"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Sins Of Moral Impurity by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_03.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Sins Of Moral Impurity

INTRODUCTION

1. In Ro 1:18-32, we find a description of moral decay that sounds similar to today...
1. While we have enjoyed great advances in technology, we are still in the "dark ages" as far as morality is concerned
2. The challenge for Christians to live holy lives is not much different today, than in the First Century A.D.
2. But passages like 1Co 6:9-11 remind us that there is hope...
1. People in the first century were able to make remarkable changes in their lives
2. Today the same Power is available to change us as well!
1. We too can be "washed", "sanctified", and "justified in the name of Jesus"
2. How? Note that Paul says it is "...by the Spirit of our God"!
3. In our previous lesson, we saw that by "walking in the Spirit" it is possible to overcome the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit
1. By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit (via the Word of God)...
2. And obtaining the aid of the Spirit (via prayer)... ...we can produce the "fruit of the Spirit" in our lives, instead of the "works of the flesh"
4. But we also noted that one step in "Overcoming The Conflict" was through an awareness of the enemy...
1. Otherwise we might be succumbing to the enemy, and not even know it!
2. Fortunately, Paul has provided a list of such things that comprise the "works of the flesh" - Ga 5:19-21

[With this lesson, we begin a careful examination of the words used to describe the "works of the flesh". We start with a look at those sins that might be classed together as "Sins Of Moral Impurity".

The KJV and NKJV begin with a word ("adultery") that is not found in some of the oldest manuscripts. But it is certainly covered by the next word, which we shall focus upon first...]

1. PORNEIA (fornication, immorality, sexual vice)
1. A GENERIC WORD FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS...
1. Originally, it meant "to act the harlot" and then "to indulge unlawful lust"
2. As used in the New Testament, we find it having at least four different meanings...
1. Pre-marital sex - 1Co 7:1-2
2. A synonym for adultery - Mt 19:9
3. A generic sense referring to all forms of unchastity - 1Co 6:13,18
4. A specific sense referring to harlotry and prostitution - Re 2:20-21
3. It therefore includes any sort of sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other (pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, incest)
4. God's disdain for such immorality is seen in the fact...
1. There are seven lists of evil in the writings of Paul
2. Fornication is listed in five of them, and is the first in each of them
2. THIS WORD BECAME SYNONYMOUS WITH FIRST CENTURY LIFE...
1. As it truly reflected...
1. Their attitude toward "adultery": "We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for day-to-day needs of the body, but we have wives in order to produce children legitimately and to have a trustworthy guardian of our homes" (Demosthenes)
2. Their attitude toward "divorce": "Roman women were married to be divorced and were divorced to be married. Some of them distinguished the years, not by the names of the consuls, but by the names of their husbands." (Seneca)
3. Their attitude toward "family": "Caligula lived in incest with his sister Drusilla, and the lust of Nero did not even spare his mother Agrippina." (Suetonius)
4. Their attitude toward "those of the same sex":
1. "It were better not to need marriage, but to follow Plato and Socrates and to be content with the love of boys." (Lucian)
2. "Of the first fifteen emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct." (Gibbons)
2. Does it require much insight to see that this word has come to reflect life in the twentieth century as well?
1. Adultery is considered inevitable, even acceptable by many
2. Divorce has been made "no-fault"
3. Families have been torn asunder by incest
4. Homosexuality has become an "acceptable alternative lifestyle"

[Indeed, the works of the flesh are as rampant today as they were in the first century. As we continue, we see other words that remind us of the times in which we live...]

2. AKATHARSIA (uncleanness, impurity)
1. THE ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD...
1. It originally had reference to dirt or dirtiness in a physical sense
2. In the Greek OT, it is used to denote ritual and ceremonial impurity which made it impossible for the worshipper to approach God - cf. Lev 22:3-9
3. It then came to be used in a moral sense, of that moral depravity which disgusts the person who sees it
2. THREE IDEAS ARE THEREFORE INHERENT IN THE WORD...
1. The quality of that which is soiled and dirty; some minds are like that
2. An impurity where there is a repulsive quality that awakens disgust in those persons who are decent
3. That which separates man from God; in contrast, compare Mt 5:8; Re 3:4

[There appears to be a progression of thought in the order of these words used by Paul. While "porneia" indicates sin within a specific area of life (that of sexual relation), "akatharsia" indicates a general defilement of personality, tainting every sphere of life.

The next word indicates a love of sin so reckless and audacious that one has ceased to care what God or man thinks of their actions...]

