601 SFL - Essential Discipleship: Fasting

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Donald S. Whitney
Wednesday, 4 September 13
Fasting...for the purpose of godliness

Chapter 9, Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
"Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude, & self-discipline usually its friend & generator. That is why gluttony is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers believed that a person's appetites are linked: full stomachs & jaded palates take the edge from our hunger & thirst for righteousness. They spoil the appetite for God." Cornelius Plantinga Jr
"Fasting is like a silent prayer: simply turning away from human sustenance, toward the Sustainer of all, is a quiet & real means of beseeching Him to take our need seriously. It signals to God our commitment to Him & our conviction that human means are totally inadequate. We are begging Him to send the presence of Christ."
Douglas Kelly
"Fasting tests where the heart is. & when it reveals that the heart is with God & not the world, a mighty blow is struck against Satan. For then Satan does not have the foothold he would if our heart were in love with earthly things like bread...Every time we fast we are saying with Jesus, "Not by bread alone, but by you, Lord. Not by bread alone, but by you, Lord.'
John Piper
How often do you fast? When you fast last -hear Why did do you is ita sermon on fasting? important? (it Does is mentioned 75x in your church the Bible compared to practice regular fasting? 74x for baptism!) Who are your role models in fasting?
How often do you fast? Why do you fast - is it important? Does your church practice regular fasting? Who are your role models in fasting?
Jesus taught and practiced fasting - yet, according to Whitney, it is the most feared and misunderstood of all spiritual disciplines - Many fear it will make them too fanatical, that it will make them suffer and give a negative experience. - For some Christians fasting is almost unthinkable. - For many they think about it...and then go no further!
Fasting explained
A Christians voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes Whitney It is Christian in being God centred, voluntary and it is for spiritual purposes. Richard Forster, the voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity Here fasting is not only about food but could include people, media, telephone, talking, sleep etc.
Fasting explained
"Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose. There are many bodily functions which are right and normal and perfectly legitimate, but for special peculiar reasons in certain circumstances should be controlled. That is fasting." Martyn Lloyd Jones
Strictly speaking the Bible only refers to fasting as abstaining from food - Whitney saves his comments for this area. A normal fast - all food but not water - Matt 4:2 talks of Jesus being hungry but not thirsty, Lk 4:2 that he ate nothing in those days but again no mention of water. Some Christians also drink fruit juices during this type of fast.
A partial fast - limiting your diet but still eating some food Daniel and his companions in Dan 1:12 ate only vegetables JTB ate locusts and wild honey Matt 3:4 (maybe because he was in the desert!) This could be done by eating smaller portions or only certain foods.
An absolute fast - avoiding all food and liquid (even water) - Ezra 10:6, Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9 A supernatural fast - Moses on Mount Sinai ate no bread and drank no water, Dt 9:9 - Elijah 1 Kings 19:8 - such fasts require Gods supernatural intervention and cannot be repeated unless he specically calls and miraculously provides An private fast - referred to by Jesus Matt 6:16-18
Congregational Fasts involve the Church participating together. Joel 2:15-16; Acts 13:2 A National Fast is a call to the nation to fast. 2 Chron. 20:3; Neh.9:1; Jonah 3:5-8 There was one Regular Fast under the Old Covenant, Lev. 16:29-21 - on the day of atonement - though in exile the Jewish leaders instituted four other annual fasts Zech 8:19
Pharisess fasted twice a week Lk 18:12 - John Wesley would not ordain a Methodist unless he fasted every Wed & Friday Occasional Fasts which occur on special occasions as the need arises - shown in Esther and Jehoshaphats cases, also possibly Mt. 9:15
Why else is this a valuable weapon in our warfare? What are we saying to the World, esh & Devil when we fast (this is the key)? We are saying, screaming out at the top of our lungs - want God, I want Christ more than I want to please myself!' "The birthplace of Christian fasting is homesickness for God... Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God...
Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of a superior satisfaction in God; it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away...when I say that the root of Christian fasting is the hunger of homesickness for God, I mean that we will do anything & go without anything is, by any means, we might protect ourselves from the deadening effects of innocent delights & preserve the sweet longings of our homesickness for God."
John Piper
Fasting is expected
Jesus, Matt 6:16-17 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disgure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,so that it will not be obvious to others 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.
Fasting is expected
This is just after Jesus spoke about when you give, pray etc. - the commands about how to fast - and the promise - fasting is expected! Matt 6:16, 2ff - the rst Christians also fasted Acts 9:9, 13:2, 14:23 - there is no command from Jesus about how often, how long etc. we should fast; it is not legalistic - it is your privilege and opportunity to seek Gods grace
Jesus, again(!), Matt 9:14-15 Then Johns disciples came and asked him, How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?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.
Fasting is to be done for a purpose

