Fasting For God

FASTING FOR GOD (Old Testament)

1. The vast majority of the (approximately) 25 cases of fasting in the OT are examples of fasting, not teaching about fasting
2. Fasting was not unique to Israelites
(1 Kings 21, Jonah 3)
3. Fasting could be routine or spontaneous
(Routine: Isaiah 58, Zechariah 7)
4. Fasting could be public and private
(Private: Moses, David, Daniel, Nehemiah)
5. Fasting could be done for various reasons
a. Before a great battle or move of God
b. After a great loss or word from God
c. During a great difficulty or apostasy
6. Fasting could be in differing lengths
a. Until evening (Judges 20:26, 2 Sam. 1:12)
b. A day (1 Samuel 7:5-6)
c. Some/many days (Nehemiah 1:4)
d. A week (1 Samuel 31:13)
e. A month (Zechariah 7)
f. 40 days (Exodus 34:28, Jonah 3)
7. Fasting was often accompanied with other important attitudes/disciplines
(repentance, mourning, humility, chastity, faith, prayer, confession, etc)

Key Passage: Isaiah 58

FASTING FOR GOD (New Testament)

1. Jesus fasted before His ministry
(Matthew 4:2)
2. Jesus taught about fasting
(Matthew 6:16-18)
a. Jesus assumed His listeners would fast
b. Jesus forbade show-off fasting
c. Jesus commanded secret fasting
3. Fasting may be necessary for certain spiritual victories
(Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)
4. Jesus was confronted on the issue of fasting (Matt 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39)
a. The Pharisees fasted often (see Luke 18:12)
b. Jesus’ disciples did not fast
c. Fasting was for times of need
d. Jesus’ disciples will fast in His absence
5. Fasting was practiced on various occasions in the life of the 1st century church
(Luke 2:37, 13:2, 14:23, 1 Cor. 7:5)

Why Fast?
Health
Bonus time
Bonus resources
Humility
Power
Obedience

Quick Tips
Fast Privately
Fast Corporately
Fill the void
Fill a need
Fast other things
Fast this month