Fasting …. The Lost Discipline
Willow Springs Baptist Church
Bro. Michael L. Simons

Matt 9:15 And Jesus said to them, "The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.  

Intro: Why if we as Baptist have practiced and taught a regenerate Church membership, Salvation by Faith through Grace from Christ alone, Baptism by immersion as the door to church membership and this book as our guide as to our practice and faith. Why then do we not FAST?  It is scriptural, taught and practiced by Jesus and his disciples, it is found in both the OT and NT.  I believe that it has been lost due to a lack of Teaching, Example and Indifference.  Today I want to share with you the Lost Discipline of Fasting.  

1. OT Examples

Moses Fasted for the People Deut. 9:9,18,25-29

David Fasted over the Death of friends and his son.  2 Sam. 1:12, 3:35, 12:16

Daniel Fasted over a Sin 9:1-19, For an Answer 10:3-13 

2. Jesus Teaching Matt 6:16-18 16 "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  Matt.17: 21. 21 "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Do: Wash, Anoint, Keep it a Secret; It is one of the Keys to Spiritual Power.

Don’t: Look sick; make a show of it, brag about it.  

3. Questions to ask

Who should fast; All Christians who can and are lead by the HS to do so. If you’re under a Dr. care check with him. 

Why should I Fast: For the breaking down of Spiritual strongholds in you life and your church ECT. For Spiritual Power, Victory over Sin, Salvation of Souls, Answers to Prayers. 

When should I Fast: As Directed by the HS. 

How should I Fast: Under the leadership of the HS get a good book on Fasting and Follow its Guidelines. I personally recommend 2: Food Fasting and Faith by Bro. Lester Roloff and Fasting your Way to Health by Dr. J Harold Smith MD  

What should I Fast: Food various types, meat, bread, ect, TV, PC Games, Physical interaction, Sports anything that is keeping your from God.   

Things that should be apart of Fasting

Prayer Lk 2:37

Confession Neh.9: 1-2

Mourning Joel 2:12

Humiliation Neh. 9:1 

So what are you going to do about it? Will you follow the Master who said When I am gone THEY WILL FAST!  Are you willing to go the Graduate School of Discipleship and learn this act of Worship Fasting?