Fasting

[ByTheSpirit]

It would seem from Isaiah 58 that fasting has a completely different purpose and method than what most understand. In Isaiah 58 God chides the Israelites for abstaining from food but not living righteously. He then goes on to describe a fast he truly wants is for people to love each other and care for one another even "sharing food with the hungry".

Now I know Moses fasted for 40 days and nights when he received the Law, but would he not have received the Law without fasting?

I know Esther asked the Jews in Persia to fast for 3 days, but would God have destroyed the Jews if they hadn't of fasted?

I know Jehoshaphat asked Judah to fast to avoid annihilation, but would God have allowed his people to be obliterated?

Then, it got to the point where God didn't want nor accept their fasts anymore.

Jesus fasted in the wilderness, but that was by direction of the Holy Spirit.

Really my question is this:

What purpose does fasting really serve?

Is it an attempt to be more pious before God by abstaining from food?

Will God act more in favor of one who fasts over one who doesn't if they both pray and seek him with all their heart?

Thanks!

 

[HereIStand]

Based on Christ's words, it seems that fasting does still has a place. It could serve to focus our attention more on God, and may help in terms of answered prayer. For health reasons though, some people should approach it with caution.

 

[“Paisios”]

I have always seen fasting as one means of denying self (even denying essential nutrients), and combine it with prayer to draw closer to and love God, and with charitable giving, to demonstrate in a real way, love for my neighbor. I usually fast during the season Lent, when these three things seem (to me) to go especially well together.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

My question is more around this. I am asking only to provoke a conversation about it honestly. I think it is a good topic to discuss.

People will teach that fasting "gets us things" but is that a scriptural teaching?

Are people who cannot fast to go without the deeper things of God because they cannot fast?

What about God's grace that gives to all men freely. Is it God's grace if we fast to get it or have to fast to get something?

 

[“Paisios”]

Really my question is this:

What purpose does fasting really serve?

Is it an attempt to be more pious before God by abstaining from food?

Will God act more in favor of one who fasts over one who doesn't if they both pray and seek him with all their heart?

Thanks!

My answers, for what they are worth...

Fasting is a means of denying myself.

No, I do not think it makes one more pious. God knows what is in our hearts, minds and souls, and that is what would make us pious, not this outward gesture. But it seems to me than the outward gesture of fasting can be a reflection of an inward desire for piety.

God knows what we need and desire before we pray, along with our motives and intentions. His Will is already decided before such prayer. I pray because He asks us to, and to draw closer to Him and align my will to His, not because I think He will change His mind based on my wishes. Fasting with prayer can help me focus on Him, but does not make me any more holy, good or pious.

Just my thoughts.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Good thoughts! Thanks

 

[“Paisios”]

My question is more around this. I am asking only to provoke a conversation about it honestly. I think it is a good topic to discuss.

People will teach that fasting "gets us things" but is that a scriptural teaching?

Are people who cannot fast to go without the deeper things of God because they cannot fast?

What about God's grace that gives to all men freely. Is it God's grace if we fast to get it or have to fast to get something?

I do not see that it is useful to "get something", and I don't believe God would withhold His favor because someone is unable to fast (perhaps if they were unwilling, but not if they were unable). I would think that I had the wrong idea of fasting entirely if I regarded it as a means to try and change God's mind to get something.

(Just my thoughts, and I know very little.)

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Based on Christ's words, it seems that fasting does still has a place. It could serve to focus our attention more on God, and may help in terms of answered prayer. For health reasons though, some people should approach it with caution.

I like the passage in Matthew 6

 

[Tree of Life]

I think fasting has many purposes. One big purpose that I'm currently meditating on is fasting as training. If I can, by fasting, train myself to say "no" to a good thing, then perhaps I can have the grace and spiritual strength necessary to say "no" to a bad thing.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I think fasting has many purposes. One big purpose that I'm currently meditating on is fasting as training. If I can, by fasting, train myself to say "no" to a good thing, then perhaps I can have the grace and spiritual strength necessary to say "no" to a bad thing.

I sort of understand, but does that then mean we can earn grace or God's favor?

 

[Tree of Life]

I sort of understand, but does that then mean we can earn grace or God's favor?

No.

 

[lutherangerman]

I think fasting is to deal with severe sadness and other emotional and spiritual problems. The bible says Jesus said that the disciples will fast when the bridegroom is taken from them. I don't think it is something like rending clothes. The body reacts well to fasting and becomes tamer and does not disturb the spirit and soul so much anymore. You become quieter and stronger and not so prone to flesh-induced fear anymore. Likewise, the attachments you might have to the devil or to evil spirits get deleted. Father God watches in secret and rewards us for prayer and fasting, but we are not supposed to make it a show. Maybe it is simple, God does not eat and drink and so when we do not eat and drink we can draw closer to Father God.