3. ASELGIA (lasciviousness, licentiousness, sensuality)
1. THE BASIC MEANING OF THE WORD...
1. In the NT it seems to be linked with sexual excess in a public way
2. Barclay distinguishes three characteristics of this sin:
1. It is wanton and undisciplined action
2. It has no respect for the persons or rights of anyone else
3. It is completely indifferent to public opinion and to public decency
2. THE GENERAL IDEA IS ONE OF SHAMELESS BEHAVIOR...
1. Thayer defines this word by giving these examples:
1. "filthy words"
2. "indecent bodily movements"
3. "unchaste handling of males and females"
2. This word is one that best describes...
1. What is often seen in much of modern dance, music, and theater
2. What goes on at many concerts, and on many talk shows
3. The context in which it is often found in the Scriptures helps to understand this word - cf. Ro 13:11-14; Ep 4:17-19; 1Pe 4:1-4

CONCLUSION

1. With these three words (porneia, aktharsia, aselgeia), we learn that the "works of the flesh" involve "Sins Of Moral Impurity"
2. It has been said that "chastity" (the condition of being morally pure or chaste) was the one completely new virtue which Christianity introduced into the pagan world
3. Three reasons made this introduction difficult...
1. Immorality in sexual matters was not immorality to Grecian society; it was established custom and practice
2. Certain philosophies separated the actions of the body from the spirit
3. In many cases, prostitution was connected with religion
-- It should not be surprising, then, to find Paul having to deal with this problem - cf. 2Co 12:20-21
4. Today, we find ourselves facing similar problems...
1. We live in a culture that calls immorality "The New Morality"
2. We are influenced by philosophies (evolution and secular humanism) that downplay the need for the spirit to control the flesh
3. More and more religions are giving their stamp of approval to various forms of sexual immorality
5. In response to the culture in which we live...
1. We must first proclaim Jesus' diagnosis of the problem: that sinful conduct exists, and it comes from within man - cf. Mk 7:21-23
2. We can then offer the gospel's solution to the problem: forgiveness of sin, and the power to live holy lives! - cf. 1Co 6:9-11

Have you been "washed", "sanctified", and "justified" in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God? Paul explains how this is done in Tit 3:4-7 (cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16)...

NOTE: In defining the words in this study, I depended heavily upon:

• William Barclay's "Flesh And Spirit - An Examination of Galatians 5:19-23" (Baker Book House)
• Ferrell Jenkins' "Flesh And Spirit - A Word Study" (Guardian Of Truth Foundation).

The same will be true in the following outlines in this study.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Overcoming The Conflict by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_02.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Overcoming The Conflict

INTRODUCTION

1. We saw in our previous lesson that to prevent turning our freedom in Christ into opportunities for the lust of the flesh, we need to "walk in the Spirit"
2. We considered five reasons Paul gave to "walk in the Spirit", instead of engaging in the "works of the flesh"...
1. The Spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another - Ga 5:17
2. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law - Ga 5:18
3. Fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and you will not inherit the kingdom of God - Ga 5:19-21
4. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh - Ga 5:24
5. Since we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit - Ga 5:25
-- With a sixth reason found in Ga 6:7-8 (We reap what we sow!)
3. But it is one thing to know we should "walk in the Spirit", and another thing to actually do so
1. Therefore I hope to illustrate how the Christian can be victorious in this spiritual "conflict" between the Spirit and the flesh
2. The basis for our study will once again be Ga 5:16-26

[From these verses we can glean four points related to "Overcoming The Conflict". I will save what I believe to be the most important point for last, and therefore start with the idea...]

1. VICTORY COMES THROUGH AN AWARENESS OF THE CONFLICT - Ga 5:17
1. KNOWING THE STRENGTH OF THE ENEMY IS NECESSARY TO WIN ANY WAR...
1. Jesus understood this principle - cf. Lk 14:31
2. Paul wants us to be aware of the strength of the enemy - Ga 5:17
1. The flesh is in opposition to the Spirit
2. Neither side is content with some sort of truce
3. One or the other is going to be in control!
2. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE BATTLE WILL BE ON-GOING...
1. The flesh sets it desire against the Spirit
2. As long as we are in the flesh, there is going to be warfare!
3. Unless, of course, we totally surrender to the flesh!

[With awareness of the conflict that exists, we are on the road to victory. Sadly, many people lose the battle because they assume that whatever the flesh wants must be right.

For those who desire to win, though, it is also helpful to know that...]

2. VICTORY COMES THROUGH AN AWARENESS OF THE ENEMY AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEFEAT - Ga 5:19-21
1. THE ENEMY IS "THE WORKS OF THE FLESH"...
1. Briefly defined, the "works of the flesh" include:
1. Sins of immorality
2. Sins of idolatry
3. Infractions of the law of love
4. Sins of intemperance (i.e., excesses)
2. Each of these we will examine more closely in future lessons
2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEFEAT ARE GRAVE...
1. In our text, we learn that they can cause one to forfeit the kingdom of God
2. In Ga 6:7-8, we learn they also produce "corruption" (both physical and spiritual)

[Awareness of the enemy and the consequences of defeat help us to focus our attack and to provide the motivation to attack forcefully. Otherwise, our attempts will be aimless and half-hearted. Next...]

3. VICTORY COMES THROUGH HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE - Ga 5:24-25
1. NO VICTORY IS WON WITH A DEFEATIST ATTITUDE...
1. If we approach the conflict by saying...
1. "There is no hope"
2. "I am too weak"
3. "I cannot win"
2. The battle is over before it even starts!
2. CHRISTIANS CAN APPROACH THIS CONFLICT WITH OPTIMISM...
1. Because they have "crucified the flesh with its passion and desires" - Ga 5:24
1. As we saw in the previous lesson, that occurred when we were crucified with Christ through baptism into His death - Ro 6:3-8
2. They are therefore not "indebted to the flesh" - Ro 8:12
3. This is not to say the conflict with flesh ceases to exist, but that in Christ the conflict can be overcome!
2. Because they "live in the Spirit" - Ga 5:25
1. The Spirit has given us new life in Christ! - Tit 3:5-6; cf. Ro 8:2, 11
2. Living in the Spirit, it now becomes possible to "walk in the Spirit"

[This leads to the last and perhaps most important point when it comes to "Overcoming The Conflict", which is found toward the beginning of our text...]

