Fasting: What It Is and How To Implement It

Discuss: In your own words, what is fasting? Is fasting a command by God for all Christians to follow?

“A biblical definition of fasting is a Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.” -Donald Whitney

“[Fasting] must not only be confined to the question of food and drink; fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.” -Martin Lloyd-Jones

Fasting: What Is It Biblically?

NT Scriptures to consider:

Matthew 6:16–18 ESV

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:16-18 Observations:

Ex.: Fasting is not for public praise

Matthew 9:14–15 ESV

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Matthew 9:14-15 Observations:

Luke 2:36–37 ESV

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Luke 2:36-37 Observations:

“There is no indication that [Anna] was required to [fast]. Rather her ‘fastings and prayers’ were prompted by a felt need. Perhaps she was so burdened that the Messiah come that she spontaneously devoted much of her time to ‘fastings and prayers.’” -Curtis C. Mitchell

Luke 18:12 ESV

I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’

Luke 18:12 Observations:

If fasting is done hypocritically or with a motive of appearing spiritual, its purpose is defeated. Also in the eyes of God righteous living is more important than rituals like fasting. -Kent D. Berghuis

Acts 13:2–3 ESV

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 13:2-3 Observations:

Discuss: What principles of fasting are standing out to you most from these verses? How might you be tempted to fast “wrongly?”

Discuss: How might fasting be connected to our values of faith, growth, fruitfulness? How might fasting help us “live out” our values?

Getting Practical

Biblical reasons to fast:

as a sign of repentance and seeking forgiveness (Psalm 69:10, Acts 9:9)

as an aid in prayer to God (Psalm 109:21-24, Acts 13:2-3)

as an aid in experiencing God’s presence (Ex. 34:28, Matt. 4:2)

as related to ministry (Matt. 4:2, 2 Cor. 11:27)

Discuss: what reason do you need to focus on for your fast this weekend?

Reflection: what reason do you need to focus on for your fast this weekend?

“What words would you use to describe your current experience as a Christian?

Growing / Frustrated / Disappointing / Fulfilled / Forgiven / Stuck / Struggling / Joyful / Defeated / Exciting / Up and down / Empty / Discouraged / Duty / Intimate / Mediocre / Painful / Dynamic / Guilty / Vital / So-so / Others?

Things to fast from:

Discuss: think about your fast this weekend. What do you want to fast from?

Reflection: what do you think you need to fast from this weekend?

Tips for Fasting:

“Read His Word and pray during what were mealtimes. Meditate on Him when you awake in the night. Sing praises to Him whenever you please. Focus on your Heavenly Father and make every act one of praise and worship. God will enable you to experience His command to ‘pray without ceasing’ as you seek His presence...

My major reason for fasting is for personal revival, revival for our nation and the world, and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. But praying for our own needs and interceding for others are also important reasons to fast and pray. Bring your personal needs before the Lord, and intercede for your loved ones and your friends. Pray also for your church, your pastor and your community. By your prayers, as you fast with humility, you will help the Great Commission be fulfilled (1 John 5:14-15).” -Bill Bright