Fasting in the Bible?

[chloe_fantastic]

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...

That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven

Nice catch there, brother!

[enoob57]

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...

That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven

Nice catch there, brother!

Thanks always to God for His that are! ...right

The fast is like the Lord's Supper when we eat and drink of His Physical and Spiritual life while here...

After the Lord's Baptism the very first witness of The Truth was that He went into the wilderness and

fasted to the point of death- saying by example to us that our lives do not consist of physical importance

first any longer but that of Spirit. Then by following Him here in fast we then see that our s(S)piritual

lives consist of eating and drinking the Word of God to true Life in overcoming the devil- for every time

satan used The Word / Christ corrected with The Fullness of the Word overcoming even the lie that was

formed from the partial of His Word. Leaving us the true necessity of this

2 Tim 2:15

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

KJV

Love, Steven

[Sevenseas]

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...

That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven

 

 

Enoob, how do you account for Esther?  That was not a private fast...the entire books seems to revolve around corporate fasting and the outcome

 

not trying to be contentious...but I believe there is room for corporate fasting

 

"Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish."  Esther 4:16

 

and then there is the record of Daniel who fasted partially in that he would not accept the king's food...that was actually a concern of the chief official...and the outcome was actually to

be judged by the same official

 

The concept of a Daniel fast comes from Daniel 1:8-14, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.’

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.”

 

And were there not fasts in which the entire nation of Israel took place?

 

Again, just wanting to arrive at the truth...thanks

 

[enoob57]

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...

That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven

 

 

Enoob, how do you account for Esther?  That was not a private fast...the entire books seems to revolve around corporate fasting and the outcome

 

not trying to be contentious...but I believe there is room for corporate fasting

 

"Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish."  Esther 4:16

Well there is a very large division from law to grace OT/NT... as the OT was given for example to the finality of

His perfect work The Bride (Church). So the OT was not complete in understanding in any way but a pointer by example

to the dire need of Christ The Lord Jesus unto all men! So that fast was pointing to the need of Christ which they

really didn't understand by their own unregenerated hearts- for by works of The Law there was no regeneration as

they were already sinners in need of regeneration of being... So as it was not a truly Spiritual act but only a

act of the body unto God pointing to the day of the fullness of truth of what a fast would consist of in the fullness

of truth- after The death, burial and resurrection sealing the ability of the children of Adam to be redeemed to be the

children of God! The key being the duration of that fast-for three days and nights...

Love, Steven

[Sevenseas]

Ummm...so you see fasting as a matter of law vs grace?  That's not my understanding...as fasting is also practiced in the NT..

 

I don't understand how you arrive at that conclusion

 

here is a copy/paste from a helpful site regarding fasting in the NT  (sorry...it's kind of long)

 

I. FASTING IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

A. JESUS FASTED FORTY DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS - Mt 4:1-9; Lk 4:1-2
1. He was led into the wilderness "to be tempted" (Mt)
2. He was "tempted for forty days by the devil" (Lk)
3. "in those days He ate nothing" (Lk)
-- Throughout this forty day period of temptation, Jesus felt it
appropriate to fast

B. JESUS TAUGHT ON FASTING IN HIS "SERMON ON THE MOUNT" - Mt 6:16-18
1. Jesus said "when", not "if"; assuming his disciples WOULD fast
2. When done properly a person would be rewarded by the Father...
a. Suggesting that fasting was like prayer and giving alms
b. I.e., an act of righteousness done to please the Father
-- Fasting appears to have a place in the righteousness expected
of those who would be citizens of the kingdom of heaven

C. WHEN QUESTIONED BY JOHN'S DISCIPLES - Mt 9:14-17 (Mk 2:18-20;
Lk 5:33-39)
1. Jesus described a time when his disciples would fast
2. But it is inappropriate to fast when the occasion does not
call for it
-- Fasting would have a place in the disciples' lives, but only
on appropriate occasions (not as a ceremonial rite)

D. THE COMBINED POWER OF PRAYER AND FASTING - Mt 17:14-21 (Mk 9:
14-29)
1. There are times when faith alone is not enough
2. At these times prayer joined with fasting is necessary
-- Fasting joined with prayer may accomplish things which normal
faith may not

[Now let's take a look at...]

II. FASTING IN THE LORD'S CHURCH

A. THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH - Ac 13:1-3
1. They were fasting as a group while ministering to the Lord
2. They fasted and prayed in preparation to sending out Barnabas
and Saul
-- Fasting, when accompanied with prayer, can done as a group
when involved in serving the Lord

B. THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA - Ac 14:21-23
1. Again, an example of fasting and prayer as a group; this time,
in conjunction with the serious task of appointing elders
2. Notice that this was done "in every church"
a. Not just in one or two churches
b. Not just in what might be consider "Jewish" churches where
fasting might be considered "just a Jewish custom"
-- Again, fasting can be a group activity in the work of a local
church

[Now let's examine...]

