Under the Sun by Gary Rose

Once again, I have seen something completely new to me: An Aurora Vortex. This is both fascinating and utterly mesmerizing to me. I suppose that it is possible that the above picture is a “photo-shopped” manipulation, but that seems unlikely, due to the bottom being in focus (and a fish-eye lens would vortex everything).

Beyond the uniqueness of the image, a thought came to my mind: Has anything like this every occurred before? As I pondered this, I remembered an incident that occurred in chapel at Northeast School of Biblical Studies in 1978. The dean of the school, Larry Deason, was scheduled to speak during chapel services and had completely forgotten about it. Once his scheduling was confirmed, he stood up to present a lesson. There he was, unprepared, surprised, but eager to preach. He spoke for at least a half an hour from the book of Ecclesiastes and his topic was a phrase “under the sun”. It was on that day, that I gained a new respect for his abilities and realized that he deserved every bit of praise I could muster.

So, today, I did a simple search of the book of Ecclesiastes for “under the sun” and here is result….

Ecclesiastes 1 ( World English Bible )

³ What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

⁹ That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

¹⁴ I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2 ( WEB )

¹¹ Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

¹⁷ So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.

¹⁹ Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

²⁰ Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.

²² For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 3 ( WEB )

¹⁶ Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

Ecclesiastes 4 ( WEB )

¹ Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

³ Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

Ecclesiastes 5 ( WEB )

¹³ There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

¹⁸ Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecclesiastes 6 ( WEB )

¹ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

¹² For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 8 ( WEB )

⁹ All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹⁷ then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.

Ecclesiastes 9 ( WEB )

³ This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

⁶ Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

⁹ Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.

¹¹ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

¹³ I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

^{Ecclesiastes 10 ( WEB )}

⁵ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

Solomon was a great king of Israel; perhaps even greater than his father, David. He was very wise, with an intellect and insight that truly was amazing. Yet, with all these blessings ( from God, of course ), he chose his wives poorly and ultimately failed God to follow faithfully. How sad, for someone with so much wisdom!

As I think of that Aurora Vortex a the top of the post, I know that it has happened before, because, indeed there is genuinely nothing new under the sun. Beyond this, I should realize that my goal in life is not limited to just finding something new and appealing, but rather learning from the world around me and applying the Scriptures to it in everything I encounter. Going farther… I should apply God’s word to all my thoughts, actions and insights. Why? Because God has never, ever let me down and that is an unchangeable fact that I hope will continue until I reach heaven. Hope to see you there!

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" Introduction To Spiritual Discipline by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_01.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

Introduction To Spiritual Discipline

INTRODUCTION

1. In 1Ti 4:7, we find Paul exhorting Timothy to...
1. "exercise yourself toward godliness" (NKJV)
2. What does this mean?
2. Compare other translations...
1. "train yourself for godliness" (ESV, NET)
2. "train yourself to be godly" (NIV, NLT)
3. "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (NASB)
3. Consider what some commentators have written...
1. "cultivate piety, and seek to become more holy" - Barnes
2. "Timothy is told that as an athlete trains his body, so the Christian must train his soul." - Barclay
3. "Such exercise involves reading and studying the Bible, prayer, meditation..." - BBC
4. The value of such spiritual exercise is seen in 1Ti 4:8...
1. "godliness is profitable for all things"
2. "having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come"

[The disciple, therefore, is to engage in various "exercises" or "disciplines" that cultivate godliness or piety. In this series, we shall take a look at such "Disciplines For The Disciple." But in this lesson, some introductory thoughts regarding...]

