Servanthood: Consecration Fasting

PP- We are in a “Servanthood Series”.

We learned that there are rules for service. We studied that we must have the right motives when were are serving. We do not look for pats on the back because we serve.

As servants of Christ, we learned last week that we must Consecrate ourselves periodically in order to renew, re calibrate, recommit, and repent if need be, in order to continue strong in service to HIM! Consecrate means to set yourself apart unto the Lord in a heightened manner for a period of time for renewal.

We learned that there is a common misconception about consecrating ourselves unto the Lord. Just because you gave your self to Christ doesn’t mean you are giving yourself, presently, to Christ. it has to be an ongoing intentional activity!

Let’s take it further, an essential part of consecrating, or setting oneself apart unto the Lord is FASTING!

PP- Servanthood: Consecrate by Fasting

An essential part of consecrating, or setting oneself apart unto the Lord is FASTING! It is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines for ourselves, it is an effective weapon against the assaults from spiritual forces. And if you need another reason as a christian to fast… Jesus fasted, Moses fasted, David, fasted, Paul fasted, I fast, Pastor Ruth fast, Pastor Harris fast, and other right here in our congregation can attest to the power of fasting and it’s spiritual and physical benefits.

It is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines for ourselves, it is an effective weapon against the assaults from spiritual forces. And if you need another reason as a christian to fast… Jesus fasted, Moses fasted, David, fasted, Paul fasted, I fast, Pastor Ruth fast, Pastor Harris fast, and other right here in our congregation can attest to the power of fasting and it’s spiritual and physical benefits.

“Fasting is the act of total or partial abstinence of food for a limited period of time, usually undertaken for moral or religious reasons.”

In the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing

“Fasting is an effective and safe method of detoxifying the body. The body needs a periodic rest from the toxic chemicals we ingest and absorb from our environment. Fasting is not starvation. It is a technique that wise men have used for centuries to heal the sick. To understand the principles of fasting is to understand ones own body.”

Derrick Prince, a contemporary Christian author who has written many Christian books, says, “fasting intensifies prayer.”

PP- The Bible describes three main forms of fasting:

PP- The Normal Fast, involving total abstinence of food. Jesus “did eat nothing.”

PP- The Absolute Fast, involving total abstinence of food and water. says, “For three days he (Paul) was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”

PP- The Partial Fast, involving the restriction of diet rather than complete abstinence. In , Daniel described his own fast that produced insight on the future. “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”

Appetites

PP- Ques: What does food have to do with my spirituality?

Answer: Food is a connector to your appetites, desires, wants, pleasures. Literally and figuratively!

The stomach, since ancient times has been seen as the vehicle for pleasure. It is a venue for your appetite.

PP- (NIV)

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Since ancient times, the stomach has been known to be a connector point for our desires, appetites, and wants and even lusts. It’s an extension of the appetite. The stomach is like a remote control to our desires.

Our sinful nature connects with our appetites. It, if allowed, high-jacks our appetites to control us.

PP-James 1:13–15 (NIV)

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Fasting is a way to bring our hedonistic nature (a life devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification), our sinful nature and appetites under control.

The body, mind and spirit are connected.

PP-And Fasting is also a spiritual force as we will see.

If I can control my physical appetites, I can also effect my spirituality.

When i take control of my appetite, i’m telling my will what to do.

PP- The Book of Joel calls God’s people to fasting and prayer.

The Power of fasting is seen in the Book of Joel.

Fasting: The Basics

The Power of fasting is seen in the Book of Joel.

The Bible Guide A Devastating Plague of Locusts (1:1–20)

Joel’s prophecy begins with the news of a terrible plague of locusts (1:1–20). Wave upon wave of hungry insects have swarmed over the land like a devouring army. Trees have been stripped of leaf and bark. Fields, vineyards and orchards are all ruined. Farmers and vine-growers are in despair, and the priests have nothing to offer to the Lord.

Joel, like a true prophet, calls the priests and people to turn to God. The devastation of the locusts and the effects of the drought are such that only God can help.

In Joel chapter 1, Joel’s prophecy begins with the news of a terrible plague of locusts (1:1–20). Wave upon wave of hungry insects have swarmed over the land like a devouring army. Trees have been stripped of leaf and bark. Fields, vineyards and orchards are all ruined. Farmers and vine-growers are in despair, and the priests have nothing to offer to the Lord.

12“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

14Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.

15Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.

16Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.

17Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”

18Then the Lord was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.