Without spiritual intention fasting is just like fasting for weight loss a diet! It is not meant to be a man centred experience - not one purpose of fasting is to earn Gods favour, it does not impress him, or gain his favour - it has no benet before you come to God through faith and repentance.
To strengthen prayer
John Calvin, whenever men are to pray to God concerning any great matter, it would be expedient to appoint fasting along with prayer. Fasting sharpens our prayer and makes us more passionate, it creates greater urgency within us. Ezra 8:23 - he fasted along with the group of returning exiles asking for safe journey.
Neh 1:4, Dan 9:3, Joel 2:12, Acts 13:3 Fasting has a great effect on prayer - it is one of the greatest weapons we can bring to our prayer life
Arthur Wallis remarks, Fasting is calculated to bring a note of urgency and importunity into our praying, and to give force to our pleading in the court of heaven. The man who prays with fasting is giving heaven notice that he is truly earnest. Not only so, but he is expressing his earnestness in a divinely-appointed way. He is using a means that God has chosen to make His voice to be heard on high.
Arthur Wallis, In giving us the privilege of fasting as well as praying, God has added a powerful weapon into our spiritual armory. In her pride and folly the church has largely looked on it as obsolete. She has thrown it down in some dark corner to rust, and there it has lain forgotten for many centuries. An hour of impending crisis for the church and the world demands its recovery.
To seek Gods guidance

Judges 20 - the 11 tribes prepare for war against Benjamin - twice the large group lost to Benjamin, only when they fasted did they win. Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabas installed elders only after fasting Fasting does not ensure we will receive clear guidance from God. Rightly practiced...it does make us more open to the one who loves to guide us
To express grief
Three of the rst four refs to fasting in the Bible express this: Jdg 20:26 1 Sam 31:13 - mourning Sauls death 2 Sam 1:11-12 - David mourning for Saul There are many records of people fasting because of sin in their life note this is not for forgiveness or to pay the price 1 Pet 3:18, 1 Jn 1:9
This is about voluntary heartfelt confession and feeling guilt for what has happened - it is not beating yourself up but grieving over your sin Also for the sins of others Jonathan over the sin of Saul in trying to kill David - 1 Sam 20:34 You might choose to fast and pray for a person who has backslidden, or for the lack of spiritual passion in your church etc.
To seek deliverance or protection
Jehoshaphat when he heard an army was coming against him - 2 Chron 20:3-4 Ezra asking for the Lords protection - 8:21-23 Esther 4:16 - appeal to God against the possibility of the kings wrath
To express repentance and a return to God

This is similar to expressing grief for sin - however here fasting is not only aboutFasting repentancecan but a be commitment in vain if done to obedience and a new direction in without repentance, especially if we God. 1are Sam hardened 7:6, Joel 2:12 in our hearts to Gods Jonah 3:5-8 sows the response of the voice about sin. Ninevites - and God gave a great spiritual awakening.
To express repentance and a return to God

This is similar to expressing grief for sin - however here fasting is not only about repentance but a commitment to obedience and a new direction in God. 1 Sam 7:6, Joel 2:12 Jonah 3:5-8 sows the response of the Ninevites - and God gave a great spiritual awakening.
In vain will ye fast, and pretend to be humbled for our sins, and make confession of them if our love of sin be not turned into hatred; our liking of it into loathing; and our cleaving to it, into a longing to be rid of it; with full purpose to resist the motions of it in our heart, and the outbreakings thereof in our life; and if we turn not unto God as our rightful Lord and Master, and return to our duty again. Thomas Boston
To humble oneself before God
A physical expression of our humility before God - just like bowing or prostrating yourself. King Ahab, one of the worst kings in Jewish history, showed this and it caused God to act - 1 Kings 21:27-29 King David did it too - Psalm 35:13 Fasting is expressing your humility here cf Pahrisee Lk 18:12
To Express Concern for the Work of God

Just as a parent might pray and fast out of concern for the work of God in the life of their child, so Christians may pray and fast because they feel a burden for the work of God in a broader scope. This was the purpose of Nehemiahs fast, Nehemiah 1:3-4, because the city of Jerusalem had no wall around it to protect its exiles.
To Express Concern for the Work of God

Just as a parent might pray and fast out of concern for the work of God in the life of their child, so Daniel 9:3 expresses the same Christians may pray and fast type of concern in prayer and because they feel a burden for the fasting. work of God in a broader scope. Today you might pray for This was the purpose of Christians facing persecution, for Nehemiahs fast, Nehemiah workers etc. 1:3-4, because the city of Jerusalem had no wall around it to protect its exiles.
To Minister to the Needs of Others

