09WK7- CHURCH FESTIVALS -LENT

Week 7
CHURCH FESTIVALS – LENT
KEY VERSE: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. MATTHEW 6:1

SCRIPTURE LESSON: MATTHEW 4:1-2; 6:16-18
MATTHEW 4:1 The Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil
2. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry
MATTHEW 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
18 So that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

INTRODUCTION
Fasting as a religious practice has been known for a long time. The Bible is full of accounts of individuals who has waited upon the Lord in prayer and fasting. There are also records of times when leaders have declared periods of fasting and prayer Jesus himself often fasted, his 40 –day fast before the start of his public ministry being the best known. John the Baptist and his disciples as well as the Pharisees fasted on a regular basis and so they expected Jesus and his followers to do the same. Jesus’ response was that, his disciples did not need to fast while he was with them and that the time would come when they would need to fast (Mt. 9:14-15) Why then did the Church institute a 40 – day period of fasting referred to as Lent? How is it to be observe, and what are the benefits for its observance? These and other questions will be the issues for discussion this week.

EXPOSITION
1. What is Lent?
Lent is a 40 – day period of fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday Leading up to Easter Sunday. The word ‘Lent’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘Lencten’ which means spring – the period following winter which occurs around March to May in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally Lent has been observed in this period.
The origins of Lent are controversial. It could probably have begun in AD325 at the Council of Nicaea where Len was first referred to as. ‘Forty days’ and made to immediately precede Easter. Historically, Lent began as a final period of fasting and preparation for baptism by Christian converts, and then became a time for penance (an act which shows that true repentance has occurred) by all Christians

2. The Length of Lent
The 40 day period was chosen as a result of the length of our Lord’s 40-day fast in the wilderness. The actual length varies considerably, however, depending on how the 40-day period is calculated. It may be calculated to exclude Sundays or Saturdays and Sunday s together. It may also be calculated to include Good Friday and Hold Saturday or the whole of the Holy Week. The beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, however, is fixed these days counting back to 40 days from Easter and excluding the Sundays.

For example, in 2008, Len began on Ash Wednesday, 6th February 2008 which gave 40 days in February (6-29 Feb.) plus 22 days in March, since Easter was on 23rd March 2008. This gives 46 days for Lent. This means the 40 – day Lent either excludes the 6 Sunday s during the period or the 6 days of the Hold Week. The beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, however is fixed these days counting back 40 days, from Easter whilst excluding the Sundays.

3. Observance of Lent
The following may be noted;
a. Ash Wednesday – Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. The name ‘Ash’ is used because of the connection with the Jewish symbol of abasement and penitence before god (Mt. 11:21). It is therefore to set the focus of the observance before believers in an unforgettable way. Some churches even use ash to mark the sign of the cross on their foreheads as a symbol of commitment to the focus of the period.
b. Colours:- The nature of the period demands that somber/dull colours such as purple or ash grey and rough-textured cloth are used for decoration in the church. During the period all shiny objects are removed fro the worship area. Some may even wish to omit flowers. Other visuals may include a large rough cross or a veil over the sanctuary cross.

c. Fasting and Prayer:- It is a period of prayer and fasting and must be observed as such by the whose Christian community. It is needless to say that this fast does not involve food alone, but may also include abstinence from sex or other legitimate enjoyments. Paul tells couples, for example, ‘Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control’ (I Co. 7:5) It is therefore important that couples agree on their involvement together for an effective period of prayer and fasting.

d. Worship Services:- In addition to our individual prayers, regular or daily worship services must be held in a churches and members must participate.
e. It is a period that we concentrate on love (for God and neighbor) and self – giving as we reflect on Christ’s passion and love.

