MORE THOUGHTS ON FASTING
Matthew 6:16-18

Friends, in our previous study we observed some of the teachings from the Old Testament concerning fasting.  We concluded that during those days, fasting was always connected with mourning for sin, repenting from sin, and imploring the mercy of God.  What does the New Testament teach about fasting?

First, fasting was part of the process in the gospel going to the Gentiles.  The Roman centurion, Cornelius, in agony of heart concerning his spiritual condition, had spent considerable time in prayer and fasting when God directed him to send for Peter who showed him the way to God (Acts 10:30-32). 

Second, fasting was part of the process in the sending of the first missionaries.  We read these words in Acts 13:2-3, While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Finally, fasting preceded the temptations of Jesus that began His public ministry.  We read in Matthew 4:1-2, Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 

So, what are we to conclude?  In the New Testament, fasting was connected with the setting aside of the normal distractions of this life in order to better seek God’s clear direction for their lives.  It was not associated so much with repentance from sin as in seeking God’s will.

Should a person fast today?  Fasting is not commanded of us.  A person is not necessarily more spiritual because he fasts, nor is a person less spiritual because he does not fast.  However, fasting is an acceptable part of the Christian life.  Fasting is good for self-discipline.  Fasting can strengthen our resolve to pray.  Fasting can be an affirmation of a time of intense prayer.  One writer put it this way:  You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast without praying.  Fasting can be a tool that enables a person to pour out his heart before God about a very special burden that lies upon that heart. 

I believe that fasting is one of those very personal spiritual experiences we can have with God.  We cannot make it the standard for measuring spirituality.  For many of us who have either never tried fasting or have used it sparingly, perhaps we should try to do it on a more regular basis.  It just may be that instrument God uses to draw us closer to Himself.

Father, Thank You for these brief studies on fasting.  Thank You that Jesus proclaimed that fasting could draw us closer to You if practiced in a humble way.  Father, we want to be open to anything that will draw us deeper into Your presence.  But help us to practice fasting with humility rather than pride.  In Christ’s name I pray.  Amen.

 

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