RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher Manual For June 25, 2023 Lesson 43 : Topic — Biblical Fast
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TOPIC: Biblical Fast
OPENING PRAYER: Father, please open my heart to understand more about fasting and prayers.
MEMORY VERSE: “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” Daniel 9:3 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 10:2-3 (KJV)
2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
INTRODUCTION: Fasting, in the Bible, is total abstinence from pleasure-giving activities for a set time for the purpose of devoting oneself to seeking God. While there are many ways believers could fast, too often the focus is on abstinence from food. In this lesson, we shall examine different types of biblical fast, basic cautions, and reasons for fasting.
TEXT REVIEW: Prophet Daniel was a man full of God’s spirit and wisdom. In many ways, he proved his unwavering devotion to God. One of such ways is through fasting, which he records that:
i. He mourned for three full weeks, V2.
ii. He ate no pleasant bread. V3a.
iii. Neither came flesh ………………………………………….V3b.
iv. Neither did he ………………………………………………V3c.
v. ……………. ………………………………….V3d.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- TYPES OF FAST IN THE BIBLE
- REASONS AND BASIC CAUTIONS
1. TYPES OF FAST IN THE BIBLE
Teachers should emphasize the following types of fast in the bible:
A. Food fast – This is abstinence from food/drinks. It may take the form of:
i. Regular fast: This is done by abstaining from all food, both solid and liquid. (2Chron.20:3). The fast is usually broken daily or periodically (Jer. 36:6).
ii. Partial fast: This is inspired by Prophet Daniel. All meat and animal products are disallowed. The Daniel Fast includes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and water. These guidelines are based on Daniel’s request of “nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink” (Dan. 1:8-14).
iii. Absolute or full fast: Where no food or water is consumed (Esth. 4:16; Acts 27:33). For instance, Moses, Elijah, and the Lord Jesus Christ did forty days absolute fast (Deut. 9:9; 1Kgs.19:7-8; Lk.4:2).
B. Sex fast: The Bible also makes reference to ‘sexual fast’ in Exodus 19:15. Married couples can mutually agree to abstain from sex for a short period of time in order to devote themselves to prayers (1Cor.7:5).
C. ‘Pleasure’ fast: Another way is to confine or isolate oneself from people and pleasurable things to a place as a means of worship, studying the Bible, and praying to God for a purpose (Lk.2:36-37; 5:16). Time alone with God requires discipline and avoidance of distractions.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention which of these fast they have had.
2. REASONS AND BASIC CAUTIONS
A. Fasting is far more about focus on God than abstinence from food or other things that give pleasure (Zech.7:5). People fast for various reasons, here are some of them:
i. Spiritual strength (Isa.40:30-31).
ii. Supernatural revelation, wisdom and understanding (Ezr.8:21; Dan.9:22).
iii. Supernatural breakthrough (Zech.8;19).
iv. Repentance from sinful ways (Joel 2:12-13; Dan.9:3-5).
v. Spiritual hunger and demonstration of love for God’s people and burden for souls (2 Cor.11:27-28; Matt.5:6).
vi. Sharing with the poor and destruction of wicked works (Isa.58:6-7).
vii. Subduing of the flesh (1 Cor.9:27).
viii. Bridling of the tongue, taming of the temper and moving ‘stubborn mountains’ (Matt.17:14-21).
B. Believers should exercise some caution while fasting. For instance;
i. Fasting should be limited to a set time and for a clear purpose (1Cor.7:5; Esth.4:16).
ii. It is neither intended to punish the body nor a dieting method (Isa.58:5) but to redirect attention to God.
iii. It is a period to give up self – indulging activities – for a deeper fellowship with God (Matt.4:1-2).
C. Believers should take note of the following:
i. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food, maybe for health related issues.
ii. However, everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God (Ex.19:15).
iii. Biblical fast is to be done in a spirit of humility and joyfulness (Matt. 6:16-18).
iv. It should not be to manipulate God or do evil (Isa.58:4; Acts 23:21).
v. In breaking an ‘absolute and long fast,’ warm liquids, (not carbonated drinks) are advised and should be taken in bits.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Does inability to spend quality time in prayer nullify fast?
CONCLUSION: Ask God for wisdom (Jam.1:5) as regards how and for how long and what purpose He wants you to fast.
EVALUATION: Mention three reasons why believers fasted in the Bible.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to always keep my focus on you as I add fasting to my prayers in Jesus’ name.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five benefits you have derived or will derive from biblical fast (2×5=10 marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?