4. Any Spiritual Benefits from Observing Lent?
Prayer and fasting are means of grace and therefore we can be sure that our involvement in such as exercise will lead to spiritual uplifument. Jesus also taught his disciples that certain problems cannot be overcome except through prayer and fasting (Mk 9:28-29)

But we still need to ask whether there are any benefits to be derived from participating in a period of fasting on the church’s calendar? Does this not go again Jesus’ teaching that we should make our fasting matter between us and God alone (Mt. 6:16-18)? This is true, but there are many instances in the Bible where fasting was declare for all the people of God. Two instances are discussed below.
a. Queen Esther – In the face of a crisis, queen Esther declared a 6 – day fast saying, : Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. “ There was a supernatural breakthrough after this exercise. (Est. 14:15-17)
b. The Ninevites – The fasting declared by the King of Nineveh is instructive (Jnh 3:4-10) The people heard the warning given by the Lord through the Prophet Jonah – “Forty more days and Nineveh will be destroyed.” How did the people react to this massage?
v They believed God – and accepted that they deserve to be punished for their sins (3:5b)
v They declared a fast and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth (3:5b)
v The king of Nineveh provided leadership in this national exercise of penance, which is exemplary. When the news reached him, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. He then proclaimed a national fast, which was to include even domestic animals. The people were to examine their ways, give up their evil ways and violence and call urgently on God. The Lord noted their repentance and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
These two examples tell us that such periods of open fasting such as occurs during Lent can be spiritual very beneficial if we can ensure the following:
v The church’s leaders should provide the necessary leadership in terms of their own involvement and the kind of programmes tat are drawn to help the congregation focus on the meaning of the Cross for their lives.
v It can be a time of breakthroughs in our lives as it was in the life of the Jews and Queen Esther. Our congregation and individuals can also focus on issues and expert supernatural breakthroughs during this time of prayer and fasting.
v Lent has so far been approached in our congregations with a laisez-faire attitude. They have not become periods of declared fasting and prayer in our churches. Therefore, involvement has not been serious and not much spiritual benefits have been derived. This must change.

4. Practical Considerations
Most Christians have known of the ‘ 6-6 fast’. This means not eating (but drinking water) from about 6. 00pm. The fast is broken with food after this period (and continued the following morning at 6.00am).

Other Christians have observed the fast continuously without breaking for food (but drinking water) for the period of the Lent or portions of it, as led of the Lord.

It is important to note that scripture does not command fasting in the same way as it does prayer. Fasting is set up as a Christian discipline and means of grace which will enhance the Christian’s relationship with Lord. Consequently, the decision on how long and the method one may use to fast should be made in prayer before the Lord in a wholistic way, considering one’s life circumstances. The continuous fast, for example, may under normal circumstances, not be advisable for very old people.

The decision on how a whole church may observe the Lent (and other fast) will have to make with much sensitivity to the above issues. This should not be an excuse however for the laissez-faire attitude which misses out on so much of the Lord’s blessings through fasting.

DISCUSS QUESTIONS
1. What do you understand by prayer and fasting as ‘ a means of grace’?
2. Why is it necessary for the Christian to focus once in a while on how his /her sins led Christ to the cross? Do you think that the position of Lent, just before the Passion of Christ can serve this purpose?
3. Review how Lent has been observed in your church over the past five years. Has it been a spiritually rewarding exercise? What can be done to improve the situation?
4. Summarize your new understanding of Lent. How is it going to affect your involvement this year and in subsequent years?
5. How may the issues raised under Practical Considerations (EXPOSITION) be used to enhance rather than discourage our involvement in Lent?
6. Have you been a regular participant in the Church’s observance of Lent? How would you encourage your class members about the need for them to participate in this year’s subsequent Lent observations?

Bible Lesson APPLICATION
Consider seriously to be part of the observance of Lent this year. Make it a period of spiritual renewal and share the benefits realized after the exercise with members of your class.






DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Monday Exodus 34:27-28 Moses fasts for 40 days & nights
Tuesday I Kings 19:1-9 Elijah fasts for 40 days
Wednesday Joel 1:13-20 Repentance and fasting I
Thursday Jonah 3:4-10 Repentance and fasting II
Friday Esther 4:12-17 Fasting in the face of crisis
Saturday Acts 13:1-3 Fasting in the face of crucial decisions

Lent this year begins with Ash Wednesday, 25th February 2009