All kinds of people fast, some with faith and some without, claiming to have found significant benefits from doing so. Here, we are talking about Biblical Fasting, as intended for Christians.

Biblical Fasting involves abstaining from food (and sometimes liquids) for a limited period, to focus all our intention on seeking God in prayer.

Sometimes, people confuse fasting with abstaining. -- Biblical fasting is always related to food, whilst we may on occasion also want to abstain from other time-consuming things like social media, gaming, television, or other pleasures. Often, we may choose to both fast and abstain at the same time.

1. The Bible talks about it extensively in practice and teaching:

Old Testament Examples:

o Moses (Exodus 34:28), Elijah (1. Kings 19:8), David

New Testament Examples:

o Jesus (Luke 4), The Church (Acts 13:2; 14:23), The Apostle Paul (2. Corinthians 11,27)

2. Jesus tells us that His disciples will fast. (That’s us!)

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” -- Matthew 6:16

3. Fasting helps us to adjust our life priorities. When we fast, we’re making sure God is put first and foremost.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

4. Fasting puts a necessary check on our flesh.

“But I keep control of my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

5. Fasting sets the captives free and breaks demonic strongholds! We want souls saved. All revivals are accompanied by fasting.

“Is this not the fast that I chose; to lose the binds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6

When a young boy suffered from demonic possession and was brought to Jesus, Jesus taught His disciples that some demonic strongholds can only be broken by prayer and fasting. (This story can be found in Matthew 17 and Mark 9)

“And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29

6. Fasting opens the door to revelation.

“I Daniel, turned my face to the Lord, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting…. Gabriel… made me understand speaking with me and saying, ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding’.” Daniel 9:2-3, 21-22

7. Fasting brings breakthrough!

After fasting, Nehemiah acquired all the resources he needed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and the wall was completed in just 52 Days. Ezra acquired resources and protection to rebuild the temple. Esther was able to save Israel from destruction. King Jehoshaphat’s armies won without a fight. The list goes on and on!

1. Fasting helps us to know God.

We dedicate time to get to know God better by spending more time to hear from Him.

2. Fasting helps us to know ourselves.

When we are fasting, we become aware of our inherent weaknesses, and so set a safeguard in place. Fasting can also help us understand our own gifts and callings more clearly. It was after fasting that Paul and Barnabas were set apart for ministry.

“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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3

3. Fasting releases spiritual authority.

Immediately after being baptized in water and spirit, Jesus spent 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, and then launched into His powerful time of ministry.

“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.” Luke 4:14

4. Fasting releases spiritual sensitivity.

When we pray and fast, we remove all distractions and allow the Holy Spirit to speak clearly.

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

5. Fasting brings increased blessing.

Our Father in heaven rejoices when we seek him in love, and with all our heart.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:16

6. Fasting brings breakthrough.

It’s not uncommon to see more answers to prayer when you’re fasting -- especially where there seems to have been a stronghold, a spiritual battle or demonic opposition standing in the way. This was true for Esther when her nation was threatened with genocide, of Nehemiah when Jerusalem was destroyed and burned with fire, of Ezra when he needed divine protection, of Saul who became Paul when he was blinded and couldn’t see. (Acts 9:9).

7. Fasting brings unity.

Fasting brings us into unity with the Holy Spirit, which then brings us into unity with one another. Unity amongst the people of God commands a blessing! (The church in Antioch fasted Acts 13:1-3. The church in Galatia fasted Acts 14:21-23)

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Psalm 133

8. Fasting is healthy.

Research shows that fasting is good for your body, it gives the body an opportunity to rest, recover and remove toxins.

We can abstain from many things but fasting is always about food. Here’s why --

Firstly, it is clearly said so in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for fasting is צוֹם – Pronounced ‘Tsom’ and literally means, “A ritual of abstaining from food and/or drink for a predetermined period.”

In the New Testament, the Greek word for fasting is νηστεύω – Pronounced, ‘Nesteuo,’ and refers specifically fasting food.

True, food is essential for life, but not more essential than the Word of God.

Jesus said, “Man cannot live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4” - He said this to Satan after 40 days of prayer and fasting!

Remember in Genesis 3 Adam and Eve fell over food? We don’t know exactly what the forbidden fruit in the garden was, but Satan used this food to his own terrible advantage. When in the desert and being tempted by Satan, Jesus faced the exact same test, and didn’t fail!

