The Discipline of Fasting

The Discipline of Fasting

The spiritual discipline of fasting is, for the most part, one of the forgotten disciplines of the Christian faith.  We read of God’s people fasting throughout all of Scripture and Jesus Himself practiced it often.  Yet, today it is seen as an unnecessary practice of religious fanatics.  In fact, fasting is a natural complement to prayer and should be practiced on a regular basis in order that we might come to know God, and ourselves, better.  

 

Some Scriptures on Fasting

 

Matthew 6:16-18; Isaiah 58:1-12; Acts 13:1-3

 

The complementary nature of fasting and prayer is highlighted by Jesus’ comments on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 immediately following His instructions on how to pray (verses 9-13).  In His stating of “whenever you fast,” Jesus assumes that everyone present is already practicing the discipline of fasting.  While Jesus does not command fasting specifically, it is assumed that everyone is already doing it.

 

And the practice of fasting, like prayer, is not to be an outward demonstration of our piety, but in inward act of the soul directed exclusively God.  The goal of fasting is not the physical benefit or the increased effectiveness in prayer, but rather coming to know God better.  Motives always matter to God and we dare not fast as an attempt to manipulate God into doing our bidding.

 

Isaiah 58 further illuminates the fact that fasting is to produce heart change that issues into the transformation of one’s life.  Verses 3-4 clearly condemn any who would outwardly fast and yet persist in a life of disobedience to God’s will (Word).  Elmer Towns in his book, Fasting for Spiritual Break Through, suggests that verses 6-8 of Isaiah 58 reveal 9 purposes that God has established for fasting.  “Each fast has a different name, accomplishes a different purpose and follows a different prescription.”

 

• The Disciples Fast- “to loose the bands of wickedness” (breaking free of sin)
• The Ezra Fast- “to undo heavy burdens” (solving problems)
• The Samuel Fast- “let the oppressed (physically/spiritually) go free” (evangelism)
• The Elijah Fast- “to break every yoke” (conquering mental/emotional problems)
• The Widow’s Fast- “to share our bread with the poor” (caring for the poor)
• The Saint Paul Fast- “allow God’s light to break forth” (decision making)
• The Daniel Fast- “thine health shall spring forth” (healing)
• The John the Baptist Fast- “your righteousness will go before you” (testimony)
• The Esther Fast- “the glory of the Lord will protect us” (protection from evil)

 

While never commanded in Scripture, it is clear that Jesus and the authors of Scripture assumed that believers would fast.  Instead of being seen as something only the super spiritual or religious fanatics engage in, Scripture portrays fasting as a normal part of the spiritual life that is a complement to prayer and often brings spiritual power to reach the lost, conquer sin, receive guidance and loose the powers of physical healing.

 

• Fasting is counter cultural, and its validity for today is questioned by many within the church.
• Fasting is good for the body but Biblical fasting focuses on spiritual purposes.
• Fasting is generally defined as the abstaining from all food, but not water, though there are examples of partial fasts (Daniel).
• Fasting is normally a private matter between an individual and God, though there are occasions where we are called to corporate or public fasts.
• Fasting is not a means to get what we want. “Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God initiated and God-ordained.”
• Fasting reveals the things that control us.
• Fasting is a means of humbling ourselves before God.

Practicing the Discipline of Fasting

 

 

1. Work through what you believe the Scriptures teach about the discipline of fasting for New Testament believers today? Are you to fast, how often and in what way?

 

 

2. If you choose to begin consider are there any habits or besetting sins that you have been unable to conquer? Is God calling you to combine prayer and fasting to find freedom in this area of your life?

 

 

3. Remember always our motivation is to know God better, not manipulate Him for our own ends.

 

 

4. Contemplate ways to make fasting a regular part of your life, not just a one-time event.

 

 

5. Seek medical advice if you have any question whether you can fast safely?.

 

 

6. Read Foster’s chapter on fasting, or another source on the practical aspects of fasting, and begin with a partial fast one day per week.

 

 

 

Log in to add a comment

Click Here For Content Archives