Old School Fasting

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 58 NKJV

1 “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways, As a nation that did righteousness, And did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. 5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? 6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. 13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, 14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

INTRODUCTION

Last week we started talking about RETRO CHURCH: OLD SCHOOL MISSION FOR A NEW GENERATION. We said that we believe God is calling us back to our roots, back to our foundations, back to the purpose and plan that Jesus had in mind when He originally built the church. Back to when the church operated in the power and authority of the name of Jesus Christ and saw things happen including salvations, healings, deliverances. And last week we started out by talking about OLD SCHOOL COMMITMENT. That is where it all begins for us. Once we put our hands to the plow, there is no looking back. We’ve got to commit our hearts 100% to our relationship with Jesus Christ.

This week I want to shift gears a little bit and talk about OLD SCHOOL FASTING. What is fasting? Well the basic definition of fasting is “to abstain from food.” But OLD SCHOOL FASTING goes beyond just skipping a meal.

Fasting is going without for more of God within.

Fasting is about seeking God. So fasting always involves prayer. In fact:

fasting - prayer = a diet

fasting + prayer = a spiritual discipline that gets God’s attention and results in change.

Fasting can be used to:

Demonstrate humility before God,

Draw closer to God,

Express repentance,

Intercede for others, or

Seek for spiritual breakthrough.

Fasting can be:

Individual | Corporate

Either way it must be done in humility:

Matthew 6:16–18 NKJV

16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Partial | Total

Partial:

Daniel 10:2–3 NKJV

2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.

Total:

Esther 4:16 NKJV

16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Occasional | Routine

Occasional

Joel 2:12–15 NKJV

12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him— A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;

Routine

Luke 18:12 NKJV

12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

There are just some situations that require fasting:

Matthew 17:21 NKJV

21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Jesus made it clear that the church must depend on OLD SCHOOL FASTING. So that means we still need to be practicing OLD SCHOOL FASTING in the church today!

If we will practice OLD SCHOOL FASTING, we will see God move in a mighty way. Not only will OLD SCHOOL FASTING change the situation we’re facing, but it will change us in the process!

I want look back at Isaiah 58 this morning because I think it highlights three things that OLD SCHOOL FASTING will produce in us.

MESSAGE POINTS

Old School Fasting Produces Holiness

Isaiah 58:1–5 NKJV

1 “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways, As a nation that did righteousness, And did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. 5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?

The people were fasting | praying | going through the motions, but God wasn’t answering.

“Why have we fasted...and You have not seen?”

“Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice.”

Why? God said He was not answering because of their hypocrisy.

[3] “You find pleasure and exploit all your laborers” - they were doing it for their own selfish desires.

[4] “You fast for strife and debate and to strike with the fist of wickedness” - they were asking God for things they shouldn’t be asking for: let me win the argument, take vengeance on my enemies, punish those who have done me wrong.

[4] You fast “to make your voice heard on high” - they were doing it for performance not obedience.

Hypocrisy will produce hollow holiness. A shell with nothing on the inside.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will produce true holiness and righteousness.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will change your heart before it changes your situation.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will make you more like Christ and less like the world.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will give you a hunger for the things of the Spirit and curb your appetite for the things of the flesh.

Old School Fasting Produces Compassion

Isaiah 58:6–7 NKJV

6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

God gave them His desire for fasting:

[6] “To loose the bonds of wickedness” - to set people free from the power of sin.

[6] “To undo the heavy burdens” - to help share the load.

[6] “To let the oppressed go free” - to seek justice for those

[6] To “break every yoke” - every yoke that is not Christ.

[7] To “share your bread with the hungry...bring to your house the poor who are cast out...when you see the naked to cover him...and not hide yourself from your own flesh” - to reach out in compassion to those who are in need.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING is not about seeking for what I want, it is about seeking for God’s heart.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING is not just about meeting my need, but about meeting the needs of others.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING opens up your heart to be more compassionate toward others.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will turn selfishness into selflessness.

Old School Fasting Produces Breakthrough

Isaiah 58:8–12 NKJV

8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

God said that in order for OLD SCHOOL FASTING to be effective, there are three things that we must take away or remove from our lives:

[9] “Take away the yoke from your midst”

This phrase symbolizes the call to end oppression and unjust burdens imposed on others.

It's about dismantling systems and practices that exploit others.

[9] “The pointing of the finger”

This refers to the act of judging, accusing, and showing contempt or scorn towards others.

It implies a cessation of actions that cause division and harm within the community.

