Lesson 3: The Victory
Sunday, January 21
"If Jesus could have accomplished all He came to do without fasting, why would He fast? The Son of God fasted because He knew there were supernatural things that could only be released that way. How much more should fasting be a common practice in our lives?"
Fasting, Jentezen Franklin
In the life of every believer, prayer and fasting emerge as powerful threads woven together to create a masterpiece of spiritual victory. The Bible is filled with so many instances where the combination of prayer and fasting has led to triumphant outcomes. In lesson three, we explore the transformative journey of individuals in the word of God, who tapped into the profound power of these disciplines in three cardinal areas.
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
- Why do you think some situations require both prayer and fasting for breakthrough?
- How can you maintain persistence in prayer and fasting, especially during challenging times?
Victory Over Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)
The story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness underscores the victorious potential of prayer and fasting. Fasting becomes a weapon against the tempter, fortifying the believer’s spirit against the attraction of worldly pleasures. As Jesus responded to each temptation with the Word of God, we are encouraged to immerse ourselves in scripture during times of fasting, finding strength and guidance in the written promises of God.
Matthew 4:4
"Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
- Why is it essential to be filled with the knowledge of God’s Word at all times?
- Have you ever found yourself in a tempting situation like Jesus in the account highlighted above? What was your immediate response?
Victory In Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)
“Have you ever seen a military man try to fit into his uniform thirty years later? Usually, it won’t even come close to buttoning down the front. When you’re a soldier, you stay fit; you stay healthy, alert, and ready. Paul said we should live that way because the days are evil.” - Fasting, Jentezen Franklin
The Apostle Paul, a towering figure in the New Testament, spoke about spiritual battles believers face. He emphasized the need for us to put on the whole armor of God to withstand the schemes of the enemy.
Prayer and fasting are integral components of this armor, providing spiritual resilience necessary to overcome the forces of darkness.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
- Have you ever felt like you were engaged in spiritual warfare? What was that experience like for you and how did you overcome it?
- Can prayer and fasting be considered as weapons in the context of spiritual warfare?
Victory In Seeking God’s Will (Daniel 9:3-22)
“Victories are not won in public but in private. That is why fasting, whether corporately or individually, is a private discipline. Where there is little private discipline, there is little public reward.” - Fasting, Jentezen Franklin
Prayer and fasting create a sacred space for us to seek God’s will with clarity and discernment. The prophet Daniel, in times of uncertainty, sought God through prayer and fasting, leading to profound revelations and divine guidance (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3). In moments of fasting, we open ourselves to a heightened spiritual sensitivity, enabling us to align our desires with God’s perfect plan.
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”
- How does confidence in God’s character impact your approach to prayer?
- In what ways can you align your requests with God’s will in your prayers?
- Share a personal experience where you witnessed victory in prayer and fasting.
Summary:
The victory in prayer and fasting is not only about obtaining earthly desires but, more importantly, about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes and experiencing spiritual breakthroughs. Let's draw from Biblical wisdom, seeking inspiration to triumph over temptation, in spiritual battles, and in aligning with God's divine will on this transformative journey.
May we find strength in this ageless spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting, discovering the enduring power unleashed by the hand of God, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life and faith.
Resources:
Further Discussion (Optional):
- Explore the idea that fasting can heighten spiritual sensitivity, making believers more attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Discuss how this increased sensitivity can lead to a deeper connection with God and a more profound understanding of one's spiritual journey.