Tim Ames

      The subject of Fasting is a fascinating subject.  Yet, how often is it discussed, or even taught among Baptist today?   I don’t recall hearing much about it as I grew up.  The first time I remember hearing someone say that they fasted I was not sure I could have fellowship with this person any more.  I was afraid that he might have become one of those new lighters that I keep hearing about.  Turns out that he wasn’t a new lighter after all.  He was just talking about something that we so seldom discuss that it sounded like some new doctrine.
      The purpose of this article is to take a close look at what the Word of God says about Fasting.   That we might discuss the subject of fasting more often.  Also, that we might learn more about the Word of God and how we might better our service for Him.
      The first thing that we should do is to get an understanding of what the word fast or fasting means. In most places in the New Testament the word fast or fasting comes from The Greek Word "nesteia."  Which means to go without food, or to abstain from eating.  The word carries the idea of willful or voluntary abstinence.  Therefore we might say that when the word fast or fasting is used in the New Testament, it usually refers to one who has chosen to go without food for a reason.
      The next thing to ask about fasting would be, Why did people Fast?  If you look up all the places that the word fast or fasting has been used, you will notice that people of all ages, life styles, time periods, etc., fasted and for many reasons.  The most common reasons were to show repentance unto God (1 Samuel 7:6; Nehemiah 9:1, 2).  Grief for a loved one (2 Samuel 1:12).  To try to turn away coming Judgment of God (2 Samuel 12:16), also of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5).  That one might petition Gods will or gain understanding (Daniel 9:1-3).  The one thing that stands out the most is that fasting was practice as a way of humbling oneself before God, "I humbled my soul with fasting"(Psalm 35:13).
      It is very apparent from the verses that we have looked at up to this point that fasting was practiced often in the Old Testament.  What about the New Testament?  The Scriptures do seem to imply that John the Baptist fasted and we know that he taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18).  We find that Anna, a Prophetess that did not depart from the Temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day (Luke 2:36 38).   It is very clear that Christ fasted before starting His Ministry  (Matthew 4:1, 2). Paul began his service for the Lord with fasting and prayer (Acts 9:9-11).  The Church at Antioch also practiced Fasting (Acts 13:1-3).  Again in Acts we find that they prayed and fasted as they were appointing Elders (Acts 14:23).   It becomes very apparent that Fasting was practiced often in the New Testament.
      Next question we might ask about fasting would be, did Christ give us any teaching about fasting?  The answer to this question can be found in Matthew 6:16-18.  After reading these verses we can see three main points in them.  The first point would be; How not to fast.  Verse 16 tells us not to follow the example of the hypocrites.  They would put on an outward show that all might know they were fasting.  The second point would be; How to fast.  Verse 17 and the first part of 18 tells us that when we fast that we are not to make a show of it.  We are to keep it to ourselves that we are fasting. The third point would be; Rewards for Fasting.  Verse 18 tells us that if we fast secretly, God will reward us openly.  Though I would like to say many things about these verses.   For now I will just mention this, if Christ had not intended for us to fast than why did He give us this teaching?
      Christ also left us another good teaching in Luke 5:33-35.  In these verses we find Christ being asked why John's disciples fasted but His did not?  He responded that they had no need to fast while He was with them.  He goes on to say that the day would come when He would be taken away from them.  Then in those days (after He ascended into Heaven) they would fast.  I would understand from this passage that from the time Christ ascended into heaven to the time that He returns would be a time for the Church to fast.
      In our churches we spend much time teaching on many great and precious subjects. For what purpose?  That our people might know as much as possible about the Word of God and how they can best serve Him.  The last time you had a lesson on prayer, was fasting taught along with it?  It should be!  Take a look at the verses in both the Old and New Testaments.  The words prayer and fasting are almost inseparable.  A good passage that illustrates this point well is found in Matthew 17:14-21.  This story was recorded by Mark as well in Mark 9:14-29.  In this story we find that the disciples of Christ could not cast a demon from a young boy.  His father then brought him to Christ to be healed.  After Christ had healed him the disciples came to Christ and ask; why could we not cast out the demon?  So He said to them, "This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."  I would understand that Christ is teaching us that some things take more than prayer alone, that there are times when we need to couple our prayer with fasting.
      There are many other thoughts and questions that might be discussed on this subject. Such as, how long should one fast?  How often should one fast?  What kind of attitude should one have at the time of fasting?  I suppose that the list could become quite long. It is not my intention to try answer all the questions that could be raised.  Nor do I think that I could even begin to try to answer all the questions.  It is my desire to stimulate your thinking and study on this great subject.
      The subject of Fasting is one that might not be as exciting as many of the wonderful subjects in the Bible.  The return of Christ, The Kingdom, The Bride, and prophecies etc.  The subject of fasting is one of a practical matter.  That is we can practice fasting to help us with our studies, times of troubles, etc.  Fasting is also a tool that we can use to obtain spiritual things.
      Closing Thought; Fasting is a tool that we have to humble ourselves before God.  That we might learn more about Him and His Word.  That we might draw closer to Him and His Word.  The closer we become to God and His Word the closer we become to one another.