Abstinence as a discipline

Israel’s abstinence from certain sorts of meat

Le 7:22–27; Le 11:1–47; Dt 14:1–21; Ac 10:9–14 God used the food laws to teach Peter a spiritual lesson.

Israel’s abstinence from other things

Ex 19:14–15; Le 16:29–31; Nu 6:1–4

See also Ex 31:16–17; Nu 29:7; Jdg 13:4; 1 Sa 21:4

Abstinence from food

As an expression of repentance

1 Sa 7:5–6; Ezr 10:6

See also 2 Sa 1:11–12; Ne 1:3–4; Joe 2:12; Jon 3:5

Expressing a seeking after God

Acts 13:1–2 KJV 1900

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

See also Mt 4:1–2; Mt 9:14–15; Lk 2:36–37; Ac 9:9; Ac 14:23; Ro 14:6

Temporary sexual abstinence as a form of discipline

Ex 19:15; 1 Sa 21:4–5; 1 Co 7:5

Denial of selfish desires

Mt 16:24; 1 Pe 2:11

See also Ro 13:13

Voluntary abstinence for the sake of others

1 Corinthians 8:13 KJV 1900

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

See also Ac 15:19–20; Ac 15:29; Ac 21:25; Ro 14:21; 1 Co 9:12; 1 Co 9:19–27; 1 Co 10:15–31

Abstinence may be hypocritical

Matthew 6:16 KJV 1900

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

See also Is 58:3–7; Je 14:10–12; Zec 7:2–6; Lk 18:11–12; 1 Ti 4:2–5