A Practical Guide to Fasting (Part 2)
(Topical)
I. Where Does It Say, “Fast?”
A. Explicit commands
B. Expected conviction
II. Why Should I Fast?
III. When Should I Fast?
IV. How Do I Fast?
A. Types of fasts
B. Accompanying attitudes and actions
C. A strategy for successful fasting
V. Common Questions and Concerns
Introduction
This morning we will conclude our series of messages on the subject of fasting. Last week I began a message entitled, A Practical Guide to Fasting. I will be picking up where we left off.
You may recall that I began the sermon last week by making some observations about how our culture views the importance of eating. I pointed out the fact that we are a society that revolves around eating. Because we have become so identified with food and eating, we have developed an aversion to the entire notion of fasting.
We then moved on to look at several different definitions of fasting. Among those definitions was my own: True fasting means to lay aside any pleasurable and/or vital activity for a period of time in order to intensely pursue God and know His mind with the intent of obeying His revealed will.
I ended the message by giving you numerous examples of people from the OT, NT, and throughout Church history right up to the present day that have and/or continue to practice fasting as a normal part of their walk with the Lord. And now we will pick up where we left off last week.
Where Does It Say, “Fast?”
The next question begging to be answered, and perhaps the one many of you are eager to have me answer, is, “Where?” Where does it say, “Fast?” Where are we commanded in the Bible to fast?
Explicit Commands
As I pointed out in the first sermon in this series, the only place in the Bible where God specifically commanded the people to observe a fast as a continual ordinance was in connection with the Day of Atonement. Let’s look at the three main passages in the OT: Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:27-29; Numbers 29:7.
If you were paying close attention, you probably noticed that there was no mention of the word fast in any of these verses. So how do we come up with the idea that God commanded the people to fast as a part of their observance on the Day of Atonement?
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary states, “The word fasting (Heb. sûm) is not found in the Pentateuch but often occurs in the historical books (2 Samuel 12:16; 1 Kings 21:9-12; Ezra 8:21) and the prophets (Isaiah 58:3-5; Joel 11:14; Joel 2:15; Zech. 8:19; etc.). The expression used in the law is ‘humble your souls’ (Leviticus 16:29-31; Leviticus 23:27; Numbers 30:13), implying the sacrifice of the personal will, which gives to fasting all its value” (WS). If you have a NIV, you will notice that in these verses we are directed to a footnote with an alternate rendering for you must deny yourselves, which would read, you must fast.
Let’s take a look at a NT passage that lends credence to the fact that the Israelites understood God’s command to humble or deny themselves on the Day of Atonement to involve fasting. Turn with me to Acts 27:9. [Read] Every Bible commentator I could find agrees that the Fast mentioned here by Paul is a reference to the Day of Atonement. So while the word fast is not specifically used in connection with the Day of Atonement, it is nevertheless safe to conclude that God commanded the people to fast as a part of this celebration.
There are a number of instances in the OT where kings and other leaders called the people to observe various fasts in response to a crisis or as an act of humility and repentance before God. Examples would include Queen Esther (Esther 4:16), Ezra (Ezra 8:21-23), King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 36:9) and the King of Nineveh (Jonah 3:7-10). In Zechariah 7:1-7 and 8:19, there is the mention of four annual fasts observed by the Jews to remember four key events related to the fall of Jerusalem.
But the only other place in the OT where God specifically called the people to a fast is found in the Book of Joel (1:14; 2:12-15). The purpose of this fast was for the people to return to the Lord and repent of their sinfulness. Therefore, based on the OT evidence, God only commanded the Israelites to observe a fast on the Day of Atonement as a lasting ordinance.
Expected Conviction
Turning to the NT, there are two key incidents in the life and ministry of Jesus that are significant to our investigation. The first is found in Matthew 6:17-18, which we looked at in detail two weeks ago. Please turn there again. I’m not going to go into a full exposition of these verses again, rather I want to simply remind you of the first point that I brought out concerning Jesus’ teaching about true fasting is that His disciples ought to view it as a duty. [Read]
How did I arrive at this deduction? I base it on the fact that Jesus says when you fast not if you fast. “Jesus assumed believers fasted; He expected them to fast” (POSB-WS). He expected them to be in the practice of fasting in the same way that He expected them to engage in giving and praying, which He taught about in the verses immediately preceding these. In 6:2, Jesus says, “So when you give…” and in 6:6, “But when you pray…” None of us would deny the fact that we should give and pray and we could point to these verses as legitimizing their continued practice in the life of believers, but I find it curious that we don’t apply the same hermeneutical principle with regard to fasting.
