Page 19 - lesson35.vp

Lesson 35 Hope of Israel Ministries BIBLE Correspondence Course 19

you into the knowledge of His truth. When you John 7:37-39. Do you also receive spiritual
fast, it need not always be when you’re facing a “food” through the study of YEHOVAH’s Word
great problem, but simply to say “Thank you” when fasting? Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4
for all of YEHOVAH’s abundant blessings! and John 6:63.
So the next time you need special help to COMMENT: By fasting, studying the
overcome a serious problem, to make an impor- Bible and praying, you recharge your “spiritual
tant decision in your life, or when you’re really batteries,” so to speak, by receiving MORE of
concerned for someone else’s difficulties -- YEHOVAH’s holy spirit. You receive SPIRIT-
FAST. FAST AND PRAY! UAL POWER from YEHOVAH God!
CRY OUT TO YEHOVAH GOD WITH 2. At one point during his ministry, a
ALL YOUR BEING! Draw close to YEHO- man came to the Messiah’s disciples and asked
VAH with fasting and prayer and He will hear! them to cast a demon out of his son. They
couldn’t do it (Mark 9:17-18). But when the
Fast and Pray for Spiritual Power Messiah appeared on the scene, how did he
rebuke the foul spirit? Verse 25. Did the demon
When was the last time you fasted? Do leave? Verses 26-27. What did Yeshua tell his
you just fast “once a year" -- on the Day of disciples when they wondered why THEY
Atonement when YEHOVAH God COM- couldn’t cast this wicked spirit out? Verse 29.
MANDS it? If so, YEHOVAH knows how COMMENT: Because Yeshua was
spiritually WEAK YOU really are! You may not close to the Father through MUCH PRAYER
REALIZE it -- but it’s true! and FASTING, he received the SPIRITUAL
The longer you go without fasting, the POWER necessary to cast out this particularly
further you tend to drift away from the reality of obstinate and rebellious demon!
YEHOVAH God and His GREAT POWER! 3. Did the Messiah admit he could do NO
The further you drift from a close, INTIMATE spiritual works OF HIMSELF? John 5:30. Then
CONTACT with Almighty God. And the WHERE did the Messiah say the spiritual power
WEAKER YOU become spiritually! he demonstrated time and again really came
YOU NEED TO FAST! YOU need to from? John 14:10.
seek YEHOVAH God and draw close to Him by COMMENT: Yeshua received SPIRIT-
FASTING AND PRAYER! UAL POWER from YEHOVAH God the Father
If you draw close to YEHOVAH, ac- to do mighty miracles and accomplish the work
knowledge your NEED for Him, and depend on of YEHOVAH God -- because he FASTED
Him -- He will strengthen you by FILLING AND PRAYED A GREAT DEAL!
YOU WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT! He will give You ALSO can receive that spiritual
you the SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND A power. By drawing close to YEHOVAH God
SOUND MIND (II Timothy 1:7). You’ll with PRAYER and FASTING, YOU can receive
receive His joy, peace, patience, gentleness, new vigor, enthusiasm, spiritual steadfastness
humility, faith and self-control (Galatians and REAL POWER!
5:22-23). Fasting can help CHANGE YOUR
YEHOVAH will literally INSPIRE APPROACH TO YEHOVAH GOD, broaden
YOU WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT! your horizons and fill you with greater faith.
Notice now what the Messiah says to Fasting will not only cause you to be more
you. THANKFUL for the blessings of YEHOVAH
1. Even while you are going without God -- the little things like food and drink -- but
physical food and drink, how will you be receiv- it can help change your entire approach and
ing eternal, SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT? OUTLOOK TOWARD EVERYTHING!

Why Christians Should Fast