Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged, and practised, by Jesus Himself, while He was on earth. When questioned as to why the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted while Jesus’ disciples did not, Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15).
When we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that He may be the full source of our strength during our period of fasting.
Biblical fasting should be done with an attitude of seriousness and sincerity. Fasting should also be done in an attitude of humility. It is not necessary for others to know we are fasting; it is directed towards God. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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” (Matthew 6:17-18).
In addition to our attitudes towards God and our stance before people, our motives should also be correct. We should fast in order to further the building up of God’s kingdom. Christians may fast for one of the following reasons, or any other as prompted by The Holy Spirit:
• To demonstrate their satisfaction in God (Matthew 4:4) • To humble themselves before God (Daniel 9:3) • To request God’s help (2 Samuel 12:16; Esther 4:16; Ezra 8:23) • To seek God’s will (Acts 13:2-3) • To turn from sin (Jonah 3:5-10) • To worship God without distractions (Luke 2:36-38)
Fasting recorded in the Bible generally had an object in mind; we should have a clear idea of the need and purpose. However, fasting is not a method to change God’s will (2 Samuel 12:16-23), but rather to hear it.
Fasts may last for varying lengths of time. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. There is not a requirement for a fast to be 24 hours. It can be shorter, or much longer!
Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged, and practised, by Jesus Himself, while He was on earth. When questioned as to why the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted while Jesus’ disciples did not, Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15).
ReplyDeleteWhen we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that He may be the full source of our strength during our period of fasting.
Biblical fasting should be done with an attitude of seriousness and sincerity. Fasting should also be done in an attitude of humility. It is not necessary for others to know we are fasting; it is directed towards God. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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” (Matthew 6:17-18).
In addition to our attitudes towards God and our stance before people, our motives should also be correct. We should fast in order to further the building up of God’s kingdom. Christians may fast for one of the following reasons, or any other as prompted by The Holy Spirit:
• To demonstrate their satisfaction in God (Matthew 4:4)
• To humble themselves before God (Daniel 9:3)
• To request God’s help (2 Samuel 12:16; Esther 4:16; Ezra 8:23)
• To seek God’s will (Acts 13:2-3)
• To turn from sin (Jonah 3:5-10)
• To worship God without distractions (Luke 2:36-38)
Fasting recorded in the Bible generally had an object in mind; we should have a clear idea of the need and purpose. However, fasting is not a method to change God’s will (2 Samuel 12:16-23), but rather to hear it.
Fasts may last for varying lengths of time. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. There is not a requirement for a fast to be 24 hours. It can be shorter, or much longer!