In Joel chapter 1, Joel’s prophecy begins with the news of a terrible plague of locusts (1:1–20). Wave upon wave of hungry insects have swarmed over the land like a devouring army. Trees have been stripped of leaf and bark. Fields, vineyards and orchards are all ruined. Farmers and vine-growers are in despair, and the priests have nothing to offer to the Lord.

Joel, like a true prophet, calls the priests and people to turn to God. The devastation of the locusts and the effects of the drought are such that only God can help.

Joel sees more in this crisis than a cloud of locusts. He sees the gathering clouds of God’s judgment on the world. He calls for the trumpet to sound the alarm, for here comes another invasion of locusts, even more thorough and all-consuming than the last. Darkness and fire envelop the land as millions of the horse-like creatures swarm over it, turning paradise to desert. But the most terrifying news of all is that God himself is at the head of this invincible army. This is the Day of the Lord; and he is sending a plague of locusts not on his enemies, but upon his own people!

In Joel chapter 2, where we will read from,

The Bible Guide God’s Judgment and Mercy (2:1–32)

sees more in this crisis than a cloud of locusts. He sees the gathering clouds of God’s judgment on the world. He calls for the trumpet to sound the alarm, for here comes another invasion of locusts, even more thorough and all-consuming than the last. Darkness and fire envelop the land as millions of the horse-like creatures swarm over it, turning paradise to desert. But the most terrifying news of all is that God himself is at the head of this invincible army. This is the Day of the Lord; and he is sending a plague of locusts not on his enemies, but upon his own people!

The Lord appeals to his people through Joel. This terrible Day has not yet arrived. The nightmare has not yet become a reality. There is still time to repent and get right with God. The Lord would love to see his people turn to him, so that he can change his plan from punishment to blessing.

Joel calls for the entire community to gather for fasting and prayer.

sees more in this crisis than a cloud of locusts. He sees the gathering clouds of God’s judgment on the world. He calls for the trumpet to sound the alarm, for here comes another invasion of locusts, even more thorough and all-consuming than the last. Darkness and fire envelop the land as millions of the horse-like creatures swarm over it, turning paradise to desert. But the most terrifying news of all is that God himself is at the head of this invincible army. This is the Day of the Lord; and he is sending a plague of locusts not on his enemies, but upon his own people!

The Lord appeals to his people through Joel. This terrible Day has not yet arrived. The nightmare has not yet become a reality. There is still time to repent and get right with God. The Lord would love to see his people turn to him, so that he can change his plan from punishment to blessing.

Joel calls for the entire community to gather for fasting and prayer. Lets read.

PP- (NIV)

12 “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.

16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.

17 Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”

18 Then the Lord was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.

Even the very old, the very young and the newly married are to come and pray. Fasting (going without food) is a sign of utter concentration on God, and often goes with loss of appetite at times of worry or grief. The priests are to beg God to spare his people, especially as other nations will judge God by whatever happens to Israel.

The Bible Guide God’s Judgment and Mercy (2:1–32)

Even the very old, the very young and the newly married are to come and pray. Fasting (going without food) is a sign of utter concentration on God, and often goes with loss of appetite at times of worry or grief. The priests are to beg God to spare his people, especially as other nations will judge God by whatever happens to Israel.

Joel promises that if the people truly repent (tearing their hearts and not just their clothes), then God will sweep away the armies of locusts and restore the crops. The autumn and spring rains will bring life to pastures, trees and animals, and the joy of harvest will fill hearts and stomachs. The word Joel uses for the autumn rains can also mean ‘teacher’. God is going to bless his people by teaching them his truth and guiding them in right living.

The last part of chapter 2 is so important that it forms a separate chapter in the Hebrew Bible.

God’s Spirit will be given to everyone—men and women, young and old, rich and poor. The whole community will be alive to God—able to perceive his will in visions and dreams, and speak his word in prophecy. This mighty blessing of God’s people will go hand in hand with a tremendous upheaval throughout creation. There will be darkness and fire, blood and smoke. And then the dreadful Day of the Lord will come. At the centre of it all, Jerusalem will be both the focus of judgment and the place of refuge.

Even the very old, the very young and the newly married are to come and pray. Fasting (going without food) is a sign of utter concentration on God, and often goes with loss of appetite at times of worry or grief. The priests are to beg God to spare his people, especially as other nations will judge God by whatever happens to Israel.

Joel promises that if the people truly repent (tearing their hearts and not just their clothes), then God will sweep away the armies of locusts and restore the crops. The autumn and spring rains will bring life to pastures, trees and animals, and the joy of harvest will fill hearts and stomachs. The word Joel uses for the autumn rains can also mean ‘teacher’. God is going to bless his people by teaching them his truth and guiding them in right living.