Isaiah 58 is the most extensive passage in Scripture dealing exclusively with fasting. v. 6-7, emphasize fasting for the purpose of meeting the needs of others - in earlier verses (3-4) they complained to God that their prayers combined with fasting had not been heard (their lives were in hypocritical contrast to their fasting). God will not bless the discipline of fasting when we reject His Word regarding relationships with others.
To Minister to the Needs of Others

Isaiah 58 is the most extensive Are we feeding the hungry? passage in Scripture dealing Giving shelter the homeless? exclusively withto fasting. v. 6-7, Undoing bands emphasizethe fasting for of the purpose of meeting the needs of others - in oppression? earlier verses (3-4) they complained Could you fast a meal, a movie, to God that their prayers combined a book...and give the money to with fasting had not been heard the poor instead? (their lives were in hypocritical contrast their fasting). God What is to God calling you to will do to not blessthe theburden discipline fasting lighten ofof your when we reject His Word regarding fellow man? relationships with others.
To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to God
Jesus fasted 40 days and nights prior to His temptation in the wilderness. One principle we can learn from this example is that fasting is a way of overcoming temptation and of freshly dedicating ourselves to the Father.
To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to God

There are times we struggle with Jesus fasted or 40 we days and we nights temptation, know are prior to temptation inathe going toHis nd ourselves in wilderness. One principle we can tempting situation, when we learn example is that to need from extrathis spiritual strength fasting is a way oftimes overcoming overcome. Such of temptation and of freshly dedicating exceptional temptation means ourselves to the Father.are exceptional measures required, namely fasting.
To Express Love and Worship of God

The Bible says that fasting may be an act of sheer devotion to God. Luke 2:37 summarizes the life of Anna the prophetess, who devoted over 50 years of her life to prayer and fasting to worship God. Fasting can be an expression of nding your greatest pleasure and enjoyment in life from God. Do you love God more than food?
Christians throughout history have fasted for this purpose in preparation for the Lords Supper - this shows repentance and humility before God and helps in worshipping Him. You might choose to spend the time when you fast in Bible reading, prayer or meditation - in all cases fasting must have a spiritual purpose, a God centered purpose, not a self centered one. Be careful not to become mechanical in fasting, making it a regular routine, in fasting you seek God and his grace, hoping he will bless you.
In Zechariah 7 we see that the Israelites had annually celebrated two fasts which had been performed since the destruction of the temple and now they were asking God if they should stop them. God questions the Israelites over their fasting - had they been really fasting to him? Such questions issue a challenge for us in our fasting. Remember to be aware that when our fast is rightly motivated, we can be sure that God will bless us, but perhaps not in the way we wanted.
More application
Will you confess and repent of any fear of fasting? Some people would willingly give money rather than fast - are you afraid of fasting, (especially if you do it in your own strength)?
More application
Will you fast as the Holy Will you confess and Spirit directs you? Jesus repent of any fear of expected his disciples to fast fasting? Some people would you can expect HSp to tell willingly give money rather you to at times! than fast - are you afraid of Will you fast to show fasting, (especially if you do dedication and express it in your own strength)? your love to God?
Some quotes on fasting
Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.
John Wesley
In Shansi I found Chinese Christians who were accustomed to spend time in fasting and prayer. They recognized that this fasting, which so many dislike, which requires faith in God, since it makes one feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed means of grace. Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our work is our own imagined strength; and in fasting we learn what poor, weak creatures we are-dependent on a meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt to lean upon."
Hudson Taylor
If the solemnities of our fasting, though frequent, long, and severe, do not serve to put an edge upon devout affections, to quicken prayer, to increase Godly sorrow, and to alter the temper of our minds, and the course of our lives, for the better, they do not at all answer the intention, and God will not accept them as performed to Him.
Matthew Henry
Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God.

John Piper

601 SFL - Essential Discipleship: Fasting

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601 SFL - Essential Discipleship: Fasting

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Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Fasting...for the purpose of godliness

Fasting is to be done for a purpose

To seek Gods guidance

To seek deliverance or protection

To express repentance and a return to God

To express repentance and a return to God

To humble oneself before God

To Express Concern for the Work of God

To Express Concern for the Work of God

To Minister to the Needs of Others

To Minister to the Needs of Others

To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to God

To Overcome Temptation and Dedicate Yourself to God

To Express Love and Worship of God

Some quotes on fasting

Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God.

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