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Can and Should Christians Fast?

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

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In my lesson last Sunday morning, as part of my preaching through the calendar, I presented a lesson on the season of lent.  Lent is a season where abstinence and occasional fasting are encouraged.   As noted in that lesson, while the season of Lent is not found in scripture, there is something to be said about abstinence and fasting in one’s life.  With that in mind, tonight I would like to address the what the Bible actually says about fasting.  And should we choose too fast, some things to consider.

 

1. What is Fasting?
   1. Defined – to abstain from food and/or drink for a specified period.
      People can fast for many reasons –because of troubling circumstances (where one has no appetite), because of lack of food, or even for health reasons.  Some fast as a protest. Some do so as spiritual discipline.  It is this latter reason that we are discussing.
   2. Brief history of fasting in the Old Testament –
      1. There was one day where fasting MIGHT have been commanded – the annual Day of Atonement.
         1. Leviticus 16:29-31 says, “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” (cf. Acts 27:9 speaks of “the fast”).
         2. The various texts that address this speak of afflicting the soul (cf. Numbers 29:7).
         3. The word “afflict” is a word that means to look down upon or abase oneself. It can also mean to torment.  It could be similar to Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27 where he “disciplines” his body.
         4. The word is about humbling oneself – Ezra 8:21, Psalm 35:13 – note in both of these texts, humbled was associated with fasting.
         5. However, Jews have viewed Yom Kippur, since antiquity as a day that included fasting from food (though like Catholics at lent, may make exceptions for health reasons). So while it COULD include fasting, that might not have been God’s original intent.  It was about not working and pausing to think about YHWH.
      2. Other occurrences of fasting were found in lives of various individuals – Moses – on Mt. Sinai twice, David, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ester, etc. It was also done during times of great distress – often when Israel was being punished by God for their sinfulness, they would fast as part of their repentance. But each of these instances were either by individual choice or event driven.
      3. At some point, Jews (and likely well intentioned) made fasting a weekly ritual that would become incorporated into their interpretation of the LOM (e.g., Luke 18:11-12). For some, it would a become binding practice or an indicator of spiritual virtue (i.e. if you fasted you were more righteous and if you didn’t you were not what you ought to be).   This is the environment we find during the time of Jesus.
         Sometimes this was done without much thought – Zechariah 7:5-7 indicates that fasting during the captivity was insincere – for themselves, not what God had commanded.
   3. Fasting in the New Testament –
      1. Jesus and fasting – Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness. Matthew 4:2ff.
         He was asked why His disciples did not fast – Matthew 9:14-15.  Jesus responded there would be a time when they would fast.
         We also learn from this that both John’s disciples and the Pharisees fasted (likely regularly)
      2. Other examples of fasting in the NT included:
         Brethren prayed for Paul and Barnabas as they began their first preaching journey – Acts 13:3
         Acts 14:21-23 – as elders were appointed in every church, it was with prayer and fasting. – NOTE that prayer was associated with fasting, which often happened.  More later.
2. Matthew 6:16-18 –
   1. Jesus in the “Sermon on the Mount” address proper attitudes as we approach God. In this text we find direction should we choose to fast.
   2. When you fast – again we note that we have no command to fast BUT, if we do it must be done properly.
   3. Do NOT be like the hypocrites – who made a show of it. They would look sad, wear torn clothes or sackcloth and might even powder their face for an ashen look or go around with a sad look.
      Luke 18:12 spoke of fasting twice a week (the praying Pharisee) – which according to sources was Jewish tradition and was usually done on Mondays and Thursdays – the market days, wherein they could show their “piety” in public.   The way our text describes it they WANTED to be seen.
      NOTE again that Jesus said, “They have their reward”.  God saw through their praise seeking antics.
   4. But YOU, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face (and wear what you would normally wear). Jesus is implying: 1) It is a choice (voluntary) & 2) If you choose to do so, it is between you and God.    Thus, act like normal.  Most of us if we missed a meal or two would not suffer greatly because of it.  And there is no reason it should alter our appearance.
      Do not appear to be fasting – Jesus is VERY clear here that IF you fast, it is a private matter.  Think about what that could include: facial expressions, attitudes and our conversations (are you bragging about fasting?)
      Let it be in secret and God will see your hearts and intents and reward you openly.  NOTE: This is not as much about others finding out as it is your attitude.   If someone sees you or figures out what you are doing – that doesn’t invalidate the act.  There may even be situations where you need to let it be known (if you have decided to fast and someone asks you to do something to break that fast, you may need to give an answer).  But it MUST be with humility!