1. THE CONCEPT OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
1. DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE...
1. In general terms, discipline means:
1. "any training intended to develop moral character, or produce a pattern of behavior." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discipline
2. "training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character - Merriam-Webster
2. Regarding spiritual disciplines in particular:
1. "A spiritual discipline is, when practiced faithfully and regularly, a habit or regular pattern in your life that repeatedly brings you back to God and opens you up to what God is saying to you." - http://www.spirithome.com/spirdisc.html
2. "Spiritual disciplines can be described as behaviors that facilitate spiritual growth." - http://www.wcg.org/lit/spiritual/group/discip1.htm
-- Spiritual disciplines, then, are spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior
2. EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES...
1. Prayer - in which one spends time talking to God - e.g., Dan 6:10; Col 4:2
2. Meditation - in which one contemplates on God's Word, or other things worthy of such attention - cf. Ps 1:1-2; Php 4:8
3. Fasting - usually accompanied with prayer, in which one abstains from food - e.g., Neh 1:4; Ac 13:2-3; 14:23
4. Singing - through which one can praise God and be edified - e.g., Ps 71:23; Ac 16:25
5. Giving - by which we can please God and be blessed - cf. He 13:16; Ac 20:35
6. Assembling - where we can exhort one another - cf. Ps 122:1; He 10:24-25
7. Hospitality - showing kindness to strangers, which often results in a blessing - cf. He 13:2
8. Teaching - which usually benefits the teacher more than the student - cf. He 5:12-14
-- Such spiritual activities help to discipline or train one to be more godly

[We shall examine these more carefully in future lessons. But to appreciate the importance of spiritual disciplines for those who call themselves disciples of Christ, let's review...]

2. THE CONCEPT OF DISCIPLESHIP
1. THE WORD "DISCIPLE"...
1. Literally means a learner
2. It denotes "one who follows another's teaching" - Vine
3. A disciple was not only a learner, he was also an adherent
-- For such reasons, disciples were spoken of as imitators of their teachers
2. THE GOAL IN BEING A DISCIPLE...
1. Stated by Jesus himself: to be like the teacher - Lk 6:40
2. To be Christ's disciple, then, is to strive to be like Him!
3. This coincides with God's goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the image of His Son - Ro 8:29
-- Since Jesus is the Son of God, the goal of a disciple is to be more godly

CONCLUSION

1. Are you a disciple of Christ...?
1. Jesus wants you to become His disciple - Mt 28:19-20
2. Jesus wants you to become like Him - Lk 6:40
2. With the aid of spiritual disciplines, we are more likely to become what Jesus wanted...
1. For Jesus Himself often taught His disciples to engage in such activities
2. Through both precept and example, Jesus taught His disciples regarding such activities

If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then I trust that this series, "Disciplines For The Disciple" will be of special to interest to you. Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy...

"But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance." - 1Ti 4:7-9

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Prayer by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_02.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Prayer

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study we defined the spiritual disciplines as...
1. Spiritual exercises that one engages in habitually which bring one closer to God and thus become more godly in character and behavior
2. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Now we shall consider such disciplines more carefully, beginning with prayer...
1. An activity in which Jesus Himself frequently practiced - Lk 5:16
2. A spiritual exercise enjoined upon Christians - Col 4:2; 1Th 5:17

[To encourage us to pray more often, let's first examine...]

1. THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER
1. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS...
1. To praise God, expressing adoration
1. As indicated by the phrase "Hallowed be Your name..." - Mt 6:9
2. As exemplified in one of David's prayer - 1Ch 29:10-13
2. To pray that God's will to be done
1. As indicated by the phrase "Your kingdom come..." - Mt 6:10
2. As exemplified in the Lord's own prayer - Mt 26:39,42
3. To make requests for our daily needs
1. Such as our daily food - Mt 6:11
2. Such as our bodily health - 3Jn 2
4. To confess our sins, seeking mercy
1. Asking forgiveness, as we forgive others - Mt 6:12
2. Assured that God will justly and faithfully cleanse through Jesus' blood - 1Jn 1:9
5. To ask for God's providential care
1. Keeping us away from evil - Mt 6:13
2. Directing our path if it be His will - Ro 1:9-10
-- From "The Lord's Prayer", we can learn much about the purpose of prayer
2. AS TAUGHT BY HIS APOSTLES...
1. To express thanksgiving - 1Th 5:17-18
2. To find peace in the midst of anxiety - Php 4:6-7
3. To receive strength and boldness from God - Ep 3:14-16,20; 6:18-20
4. To find opportunity for service to God - Col 4:3
5. To receive wisdom from God - Jm 1:5-8
6. To intercede on behalf of others - Jm 5:14-16; 1Ti 2:1-2
-- From the apostles' writings, we learn much about the purpose of prayer

[There is much good that can come from prayer, both for ourselves and those for whom we pray. It is an activity in which Jesus and His apostles engaged in frequently, so now let's consider more closely...]

2. THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
1. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS...
1. Jesus taught the value of secret prayer
1. By precept, in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:5-6
2. By example, in finding solitary places to pray - Mk 1:35
2. Jesus taught the value of simple prayer
1. Many words are not necessary - Mt 6:7
2. Our Father already knows our needs - Mt 6:8; cf. Ro 8:26-27
3. Jesus taught the value of steadfast prayer
1. In response to His disciples' request to teach them to pray - Lk 11:1,5-10
2. In telling them the parable of the persistent widow - Lk 18:1-8
-- Thus the discipline of prayer should include the elements of secrecy, simplicity, and steadfastness
2. AS PRACTICED BY GODLY MEN AND WOMEN...
1. David, a man after God's own heart, prayed morning, noon, and evening - Ps 55:17
2. Daniel, a man greatly beloved by God, prayed thrice daily for many years - Dan 6:10
3. Anna, a prophetess, served God in prayers night and day - Lk 2:36-37
4. Real widows continue in prayers night and day - 1Ti 5:5
5. Epaphras labored fervently in prayers for those in his church - Col 4:12
6. Paul prayed frequently for his brethren in other churches - Ro 1:9; Php 1:3-4; Ep 1:15-16; 1Th 1:2
-- Clearly the discipline of prayer involves a habitual, daily practice of prayer

CONCLUSION

1. The discipline of prayer, done habitually, is truly a spiritual exercise...
1. "Prayer is the spiritual gymnasium in which we exercise and practice godliness." - V. L. Crawford
2. "...Prayer is educative. The man who prays grows; and the muscles of the soul swell from this whipcord to iron bands." - Frederick B. Meyer
3. The opposite is also true: "Seven days without prayer makes one weak." - Allan E. Bartlette
2. The discipline of prayer is truly an exercise that leads to godliness...
1. For Jesus, at the right hand of God, makes intercession for us - Ro 8:34
2. Indeed, Jesus always lives to make intercession - He 7:25

If we desire to be true disciples of Christ, if we want to become more like Him, then "The Discipline Of Prayer" is a spiritual exercise that we must engage in frequently...

And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. - Mt 14:23

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. - Mk 1:35

So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. - Lk 5:16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Meditation by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_03.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Meditation

INTRODUCTION

1. In this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as...
1. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to God, to become more godly in character and behavior
2. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Our previous study examined the discipline of prayer...
1. Noting especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. In which we praise God, make supplication for our needs, intercede for others
3. Closely tied to prayer is the disciple of meditation...
1. A spiritual exercise practiced by men of God - Gen 24:63; Ps 1:1-2
2. A spiritual duty given to those who are Christians - Php 4:8; 1 Ti 4:15
4. But some questions may come to mind...
1. What exactly is meditation?
2. Why should we take time to meditate?
3. How should we meditate?

[This study will attempt to provide answers to these questions...]

1. MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE
1. WHAT IS NOT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE...
1. That practiced by many Eastern religions
1. Like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Transcendental Meditation
2. Where the object is to experience truth, peace, or being, usually inexpressible
2. That practiced by Christian mystics
1. Such as Quakers, and others often found among Catholics and Protestants
2. Who meditate to experience God, or to receive some revelation from God
3. Both Eastern and Christian mystical meditation usually seek to empty the mind so as to find or receive truth within (i.e., a subjective form of meditation)
2. WHAT IS MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE...
1. To contemplate on truth or reality already revealed (i.e., an objective form of meditation)
2. For example, the man "after God's own heart" is one who meditates on:
1. The Lord Himself - Ps 63:6
2. His wonderful Works - Ps 77:12
3. His revealed Word - Ps 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
3. In the words of Paul, we are to meditate on "things" - Php 4:8
1. Things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report
2. Things that are of any virtue, and are praiseworthy

[There is a very real difference between Biblical meditation and that commonly practiced by many religions: Christian meditation dwells on that already revealed in creation or inspired revelation, whereas other forms of meditation seek some new truth or experience to be revealed. Understanding the difference, why is Biblical meditation important...?]

2. WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD MEDITATE
1. A SOURCE OF JOY AND STRENGTH...
1. As seen from such passages like Ps 1:1-3; Isa 40:28-31
2. This alone should motivate us to meditate more often
2. AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TRANSFORMATION...
1. The goal of the Christian is to become more like Christ - cf. Ro 8:29
2. This requires a "transformation" - Ro 12:1-2
3. But notice that this is possible only by "renewing the mind" - Ro 12:2
4. This "renewing" is possible only when we "set our minds" on proper things
1. On things above
2. Not on things on the earth - Col 3:1-2
5. Only then, when our minds are "set on things above", will we be successful in completing the "transformation" which includes "putting off the old man" and "putting on the new man" - cf. Co 3:1-2 with Col 3:5-14
3. MANY FALL BECAUSE THEY MEDITATE ON THE WRONG THINGS...
1. They "mind the things of the flesh", which leads to "death" and "enmity with God" - cf. Ro 8:5-8
2. You cannot be a spiritual person if you "dwell" on carnal things
1. "Recent studies conducted by a Stanford University research team have revealed that 'what we watch' does have an effect on our imaginations, our learning patterns, and our behaviors." - Denis Waitley, Seeds Of Greatness, p. 47-48
2. " First we are exposed to new behaviors and characters. Next, we learn or acquire these new behaviors. The last and most crucial step is that we adopt these behaviors as our own." - ibid.
3. "One of the most critical aspects of human development that we need to understand is the influence of 'repeated viewing' and 'repeated verbalizing' in shaping our future." - ibid.
4. The information goes in, 'harmlessly, almost unnoticed,' on a daily basis, but we don't react to it until later, when we aren't able to realize the basis for our reactions." - ibid.
5. "In other words, our value system is being formed without any conscious awareness on our part of what is happening!" - ibid.
6. "You are what you watch and think." - ibid., p. 45
7. "If a sixty second commercial, by repeated viewing, can sell us a product, then isn't it possible for a sixty minute soap opera or 'smut-com', by repeated viewing, to sell us a lifestyle?" - ibid., p. 47
3. Fill your mind with positive and spiritual thoughts if you really want to:
1. "renew the mind"
2. "be transformed"

[If Christians are to succeed, they must set their minds (meditate) on the things of the Spirit, on things above, where Christ is! Only then will they with God's help put off the old man and put on the new man. Finally, a few thoughts on...]

3. HOW TO MEDITATE
1. FIND A QUIET TIME AND PLACE...
1. For Isaac, it was in the field at evening - Gen 24:63
2. For David, it was in bed during the night watches - Ps 4:4; 63:6; 119:148
-- A time and place free from distraction
2. CONTEMPLATE SOMETHING OF VALUE...
1. David focused his meditation on three things:
1. The Lord Himself - Ps 63:6
2. His wonderful Works - Ps 77:12
3. His revealed Word - Ps 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
2. Paul mentioned things that possess virtue and are praiseworthy - Php 4:8
1. Whatever is noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report
2. Which could include devotional writings by uninspired authors
-- A subject or object worthy of mindful contemplation
3. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS...
1. Read it contemplatively every day - Ps 1:2; 119:15
2. Read it with a prayer in your heart - cf. Ps 119:18
3. As you read, occasionally read it aloud to yourself
1. The Hebrew word in Ps 1:2 for meditate means "to mutter"
2. Reading slowly and audibly helps to focus one's mind on the words
4. As you read, you might ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is there some truth I should know from this verse?
2. How does this passage affect a previously held conviction?
3. Is there something I should stop doing in light of this verse?
4. Is there a practice I should change?
5. Is there a habit I ought to begin?
5. You might end with a prayer such as David's - cf. Ps 119:10
-- "Hold the Word of God in your heart until it has affected every phase of your life...this is meditation."

