Fasting What The Bible Teaches What We Will

Fasting What The Bible Teaches!

What We Will Discuss o o o Define “fast” or “fasting” Types of fasting Old Testament Examples New Testament Examples Things fasting indicated Should we fast today?

What is Fasting? o “abstinence from food…(a) voluntary, as a religious exercise…(b) a fasting to which one is driven by want: 2 Corinthians 6: 5; 11: 27…” n Thayer - P. 425

What is Fasting? o “abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement: -fast(-ing). ” n Strong

Types Of Fasting o Some Fast For Health Reasons n Required to fast for certain health test n For weight Loss o Some Fast For A Political Cause n Some go on a “hunger strike” o Some Fast For Spiritual Reasons n When showing piety to God n Various religions have their own rules and practices concerning fasting

Old Testament Examples o Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments n Exodus 34: 27 -28; Deuteronomy 9: 9 o Joel Called His People To Fast n Joel 1: 14; 2: 12, 15 o Men of Jabeshgilead Fasted For Saul n 1 Samuel 31: 11 -13 o David Fasted As He Mourned Saul n 2 Samuel 1: 11 -12

Old Testament Examples o Ahab n 1 Kings 21: 17 -27 o Elijah n I Kings 19: 1 -8 o Nehemiah n Nehemiah 1: 4 o Darius n Daniel 6: 18 o Daniel n Daniel 9: 1 -4 o Hannah n 1 Samuel 1: 7 -18

New Testament Examples o Anna the prophetess n Luke 2: 36 -37 o The Pharisee n Luke 18: 9 -12 o The Disciples of John n Matthew 9: 14; cf. Mark 2: 19 -20; Luke 5: 33 -35 o Christ n Matthew 4: 1 -2 o Saul (Paul) n Acts 9: 9

New Testament Examples o Barnabas & Paul n Acts 14: 23 o Prophets & Teachers n Acts 13: 1 -3 o Passengers on the ship with Paul n Acts 27: 33 -38 o Cornelius n Acts 10: 30

Things Fasting Indicated o Penitence & Confession of Sins n Ezra 10: 6; Nehemiah 9: 1 -2 o Humility n Psalms 35: 13; Dueteronomy 9: 18 o Mourning or Sorrow n 2 Samuel 12: 15 -23 o Seeking To Avert A National Calamity n Jonah 3: 1 -5 o An Expression of Devotion to God n Anna - Luke 2: 36 -37

Should We Fast Today? o It was commanded in the O. T. n Joel 1: 14: 2: 12 o Christ defended His disciples for NOT fasting n Matthew 9: 14 -15; cf. Mark 2: 19; Luke 5: 33 -35 o Christ regulated fasting when practiced n Matthew 6: 16 -18 o Some early Christians fasted n Acts 14: 23; 13: 1 -3

Should We Fast Today? o We are NOT commanded to fast n Not told when or how often to fast o There are times when a Christian can profit from fasting n When facing hardships and times of stress and turmoil n When facing deep sorrow and remorse n When involved in mourning for self or others n When giving full attention to spiritual things

Should We Fast Today? o If and when we fast… n We must do so with humble, pure motives and without hypocrisy! o Luke 18: 9 -12 n We must examine our hearts when we do! o 2 Corinthians 13: 5 n We must not do it as a show to impress others! o Matthew 6: 16 -18 n We may practice fasting: o But, cannot bind it on others! n Romans 14: 1 -9 o It’s personal option & action between you & God n When we fast, we must follow the regulations of Christ! o Matthew 6: 16 -18

Fasting & Acts 13: 1 -4 “One may elect to fast, or abstaining from food may be naturally forced upon him by the awesomeness of a responsibility or situation. Fasting is not, and never has been, bound upon saints as a regular duty. In its purest form, fasting is a natural deprivation. It loses some of its appeal when it is contrived or enforced. In times of great stress and strain, we are repelled and repulsed from food. When events overwhelm us, we naturally fast. What could provide more anxious reverence than a command from the Holy Spirit to separate two men for arduous effort in foreign fields? Is it any wonder they fasted and prayed? The amazement would have been if they had feasted and failed to pray with this charge before them! Conclusion: ‘Should this be practiced today? ’ We may, but we need not do so. ” - Larry Hafley

“…what shal. I we do? ” Acts 2: 37 o An alien sinner must… n n n Hear the Gospel – Romans 10: 17 Believe – John 8: 32 Repent – Acts 17: 30 Confess Christ – Matthew 10: 32 Be Baptized – Acts 2: 38 o An erring Child of God must… n Repent and Pray – Acts 8: 22 o Live “faithful unto death” n Revelation 2: 10 15