[9] “Speaking wickedness”

This refers to slander, gossip, malicious talk, or any speech that is harmful or unjust towards others.

It's a call to use words to build up and encourage, rather than to tear down or harm.

God said that some good OLD SCHOOL FASTING will produce good results:

[8] “your light shall break forth like the morning”

This signifies hope, renewal, and divine guidance, suggesting that when God's people align with His will, they will experience a new beginning, like the rising sun dispelling darkness.

It also implies that their lives will reflect God's light to the world.

[8] “Your healing shall spring forth speedily”

This promises restoration and wholeness, which can encompass both physical healing and spiritual healing—restoring one's relationship with God and experiencing overall well-being.

The speed of this healing emphasizes God's readiness to restore those who turn to Him with sincere hearts.

[8] “Your righteousness shall go before you”

Righteousness is portrayed as a guide and protector, leading the way for those who live in accordance with God's will.

This means that their actions and character will precede them, preparing the way for blessings and prosperity.

[8] “The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard” - God will offer His protection and presence.

This signifies God's manifest presence, power, and protection acting as a rear guard, protecting them from behind, similar to how the pillar of cloud and fire guided and protected Israel during the Exodus.

It promises God's favor and blessing accompanying those who choose to live in alignment with his will.

[9] “Then you shall call and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am”

When these conditions are met, God promises to hear and answer prayers and be present with His people, responding with "Here I am" when they cry out for help.

[10] “Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday”

This is a promise of blessings that will shine in the midst of adversity or difficult circumstances.

It signifies divine favor, guidance, hope, and the presence of God even in the darkest times.

[11] “The Lord will guide you continually”

This signifies God's constant presence and direction in the believer's life, leading them through both smooth and challenging paths.

[11] “And satisfy your soul in drought”

This speaks to God's provision and sustenance even in difficult and trying times, ensuring that needs are met even when resources are scarce.

[11] “And strengthen your bones”

This highlights God's power to revitalize and empower believers, both physically and spiritually, enabling them to persevere and overcome obstacles. 

[11] “You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail”

This imagery portrays a life of abundance, flourishing, and lasting fruitfulness, reflecting God's abundant blessings and enduring provision.

[12] “Those from among you Shall build the old waste places”

This refers to the restoration of things that have been destroyed or laid waste, symbolizing a rebuilding of both physical and spiritual structures.

[12] You shall raise up the foundations of many generations”

This signifies the restoration of foundational truths, principles, and relationships that have been neglected or broken.

[12] “And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In”

This highlights the role of those who mend broken relationships, whether between people or between people and God, and who restore harmony where there was conflict.

This refers to the rebuilding of communities and the creation of safe and thriving places for people to live, symbolizing social and spiritual well-being.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING is about seeing a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Heal.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Guide.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Protect.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Deliver.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Revive.

OLD SCHOOL FASTING will demonstrate God’s power to Restore.

CALL TO ACTION

Church, we’ve talked about Old School Fasting—not just the outward action, but the inward transformation that God desires. Now the question is: How will you respond?

1. Will You Make Room for God?

Fasting is going without to go after God. It’s saying, “God, I want You more than comfort, more than routine, more than food.” Will you set aside time this week to seek Him through prayer and fasting?

Action Step: Commit to a personal or corporate fast. It might be a meal, a day, or a week—but do it with the goal of drawing near to God.

2. Will You Repent and Return?

God told Israel their fasting was ineffective because their hearts were far from Him. It’s not about performance—it’s about obedience, humility, and surrender.

Action Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Is there any hypocrisy, unforgiveness, selfishness, or sin you need to release? Confess it. Let God cleanse and restore you.

3. Will You Reach Out in Compassion?

True fasting isn't just about you—it’s about others. Isaiah 58 says to share your bread, break every yoke, cover the naked, and help the hurting.

Action Step: Ask God to open your eyes to someone who is burdened, broken, or in need. How can you meet a need this week—physically, spiritually, emotionally?

4. Will You Believe God for Breakthrough?

God promises that light will break forth, healing will spring up, and restoration will come when we fast His way.

Action Step: Write down one area where you’re believing God for breakthrough. Fast and pray over it. Expect God to move—and to change you in the process.

Final Word:

Old School Fasting isn’t just about what you give up—it’s about what God wants to pour in. Holiness. Compassion. Breakthrough. Restoration.

Let’s not just hear this word—let’s live it. Let’s return to the altar. Let’s return to our knees. Let’s return to Old School Power through Old School Fasting.