The last part of chapter 2 is so important that it forms a separate chapter in the Hebrew Bible.

God’s Spirit will be given to everyone—men and women, young and old, rich and poor. The whole community will be alive to God—able to perceive his will in visions and dreams, and speak his word in prophecy. This mighty blessing of God’s people will go hand in hand with a tremendous upheaval throughout creation. There will be darkness and fire, blood and smoke. And then the dreadful Day of the Lord will come. At the centre of it all, Jerusalem will be both the focus of judgment and the place of refuge.

If you’ve ever read through the bible, the biblical writers accepted and participated in the act of fasting without discussing the origin of the custom. Fasting seems to suddenly appear in the bible. No writer ever said, “This is what a fast is.” We can then safely assume that not only the biblical were familiar with this practice but also the readers since there was no need to define it. If I made the statement, “you need to be washed in the blood of Jesus.” I can safely assume that it isn’t necessary to explain the act of washing. I might have to explain the blood of Jesus, but not the process of using water and soap to cleanse. Fasting in the bible was a way of life and Godliness.

Prayer is a physical action that translated into a spiritual force

Worship/Praise is a physical action that translates into a spiritual force.

Giving is a physical action that translates into a spiritual force.

Fasting is a physical action (self-discipline) that translates into a spiritual force.

If you’ve ever read through the bible, the biblical writers accepted and participated in the act of fasting without discussing the origin of the custom. Fasting seems to suddenly appear in the bible. No writer ever said, “This is what a fast is.” We can then safely assume that not only the biblical were familiar with this practice but also the readers since there was no need to define it. If I made the statement, “you need to be washed in the blood of Jesus.” I can safely assume that it isn’t necessary to explain the act of washing. I might have to explain the blood of Jesus, but not the process of using water and soap to cleanse. Fasting in the bible was a way of life and Godliness.

“Fasting is the act of total or partial abstinence of food for a limited period of time, usually undertaken for moral or religious reasons.”

In the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing

“Fasting is an effective and safe method of detoxifying the body. The body needs a periodic rest from the toxic chemical we ingest and absorb from our environment. Fasting is not starvation. It is a technique that wise men have used for centuries to heal the sick. To understand the principles of fasting is to understand ones own body.”

Derrick Prince, a contemporary Christian author who has written many Christian books, says, “fasting intensifies prayer.”

PP- The Bible describes three main forms of fasting:

PP- The Normal Fast, involving total abstinence of food. Jesus “did eat nothing.”

PP- The Absolute Fast, involving total abstinence of food and water. says, “For three days he (Paul) was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”

PP- The Partial Fast, involving the restriction of diet rather than complete abstinence. In , Daniel described his own fast that produced insight on the future. “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”

Here are 7 Reasons/Benefits a Christian Should Fast

1. Fasting was used to seek God’s forgiveness ()

2. It was used to seek God’s favor ()

3. It was used to seek protection from danger (; ) The Book of Esther)

4. It was used for humbling oneself for a deeper experience with God ()

5. It was used to change God’s mind (a petition for mercy) ,; ) many of God’s judgments are stipulatory or conditional.

6. It was used to receive insight and instruction from God (; ). In Paul tells of his “fastings often” and in the very next chapter he tells of the “visions and revelations of the Lord.”

7. It was used to free the captives (, )

God then explains that if one is upright before Him and they participate in fasting as a spiritual disciple, they will see life transforming results. ().

We looked at several fast a person participated in and we looked at the results of those fast.

You should teach your children the spiritual discipline of fasting. Start off by teaching them to deny themselves something of value.

Fasting was used to seek God’s forgiveness ()It was used to seek God’s favor ()It was used to seek protection from danger (; ; The Book of Esther) It was used for humbling oneself for a deeper

Our Teen Pastor Sean Thompson is teaching them these values, but you have to be the guide at home.

Staring Next Week, We will fast Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. For three weeks.

I’m asking everyone to sacrifice, and be here for prayer Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour! Sacrifice! We sacrifice for everything else. I’m not going to apologize for asking you to sacrifice six days for corporate prayer.

Next week begins our Holy Consecration season. it aligns with the holy month of Tishri. We’ll kick-off by participating in the LORD’s Supper as a congregation next week. This is a small sacrifice of your time and energy.

let’s pray.

Servanthood: Consecration Fasting

What is Fasting?

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

Holman Bible Dictionary

Here are 7 Reasons/Benefits a Christian Should Fast

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

Holman Bible Dictionary