Seven Reasons for Fasting

A sermon discussing the importance of biblical fasting, highlighting its relevance for Christians. It explores the reasons for fasting, drawing from both Old and New Testament examples, and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this spiritual discipline.

Introduction to Fasting

The sermon begins by noting that fasting is one of the three private Christian disciplines alongside giving and praying, as mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 6. The speaker reflects on the lack of teachings about fasting in recent years and emphasizes the need for guidance on this practice. The thesis posits that Jesus expects his disciples to fast, and the sermon aims to elaborate on the reasons behind fasting.

Reasons for Fasting

The speaker outlines seven reasons for fasting that apply to Christians:

1. Duty: Fasting can be a practice of obligation. The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 required fasting as a means of atonement for sins, illustrating that fasting out of duty is biblically supported.

2. Grief or Loss: Fasting is a natural response to grief, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:12, where David and his men fasted to mourn the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. This mourning is echoed in Matthew 9:14-15, where Jesus links fasting to a time of loss when He would no longer be with His disciples.

3. Protest: Daniel's refusal to consume the king's food in Daniel 1 represents a fast in protest against societal norms. This act of defiance emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's values amidst external pressures.

4. Hope: The story of Anna in Luke 2:36-38 illustrates fasting in hope for the redemption of Israel. Christians today fast in anticipation of the return of the Messiah, echoing the sentiment of longing for divine intervention.

5. Repentance: Fasting is a means of seeking repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 1 Kings 21:27-29, where Ahab humbled himself before God through fasting. This act of humility is crucial for seeking forgiveness and restoration.

6. Guidance: In Acts 13:2-3, the early church fasted while seeking direction from the Holy Spirit regarding the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas. This indicates that fasting can be an integral part of decision-making and seeking God's will.

7. Dedication: Fasting can also serve as a means of dedicating oneself to a cause or task. In Acts 14:23, the appointment of elders was accompanied by prayer and fasting, highlighting the seriousness of the commitment being made.

Conclusion

The sermon concludes by reiterating that fasting has numerous reasons and applications for Christians, whether for duty, grief, protest, hope, repentance, guidance, or dedication. Each of these motivations is relevant at different times in a believer's life, encouraging a deeper engagement with the practice of fasting as a spiritual discipline