Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in Christian tradition. It is often undertaken as a means of seeking God's guidance, expressing repentance, or preparing for spiritual endeavors. The New Testament provides several examples of fasting among early Christians, illustrating its significance in the life of the Church.Jesus Christ as the Model for Fasting The practice of fasting among Christians finds its ultimate example in Jesus Christ. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness. This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual fortitude, as He faced temptation from Satan. The Gospel of Matthew records, "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry" (Matthew 4:2). Jesus' fasting underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and reliance on God. The Early Church and Fasting The early Christian community continued the practice of fasting, often in conjunction with prayer, as a means of seeking divine direction and empowerment. In the Book of Acts, the church at Antioch is described as fasting and praying before the Holy Spirit instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work: "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). This example highlights fasting as a communal activity that precedes significant decisions and actions within the Church. Fasting in Times of Crisis and Decision Fasting was also practiced during times of crisis or when important decisions were to be made. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches they established, "And with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed" . This demonstrates the role of fasting in seeking God's guidance and blessing upon leadership and governance within the Church. Personal Fasting and Spiritual Growth Beyond communal fasting, individual Christians are encouraged to fast as a personal spiritual discipline. Jesus taught about the attitude and approach to fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:16). This teaching underscores fasting as an intimate act of devotion, meant to draw the believer closer to God rather than to gain human approval. Fasting as an Expression of Repentance Fasting is also associated with repentance and seeking forgiveness. Although not explicitly detailed in the New Testament, the spirit of fasting as an expression of contrition is consistent with the broader biblical narrative. The act of humbling oneself through fasting is a tangible expression of repentance and a desire for reconciliation with God. Conclusion The practice of fasting among Christians, as exemplified by Jesus and the early Church, serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, decision-making, and repentance. It is a discipline that continues to hold significance for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility God's Sovereignty and Prayer Anti-Pelagian Writings The Letter of the Church of Rome Homilies on the Gospel of John. From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ... part ii Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the connection between prayer and fasting? | GotQuestions.orgChristian fasting - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of fasting? | GotQuestions.org Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion Fasting for the Chastening of the Soul Fasting for the Humbling of the Soul Fasting in Babylon, With Prayer for Divine Deliverance and Guidance Fasting in Prayer for Himself and his Adversaries Fasting in Times of Bereavement of Abner's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of David, at the Time of Saul's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of the People of Jabesh-Gilead, for Saul and his Sons Fasting of Ahab, when Elijah Prophesied the Destruction of Himself and his House Fasting of Darius, when he Put Daniel in the Lions' Den Fasting of Ezra, on Account of the Idolatrous Marriages of the Jews Fasting of Hypocrites: Boasted of, Before God Fasting of Hypocrites: Described Fasting of Hypocrites: Ostentatious Fasting of Hypocrites: Rejected Fasting of Nehemiah, on Account of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Apostles Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Christians Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Cornelius Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Daniel Fasting of Saints Exemplified: David Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Esther Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Nehemiah Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Paul Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders Fasting of the Disciples, at the Time of the Consecration of Barnabas and Saul Fasting of the Jews, when Jeremiah Prophesied Against Judea and Jerusalem Fasting of the Wicked: Elders of Jezreel Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Accompanied by Confession of Sin Fasting: Accompanied by Humiliation Fasting: Accompanied by Mourning Fasting: Accompanied by Prayer Fasting: At the Time of his Vision Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Fasting: During Forty Days: Moses Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Elijah Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Our Lord Fasting: Fasting in the Conflict Between the Other Tribes With the Tribe of Benjamin Fasting: Habitual by Cornelius Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: National Exemplified: Israel Fasting: National Exemplified: Men of Jabesh-Gilead Fasting: National Exemplified: Ninevites Fasting: Ninevites, when Jonah Preached to Them Fasting: Not to be Made a Subject of Display Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of Others Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Approaching Danger Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Judgments of God Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Private Afflictions Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Public Calamities Fasting: On Account of the Captivity of the People, With Prayer for Their Deliverance Fasting: Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Prolonged for Forty Days, by Moses Fasting: Prolonged for Three Weeks, by Daniel Fasting: Promises Connected With Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul Fasting: when They Went to Mizpeh for the Ark of the Covenant Fasting: While Interceding in Prayer for his Friends Related Terms |
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