4. VICTORY COMES THROUGH "WALKING IN THE SPIRIT" - Ga 5:16
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "WALK IN THE SPIRIT"?
1. The term "walk" suggests one's conduct, or manner of life
2. The phrase "in the Spirit" (or "by the Spirit", ASV) suggests two possibilities:
1. That one's conduct be in accordance to the Spirit - Ro 8:1
2. That one's conduct be aided by the Spirit - Ro 8:11-13
-- Since both of these are supported by Paul in his writings, I assume that "walking in the Spirit" involve both concepts
3. "The entire life of the believer is to be lived 'by the Spirit', under His guidance and direction, by His aid and help and power. If a man so lives, he will not yield to the sinful desires of the flesh." (Charles R. Erdman)
4. To use another phrase of Paul's, to "walk in the Spirit" is the same (or at least the consequence) of being "led by the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:14
2. HOW DOES ONE "WALK IN THE SPIRIT"?
1. Do we "walk in the Spirit" (or are "led by the Spirit") through...
1. Listening to some "small still voice"?
2. Heeding some subtle influence or intuition?
3. Following some overwhelming compulsion?
2. The answer is "No!", and fortunately so...
1. Otherwise, there would be the problem of determining whether it was the Holy Spirit or just wishful human spirit that was seeking to lead us in some direction
2. The Bible warns about the dangers of trusting the impressions of the heart or mind to guide us - Pr 14:12; Jer 10:23
3. God has graciously given us an objective (as opposed to subjective) means to direct us - cf. Ps 119:133
3. We "walk in the Spirit" (or are "led by the Spirit")...
1. First, when we "set our minds on the things of the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:4-5
1. Just as those who "set their minds on the things of the flesh" walk according to the flesh
2. What are the "things of the Spirit"?
1. Those things that the Holy Spirit was sent to reveal - cf. Jn 14:25-26
2. I.e., the revealed Word of truth - cf. Jn 16:12-13
3. Therefore, whenever one is setting their mind on the Word of God (the "things of the Spirit"), and seeking to walk thereby...
1. They are "walking in the Spirit"
2. They are being "led by the Spirit"
2. But also, when we are "strengthened by the Spirit" - cf. Ro 8:12-14
1. In conjunction with our own efforts to walk according to the "things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word of God), we are aided by the Spirit of God
1. As Paul explained to the Philippians, when we seek to "work out our salvation", God is also at work in us - Php 2:12-13
2. The instrumental agent by which God strengthens us is His Spirit - Ep 3:16
2. Prayer is a key element in receiving this wonderful strength
1. Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians that God would so strengthen them - Ep 3:16
2. And so we are taught to go to God's throne of grace when we need "grace to help in time of need" - He 4:16
4. To "walk in the Spirit", then, involves living a life where one is under the Spirit's direction and aided by His power
5. We can ensure that we "walk in the Spirit" by...
1. Diligently setting our minds on the "things of the Spirit" (i.e., the Word of God)
2. Fervently praying for the strength God gives through His Spirit as we endeavor to live according to His Word
6. The Word of God and prayer are therefore crucial to "Overcoming The Conflict" between the flesh and the Spirit!

CONCLUSION

1. Fellow Christian, do you earnestly desire to overcome the conflict that goes on between the flesh and the Spirit?
1. Where the lusts of the flesh pull you in one direction?
2. And the Spirit of God would have you go in an opposite direction?
2. In our text (Ga 5:16-26)...
1. We find not only the motivation (our last lesson)
2. But also the solution to "Overcoming The Conflict" (this lesson)
3. In our next study, we shall begin taking a closer look at those things listed as "the works of the flesh" (remembering the importance of awareness of the enemy)
4. For the time being, I encourage you to accept the challenge to "walk in the Spirit"
1. It begins when you "crucify the flesh with its passion and desires", and begin to "live in the Spirit" - Ga 5:24-25; cf. Ro 6:3-11; 8:11-13
2. And it continues as you are "led by the Spirit" through the means of the Word of God and prayer - cf. Ro 8:14

Have you responded to the command to be baptized into Christ, where you can enjoy the blessing of the "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"? - cf. Tit 3:5-7

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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT" Which Shall We Serve? by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/flesh-and-spirit/fs_01.html

"THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT"

Which Shall We Serve?