III. FASTING IN THE MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

A. FASTING WAS A MARK OF HIS MINISTRY...
1. We have already noticed where he fasted with several churches
2. But notice also:
a. 2Co 6:4-10 (cf. verse 5)
b. 2Co 11:23-28 (cf. verse 27 where fasting is mentioned
separately from normal hunger and thirst)
-- In both of these passages, Paul mentioned fasting as a mark of
his ministry and of his good standing as a minister of Christ!

B. HE ALSO TAUGHT THAT FASTING MIGHT HAVE A PLACE IN THE LIVES OF
OTHERS...
1. Cf. 1Co 7:5
2. The only time husbands and wives may deprive one another is
when by consent they devote themselves to fasting and prayer
for a specific period of time

CONCLUSION

1. Though not actually Christians at the time, we also have other
examples of those who fasted and were blessed by God...
a. Anna - Lk 2:36-38
b. Saul - Ac 9:9
c. Cornelius - Ac 10:30-31

2. As a summary, then, here is what we have seen in this study:
a. That our Lord fasted in time of temptation
b. That He taught His disciples about fasting on several occasions
c. That He foretold of a time in which His disciples would fast
d. That there are times when the combination of fasting and prayer
might be more efficacious than prayer alone
e. That the early church fasted in their service to the Lord
f. That Paul regarded fasting as a mark of his ministry
g. That prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, utilized whenever
there was a strong desire for God's blessing and guidance
-- In view of such things, I can only conclude that fast does indeed
have a place in the lives of Christians today

 

 

The I above in conclusion is not me, but the author of the article...all scripture references

 

Again, I'm not trying to be right as opposed to wrong, but I fail to follow your conclusion in response to my question to you

 

Also, don't you acknowledge that corporate fasting was indeed mentioned in the OT and obviously in the NT as per the list of verses?

[enoob57]

Ummm...so you see fasting as a matter of law vs grace?  That's not my understanding...as fasting is also practiced in the NT..

No I see as a division of reckoning with truth and must be rightly divided in order to understand the Scriptures

the difference of law and grace is explained in light of fasting  

I don't understand how you arrive at that conclusion

 

here is a copy/paste from a helpful site regarding fasting in the NT  (sorry...it's kind of long)

 

I. FASTING IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

A. JESUS FASTED FORTY DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS - Mt 4:1-9; Lk 4:1-2

1. He was led into the wilderness "to be tempted" (Mt)

2. He was "tempted for forty days by the devil" (Lk)

3. "in those days He ate nothing" (Lk)

-- Throughout this forty day period of temptation, Jesus felt it

appropriate to fast

B. JESUS TAUGHT ON FASTING IN HIS "SERMON ON THE MOUNT" - Mt 6:16-18

1. Jesus said "when", not "if"; assuming his disciples WOULD fast

2. When done properly a person would be rewarded by the Father...

a. Suggesting that fasting was like prayer and giving alms

b. I.e., an act of righteousness done to please the Father

-- Fasting appears to have a place in the righteousness expected

of those who would be citizens of the kingdom of heaven

C. WHEN QUESTIONED BY JOHN'S DISCIPLES - Mt 9:14-17 (Mk 2:18-20;

Lk 5:33-39)

1. Jesus described a time when his disciples would fast

2. But it is inappropriate to fast when the occasion does not

call for it

-- Fasting would have a place in the disciples' lives, but only

on appropriate occasions (not as a ceremonial rite)

D. THE COMBINED POWER OF PRAYER AND FASTING - Mt 17:14-21 (Mk 9:

14-29)

1. There are times when faith alone is not enough

2. At these times prayer joined with fasting is necessary

-- Fasting joined with prayer may accomplish things which normal

faith may not

[Now let's take a look at...]

II. FASTING IN THE LORD'S CHURCH

A. THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH - Ac 13:1-3

1. They were fasting as a group while ministering to the Lord

2. They fasted and prayed in preparation to sending out Barnabas

and Saul

-- Fasting, when accompanied with prayer, can done as a group

when involved in serving the Lord

B. THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA - Ac 14:21-23

1. Again, an example of fasting and prayer as a group; this time,

in conjunction with the serious task of appointing elders

2. Notice that this was done "in every church"

a. Not just in one or two churches

b. Not just in what might be consider "Jewish" churches where

fasting might be considered "just a Jewish custom"

-- Again, fasting can be a group activity in the work of a local

church

[Now let's examine...]

III. FASTING IN THE MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

A. FASTING WAS A MARK OF HIS MINISTRY...

1. We have already noticed where he fasted with several churches

2. But notice also:

a. 2Co 6:4-10 (cf. verse 5)

b. 2Co 11:23-28 (cf. verse 27 where fasting is mentioned

separately from normal hunger and thirst)

-- In both of these passages, Paul mentioned fasting as a mark of

his ministry and of his good standing as a minister of Christ!

B. HE ALSO TAUGHT THAT FASTING MIGHT HAVE A PLACE IN THE LIVES OF

OTHERS...