The second incident is recorded for us in Mark 2:18-20 (parallel passages: Matthew 9:14-15 and Luke 5:33-35). Just turn in your Bibles a few pages to the right. [Read]
The setting for this event is a dinner party at Levi’s (Matthew’s) house that took place soon after Jesus invited Levi to be His disciple. During the party, some of John’s disciples and some Pharisees entered the house to ask Jesus about a seeming contradiction in His life and teaching. They and the Pharisees fasted religiously—probably every Monday and Thursday. They recognized Jesus to be one who taught the truth. They hoped that He might be the Messiah. So why didn’t He practice fasting like they did?
Without going into a great deal of explanation, Jesus tells them that His practice of fasting (and that of His disciples) was not regulated by religious ritual but by the direction and the will of the Father. It was not the right time to fast during His present ministry among them, but the time would come when fasting would be appropriate and even necessary. V. 20 is an obvious allusion to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, the time when He would be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. We are living in that age, and I contend that it is quite appropriate and even necessary that we engage in seasons of fasting. But just as Jesus did not fast in response to religious regulations, we, too, should only fast in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Richard J. Foster writes, “Perhaps it is best to avoid the term ‘command’ since in the strictest sense Jesus did not command fasting. But it is obvious that He proceeded on the principle that the children of the kingdom of God would fast. For the person longing for a more intimate walk with God, these statements of Jesus are drawing words” (Celebration of Discipline).
I end this section by giving you these words from Bill Bright: “For believers, then, the question is not should I fast, but will I fast” (How to Fast Forty Days).
Why Should I Fast?
We move on to the question, “Why?” Why should I fast? This will not be an exhaustive list, but rather serve as a means to helping you see some legitimate reasons for fasting. This list of reasons is an adaptation from one that I found in The Preacher’s Outline and Study Bible:
1. Fasting helps to keep us in the presence of God. We fast in order to seek God’s presence for a very special purpose and we remain in God’s presence until we feel He has or is going to meet our need. As K. Neill Foster points out, “Fasting is the quickest way to get yourself into the position where God can give you what He was wanted to give you all along!” (Prayer Voices, p. 90).
2. Fasting helps us to humble ourselves before God. It is a means of declaring to God that He is the most important thing in our lives.
3. Fasting helps us to recall our utter dependency upon God. It is a very practical and experiential means of remembering that we are dependent upon God for our very existence.
4. Fasting helps us to get focused and sense the seriousness of the issues that we are praying about. By removing ourselves from the realm of natural, conditioned responses/activities, we are enabled to give ourselves wholly to a matter. It removes the distractions of everyday life that often times hinder the effectiveness of our prayer life.
5. Fasting helps us to control and discipline our lives. We choose to go without in order to gain something of greater consequence. A.W. Tozer had this to say about his own practice of fasting, “I fast just often enough to let my stomach know who’s boss.”
6. Fasting helps to keep us from being enslaved by habit. Tilden H. Edwards writes, “Fasting…can simplify the compulsive, distracting, grasping nature of our appetites. When we fast intentionally, one of the first things we notice is how little food we really need, yet how much we have been wolfing down. The dull, bloated feeling from over-eating slowly vanishes. We become lighter and more lucid. We see that we really are capable of not responding to that grasping wave of appetite that clicks in our brain. That is a little realization of freedom. If we don’t respond to that shallow, driving wave, we are free to flow in a simpler, deeper, more even-flowing stream” (Living Simply Through the Day).
7. Fasting helps us to stay physically fit. It helps to keep us from becoming overweight and soft. To quote Bill Bright, “We have more food reserves stored in body fat than we realize, and most of us would be happy to give up the fat” (How to Fast Forty Days).
8. Fasting helps to release the purposes and power of God in our lives and in the lives of those we are praying for. One example of the power and purposes of God being released through fasting and prayer is found in the life of Moses. He fasted 80 days without food or water and it resulted in the reception of the Law. K. Neill Foster makes this provocative comment, “I cannot help but wonder what great events never happen because of our aversion to fasting” (Prayer Voices, p. 91).
When Should I Fast?
