Fasting in the New Testament

1
Fasting in the New Testament?

• Are Christians to fast under the New Testament?
• Matthew 616-18

2
Introduction

• The subject of fasting continues to be somewhat
  ambiguous for Christians today.
• The Bible is filled with examples of fasting.
• In America, however, you hardly hear of
  Christians fasting or even acknowledging such a
  practice today.

3
Introduction

• What do the scriptures say
• The purpose of fasting.
• What the New Testament reveals about fasting for
  Christians.

4
The Purpose of Fasting Focusing on the Lord

• What it involves
• A humbling of the soul. Gen. 3513
• To focus on God in various circumstances
  repentance, petitions, major decisions or events,
  etc.

5
The Purpose of Fasting Focusing on the Lord

• When grieving
• God calls for Israel to mourn over their sinful
  condition. Joel 212
• When Nehemiah mourned for his people in
  Jerusalem. Neh. 11-4

6
The Purpose of Fasting Focusing on the Lord

• When repenting
• Ahabs repentance and Gods relenting
  (temporarily) upon His judgment. 1 Ki. 2127-29
• Daniels prayer with fasting on behalf of the
  people of Israel. Dan. 93ff

7
The Purpose of Fasting Focusing on the Lord

• When imploring the Lord with petitions.
• David, over the impending death of his son. 2
  Sam. 12
• When traveling back to Jerusalem. Ezra 821-23

8
The Purpose of Fasting Focusing on the Lord

• When involved in important spiritual events or
  decisions.
• Moses, when receiving the commandments of God.
  Ex. 3428
• The church at Antioch of Syria when sending Paul
  and Barnabas to preach the gospel. Acts 131-3

9
Fasting Today

• No different under the Old Testament
• It is not a matter of if one fasts but when one
  fasts. Matt. 616
• Fasting still associated with spiritually related
  circumstances. Cp. 1 Cor. 75
• Brethren spent time together fasting as part of
  their walk with God. Acts 1423

10
Fasting Today

• Fasting can be a personal or collective choice.
• The apostle Paul often practiced fasting. 2 Cor.
  1127
• The church at Antioch fasted together. Acts 132

11
Conclusion

• There is no formal worship that includes fasting.
• It is evident, however, that such a practice in
  the New Testament clearly shows both Christians
  participating in fasting and Gods acceptance of
  it.