An “Examination” of FastingA Two Week Study

Sources consulted:

Steve Higginbotham’s outline on Biblical Fastingohttp://www.glasgow-coc.org/sermons/fasting.pdf

Mark Copeland’s Sermon Series on Fastingohttp://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/fa.htm

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Did God’s people fast in the Old Testament?• Did God’s people fast in the New Testament?• Do God’s people fast today?• Should God’s people fast today?

Fasting in the Old Testament• Only one day was commanded by the Law, the “Day

of Atonement” (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7).

Fasting in the Old Testament• The term “afflicting one’s soul” here is understood as

fasting (Isaiah 58:3).• Fasting was more than just a physical exercise, it had

great spiritual meaning.

Fasting in the Old Testament• People fasted at other times besides the Day of

Atonement:– War, sickness, grief, forgiveness, danger, events.

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Did God’s people fast in the Old Testament? – YES!• Did God’s people fast in the New Testament?• Do God’s people fast today?• Should God’s people fast today?

Fasting in the New Testament• Jesus fasted:– Matthew 4.1-9

Fasting in the New Testament• The church fasted:– The church at Antioch fasted (Acts 13:1-3).– The church at Galatia fasted (Acts 14:21-23).– Others in the church fasted (1 Corinthians 6:1-10).

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Did God’s people fast in the Old Testament? – YES!• Did God’s people fast in the New Testament? – YES!• Do God’s people fast today?• Should God’s people fast today?

More on Fasting – The Purpose• Some fasting was/is a natural reaction to grief.• Others fasting was/is done to “afflict the soul”

(Leviticus 23:26-32).– This “afflicting of the soul” would be to humble a

soul (Psalms 35:13).

More on Fasting – The Nature• Normally fasting meant to abstain from food.– Sometimes fasting was partial, restricting certain

foods (Daniel 10:2-3).• On rare occasions there were absolute fasts (Jonah

3:5-10; Esther 4:16).– Absolute fasts even included water.

More on Fasting – The Time• One day, sunrise to sunset• Three days• Seven days• Forty days

More on Fasting – The Attitude• It can turn into an empty ritual (Isaiah 58:3-9).• It can be turned into a show (Matthew 6:16-18).– Rewards because of secret things are better that

man’s rewards.

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Jesus assumed his disciples would fast (Matthew

6:16-17; 9:14-15).• We should fast because Jesus expected us to fast

(Matthew 6:16-17).• We should fast because the early church fasted (Acts

13:3).

Should God’s People Fast Today?• There are times when we need divine help (times of

temptation, grief, beginning a new work, appointing elders, forgiveness).

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Do not fast to be seen of men (Matthew 6:16-18).• Do not let fasting become a regular ritual (Matthew

9:14-17).• Do not fast without true repentance (Isaiah 58:3-9)• Do fast because you cannot do it alone.

Should God’s People Fast Today?• Did God’s people fast in the Old Testament? – YES!• Did God’s people fast in the New Testament? – YES!• Do God’s people fast today? – ?????• Should God’s people fast today? – YES!

An “Examination” of FastingA Two Week Study