Fasting

Learn the basics

Fast, Fasting

Eating sparingly or abstaining from food altogether, either from necessity or desire. In medical terms, fasting is the detoxification of the body through the restriction of food. Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns. The NT word which is translated “fasting” literally means one who has not eaten, one who is empty.

The Three Types

Three types of fast are typically recognized: normal, in which there is no intake of food for a prescribed period of time, though there may be an intake of liquids; partial, in which the diet is limited, though some food is allowed; and absolute, in which there is a total abstinence from food and liquids in all forms.

Old Testament

In the OT the fast was regarded as an act of self-renunciation designed to mollify God’s wrath and move him to act in gracious disposition. In times of emergency, the people fasted to persuade God to spare them from impending calamity (Jgs 20:26; 1 Sm 7:6; 1 Kgs 21:9; 2 Chr 20:3; Jer 36:6, 9). Individuals fasted in the hope that God would liberate them from trouble (2 Sm 12:16–20; 1 Kgs 21:27; Pss 35:13; 69:10). Fasting was regarded as concomitant to prayer to assure that God would answer the prayers (Ezr 8:21; Neh 1:4; Jer 14:12).

Throughout the OT, fasting is associated with a mournful attitude of importuning God to aid the person. Regular fasts were usually for one day, morning to evening, with food permitted at night (Jgs 20:26; 1 Sm 14:24; 2 Sm 1:12), although there are reports of longer fasts, such as Mordecai’s call for a 3-day fast (night and day specified) (Est 4:16) and the 7-day fast at Saul’s death (1 Sm 31:13; 2 Sm 3:35). Among special fasts were Moses’ 40 days on Mt Sinai (Ex 34:28) and Daniel’s 3-week fast prior to receiving visions (Dn 9:3; 10:3, 12).

The Period Between the Old & New Testament

The setting for the NT understanding of fasting lies in the development of the rabbinic tradition that grew out of the period between the Testaments, during which fasting became the distinguishing mark of the pious Jew, even though it was largely still ritualistic. Vows were confirmed by fasting (Tob 7:12), remorse and penitence were accompanied by fasting (4 Esd 10:4), and prayer was supported by fasting (1 Mc 3:47). Special fast days were observed, some voluntarily imposed (2 Mc 13:12; 4 Esd 5:13). This developed into a rabbinic tradition in which fasting was viewed as meritorious and therefore became the primary act of demonstrating piety.

It was, however, a false piety consisting mostly in the externals of fastidious observance of fast days, both public and private. With the exception of ascetic groups such as the disciples of John the Baptist, the prevailing mood of fasting when Jesus appeared on the scene was one of mournful sadness, an obligatory necessity, a self-imposed requirement to produce the discipline of self-denial.

Jesus

Jesus’ teaching about fasting breaks with the rabbinic tradition. Two accounts relating to Jesus and fasting are important: his fast as a part of his temptation in the wilderness (Mt 4:2; Lk 4:2), and his teaching about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 6:16–18). His temptation was born out of the context of struggle. Immediately after his baptism, he was cast out into the wilderness by the Spirit to face as the Second Adam the temptation of Satan. In the midst of his temptation, he fasted and prayed, quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3 and Psalm 91:11, 12. His fasting is associated with dependence upon God.

Unlike the religious rabbis who fasted to be seen, Jesus used fasting to truly connect with The Father and prepare himself for his assignment as the savior of the world.

With Prayer

“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:3 (NIV)

More so than not, the context of fasting is prayer. It should conform to the same conditions as prayer: unostentatious quietness before God, arising out of gratitude, expressing thanksgiving, grounded in faith, as a means of spiritual growth.

For Us Today

Christ has broken the power of the evil age and sin! Fasting is no longer only associated with mourning and tragedy, but it is now consistent with the spirit of thanksgiving and joy that marks the framework of the new age, since the Christian life is not to be dominated by Satan and hopelessness but by joy and spiritual peace. Today we fast with a proper understanding in the context of a joyful heart and a New Birth in Jesus Christ!

Some Benefits

  • Fasting benefits you physically through detoxification. Toxins are in our food and in the air we breathe. Your body expels toxins when you fast.

  • Fasting strengthens your prayer life and gives you insight into the WORD of God.

  • Fasting creates self-discipline and mental and spiritual focus and clarity.

  • Fasting gives you the ability to hear God's voice more clearly.

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