Summary: - Matt 6:16-18, 9:14-15 - fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food sometimes liquids for spiritual purposes. To take the time you would normally spen in preparation and give it in pursuit of God, His Kingdom, His ways. It is giving up the pleasure of food which is good for the greater good of seeking God and His Kingdom. - why fast? 1. a greater expression of contrition, humility, urgency, repentance (Mark 8:34-35) 2. as an expression of greater dependency on God - fasting will help you draw closer to God (Ps. 35:13, Matt. 17:21) 3. as an expression of greater danger (2 Chron. 20:1-4, Esther 4:3-16) 4. as an expression of a greater longing for the work of God to be done on the earth 5. as an expression of greater clarity in prayer (Isa. 58:4, Dan 9:1-3, Joel 2:12-13) 6. as an expression of an approved ministry (2 Cor. 6:4-5) 7. as an expression of greater love and devotion (Ps. 63:1-8)
