Dictionary of Bible Themes Rigorous self-denial of bodily pleasures and needs. This can be motivated either by a praiseworthy desire to dedicate oneself completely to God, or by an erroneous belief that the physical body is evil. Esther 4:15-16Types of ascetic practice See also The ascetic practice of fasting Judges 20:262 Samuel 1:11-12 Jeremiah 36:5-6 Luke 2:37 Daniel 9:3 See also The ascetic practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes 1 Kings 21:27Nehemiah 9:1 Esther 4:3 1 Corinthians 7:1 See also The ascetic practice of celibacy Exodus 19:151 Samuel 21:4 1 Corinthians 7:8,36-38 Revelation 14:4 Numbers 6:1-8 People who practised asceticism Judges 13:4-5; 16:17The Nazirites and asceticism Matthew 3:4John the Baptist and asceticism Matthew 11:18pp Mk 1:6 Matthew 9:14pp Lk 7:33 John's disciples, the Pharisees and asceticism Luke 18:12pp Mk 2:18 pp Lk 5:33 Leviticus 23:26-32Zechariah 7:1-5 The Jews and the ascetic practice of regular fasting Mark 2:18-19Jesus Christ refuses to enforce ascetic practices pp Mt 9:14-17 pp Lk 5:34-35 Jonah 3:6-9Ascetic practice symbolises separation from the world and dedication to God See also Asceticism as a sign of repentance 1 Samuel 7:6Ezra 10:6 Joel 1:13-14 Ezra 8:23 See also Asceticism accompanying prayer 2 Samuel 12:16Nehemiah 1:4 Acts 14:23 1 Corinthians 7:5 1 Corinthians 9:27 See also Ascetic dedication to God's service Daniel 1:8Matthew 19:12 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Isaiah 58:3-7 False asceticism opposed Joel 2:12-14Rejection of fasting without true repentance Matthew 6:16-18Condemnation of ostentatious asceticism Colossians 2:20-231 Timothy 4:1-5 Asceticism not necessary for right worship and conduct See also Asceticism that is based on a negative view of the material world is rejected. 8429 fasting8451 mortification 8475 self-denial 8703 antinomianism 8750 false teachings |
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