The Bible Q&A (Winter Edition)

Question #1: What is the purpose of fasting?

Resurces: Lexham Bible Dictionary and Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Usually going without food

Benefited me in my personal walk

Practiced in OT as a way to mourn

The Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29–31; 23:26–33; Num 29:7–11)

Hebrew word:“deny yourself.”

Outward sign of inner-repentance

Other examples:

David fasting to seek compassion on his newborn son’s life (2 Sam 12:17-23)

Israelites fasting following the loss of loved ones (like Aaron with his sons) (Lev 10:16-20)

Fasting as an aid for prayer ((Neh 1:4–10; Pss 35:13; 109:21–24; Dan 6:18; 9:3; 10:1–3).

Purim: a fast followed by a fest

Often traced to Esther (Esth 9:25-32)

Two day festival

Celebrates Jew’s deliverance and the destruction of their enemies

Fasting in NT

Jesus; often to express reliance on God (Matt 4:1–2; Luke 4:2).

Sermon on the Mount: Criticizing those how fast hypocritically (Matt 6:15-18)

Jesus disciples were unusual for not fasting (Matt 9:14–15; Mark 2:18–20; Luke 5:33–35).

The time for fasting when the bridegroom is taken away (Matt 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:34).

Acts

Self-discipline

Reinforcement while praying

Church in Antioch fasting before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2-3)

Early Church

Widely practiced by the middle of the third century

3 main forms of fasting (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

Normal fast

Total abstinence of food (Luke 4:2)

Absolute fast

Not eating or drinking (Acts 9:9)

Partial fast

Restriction of diet (Dan. 10:3)

Definition from HIBD:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Fasting; adapted by Michael)

Fasting is laying something aside for a period of time for the purpose of knowing God better.

Question #2: Why is today’s church in America weaker than the early church?

Good question!

More persecution back then

Now we’re even closer to the end

Weaker in what sense?

Less passion

Answer: Persecution strengthens the church

Acts 8:1 ESV

1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

1 Peter 4:12–14 ESV

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 1:12–14 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Church growth in China