INTRODUCTION

1. As Christians, we enjoy wonderful freedom in Christ...
1. There is freedom from sin - Jn 8:31-34
2. There is freedom from the Law of Moses - Ro 7:6
3. There is freedom from the traditions of men - Ga 4:9
2. It is truly the desire of Christ that we be free - cf. Ga 5:1
1. But we must not allow freedom to become "license" (i.e., freedom without any restraint)
2. If we are not careful, desires of the flesh can wreak self- destruction - Ga 5:13-15
3. To prevent this, the apostle Paul commands us to walk in the Spirit - Ga 5:16
1. If we do so, we will not succumb to the desires of the flesh
2. And whatever dangers there might be in fulfilling the lust of the flesh are thereby diminished
4. To encourage us to walk in the Spirit and not carry out the desire of the flesh, we will spend several lessons examining this section of scripture: Ga 5:16-26
5. Perhaps a good place to begin is by asking these questions:
1. Why make any effort to walk in the Spirit?
2. Why not just succumb to the desires of the flesh?

[At least five reasons are given in our text, and the first one we shall consider is this...]

1. THE SPIRIT AND THE FLESH ARE CONTRARY TO ONE ANOTHER - Ga 5:17
1. LIKE TWO OPPONENTS, FIGHTING FOR OUR SOUL...
1. They are in opposition against each other - Ga 5:17a
2. Is "the Spirit" referring to the Holy Spirit, or the human spirit?
1. I believe it has reference to the Holy Spirit
2. The context of the epistle certainly suggests this to be the case
1. Through "the Spirit" we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness- Ga 5:5
2. Paul's argument "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" would not make sense if the human spirit is meant - Ga 5:25
3. Reaping everlasting life "of the Spirit" must refer to the Holy Spirit - Ga 6:8
3. So while the flesh pulls us in one direction, the Spirit of God would have us go in another!
2. A CHRISTIAN MUST SERVE ONE, OR THE OTHER...
1. If you follow the lusts of the flesh, you can not do the will of the Spirit - Ga 5:17b
2. Like the dilemma described in Ro 7:14-23, following the flesh will enslave
3. But with the help of Spirit, the flesh can be overcome! - cf. Ro 8:12-14

[So we must choose who will be our master: the lusts of the flesh, or the Spirit of God; we cannot serve both!

As we continue, we are given more reasons to serve the Spirit...]

2. IF YOU ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT, YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW - Ga 5:18
1. WHAT DOES MEAN TO BE "UNDER THE LAW"?
1. In the context, "the law" has primary reference to the "Law of Moses" - cf. Ga 4:21
2. The purpose of the law was primarily two-fold:
1. To reveal sin - cf. Ga 3:19a; Ro 3:20
2. To condemn the sinner as guilty - cf. Ro 3:19
3. To be "under the Law", then, is to be under a state of condemnation!
1. For the law does not provide forgiveness
2. It only provides condemnation!
2. THOSE WALKING IN THE SPIRIT ARE NOT UNDER THE CONDEMNATION OF THE LAW...
1. Because obedience to the gospel revealed by the Spirit results in freedom
1. Freedom from condemnation - Ro 8:1
2. Freedom from the law of sin of death - Ro 8:2; 6:17-18
-- Made possible through the sacrifice of Christ! - Ro 8:3-4
2. Because those walking according to the Spirit (cf. Ro 8:4) do things against which there is no law to condemn them! - cf. Ga 5:22-23

[If we desire to be free from the condemnation of sin under the law of God, then we must "walk in the Spirit".

There is another reason why we should seek to "walk in the Spirit" and not "fulfill the lust of the flesh"...]

3. FULFILL THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, AND YOU WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD 5:19-21
1. THIS IS A REFERENCE TO THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM...
1. Spoken of by Christ - Mt 25:34
2. Looked forward to by Paul - 2Ti 4:18
3. Referred to by Peter - 2Pe 1:10-11
2. NOTE THE EMPHASIS BY PAUL...
1. A double warning!
2. "of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past..." - Ga 5:21
3. He wants to be sure they don't miss it!
3. THE END OF THOSE WHO FULFILL THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH...
1. They have no inheritance in the kingdom of God - Ga 5:21; Ep 5:5
2. Indeed, the wrath of God will come upon them - Ep 5:6-7

[Which shall it be? Walk in the Spirit, or fulfill the lusts of the flesh? The choice should be clear: one offers freedom from condemnation, and the other offers no hope of the heavenly kingdom!

But Paul gives us two more reasons to make the right choice...]

4. THOSE WHO ARE CHRIST'S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH - Ga 5:24
1. IN BAPTISM, WE DIED TO SIN, HAVING BEEN CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST...
1. Our old man was crucified with Him, that we might no longer be slaves of sin - Ro 6:1-6
2. We died with Christ (in baptism) that we might be free from sin and live a new life with Him! - Ro 6:7-10
2. AS CHRISTIANS, WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO "CRUCIFY SELF"...
1. We continue to "put to death" the "members which are on earth" - Col 3:5-7
2. We must be involved in the process of "putting off" the old man - Col 3:8-11
3. If we are not doing this, there is no hope - cf. Ro 8:13

[Putting off the works of the flesh, therefore, is fundamental to the Christian life. We started the process when we were baptized into Christ, and we are to continue the process as we grow in the Lord.

We are not alone in this effort. As Paul indicated in Ro 8:13, it is by the Spirit we are able to put to death the deeds of the body. That leads back to a fifth and final reason we ought to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh...]

5. IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT - Ga 5:25
1. WE OWE OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES TO THE HOLY SPIRIT!
1. It was the Holy Spirit who made the Gospel known to mankind
1. As Jesus said He would - Jn 16:7-13
2. The apostles attributed the gospel message to the Holy Spirit - 1Co 2:9-13
2. When one responds to the gospel of God's grace, they are renewed by the Holy Spirit - cf. Tit 3:5
3. It is the Spirit in us who gives us new life! - Ro 8:11-13
2. SINCE WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, SHALL WE NOT WALK IN THE SPIRIT?
1. It is by the Holy Spirit that God has made our new life possible
2. It is only proper that we should live out our new life...
1. Being led by the Spirit - Ga 5:18; cf. Ro 8:14
2. Walking in the Spirit - Ga 5:25; cf. Ro 8:1-2

CONCLUSION

1. We have these five reasons why we should walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh:
1. The Spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another
2. If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law
3. Fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and you will not inherit the kingdom of God
4. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh
5. Since we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit
2. But lest anyone remain unconvinced, consider another point made by Paul...
1. We reap what we sow! - Ga 6:7-8
2. And the type of corruption reaped by those who give into the works of the flesh is varied:
1. It is physical, mental, social and spiritual
2. Look around you and you can see the truthfulness of this; only the foolish do not see it
3. But also seen is the type of life which is enjoyed both now and in heaven by those who follow the Spirit (as suggested in 1Ti 4:8)

The question we each face is this...

The flesh or the Spirit: Which shall we serve?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FASTING" Fasting By Christians Today by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/fasting/fa_03.html

"FASTING"

Fasting By Christians Today

INTRODUCTION

1. Our two previous lessons sought to educate us on the subject of fasting as found in the Old and New Testaments
2. In this final lesson, we shall directly address the questions that brought up this subject:

   "Should Christians fast today, and if so, why? When would they do it, and how?"

[Starting with the first of these questions...]

1. SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST TODAY?
1. YES! BECAUSE OF THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS...
1. He assumed his disciples would fast ("when," not "if") - Mt 6:16-17
2. He said they would fast when He was gone - Mt 9:14-15
3. He taught His disciples...
1. How to fast so as to incur God's favor - Mt 6:16-18
2. That when done properly, fasting WOULD incur God's good favor - Mt 6:18b
3. That fasting should be done only when the occasion properly calls for it - Mt 9:14-17
4. That there would be occasions when prayer joined with fasting might be needed - Mt 17:20-21
2. YES! BECAUSE WE HAVE EXAMPLES OF THE CHURCH FASTING...
1. The brethren at Antioch - Ac 13:1-3
1. Fasting in their service to Lord
2. Fasting and praying when they send out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey
2. The churches in Galatia - Ac 14:21-23
1. There was fasting in every church
2. When appointing elders to watch over the flock
3. YES! BECAUSE PAUL FASTED AS A MINISTER OF CHRIST...
1. He listed fasting among those things which proved him as a minister of Jesus Christ - 2Co 11:23-28
2. Are we not commanded to imitate him, even as he imitated Christ? - 1Co 11:1 (and they both fasted in their service to God!)

[At the very least, we can say that it would not be inappropriate for Christians to fast today. Unless there are medical reasons not to fast, we have very good examples to motivate us to utilize fasting in our service to the Lord!

But to ensure that we fast for the right reason, consider our next question...]

2. WHY SHOULD 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 the reasons Christian should fast in their service to God - cf. Col 2:20-23
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD FAST, FOR THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WE ARE NEED OF DIVINE HELP...
1. This is consistent with the majority of fasting in the O.T.; they fasted...
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 N.T.; they fasted...
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)
3. Such fasting is should be done in conjunction with prayer
1. For fasting, when done properly...
1. Humbles the soul - Ps 35:13
2. Chastens the soul - Ps 69:10
2. And the prayers of a humble person are more likely to be heard! - cf. Ezra 8:21-23

[If fasting does have a part in the Christian life, then let's look more closely at...]

3. WHEN SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. WHENEVER OCCASIONS REQUIRING DIVINE HELP SHOULD ARISE...
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
2. WHATEVER OCCASIONS CALL FOR PERSISTENT PRAYERS MIGHT CALL FOR FASTING JOINED WITH PRAYER...
1. Are we not taught that God is more likely to answer our prayers if we are persistent? - cf. Lk 18:1-8
2. And also if we fast in the proper manner? - Mt 6:17-18

[So whenever there is a matter requiring much prayer, fasting in conjunction with prayer would seem appropriate.

Finally, let's take a look at...]

4. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. NOT TO BE SEEN OF MEN...
1. Cf. Mt 6:16-18
2. Whether fasting as individuals or with others, it is important that we not do it for "show"
2. NOT AS SOME REGULAR RITUAL...
1. Cf. Mt 9:14-17
2. It should be done only when the occasion calls for it
3. Such as situations where you would be spending much time in prayer
3. NOT WITHOUT TRUE REPENTANCE...
1. Cf. Isa 58:3-9
2. All the praying, all the fasting, is of no avail if not accompanied with penitent obedience
4. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS...
1. Don't go out and 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 desperately 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
2. To humble oneself in God's sight
3. To seek favorable answer to prayer for some important plea

CONCLUSION

1. There is probably much more that could be said on the subject of fasting
2. But I hope that this is enough to stimulate our thinking on a subject which has often been neglected in both study and practice
3. As with any subject, the Word of God is the last word, and I hope that this study has shed some light on what His Word says on the subject of fasting

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Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FASTING" Fasting In The New Testament by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/fasting/fa_02.html

"FASTING"

Fasting In The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we examined the subject of "Fasting In The Old Testament".
2. Here is what we found:
1. Only one fast was specifically commanded in the 0.T. (on the Day of Atonement)
2. But people often fasted when they wanted God to hear their prayers:
1. In times of war or at the threat of it
2. When loved ones were sick
3. When seeking God's forgiveness
4. When faced with impending danger
5. When seeking God's will
3. The purpose of such fasting:
1. To humble themselves by "afflicting their souls"
2. Believing that such humiliation would be pleasing in God's sight (and it often was)
4. However, fasting was fruitless when:
1. It was gone ceremonially
2. It was done without true repentance
5. There were also no set principles governing the length or nature of fasting
3. We shall now examine "Fasting In The New Testament", as taught and exemplified by:
1. Jesus
2. His church
3. The apostle Paul ...in an effort to determine whether Christians can or should fast today!

[We begin by considering...]

1. FASTING IN THE LIFE OF JESUS
1. JESUS FASTED FORTY DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS - Mt 4:1-9; Lk 4:1-2
1. He was led into the wilderness "to be tempted" (Mt)
2. He was "tempted for forty days by the devil" (Lk)
3. "in those days He ate nothing" (Lk)
-- Throughout this forty day period of temptation, Jesus felt it appropriate to fast
2. JESUS TAUGHT ON FASTING IN HIS "SERMON ON THE MOUNT" - Mt 6:16-18
1. Jesus said "when", not "if"; assuming his disciples WOULD fast
2. When done properly a person would be rewarded by the Father...
1. Suggesting that fasting was like prayer and giving alms
2. I.e., an act of righteousness done to please the Father
-- Fasting appears to have a place in the righteousness expected of those who would be citizens of the kingdom of heaven
3. WHEN QUESTIONED BY JOHN'S DISCIPLES - Mt 9:14-17 (Mk 2:18-20; Lk 5:33-39)
1. Jesus described a time when his disciples would fast
2. But it is inappropriate to fast when the occasion does not call for it
-- Fasting would have a place in the disciples' lives, but only on appropriate occasions (not as a ceremonial rite)
4. THE COMBINED POWER OF PRAYER AND FASTING - Mt 17:14-21 (Mk 9:14-29)
1. There are times when faith alone is not enough
2. At these times prayer joined with fasting is necessary
-- Fasting joined with prayer may accomplish things which normal faith may not

[Now let's take a look at...]

2. FASTING IN THE LORD'S CHURCH
1. THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH - Ac 13:1-3
1. They were fasting as a group while ministering to the Lord
2. They fasted and prayed in preparation to sending out Barnabas and Saul
-- Fasting, when accompanied with prayer, can done as a group when involved in serving the Lord
2. THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA - Ac 14:21-23
1. Again, an example of fasting and prayer as a group; this time, in conjunction with the serious task of appointing elders
2. Notice that this was done "in every church"
1. Not just in one or two churches
2. Not just in what might be consider "Jewish" churches where fasting might be considered "just a Jewish custom"
-- Again, fasting can be a group activity in the work of a local church

[Now let's examine...]

3. FASTING IN THE MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
1. FASTING WAS A MARK OF HIS MINISTRY...
1. We have already noticed where he fasted with several churches
2. But notice also:
1. 2Co 6:4-10 (cf. verse 5)
2. 2Co 11:23-28 (cf. verse 27 where fasting is mentioned separately from normal hunger and thirst)
-- In both of these passages, Paul mentioned fasting as a mark of his ministry and of his good standing as a minister of Christ!
2. HE ALSO TAUGHT THAT FASTING MIGHT HAVE A PLACE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS...
1. Cf. 1Co 7:5
2. The only time husbands and wives may deprive one another is when by consent they devote themselves to fasting and prayer for a specific period of time

CONCLUSION

1. Though not actually Christians at the time, we also have other examples of those who fasted and were blessed by God...
1. Anna - Lk 2:36-38
2. Saul - Ac 9:9
3. Cornelius - Ac 10:30-31
2. As a summary, then, here is what we have seen in this study:
1. That our Lord fasted in time of temptation
2. That He taught His disciples about fasting on several occasions
3. That He foretold of a time in which His disciples would fast
4. That there are times when the combination of fasting and prayer might be more efficacious than prayer alone
5. That the early church fasted in their service to the Lord
6. That Paul regarded fasting as a mark of his ministry
7. That prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, utilized whenever there was a strong desire for God's blessing and guidance
-- In view of such things, I can only conclude that fast does indeed have a place in the lives of Christians today

