Leviticus 16:29–31 We fast to humble ourselves before
God
**23:27–32** God set apart the Day of Atonement as a day
of rest and self-humbling. Fasting can embody that humility: it
reminds us that our deepest need is not satisfied by food, status, or
self-reliance, but by God.
Fasting is not a performance to impress God. It is an outward
**expression of an inward realization: “Lord, I need You.”**
**We fast to examine ourselves honestly**
1 Cor. 11:31-32 (Context is Passover, but Atonement has similar
**meaning & observance.)**
The psalmist invites God to search his heart and reveal anything that
leads him away from God’s way.
Let the fast make room for honest reflection. Ask God to reveal not
only obvious wrongs, but also hidden motives, neglected
responsibilities, and patterns that need to change.
**Joel 2:12–13** God calls His people to return to Him with
all their hearts—not merely with outward signs—and reminds them
of His gracious and merciful character.
A meaningful fast should lead to a changed life. Repentance means
turning back to God in our choices, relationships, and treatment of
others.
Matthew 6:16–18 Private fasting. Best done on days off from
**work.**
Jesus teaches His followers not to fast for public recognition.
Fasting is to be directed toward God, not used to gain praise from
people.
Keep the fast sincere and God-centered. The goal is not to appear
spiritual, but to seek God with an undivided heart.
**Acts 27:9** Luke refers to the Day of Atonement as “the
Fast,” showing how closely the day was associated with fasting.
New Testament reference of the apostes still observing The Day of
Atonement!
Add (Day of Atonement) NIV adds it. Cross
reference bibles include it in the footnotes. John McArthur KJV study
bible has it in the notes.
**Add to atonement.html**
**James 4:6-10 We fast to draw closer to God**
**Joel 2:12-17 End time prophetic context.**
Let the fast create space for prayer, Scripture, confession,
gratitude, and renewed obedience. The aim is not simply to go without
food, but to turn our attention toward God.
On the Day of Atonement, fast to humble yourself, let God search your
heart, return to His ways, and draw near to Him. Let the outward fast
point to an inward response: a life surrendered to God and shaped by
His mercy.
The Day of Atonement is unusual, as it’s not a day of celebration.
Similar to Passover it’s solemn, opposite of celebration. After
the worship service, instead of everyone continuing in fellowship,
people should return home, spend the day as they would any fast day,
days in which they stay home, read the bible, pray, seek God, reflect
upon their lives, make goals of how to become more in the center of
God’s will, make vows that shall never be broken, etc.
Appropriate
television would be faith based movies, news, weather, educational,
self help.