CONCLUSION

1. In Ps 19:14, we find David praying:

   "Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, "O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

2. By heeding Paul's command ("meditate on these things" - Php 4:8), we can ensure that our meditations will be acceptable in the sight of our Lord!

Together with frequent prayer, the practice of meditation will go a long way toward exercising one's self unto godliness...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Fasting by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_04.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Fasting

INTRODUCTION

1. For this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as...
1. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to God, to become more godly in character and behavior
2. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Previous studies examined the disciplines of...
1. Prayer - especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. Meditation - contemplating on God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. A discipline closely tied to prayer in the Scriptures is that of fasting...
1. Practiced by men of God - Ezr 8:21; Neh 1:4; Dan 9:3; Mt 4:2
2. Observed by the early church - Ac 13:1-3; 14:23; 2Co 6:5; 11:27
4. But some questions may come to mind...
1. What exactly is fasting?
2. Why would Christians fast?
3. When would Christians fast?
4. How should Christians fast?

[A detailed study of fasting can be found here. This study will simply summarize the answers to such questions...]

1. FASTING IN THE BIBLE
1. IN THE OLD TESAMENT...
1. Only one fast was commanded in the Law of Moses - Lev 16:29; 23:27-29; Num 29:7
1. The phrase "afflict your soul" refers to fasting - cf. Psa 69:10
2. Note also Ac 27:9 (where the Fast refers to the Day of Atonement)
2. But the Israelites (and others) fasted on many other occasions
1. In war, or at the threat of it - Judg 20:26; 1Sa 7:6
2. When loved ones were sick - 2Sa 12:16-23; Ps 35:11-13
3. When loved ones died - 1Sa 31:13; 1Ch 10:12; 2Sa 1:12
4. When they sought God's forgiveness - Jon 3:4-10; Dan 9:3-5; Neh 9:1-3
5. When faced with impending danger - 2Ch 20:3; Ezr 8:21; Neh 1:4; Es 4:3,16
6. To commemorate certain calamities - cf. Zec 7:3; 8:19
3. The purpose of fasting
1. Some fasting was a natural reaction to grief over the loss of a loved one
2. More often, fasting was done purposely to "afflict the soul" - Lev 23:27-29
3. The purpose was to "humble" or "chasten" the soul - Psa 35:13; 69:10
4. By so humbling themselves, they hoped to incur God's favor - Ezr 8:21-23; cf. Isa 57:15; 66:1-2
5. Because they sought God's favor, fasting usually was accompanied with prayer
4. The nature of fasting
1. Fasting generally involved abstaining from food but not water
2. Sometimes the fast was partial - a restriction of diet, not total abstention - cf. Dan 10:2-3
3. On rare occasions there was the absolute fast - Jon 3:5-10; Es 4:16; cf. Ac 9:9
4. The absolute fasts of Moses and Elijah must have been miraculous - Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8
5. The length of fasting
1. A fast was often for one day, from sunrise to sunset, and after sundown food would be taken - Judg 20:26; 2Sa 1:12; 3:35
2. A fast might be for one night (hence the term, "breakfast") - Dan 6:18
3. The fast of Esther continued for three days, day and night, which seems to have been a special case - Es 4:16
4. At Saul's burial, the fast by Jabesh-Gilead was seven days - 1Sa 31:13; 1Ch 10:12
5. David fasted seven days when his child was ill - 2Sa 12:16-18
6. The longest fasts were the forty day fasts by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus - Exo 34:28; Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8; Mt 4:2; Lk 4:2
6. Warnings regarding fasting
1. Fasting can easily turn into an external show and ceremonial ritualism
2. When it did, God and His prophets spoke out against it - Isa 58:1-9; Zec 7:1-14
-- Though subject to abuse, fasting played an important role in the life of Israel
2. FASTING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
1. In the life of Jesus
1. He fasted forty days in the wilderness - Mt 4:1-2; Lk 4:1-2
2. He taught concerning fasting in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:16-18
3. He implied His disciples would fast after His death - Mk 2:18-20; Lk 5:33-35
4. He spoke of the combined power of fasting and prayer - Mt 17:14-21
2. In the life of the early church
1. Members of the church at Antioch served the Lord with fasting - Ac 13:1-2
2. Elders were appointed in the churches of Galatia with fasting - Ac 14:21-23
3. In the life of Paul
1. He fasted prior to his baptism - Ac 9:9
2. He fasted as part of his ministry - 2Co 6:4-10; 11:23-28
3. He described how fasting might be appropriate for others - 1Co 7:5
4. In the lives of others
1. Anna - Lk 2:36-37
2. Cornelius - Ac 10:30-31
-- Through both precept and example, the New Testament has much to say about fasting