In our third and final lesson on this subject, we will consider some thoughts concerning the WHY, WHEN, and HOW of fasting, as found in the New Testament.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FASTING" Fasting In The Old Testament by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/fasting/fa_01.html

"FASTING"

Fasting In The Old Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the "GOLDEN ARCHES" and an assortment of "PIZZA TEMPLES", fasting seems out of place, out of step with the times - Richard Foster, The Celebration Of Discipline, p. 47
2. As I begin to deal with subject like fasting, I do so with some hesitation for several reasons:
1. It is a very EMOTIONAL and VOLATILE subject
1. Views about fasting usually go to extremes
1. "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason, and others have utterly disregarded it." -- JOHN WESLEY
2. Some consider fasting unnecessary, undesirable, and therefore to be ignored
3. Others think fasting is to be bound as a matter of faith (like baptism)
2. It touches upon a matter very personal to us: FOOD!
1. Many people are very dependent upon food 1/ Not just for survival 2/ But for dealing with anxiety, depression, boredom, etc. 3/ Rather than eating to live, they live to eat
2. It is like preaching on gluttony or smoking, it often touches on raw nerves
2. It is an UNTRADITIONAL subject
1. You rarely hear sermons on this subject
2. One person found in his research that not a single book was published on fasting among some brethren from 1861 to 1954
3. But the Scriptures have so much to say about fasting...
1. The list of Biblical persons who fasted becomes a "Who's Who" of Scripture:
1. Moses the lawgiver
2. David the king
3. Elijah the prophet
4. Esther the queen
5. Daniel the seer
6. Anna the prophetess
7. Jesus the Son Of God
8. Paul the apostle
-- Richard Foster, p.48, ibid.
2. There is more teaching in the NT on fasting than repentance and confession!
3. Jesus taught more on fasting than on baptism and the Lord's Supper!
4. What would account for this almost total disregard for a subject so frequently mentioned in Scripture?
1. FIRST, fasting has developed a bad reputation as a result of the excessive ascetic practices of the Middle Ages - Foster, ibid.
2. SECOND, many have simply concluded that fasting was a Jewish custom, of no value or need in the Christian age
3. THIRD, we have been convinced through constant propaganda that if we do not have three large meals each day, with several snacks in between, we are on the verge of starvation (we eat, not because we NEED to eat. but because it's TIME to eat) - Foster, ibid.
5. Because the Bible has so much to say about fasting, it is only right that we consider what it says. As we do so, I have several REQUESTS:
1. Please withhold judgment until you have heard all the material - cf. Pr 18:13
1. Let's be "SPELUNKERS" and not "ENGINEERS" with the Bible
2. I.e., explore and follow what is there instead of rearranging what is there to fit our designs
2. Don't be hasty in drawing conclusions or applying what you hear - cf. Pr 14:29
3. If you have any additional information, questions or viewpoints, please feel free to share them with me - cf. Pr 11:14

[In this lesson, then, we shall take a look at "Fasting In The Old Testament", beginning with... ]

