Opening illustration: A priest and a rabbi are discussing the pros and cons of their various faiths, and inevitably the discussion turns to repentance. The rabbi explains Yom Kippur, the solemn Day of Atonement, a day of fasting and penitence, while the priest tells him all about Lent, and its 40 days of self-denial and absolution from sins. After the discussion ends, the rabbi goes home to tell his wife about the conversation, and they discuss the merits of Lent versus Yom Kippur. She turns her head and laughs. The rabbi says, "What’s so funny, dear?" Her response, "40 days of Lent - one day of Yom Kippur...so, even when it comes to sin, the gentiles pay retail....."
Let us turn to Isaiah 58 & Matthew 6 and check out what God’s Word tells us about ‘Fasting.’
Introduction: Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged 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)
Jesus was teaching that after His departure, the entire dynamic would change and the disciples would need a different type of preparation and provision. Fasting was to be a vital part of this new preparation. The new covenant is based on the truth that we have received everything in Christ, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 3)
Fasts may last for varying lengths of time - one day, three days, seven days, and more. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. Fasting should have an object in mind; we should have a clear idea of the need and purpose. One of the most pressing reasons for Christian fasting may be revival - “Will you not revive us again. . .” (Psalm 85: 6).
Nevertheless, we cooperate with the Spirit in the working out of our salvation with much prayer, meditation, and the study of God’s Word. In addition to all these spiritual practices, Christians should also employ the humbling discipline of fasting.
1. What is fasting?
One of the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare that God has given to His children is fasting - a way of crucifying the flesh or denying your flesh the basic sustenance of food. Although fasting will weaken you physically, it will highly strengthen you spiritually. It is important to that fasting should be combined note with prayer for utmost effectiveness.
Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline that informs God that you are serious about repentance. Fasting is a significant part of your Christian walk just as praying and reading the Bible is significant. Fasting is for everyone who desires to draw closer to God.
When you fast, you do not have to give up just food; it can be anything of importance to you that you sacrifice by giving it up. Whenever you fast, you need to pray and seek the Lord, otherwise you are just depriving your body of food and not getting in touch with what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
2. What is the purpose of fasting?
The prophet Isaiah writes: "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” Isaiah 58: 6-7
Thus, there are 7 reasons for fasting according to Isaiah 58: 6-7, and they are as follows:
To bring justice
To undo heavy burdens and break the yoke of bondage
To free the oppressed and loose the bands of wickedness
To share food
To provide shelter for the poor
To clothe the naked
To provide for one’s family
3. What purpose is accomplished through fasting?
(a) To Mourn and Repent
"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10: 2 & 3 (Also see Esther 4: 3; Isaiah 58: 5; Joel 2: 12-13; Zechariah 7: 5)
(b) To Receive God s Instructions
"So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments." Exodus 34: 28 (Also see Acts 9: 9-12; Acts 13: 2)
© To draw strength in order to resist the Devil’s Temptations
"Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control (lack of self resistance)." I Corinthians 7: 5 (Also see Luke 4: 1-2)
(d) Due to Lack of Food
"So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God." I Kings 19: 8
(e) For Health and Healing
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard." Isaiah 58: 8 (Also see Psalm 35:13)
(f) For Spiritual Power to Cast Out Demons
“And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ’Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Matthew 17: 18-21
4. Why should we fast?
Although fasting is not commanded in the Bible, it is expected of all believers in their Christian walk, for Matthew 6: 17 says "when you fast." Jesus did not say, "If you fast" but rather "when you fast’; therefore fast you must; Jesus reveals through scripture that fasting is expected of us.
Fasting, for a believer, is strictly a voluntary matter.
It should arise out of a feeling of intense need, not as a result of mere formality, religion, culture or tradition.
Biblical fasting always occurs together with prayer in the Bible - ALWAYS.
You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast (Biblically speaking) without praying.
Biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from food for a spiritual reason: communication and relationship with the Father.
5. How can we fast? (Types)
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, "so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6: 17-18
The Normal Fast involves abstaining from all solid & liquid food and sex except for water.
The Absolute Fast involves abstaining from both food & drink and sex. You should never stay on this fast more than three days unless under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The Partial Fast involves abstaining from just certain foods. You can live on just certain foods during the duration of this fast such as bread and water, or you may choose a day(s) to fast a certain meal each day.
The Daniel Fast consists of consuming only fruits, vegetables and water.
6. People who fasted in ‘God’s Word’ ~
Jesus 40 days; Matthew 4:2
Moses 40 days; Deuteronomy 9: 9,18-19 Exodus 34: 27-28
Elijah 40 days; I Kings 19
Daniel 21 days; Daniel 9
Paul, prisoners, and Roman troops 14 days; Acts 27:33 16-20
David 7 days; II Samuel 12:16
Esther 3 days; Esther 4
Saul 3 days; Acts 9: 9-12
Nehemiah ~ Nehemiah 1:27-28 Exodus 34: 4
Christians from Antioch ~ Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:23
John the Baptist’s Disciples ~ Mark 2:18
The people of Nineveh ~ Jonah 3: 5-10
Apostles, elders, and church members ~ II Corinthians 4-5
7. How to prepare yourself for fasting?
(a) The first thing you need to do before you fast is set a definite time period for your fast. Will your fast be 1 meal, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days or 40 days?
(b) The second thing you need to do is decide which type of fast you will undertake.
© Walk, read God’s Word, pray and worship during mealtimes to overcome temptations.
Three phases of a prolonged fast:
Phase 1- Craving food.
Phase 2- Feeling weak and faint for 2-3 longer days or even longer.
Phase 3- Growing stronger and no longer having concern about food.
8. Abuses of fasting ~
The practice must never be employed as a substitute for personal godly living. Isaiah delivered a blistering rebuke to those who fasted, then pursued their own worldly pleasures (Isaiah 58). Moreover, fasting must not be an occasion for the exhibit of one’s religion. The Pharisees were guilty of this very thing. (Matthew 6: 16-18)
Hypocrisy and spiritual pride can easily creep in.
Keep checking your motives concerning your fasts.
Finally, fasting must not be allowed to ignite a spirit of religious arrogance and self righteousness. This certainly could be a temptation.
"Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23: 28)
Conclusion: FASTING IS … Being hungry for God. “Hunger for God’s presence and blessing more than you hunger for food, pleasure or entertainment.” It is feasting in the Holy Spirit.
If our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ could fast for 40 days and 40 nights while in human form, couldn’t we do the same? I want to challenge you today to begin the practice of fasting and prayer.