All throughout scripture, we see humans failing this test…

In Genesis 19, Sodom and Gomorrah were not only destroyed because of their immorality but because of their gluttony.

“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and an abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters.” Ezekiel 16:49

Later in Genesis 25, Esau sold his covenant birthright for food - a bowl of soup. Esau was only one generation away from Abraham and the incredible promises and covenant God had made to Abraham. But the hunger in his body was bigger than his hunger for those plans and purposes for his life, even greater than his hunger for God himself. (Read this story in Genesis 25:29-34 and Hebrews 12:16-17)

After their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, witnessing the awesome power of God, the people of Israel wanted to turn back! Why? Because of food.

“Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt when we sat by the fleshpots and ate bread to the full.” Exodus 16:3

“Oh, that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.” Numbers 11:4-5

We read that food corrupted the Old Testament Priesthood and House of God.

Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that commanded for my dwelling and honour your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel. 1 Samuel 2:29

Food and drink even caused a problem at the communion table in the New Testament early church.

“When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.” 1 Corinthians 11:20-22

God points out that food, undisciplined, will take you away from Him.

When I fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves in the harlot’s house. Jeremiah 5:7

But Jeshurun grew fat then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the rock of his salvation. Deuteronomy 32:15

We even have an English proverb which says, “The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

Obviously, there’s a connection between food and the flesh. It’s easy to be tempted by food. – Even the world knows this, and often through marketing, uses this fact to its advantage.

The Apostle John teaches us that there are three areas within which the world will tempt us.

1. The lust of the flesh. (The cravings of our body, which includes food.)

2. The lust of the eyes. (Envy, jealousy and covetousness.)

3. The pride of life. (We always know better and will not submit to Spiritual Authority.)

“For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life comes not from the father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16

When we fast food, we are remembering that the body is for the Lord. Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit – and so we glorify God in our body. (1 Corinthians 6:13, 19-20)

Here are some examples of situations where people fasted:

1. Before important decisions (Esther 4:16; Ezra 8:23)

2. While in great need. Esther fasted when her people were in great trouble.

3. As a sign of repentance and humility before God (Jonah 3:6-10, 1. Samuel 7:6)

4. As an expression of the longing and hunger to experience God (Psalm 109:24)

5. At the beginning of a new season, or at the start of a significant project or journey. Nehemiah fasted before he went to see the King, Jesus fasted before he started his ministry.

6. To add power to your testimony. Ezra fasted because he wanted both divine protection on a hazardous journey and to affirm his word to the King that God would indeed protect them.

7. When we need to see the supernatural power of God released amongst us. The early church fasted often, and they saw miracles daily.

1. No food, no drink.

There are only a few examples of such a fast in the Bible.

Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9, and the people in Nineveh when Jonah preached to them.

These are usually short fasts, no more than 3 days, but we are told that Moses fasted 40 days and 40 nights taking no food or water. (Deuteronomy 9:9). This kind of fasting can only be supernaturally sustained. Even Jesus in the wilderness didn’t undertake this kind of fast. It’s said he was ‘hungry’ at the end of this 40 day fast, but not thirsty. (Matthew 4:2-4)

2. No food.

This is the most common kind of fast in the Bible. This means going without food but taking plenty of liquids. When undertaking this fast it is important to determine a beginning and an end to the fast, otherwise you will quit too soon.

3. A partial fast.

Sometimes called a ‘Daniel fast’. Daniel chose not to eat the delicacies afforded to him by his royal position. He did this because he did not want to defile himself with the King’s food. (Daniel 1:12-13 and Daniel 10:3).

A partial fast could mean that you reduce your diet to a very simple diet as Daniel did, or you miss a regular meal each day, or not eat at all in the day but eat a light supper at night.

PS - I once asked a young man if he fasted, and he replied telling me that he fasted all the time…in between breakfast and lunch! That’s not a partial fast.

THE WRONG KINDS OF FASTING

1. Ascetic Reasons

Ascetism is when you undertake something that you think will increase your virtue, piety or standing before God. Many groups undertake fasting - often to an extreme, thinking that it improves, adds to, or changes their position before God.

