Fasting Bible Study Lesson 1

Fasting For Your Breakthrough

Questions to get you thinking 

1. Fasting is just one of the threefold cords of Spiritual life. What are the other two?

2. What do you understand the purpose of fasting to be?

3. What is the Spiritual breakthrough that you want to be the result of your fast?

Session one of the DVD

Fasting: the basics:

Before you begin 

Prepare spiritually 

Prepare physically

Decide what to fast 

Decide how long to fast 

Start with a clear goal

Types of fast 

Full fast

Partial Fast 

Daniel Fast 

Corporate fast

How to end your fast

DVD action Points 

Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. Fasting has always been a normal part of a relationship with God

1. The video segment listed several reasons for fasting and discussed how we can continue to experience the blessings of fasting. Which ones do you feel best apply to your own life and decision to fast?

2. How can you prepare physically and spiritually to be ready to fast?

3. The video segment talked about several different kinds of fast. Describe each one:

Full Fast

Partial fast

Daniel fast 

Corporate fast

Fasting for your Breakthrough

Fasting is for everyone

During the years that Jesus walked this earth, He devoted time to teaching His disciples the principles of the kingdom of God, principles that conflict with those of this world. In the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 6, Jesus provided the pattern by which each of us is to  live as a child of God. The pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus said, “When you give…””When you pray…,”and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like fiving and praying was a normal part Christian life. As much attention should be given to fasting as is given to giving and to praying.

1. In Matthew 17, Matthew tells the story of a father who had a demon-possessed son. When he brought his son to the disciples, they could not cure him. When the boy was brought to Jesus he was instantly cured. When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cure him, Jesus gave them the answer found in Matthew 17:20-21. In your own words, explain why Jesus said the disciples failed.

2. In Matthew 6 we learn that God delights giving rewards when we give, pray and fast. Read the story of Daniel’s partial fast when he refused to eat the rich food offered him in the palace, choosing to eat only vegetables instead and explain how God rewarded him for his faithfulness to his fast

3. In Genesis 2:8-9,16-17, we discover what happened when Adam and Eve allowed themselves to be ruled by “King Stomach” and failed to dethrone that “dictator within.” Read the story and explain what happened.

Discover 

On pages 27-28 of Fasting, I give three reasons why it is a good practice to start the year with a fast. What are these three reasons, and how could each reason help you begin the journey to a spiritual breakthrough?

Reflection on what I learned 

What have you learned from the first lesson of this study?