Our next question is, “When?” When should I fast? On what occasions should I fast? There are at least four times when we should fast (from POSB-WS):
1. There are times when we feel a special pull, an urge, a call within our hearts to get alone with God. This is God’s Spirit moving within. When this happens, nothing—not food, not responsibility—should keep us from getting all alone with God. We should fast as soon as possible. (Daniel 9:1-3; 10:1-3)
2. There are times when special needs arise. The needs may concern ourselves or friends, society, the world, or some ministry or mission. Again, nothing should keep us from spending a very special time in God’s presence when facing such dire needs.
a) Public calamity (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12)
b) Private affliction (2 Samuel 12:16)
c) Affliction of others (Psalm 35:13; Daniel 6:18)
d) Approaching danger (2 Chronicles 20:3; Esther 4:16)
e) Ordination of ministers (Acts 13:3; 14:23)
3. There are times when we need to humble ourselves before God. At such times we learn not only humility, but dependence upon God (Psalm 35:13).
4. There are times when we need a very special power from God. An example of this is Elijah who fasted for 40 days. Quoting K. Neill Foster, “Elijah’s ministry was dominated by the miraculous. There can be no substitute for the miraculous in the life of a Christian and fasting will unleash the supernatural…Do you need a miracle? Fasting could be the door through which it will come” (Prayer Voices, p. 92).
How Do I Fast?
The final question is, “How?” How do I fast?
Types of Fasts
Let me begin by describing some common types of fasts. You will notice there is an insert in your bulletins entitled, Seeking God through Prayer with Fasting Practical Helps. You might want to pull that out as I describe various types of fasts:
1. Normal/Water Only Fast—to abstain from food, but not water. The maximum duration is about 40 days. Some examples: Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:34); David (2 Samuel 3:35); Jesus (Matthew 4; Luke 4).
2. Absolute Fast—to abstain from food and water. Maximum duration is about three days, although the Bible records some supernatural absolute fasts that lasted 40 and 80 days. In scripture, this was used primarily for spiritual emergencies. Some examples: Moses (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18); Elijah (1 Kings 19:8); Ninevites (Jonah 3:7); Exiles in Persia (Esther 4:16); Ezra (Ezra 10:6); Saul (Acts 9:9).
3. Partial/Daniel-type Fast—to abstain from certain foods, generally rich foods, and living on a simple diet. Classically, it means cutting out meats, fish, poultry, dairy products and desserts. But it could describe any other partial fast. You can obviously do this type of fast indefinitely. Example: Daniel (10:3).
4. Juice Fast—this is a modification of the normal fast. Fruit and vegetable juices are ingested to supplement the diet. This is usually what is suggested for people who feel called to engage in an extended fast. It helps to keep one’s energy level up. However, people with blood sugar problems should be careful about entering into this type of fast.
5. Sundown Fast—this is a fast where you cut back to one meal a day, often eaten after sundown. You can go a long time on this fast. However, it’s harder than it sounds. The key is sacrifice and moderation. In other words, don’t “pig out” each night. Use the season as a time for prayer and seeking God. The focus is God and His will, not food.
6. “Idols” Fast—some people may not be able to do a dietary fast, but can give up unnecessary pleasures or distractions for a season (or for the rest of their lives). Television fasts can produce great results. Newspapers, magazines, Internet, sports, hobbies, etc. are all candidates to be sacrificed for this type of fast.
Ponder Gilliland states, “There is no set pattern in all this. It may be that for a day, or a longer period, you will want merely to pass up some part of a meal—dessert, or something else that you enjoy and you’d like to give up. That’s very good training for children.” The key is to ask God how you should fast. The real issue is between you and God and that you are sincerely sacrificing something that is important to you. If what you are “giving up” is not meaningful, it really doesn’t demonstrate the heart and intent of fasting.
Accompanying Attitudes and Actions
Along with an understanding of the types of fasts we can physically participate in, it is equally important that we give consideration to the attitudes and actions that ought to accompany the act of fasting.
Let me begin with a bold statement. As far as I am concerned, fasting without prayer is almost exclusively limited to resulting in merely physical benefits. Whenever I have fasted and have failed to make prayer a priority during the fast, I have always come away with a sense of futility. “Why did I fast? What was accomplished?” It seemed like such a waste. Fasting should always take place with prayer (Daniel 9:3; Acts 13). Andrew Murray in his book, With Christ in the School of Prayer, writes, “Prayer needs fasting for its full growth: this is the second lesson. Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the invisible; fasting, the other, with which we let loose and cast away the visible…And the first thought suggested by Jesus’ words in regard to fasting and prayer is, that it is only in a life of moderation and temperance and self-denial that there will be the heart or strength to pray much.”
Other important features that should likely be part of a season of fasting include humility (Deuteronomy 9:18; Nehemiah 9:1), confession and mourning (1 Samuel 7:6; Nehemiah 9:1-2), and reading and memorization of scripture (Jeremiah 36:6).