Fasting will never add to your value as a Christian, for we have all that we need in Christ alone. Our righteousness is not found in anything we can do, but in everything Jesus has done for us.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

2. Wrong motives.

Two of the lengthiest passages in the Bible about fasting warn about the need to have the correct motive in fasting. (Isaiah 58 and Matthew 6:16-18)

In both cases people did fast, but for wrong reasons. In Isaiah they fasted because they wanted God’s blessing but treated others awfully. And in Matthew they fasted to impress others.

1. Pray: Ask God first and then consider the following points. If your fasting affects others (like in a family) include them in your decisions. But don’t let the whole world know, determine to be positive about the experience and journey.

2. Individual or corporate? Fundamentally fasting is a personal and individual decision that we make out of love, and out of commitment to God. In the Bible we also read of collective fasting - when a group of people decide to fast together. That’s what we are doing this month. We are doing this together.

3. Stir your faith. Have some clear goals into which we can focus our faith for a powerful result. Our Church goals are listed at the end-but add in your faith goals for you and your family.

4. Decide the Duration of the fast. How long do you want to fast? One day a week, a couple of days, 21 days? Set yourself a goal. If you have a certain goal it is easier to achieve it. A total fasting of more than 40 days should not be extended. Decide the beginning and the end of your fast before you start.

5. Focus. A period of fasting is not a period of mourning! Do not focus on the relinquishing of, or lack of enjoyment but rather on the joy of the Lord. Enjoy nature, rejoice in the Lord or do other things that make you happy (except perhaps hard physical efforts).

6. Pray. Fasting without prayer is simply another diet. Pray in the times you would normally prepare food and eat it. COME to all the corporate prayer meetings. Meet up with others in your workplace-university-or growth group to pray.

7. Read Your Bible Daily

8. Endurance. The first 2-3 days are the most difficult. Usually, the intense hunger goes away after day 3. Focus on other things. When you drink, drink a little bit more than usual. When you abstain from food, you may feel a bit cold until your body gets adjusted to the fasting. Oftentimes God’s blessings do not appear immediately while fasting, but after a while. Therefore keep on and do not give up!

9. Resumption of eating: If you fast for more than 2/3 days, you should be careful when you resume. Small, fat free or low-fat portions help your stomach, and your digestion in getting used to food again. Your stomach shrinks after fasting, and you will not be able to eat what you might think. Don’t break the fast with anything too difficult to digest.

10. Rejoice in seeking God! Fasting should not make us sad and morose, but it should be a blessing to us instead! Read Matthew 6:16.

11. Encourage one another in a church-wide fast. Share experiences, helpful tips and pray for one another.

What if you fail?

It is just as with everything else: Ask God for forgiveness and return to the plan that you discussed with God! Get up and get going again. There is probably no one who has fasted "error free" ever.

1. The Disciples’ Fast (Matthew 17:21) – For deliverance from sin, addiction, bondage. If we fast, we can break the power of sins and addictions that limit our freedom in Christ.

2. The Ezra Fast (Ezra 8:21-23) – For God’s help in solving problems and for protection from Satan. Ezra said that they prayed and fasted, and God answered their request.

3. The Samuel Fast (1 Samuel 7:6) - For revival. The people were bound by idol worship and needed deliverance. Samuel called them to seek God and to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem. If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself out on His people.

4. The Elijah Fast (1 Kings 19:4-8) - Mental freedom from emotional problems or habits. Through fasting, God will show us how to overcome emotional problems and destructive habits.

5. The Widow’s Fast (1 Kings 17:9-16) – Fasting to provide for the needy. The widow went without food to meet the physical needs of someone else. Because she sacrificed her food, God made sure that she had more than enough food.

6. Paul Fast (Acts 9:9) - For physical healing and to get direction from God. If we fast and submit our will to God, He will reveal His will to us.

7. The John the Baptist Fast (Luke 1:15) - To enhance our walk with God and witness. If we fast for the influence of our testimonies to reach others for Christ, God will use us.

8. The Esther Fast (Esther 4:16, 5:2) – For protection from the evil one. If we fast for protection, God will deliver us from evil.

9. The Jesus Fast (Matthew 4:1-2) - For spiritual power and victory over temptation, the flesh, and the devil.

10. The Daniel Fast (Daniel 1: 5-21; 10:3) – Fasting for health and to seek God’s favour, purpose, and vision for life.