8432 fasting, practice of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8429 fasting  »  8432 fasting, practice of

Although fasting is a negative practice, it is not an end in itself but is to be undertaken for a positive purpose.

Fasting is not an end in itself

Fasting as empty ritual is condemned

Jeremiah 14:11-12 See also Isaiah 58:1-7; Zechariah 7:4-7

Fasting as mere show is condemned

Matthew 6:16-18 See also Matthew 9:14-15 pp Mark 2:18-20 pp Luke 5:33-35 Jesus Christ repudiated fasting for its own sake whilst granting that there is a time and a place for it.

Fasting imposed for false motives

1 Samuel 14:24-30

Attitudes appropriate to fasting

Humility

Psalm 35:13 See also 1 Kings 21:27-29; Ezra 8:21; Psalm 69:10

Repentance

1 Samuel 7:6 See also Nehemiah 9:1-3; Joel 1:13-14; Joel 2:12-15

Fasting and prayer

Nehemiah 1:4 See also Ezra 8:21-23; Psalm 35:13; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 17:20 fn pp Mark 9:29 fn; Luke 2:37; Luke 5:33; Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 The motivation here is similar to that in abstaining from food.

Fasting and worship

Acts 13:2 See also Luke 2:37

See also

6732  repentance
8620  prayer, practicalities
8622  worship



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