3. Should we fast today?
   1. There is no command that orders us to fast as we do have with other acts of worship (singing, prayer, Bible study, assembling, etc.). Nor is there ever an example of ritualistic fasting as a congregation.  Just as such was not found in the LOM, I would be concerned with a congregation that organized a public fast (or season).  There simply is no authority for such.
   2. But it is something you CAN do. Jesus did NOT condemn fasting, as you see in our text.   He fasted Himself.  Fasting is something that ought to be viewed as a CHOICE rather than an obligation.
   3. Fasting CAN be beneficial if it is done with proper motives and as found in scripture. When done properly it is a sacrificial act (cf. Romans 12:1-2).
   4. What are some proper motives? In scripture consider some of the reasons they fasted:
      1. It was done in times of distress –
         1. Israel fasted in times of war (Judges 20:26 – a tragic time where they would almost wipe out the tribe of Benjamin). 2 Chronicles 20:3 – when righteous Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, the Ammonites came against Judah.  He proclaimed a fast to the LORD throughout all Judah for deliverance.  The LORD answered their prayers.
         2. Elijah fasted as he was fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8), etc.
         3. Nehemiah 1:4 – Nehemiah fasted after he found out about the deplorable condition of Jerusalem
         4. Sometimes the consequences of standing for truth brought about unintended fasting – 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 – Paul went hungry from time to time.
      2. It was done when seeking God’s protection – Ezra fasted before traveling (Ezra 8:21-23)
      3. It was done in repentance –
         1. 1 Samuel 7:6 – Israel fasted in the days of Samuel as they were being attacked by the Philistines. The LORD answered them on that day.
         2. Ahab fasted – 1 Kings 21:27 – after being confronted by Elijah for the wicked acts of Jezebel and himself concerning Naboth’s vineyard. Because he humbled himself, the LORD relented from his imminent destruction.
         3. David fasted after his sins with Bathsheba and Uriah. As the son was dying he fasted and prayed to God. (2 Samuel 12:16)
         4. Daniel fasted – Daniel 9:3-5 – knowing the time for Judah’s return from Babylonian captivity was near, he prayed and fasted. It was acts of repentance.
      4. Jesus dealing with temptations – Luke 4:1-2 – He had gone 40 days without eating.
      5. Before entering into an important spiritual work – Antioch prayed for Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-3)
      6. Before appointing elders – Acts 14:23
      7. Isaiah 58:1-8 describes what YHWH would accept as proper fasting and rebukes their fasts as improper.
      8. Others could be added to these, but the point is they are associated with serious times where focus on God is magnified (we should always be focusing on God).
   5. How can fasting make you better spiritually?
      1. It is about self-control. When you fast, you are learning self-control because you are denying yourself of something for a period of time (and it is something that is not wrong itself, and even necessary).   We are commanded to exercise self-control often (Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:6 , Acts 24:25, etc.).  There is only way to develop that – to deprive yourself of something.  Fasting can help you with that.
      2. It is about sacrifice as you are giving up something useful for the sake of God (Hebrews 13:15, Romans 12:1-2, etc.). With proper motives this shows due praise to God.
      3. It is about awareness. When we fast, we ought to be focusing on spiritual needs, which is why we are doing without something material.
      4. It is about one drawing closer to God – that is why you might fast. Cf. Matthew 5:6 – hungering after righteousness.  I KNOW what this text is about, but physical hunger can remind us how we OUGHT to crave to be righteous toward Him.
      5. NOTE: Abstinence can be something other than food. You may choose for a time to give up some activity – television, social media, certain foods, a hobby, etc.  The point is you are seeking to bring your body into subjection to God.  This is about setting your mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
   6. If and when you fast:
      1. Make it a private matter. This is so important as it reflects motives!
      2. Make sure you have time to fast – let it be planned and something done free of distractions – just as you should find a private place and time to study and pray.
      3. Do not fast in such a way that you harm yourself – the irony of both Jewish and Catholic fasting is they know not everyone can do it. Drink water and be reasonable as to the timing.
      4. Devote that time to some spiritual exercise. I am a believer that if you choose to fast, whatever you are giving up needs to be replaced with something spiritually relevant  – such as Bible reading & study, prayer or meditation (cf. Philippians 4:8).  If you are skipping lunch, use the time to pray or read a chapter of the Bible – MORE than normal.
         1 Corinthians 7:5 speaks of a time where you give yourselves to fasting and prayer.

AS we can see in this study, fasting is a choice we might make as individuals.  It is a profitable exercise when done with proper motives and care.  As you look at your life, maybe you need to think about this.  Whatever it takes to make Him first in your life.  What are you willing to give up for Him?  Think about it!