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Fasting (2) New Testament Introduction: In our first lesson we looked at fasting in the Old Testament. We noticed the following: 1. The Day of Atonement was the only fast commanded in the Old Testament 2. Fast varied in some were for the day and ended at evening; some lasted 3 days, some 7 days, and 40 days. 3. A fast could be complete, not taking food or drink; or a partial fast. 4. Fasting occurred at various times: when facing impending danger, the sickness or death of a loved one, when seeking God’s will, at time of repentance 5. Fasting was to humble or afflict one’s soul, spiritual in nature 6. Fasting was not to take the place of obedience, not to be ceremonial or ritualistic 7. There were times when a fast was appropriate and times when it was not. i.e. King Saul claiming a fast while his men were battling the enemy. David ended his fast once his child died. Now we want to turn our attention to the New Testament I) Fasting In the Life of Jesus A) He fasted forty days in the wilderness, Matthew 4.1-9 1. This was immediately after his baptism and God declaring Jesus as "His Son" 2. Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted 3. He felt it appropriate to fast during this period of temptation B) Jesus spoke about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6.16-18 1. He used the word "when" and not "if" showing that His disciples would fast at times. 2. Jesus said to fast privately or secretly, to not make a show of it or proclaim one’s fasting. a. The same as prayer, v. 6 b. Fasting is between the person and God 3. The abuse of fasting mentioned a. The Pharisees were hypocritical, v. 16 b. They were proclaiming their fast, v. 17 C) Jesus was questioned about why His disciples did not fast, Matthew 9.14-17; Mark 2.18-22 1. Apparently Jesus’ disciples were not following the "standard procedure’ or ritual concerning fasting a. How did John’s disciples know they were not fasting? b. Since fasting individual in nature the proper time in fast will differ among individuals 2. It was not the appropriate time to be fasting. In there future there would be time to fast but not now. 3. The Pharisees fasted often, Matthew 9.14 4. The Pharisees equated fasting with being pious, Luke 18.12-14,9 D) Casting out demons was done by prayer and fasting, Matthew 17.14-21 1. There are times when faith alone is not enough or out faith needs to be stronger. Matthew 10.1 2. Prayer when joined with fasting may accomplish things which prayer could not II) Fasting in the Lord’s Church A) The church at Antioch, Acts 13.1-3 1. They were fasting as a group 2. They fasted and prayed in preparation of sending out Barnabas and Saul. 3. Fasting and prayer can be done as a group when involved in serving the Lord. a. Note: the length of the fast is not mentioned in any of the above passages. b. Did the church at Antioch fast for a day, until evening, until morning, for 3 days? We are not told. B) The churches of Galatia, Acts 14.21-23 1. Prayer and fasting in connection with the appointing of elders. 2. This was done in every church. Not just the "Jewish churches." a. Again the length of the fast is not mentioned III) Fasting In the Ministry of Paul A) Fasting was a mark of his ministry 1. Passages in Acts which show Paul and others fasted on various occasions. a. In mentioning various trials and persecutions, Paul list fasting, 2 Corinthians 6.5 b. 2 Corinthians 11.23-28 in verse 27 fasting is listed separately from normal thirst and hunger. B) Paul taught there may be a time when it would be appropriate to fast, 1 Corinthians 7.5 IV) People Fast Today For Various Reasons A) Some for health reasons B) Some without thinking about it, simply due to grief or lack of time (too busy to eat) C) Some in order to exercise self-control 1. None aimed directly toward God 2. There is nothing wrong with the above fast but they are of no spiritual value V) Appropriate Times For Christians To Fast A) When we feel the need for God’s help 1. Most will be individual in nature a. When we face difficult temptations, hard decisions, impending danger, etc. b. When we face serious illness or death B) Some may be congregational in nature 1. Appointing elders 2. Sending out missionaries, selecting a preacher, etc. C) The length and type of fast will be up to the individual VI) How Should Christians Fast A) Privately- 1. Not to be seen of men 2. Do not go around talking about your fasting or to make a show of it. a. Do not be like the man that went about proclaiming his humility b. Do not be like the man in Luke 18.12 B) With true repentance 1. All the praying, all the fasting is of no value if not connected to heart felt confession and change 2. Fasting may be the result of being convicted by not that which makes us convicted. C) Let the situation dictate the type of fast or if you will fast 1. Health reasons may not allow you to have a complete fast 2. Hard work will make it difficult to have a complete fast 3. The situation may not dictate a need for fasting, Colossians 2.20ff a. Do not trivialize fasting b. Do not fast if you do not have the time to spend in prayer and meditation Conclusion: There may be times when Christians will need to come together to spend in prayer and fasting. There may be time when we individually may fast. It must be done willingly and from the heart. Jesus spoke of times when His disciplines will fast, we determine those times. God has never accepted only a ceremonial religion. Today a lot of religions are involved in ritualism and ceremonial activities. In many places baptism is purely outward. People are baptized to show they are saved; to encourage others to be saved; as a sign of ones salvation. Baptism was never meant to be a ritual. Just as accepting Jesus as the Son of God is more than a mere outward sign; or confessing Christ is symbolic; or repentance is a ritual. God requires us to accept Jesus as His Son with our heart, to truly repent and change, to be baptized so the blood of Christ will wash away our sins. Dennis Tucker @ Westside Church of Christ 11.18.07 |