1. OCCASIONS OF FASTING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. THE "DAY OF ATONEMENT"...
1. Lev 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Num 29:7
2. This was the only fast commanded by the Law, to be observed on the tenth day of the seventh month
3. Though not called "fasting", the phrase "afflicting one's soul" was understood to refer to fasting
1. Cf. Ps 69:10 ("chastened my soul with fasting")
2. Cf. Ac 27:9 (where the term "Fast" refers to the Day of Atonement)
4. The use of the phrase "afflict one's soul" to refer to fasting suggests a PURPOSE of fasting:
1. To have an affect on the SOUL (not particularly the body)
2. The goal of such affliction or chastening we shall notice later
2. OTHER FASTS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT...
-- People often fasted without specific commandment in time of distress; some were communal affairs while others were acts of the private individual
1. THEY FASTED IN WAR, OR AT THE THREAT OF IT
1. Israel fasted at Bethel in the war against the Benjamites - Judg 20:26
2. Also at Mizpah in the Philistine war - 1Sa 7:6
3. THEY FASTED WHEN LOVED ONES WERE SICK
1. David fasted and wept for his son while the boy was ill - 2Sa 12:16-23
2. The psalmist also mentions fasting for his enemies - Ps 35:11-13
4. THEY FASTED WHEN LOVED ONES DIED
1. The men of Jabesh-gilead fasted seven days for Saul - 1 Sa 31:13; 1 Chron 10:12
2. David and the people fasted for Saul and Jonathan - 2 Sa 1:12
5. THEY FASTED WHEN THEY SOUGHT GOD'S FORGIVENESS
1. Moses fasted forty days because of the sin of Israel - Deut 9:15-18
2. Ahab fasted to be forgiven - 1Ki 21:17-29
3. Nineveh fasted at the preaching of Jonah - Jonah 3:4-10
4. Daniel fasted as he confessed the sins of Israel - Da 9:3-5
5. The general fast at the communal reading of the Law by Ezra was an act of penitence - Neh 9:1-3
6. THEY FASTED WHEN FACED WITH IMPENDING DANGER
1. Jehoshaphat fasted when threatened by Edom - 2 Chron 20:3
2. Ezra led a fast when seeking the favor of God toward his return from exile (a journey fraught with danger) - Ez 8:21
3. Nehemiah fasted when he heard of the state of Jerusalem - Neh 1:4
4. The Jews fasted when they heard that Haman had obtained the king's decree against them - Esth 4:3
5. Esther and Mordecai fasted before she went before the king - Esth 4:16
7. THEY SET UP FASTS TO COMMEMORATE CERTAIN CALAMITIES
-- During and after the Exile special fasts were observed on the days the calamities had befallen Jerusalem
1. The tenth of the fifth month was the burning of the Temple - Jer 52:12,13
2. The second day of the seventh month was the murder of Gedaliah - 2Ki 25:23-95; Jer 41:1ff
3. On the tenth day of the tenth month was the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem - 2Ki 25:1
4. On the ninth day of the fourth was its fall - 2Ki 25:3,4
3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FASTING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. THE PURPOSE OF FASTING...
1. Some fasting was a natural reaction to grief over the loss of a loved one (like the men of Jabesh-gilead and David)
2. But more often, fasting was done to purposely:
1. "afflict the soul" - Lev 23:26-32
2. "chasten the soul" - Ps 69:10
3. The purpose of such affliction or chastening was to "humble" the soul (Ps 35:13), and not for any affect it might have on the body
4. Evidently, they felt that by so humbling themselves they would more likely incur God's favor - cf. Ezra 8:21-23; Is 57:15; 66:1-2
5. So they would fast when they needed:
1. Forgiveness for sin (Moses, Ahab, Daniel)
2. Their loved ones restored to health (David)
3. Protection from danger (Ezra)
4. Deliverance from their enemies (the Israelites)
6. Because they were seeking God's favor, FASTING WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS BE ACCOMPANIED WITH PRAYER
2. THE NATURE OF FASTING...
1. The NORMAL means of fasting involved ABSTAINING FROM ALL FOOD BUT NOT WATER
2. Sometimes the fast was but PARTIAL - a restriction of diet but not total abstention - cf. Da 10:2-3
3. On rare occasions there was the ABSOLUTE fast
1. As in the case of the people of Nineveh, who also included the animals in their fast - cf. Jonah 3:5-10
2. As in the case of Queen Esther - Esth 4:16 (cf. Paul, Ac 9:9)
3. The absolute fasts of Moses and Elijah must have had divine assistance - Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8
3. THE LENGTH OF FASTS...
1. A fast was often for ONE DAY, from sunrise to sunset, and after sundown food would be taken - Judg 20:26; 1Sa 14:24; 2Sa 1:12; 3:35
2. A fast might be for ONE NIGHT - Dan 6:18
3. The fast of Esther continued for THREE DAYS, day and night, which seems to have been a special case - Esth 4:16
4. At the burial of Saul, the fast by Jabesh-Gilead was SEVEN DAYS - 1Sa 31:13; 1 Chron 10:12
5. David fasted SEVEN DAYS when his child was ill - 2Sa 12:16-18
6. The longest fasts recorded in Scripture were the FORTY DAY fasts by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus - Exod 34:28; Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8; Mt 4:2; Lk 4:2
4. WARNINGS CONCERNING FASTING...
1. Fasting CAN EASILY TURN INTO AN EXTERNAL SHOW AND CEREMONIAL RITUALISM; when it did, the prophets spoke out against it
2. The most vigorous attack against such fasting is made in Isaiah 58
1. The people complained that they had fasted and God had not seen - Isa 58:3a
2. But they had not been fasting for the right reason (to be heard by God) - Isa 58:3b-4
3. In contrast to simply an external display of bowing one's head like a bulrush and spreading sackcloth and ashes, the Lord would rather they:
1. Loose the bonds of wickedness
2. Let the oppressed go free
3. Share bread with the hungry
4. Bring the poor into one's house
5. Cover the naked
-- Then they should be heard in their prayers - Isa 58:6-9
4. I.e. fasting without true repentance defeats the purpose of fasting: to have your prayers heard by the Lord!
3. The same point was made about the ceremonial fasts that had been added by the Israelites to commemorate certain occasions - Zech 7:1-14
1. The people wanted to know if they should fast on the special occasions as they had done - Zech 7:1-3
2. The Lord responded that the fasts had not be done for Him - Zech 7:4-6
3. They should have instead done the will of the Lord - Zech 7:7-10
4. But because they did not, the fasting in the past was of no value - Zech 7:11-14

CONCLUSION

1. At this point we have not tried to establish whether fasting is for Christians today
2. Rather, we have just considered the practice of fasting as found in the O.T., to have a better understanding of why people of God fasted
3. What have we learned?
1. Only one fast was specifically commanded in the O.T. (The Day Of Atonement)
2. But people often fasted when they wanted God to hear their prayers
1. The purpose of the fast was to humble themselves by "afflicting their souls"
2. Believing such humiliation would be pleasing in God's sight (and it often was)
3. However, fasting was fruitless...
1. When it was done for the wrong reason
2. When it was done without true repentance
4. We have also seen that there were no set principles concerning the length or nature of fasting

In our next lesson, we shall look at fasting as found in the New Testament

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022