[Both Jews and Gentiles, Christians and non-Christians, practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting in Bible times. Should Christians fast today? I believe there is a place for fasting today...]

2. WHY WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. PEOPLE FAST TODAY FOR VARIOUS REASONS...
1. Some purposefully, for health reasons
2. Some without thinking, in times of grief and sorrow
3. Others, in an effort to gain some kind of self-control
-- But these are not reasons Christian should fast in their service to God - Col 2:20-23
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD FAST TO SEEK GOD'S HELP...
1. This is consistent with the majority of fasting in the OT
1. In times of war or at the threat of it (Israel)
2. When loved ones were sick (David)
3. When seeking God's forgiveness (Ahab, Daniel)
4. When seeking God's protection (Ezra)
2. This is consistent with the examples of fasting in the NT
1. When dealing with temptations (Jesus)
2. When serving the Lord (Antioch)
3. When beginning a work for the Lord (Antioch)
4. When selecting and appointing elders (Galatia)
-- There is certainly apostolic example for Christians to fast today

[If fasting has a place in the Christian life, then let's look more closely at...]

3. WHEN WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE GOD'S HELP...
1. These may be occasions on an individual level
1. When faced with difficult temptations
2. When faced with the serious illness of a loved one
2. These occasions might be on a congregational level
1. As when appointing elders
2. As when sending out missionaries
-- Not as some ceremonious ritual, but when appropriate for the occasion
2. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES CALL FOR MUCH PRAYER...
1. Is not God more likely to answer our prayers if we are persistent? - cf. Lk 18:1-8
2. Is not God more likely to respond if we fast in the proper manner? - cf. Mt 6:17-18
-- This may be why fasting is frequently joined with prayer in the Scriptures

[Whenever there are matters requiring much prayer, fasting along with prayer is appropriate. Finally, let's take a look at...]

4. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. SOME BIBLICAL WARNINGS...
1. Not to be seen of men - Mt 6:16-18
2. Not as some regular ritual - cf. Mt 9:14-17
3. Not without true repentance - cf. Isa 58:3-9
-- To be effective, fasting must take such warnings seriously
2. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS...
1. Don't fast just because it sounds like a neat thing to do
1. Take the subject seriously
2. Fast only when the occasion is a serious one
3. One in which you deeply desire God's help
2. If you have never fasted before...
1. Start slow, fasting only for brief periods of time
2. End slow, gradually breaking your fast with fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts
3. Fast when you have time to spend in prayerful meditation
1. Remember the purpose for fasting
1. To humble oneself in God's sight
2. To seek favorable answer to prayer for some important plea
2. Thus fast when you have time
1. To pray
2. To meditate
3. Remember fasting can be:
1. Partial abstention from food, not necessarily complete
2. Just for one day or night, not necessarily for days and nights
-- Fasting is not an end, but a means to an end; a way to humble oneself before God

CONCLUSION

1. Views about fasting have often been extreme...
1. "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason, and others have utterly disregarded it." - John Wesley
2. Some consider fasting unnecessary, therefore to be ignored; others think fasting is to be bound as a matter of faith (like baptism)
3. For the Christian, fasting is left primarily to individual discretion
2. When properly understood, fasting can be a valuable spiritual discipline...
1. A way to humble oneself before God
2. When joined with prayer, a way to solicit God's help

As we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness (2Ti 4:7), consider the practice of fasting as an appropriate complement to prayer and meditation...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022