FASTING “But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days” Mark 2:20

Fasting aims To get closer to God by developing self control of bodily desire to elevate the Spirit.

Balance Outward part - Body Inward part - Spirit Self Control Balance Outward part - Body Inward part - Spirit

“For the flesh lusts against the Self Control “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other; so that you cannot do the things that you would” (Galatians 5; 17)

What are examples of fasting in the Old Testament?

Fasting in the Old Testament 1. Moses – 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments 2. Elijah - 3. Jonah – Ninevah fast to spare their lives 4. Adam & eve – Originally did not eat meat when they were a pure image of man before eating from the forbidden tree.

Abstain from bodily desires Prayer Charity The way to fasting Abstain from bodily desires Prayer Charity

(Preaching on Fasting) Fasting of Jesus Mathew 4:1-11 (Satan tempts Jesus) 2. Mathew 6:16-18 (Preaching on Fasting) 3. Mark 9:14-29 (Power of Fasting)

Questions 1. 2. 3.

1. What are the two parts that fasting aims to do? 2. 3. Questions 1. What are the two parts that fasting aims to do? 2. 3.

1. 2. Name the temptations of the devil tempted Jesus with? 3. Questions 1. 2. Name the temptations of the devil tempted Jesus with? 3.

1. 2. 3. Name a time the Apostles fasted in Acts? Questions 1. 2. 3. Name a time the Apostles fasted in Acts?