A Strategy for Successful Fasting
Let me give you a strategy for successful fasting before moving on to answer some common questions and concerns about fasting that I have not specifically addressed in this series of messages.
I want to make two comments about this strategy at the outset. First, this is a strategy, not the strategy. This may work for you, it may not—it is simply one way to do it. Second, this strategy is not original with me. It comes from Bill Bright’s brief paper entitled, 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer. You can find it on the Internet at www.billbright.com/7steps. I encourage you to go online and obtain the full text especially if you sense God leading you into an extended fast. I will quickly give you the 7 steps he suggests:
1. Set Your Objective—it is important to have a goal in mind before you begin to fast and pray. Without a clear objective in mind, it is easy to become discouraged during and afterwards because you are unclear as to the effectiveness of the fast. Know why you are fasting.
2. Make Your Commitment—ask the Lord about the kind of a fast He would have to do. Seek direction as to the length of the fast, type of fast, adjustments to your normal routine, and the time to be devoted to prayer and God’s word. As Bill Bright points out, “Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.”
3. Prepare Yourself Spiritually—“The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance.” Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins. Confess your sins to Him and those you’ve offended, making restitution as He leads. Seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Enter into your time of fasting with expectancy from God and with a sober awareness that Satan is opposed to fasting and prayer.
4. Prepare Yourself Physically—you may need to consult a physician before starting a fast, especially if you are on prescription medications or suffer from chronic ailments. Don’t rush into a fast. Prepare yourself by eating smaller meals a couple of days beforehand. It is often helpful to eat raw fruits and vegetables.
5. Put Yourself on a Schedule—set aside ample time to spend with the Lord. You may want to incorporate a “prayer walk” during one of the meal times. Bill Bright also gives some dietary suggestions in his paper that you may find helpful.
6. End Your Fast Gradually—don’t jump right into a big meal at the end of your fast. Often times people experience stomach pains and other symptoms if they introduce too much food too quickly. Eat small meals and increase to your normal diet over a period of 2-3 days.
7. Expect Results—expect God to reveal Himself to you and answer your prayers.
Common Questions and Concerns
Now, I’ll conclude by answering some common questions and concerns related to fasting.
Will God give me what I ask for if I add fasting to my prayers? Fasting is not a means of putting God into a submission hold. It does not place Him under any obligation to satisfy my requests. Rather, true fasting results in moving me into alignment with God and His purposes.
How often should I fast? Matthew Henry gives this advice in his commentary, Jesus “does not tell us how often we must fast; circumstances vary, and wisdom is profitable therein to direct; the Spirit in the word has left that to the Spirit in the heart; but take this for a rule, whenever you undertake this duty, study therein to approve yourselves to God, and not to recommend yourselves to the good opinion of men; humility must evermore attend upon our humiliation” (MHCNT-QV).
Is it possible to get “caught up” in fasting and go too far with it? As with any spiritual discipline, it is possible to twist it into something other than its intended purpose. We have the example of the Pharisees who made fasting an end in itself and sought to place it as a burden upon others. I’m sure there are people today who hold a similar opinion, but one person’s abuse of fasting should not be seen as our excuse for not fasting.
Should I consult my doctor before I fast? If you are planning on engaging in an extended fast it is highly recommended that to see your doctor first. Also, if you have any health concerns, see a doctor before starting a fast. Bill Bright gives this word of caution, “But be forewarned: your doctor may try to discourage you from fasting, even if you are in good health.” If this happens and you sense that God is calling you to fast, then you will be faced with a dilemma: obey your doctor or God.
Should I take time off to fast or can I do my normal du-ties? It really depends on the length of the fast and type of activities that you normally engage in. For a person like me whose job is more sedentary, there is virtually no need to alter my schedule. For another whose job is more physical in nature, there may be some need to make modifications.
Will fasting ruin my health? People in the health field who are knowledgeable about fasting can verify hundreds, even thousands, of cases where fasting has been physically invigorating. Bill Bright gives this testimony, “From my own experience, arthritic pains in my thumb and fingers were greatly lessened after fourteen to twenty-one days of fasting; and I experienced relief from a digestive condition I had for years.”
Conclusion
Having said all this, my number one word of encouragement to each of us is that we seek God out in this matter. Don’t decide to fast because the pastor preached on the subject for four weeks so it must be important. Don’t fast because Bill Bright or anyone else has experienced great results. Ask God to lead you in the area and expect that He will. Then simply obey His prompting.
