Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, within the biblical context, is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food, and sometimes drink, for a period of time to focus on prayer, repentance, and seeking God's will. The spirit of fasting is not merely about the physical act of refraining from sustenance but is deeply rooted in humility, devotion, and a sincere desire to draw closer to God.Biblical Foundations The practice of fasting is well-documented throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes such as mourning, repentance, and seeking divine guidance. In the Old Testament, fasting is often associated with times of distress or penitence. For instance, in the Book of Joel, the prophet calls for a sacred fast as a response to a locust plague, urging the people to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual fortification against temptation. Jesus' example underscores the importance of fasting as a means of spiritual readiness and reliance on God. The Spirit of Fasting The true spirit of fasting is characterized by a heart posture of humility and sincerity. Isaiah 58 provides a profound insight into the kind of fasting that pleases God. The prophet Isaiah challenges superficial fasting practices, emphasizing that true fasting involves acts of justice, mercy, and compassion: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6). Fasting, therefore, is not an end in itself but a means to align one's heart with God's purposes. It is a time to seek God's presence, repent of sin, and intercede for others. The spirit of fasting is marked by a genuine desire to know God more deeply and to live out His commandments in everyday life. Fasting in the Early Church The early church continued the practice of fasting as a vital part of their spiritual life. In the Book of Acts, the believers fasted and prayed before making significant decisions, such as the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul for missionary work: "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'" (Acts 13:2). This practice highlights the role of fasting in discerning God's will and seeking His guidance. It reflects a dependence on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to following God's direction. Practical Considerations While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline, it should be approached with wisdom and discernment. Jesus cautioned against fasting for outward show, instructing His followers to fast in secret, with a focus on the Father who sees what is done in secret (Matthew 6:16-18). This teaching emphasizes the importance of sincerity and the internal posture of the heart over external appearances. Fasting can take various forms, including complete abstention from food, partial fasts, or abstaining from certain types of food. The duration and nature of a fast should be determined prayerfully, considering one's health and circumstances. In summary, the spirit of fasting is a profound expression of devotion and humility before God. It is a practice that, when undertaken with the right heart, can lead to spiritual renewal, deeper intimacy with God, and a greater alignment with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:6,7Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of True Fasting and Its Reward: Also of Purity of Body. Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Acts xii. 18, 19 On Regeneration Sacred Times --The Lord's Day. Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. "And we Beheld his Glory" --A Father's Faith. The Kingdom of God: Its Values Esther The Scriptures a Safeguard. Resources Why did Jesus fast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Lent? | GotQuestions.org Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion Fasting for the Chastening of the Soul Fasting for the Humbling of the Soul Fasting in Babylon, With Prayer for Divine Deliverance and Guidance Fasting in Prayer for Himself and his Adversaries Fasting in Times of Bereavement of Abner's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of David, at the Time of Saul's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of the People of Jabesh-Gilead, for Saul and his Sons Fasting of Ahab, when Elijah Prophesied the Destruction of Himself and his House Fasting of Darius, when he Put Daniel in the Lions' Den Fasting of Ezra, on Account of the Idolatrous Marriages of the Jews Fasting of Hypocrites: Boasted of, Before God Fasting of Hypocrites: Described Fasting of Hypocrites: Ostentatious Fasting of Hypocrites: Rejected Fasting of Nehemiah, on Account of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Apostles Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Christians Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Cornelius Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Daniel Fasting of Saints Exemplified: David Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Esther Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Nehemiah Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Paul Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders Fasting of the Disciples, at the Time of the Consecration of Barnabas and Saul Fasting of the Jews, when Jeremiah Prophesied Against Judea and Jerusalem Fasting of the Wicked: Elders of Jezreel Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Accompanied by Confession of Sin Fasting: Accompanied by Humiliation Fasting: Accompanied by Mourning Fasting: Accompanied by Prayer Fasting: At the Time of his Vision Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Fasting: During Forty Days: Moses Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Elijah Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Our Lord Fasting: Fasting in the Conflict Between the Other Tribes With the Tribe of Benjamin Fasting: Habitual by Cornelius Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: National Exemplified: Israel Fasting: National Exemplified: Men of Jabesh-Gilead Fasting: National Exemplified: Ninevites Fasting: Ninevites, when Jonah Preached to Them Fasting: Not to be Made a Subject of Display Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of Others Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Approaching Danger Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Judgments of God Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Private Afflictions Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Public Calamities Fasting: On Account of the Captivity of the People, With Prayer for Their Deliverance Fasting: Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Prolonged for Forty Days, by Moses Fasting: Prolonged for Three Weeks, by Daniel Fasting: Promises Connected With Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul Fasting: when They Went to Mizpeh for the Ark of the Covenant Fasting: While Interceding in Prayer for his Friends Related Terms |