirit. Acts 16:16-18. Paul successfully casts out a demon! The Question is How come? Another example is in Acts 19:13-20. Demons professed to know Jesus and Paul. They attacked the Jews who were trying to cast them out. Look at Paul’s prayer life. It was supported by fasting.

What does fasting do for the believer?

·       Fasting upgrades your concentration and commitment to God.

·       Fasting is part and process of a believer’s life

·       Fasting rekindles your first love for God

·       Fasting deepens your intimacy with God and others

·       Fasting allows the Holy Spirit to show you your true spiritual condition(Isaiah 6:5)

·       Fasting can transform and energise your prayer life into a richer and more explosive experience(Daniel 9:3)(Esther 4:15-16)(Esther 7)

·       Fasting will connect you with God….resulting in revival and faith in your life making you a channel of encouragement towards the revival of others.

·       Fasting enables you to put your body under subjection, allowing you an opportunity to afflict your soul(Leviticus 23:26-)

·       Fasting helps you to depend on God for those difficult situations(Mark 9:29)

·       Fasting helps you turn to the Lord(Joel 2:12)

·       In fasting you afflict your soul, provoking it to seek God

·       Fasting humbles you(Psalm 35:13

·       You break the spirit of pride by afflicting and humbling your soul(James 4:7)

·       Fasting unleashes spiritual power(Luke 4:14) Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Ghost(Matthew17:19-21)

·       Fasting is a means of receiving guidance, revelation and direction from God for critical decisions and choices(Acts 13:1-4)

·       Fasting opens up doors of abundance and provision(Loel 2:15-19)

·       Fasting increases your spiritual sensitivity and sharpness(Luke 2:36-38) Anna knew about the arrival of the Messiah….she was spiritually sharp and alert

·       Fasting stirs God to move on your behalf(Joel 2:18)

·       Fasting releases God’s protection(Ezra 2:21-23)(Ezra 8:31-32)(Acts 19 with the sons of Sceva.

Benefits of Fasting:

You walk in the authority of the Holy Ghost openly: Open reward(Matthew 6:1-8)

God by his nature responds to Giving, Fasting and Praying!

Conclusion:

God rewards prayer and fasting openly

·       Esther 6:1-

·       Esther 7

·       Esther 8

·       Psalm 23:5 you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies……….to be continued.

Do you think you can now answer the question? Do believers need to fast?