Fasting 101

Between ages 20 and 50, the average person spends almost 20,000 hours-over 800 days-eating.

Fasting as a spiritual discipline: "partially or completely abstaining from food for the purpose of seeking God."

John Piper says, Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God."

"Fasting tests my resolve to place God above my appetites each time I fast. Like no other discipline, fasting involves all of me, body and soul, in the pursuit of God." -Stephen D. Eyrie, Close to God : The Essentials of a Dynamic Quiet Time (IVP)

My definition: "Giving up something you love in order to give yourself to Someone you love."

When it comes to fasting, "motive is everything." Fasting as a means to lose weight is not biblical fasting.

Fasting enhances our spiritual sensitivity.

Fasting plays a significant role in the Scriptures.

· Fasting was used as an emergency measure when things looked desperate. (2 Sam 12:16-23; 2 Chron 20:3; Esther 4:16)

· Fasting expressed repentance. (Neh 9:1)

· Fasting was also used as a means of dedication and preparation. (Jesus, Mt 4:2). (Paul and Barnabas Acts 13:1-3).

Jesus spoke about fasting.

Mat 6:16-18 NIV "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Matthew 9:14-15 "Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" ¹⁵ Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."

According to Jesus:

· Don't fast for self-punishment.

· Don't fast to call attention to yourself.

· Don't fast unless you feel called to it.

· Don't fast when its time to feast.

Start with something manageable

· Partial fasts-denying yourself sugar, caffeine, snacks, meat, etc.

· Skip one meal and use the time to pray.

· 24 hour fast, from supper one night to supper the next.

· 36 hour fast, from supper one night to breakfast two days later.

· Keep hydrated.

· If you have health issues that make it dangerous to fast, don't.

Longer fasts-study and be prepared