The Fundamentals Of Fasting Series

The Fundamentals of Fasting

Matthew 6: 16-18

We have come to a portion of Scripture that is little discussed in our day. I don’t think I have ever heard this passage preached or dealt with at length. The focus of this portion of the Sermon on the Mount is fasting. That may be something the average Christian is unfamiliar with, but it was common in Jesus’ day. In fact, there are many references to fasting within the Bible. The Jews were expected to fast on the Day of Atonement, Lev.16:31. Fasting was often used as an expression of repentance. The entire nation fasted after the civil war with Benjamin, Judges 20:26. Samuel called for a fast among the people after they had sought after Baal, 1 Sam.7:6. The Jews at Jerusalem fasted because of their sin, Nehemiah 9:1.

Fasting was also seen as a means of preparation or devotion. Moses fasted forty days in order to prepare himself for the revelation of truth from God, Ex.34:28. We are also aware that Jesus fasted forty days as He prepared for the wilderness temptation, Mat.4:2.

Fasting is something that creates uncertainty and anxiety in the minds of many. I think if we will take the time to consider what our Lord has to say and seek to understand fasting, we will become more comfortable with it. Let’s see if we can discover the facts our Lord reveals as we consider: The Fundamentals of Fasting.

I. The Discipline of Fasting (16a) – Moreover when ye fast…This draws our attention to a couple of important aspects concerning fasting. Consider:

A. The Principle of Fasting – In Jesus’ day, the Jews were very familiar with fasting. He had no need to explain the principle to them, but few in our day are familiar with fasting. The practice of fasting literally has the idea of “abstaining as a religious exercise from food and drink: either entirely, if the fast lasted but a single day, or from customary and choice nourishment, if it continued several days.” It involved abstaining from eating altogether for a short period of time, or forsaking the most desirable foods for an extended period of time.

Fasting was always associated with prayer and communion with God. Fasting must be done with prayer. Common sense is needed when we fast. If you have health concerns that require eating at specific times, I would suggest you spend some time in earnest prayer before abstaining from eating altogether. Fasting doesn’t have to have an “all or nothing” aspect. It is simply depriving ourselves of usual pleasure in order to draw nigh to God.

B. The Purpose of Fasting – The practice of fasting was done for a particular purpose. If done in a way that pleased the Lord, the people did not fast just to be fasting. It was done in order to focus upon the spiritual things of God. It allowed them to get beyond the desires of the flesh in order to devote themselves entirely unto the Lord. Rather than devoting time or thoughts to physical pleasures, these were devoted to spiritual growth and enrichment.

I can assure you, fasting is not popular in the Baptist church. Many begin to watch the time at about 11:45 on Sunday morning. They are more concerned with getting home for lunch than receiving what they need from the Lord. However, Monday is an entirely different aspect. Many will work through or even skip lunch to meet a deadline at work. We don’t have to fast in order to serve the Lord, but I fear most of us would be unwilling to give up much of any pleasure to seek the Lord.

C. The Participation in Fasting – Moreover when ye fast…It is apparent, Jesus assumed they would fast. I would not be so dogmatic to say that we are commanded to fast, but it is something our Lord encouraged. As we’ve discussed, fasting should be done in an attitude of prayer and with common sense, but it should not be written off as an outdated or ridiculous practice. The idea is self-sacrifice in order to hear from the Lord and prepare ourselves for His service.

II. The Distortion of Fasting (16) – As we’ve grown accustomed to in our study, Jesus addresses those who may practice a particular behavior associated with service, but many times it was carried out in the wrong way or with faulty motives. There were those who distorted the practice of fasting. Consider:

A. Their Portrayal – Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. There were those who participated in fasting, but put on a sad face while they were doing it. They disfigured their faces, literally “to deprive of luster, render unsightly.” These sought to appear so committed to fasting that they had actually become weak and sickly due to their continued fast. They were not seeking to draw near to God but to be recognized of men. They wanted to appear pious and holy.