1. Cf. 1Co 7:5

2. The only time husbands and wives may deprive one another is

when by consent they devote themselves to fasting and prayer

for a specific period of time

CONCLUSION

1. Though not actually Christians at the time, we also have other

examples of those who fasted and were blessed by God...

a. Anna - Lk 2:36-38

b. Saul - Ac 9:9

c. Cornelius - Ac 10:30-31

2. As a summary, then, here is what we have seen in this study:

a. That our Lord fasted in time of temptation

b. That He taught His disciples about fasting on several occasions

c. That He foretold of a time in which His disciples would fast

d. That there are times when the combination of fasting and prayer

might be more efficacious than prayer alone

e. That the early church fasted in their service to the Lord

f. That Paul regarded fasting as a mark of his ministry

g. That prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, utilized whenever

there was a strong desire for God's blessing and guidance

-- In view of such things, I can only conclude that fast does indeed

have a place in the lives of Christians today

 

 

The I above in conclusion is not me, but the author of the article...all scripture references

 

Again, I'm not trying to be right as opposed to wrong, but I fail to follow your conclusion in response to my question to you

 

Also, don't you acknowledge that corporate fasting was indeed mentioned in the OT and obviously in the NT as per the list of verses?

You have misunderstood me above in orange and will specify below what I meant

I tell you Scripture will be complete and Holy satisfied together in unity of the whole

Matt 6:16-18

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:

for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest,

anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast,

but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret,

shall reward thee openly.

KJV

So where ever the fast this element must be present to be of God in purpose for the fast!

I answered you Spiritually in the element of eternal purpose- as surely you will agree that

the teaching of The New Testament 'IS' bringing all that God 'IS' keeping into a unity of

Oneness JN 17 ALL ... As when all hearts are so focused on Him that

substance of this life becomes unimportant to the substance of Spiritual Life of eternity...

A true fast is possible by individual or individuals to same in purpose of Spiritual need

thus by truth in corporate worship of Him in need by prayer-> each is unaware of the

consideration of the other in regard to food for it is not in the mind of the s(S)pirit

to think of such due to the dedication to the need spiritually that is before them! This

is basic truth and is completely addressed in this verse

John 4:23-24

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship

the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

KJV

Wherein this new life's departure from food is seen in the begin here

Heb 11:6

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he

that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is

a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

KJV

Certainly we have known the need of food longer than we have known the need of Jesus!

So certainly the ability to reckon the last to be first and first to be last then becomes a need

of Spiritual regeneration

Matt 6:31-34

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or,

What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for

your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these

things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his

righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto

the day is the evil thereof.

KJV

Why should we give no thought? It is only first birth (flesh) concerns; but we are of second birth (spirit)...

Matt 6:24-30

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the

one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and

despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore

I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put

on.

Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they

reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the

field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet

I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the

field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall

he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

KJV

The leading of His Word for me is that The Holy Spirit will lead me into undivided

focus of eternal things so that the temporary things of now will fade from my thoughts

due to the The Promise of God for seeing to those needs while I prepare myself for being

in His Presence when He calls... Love, Steven

[Sevenseas]

Enoob...it was really a simple observation and a simple question.  For me, I'm sorry but I find the idea of fasting and the reasons for doing so, to be simple and not so complicated.

 

I responded to this post of yours:

 

 

 

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...
That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven 

 

As you will note, you did in fact say that a fast should be done in secret...you do not seem to make distinctions as you do in your long reply above...you seem to indicate that

a fast is for the individual

 

I asked concerning scripture that indicates otherwise

 

I was wondering how you could seemingly ignore what is plain...and somehow I have received an answer in your last post that, IMO, goes beyond my simple question and observation

 

I will stop here, because it seems things will get more complicated should I press the matter and the scriptures pertaining to fasting are there if anyone wants to look them up and read them

 

Sorry, I will address what you highlighted in orange, this:

 

No I see as a division of reckoning with truth and must be rightly divided in order to understand the Scriptures
the difference of law and grace is explained in light of fasting  

 

What is a division of truth?  I'm guessing you may mean understanding, but if you don't, then I fail to understand your phrase " a divison of reckoning with truth and must be rightly divided in order to understand the Scriptures.

 

I will say, regarding that, that most things are quite simple when we are told to simply do something and have the example of our Lord Jesus as instruction

 

I honestly do not have the observation that you do concerning fasting.  

 

I guess that's it.

 

Thanks

[enoob57]

Enoob...it was really a simple observation and a simple question.  For me, I'm sorry but I find the idea of fasting and the reasons for doing so, to be simple and not so complicated.

 

I responded to this post of yours:

I noted in the thread this shot off of the student body all got together and fasted...

That was not a fast as it is to be done in secrete to The Lord individually... Love, Steven

 

As you will note, you did in fact say that a fast should be done in secret...you do not seem to make distinctions as you do in your long reply above...you seem to indicate that

a fast is for the individual

 

I asked concerning scripture that indicates otherwise

This is why I quoted this verse that Jesus stated with fasting

Matt 6:17-18

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is

in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

KJV

Every and all fast must have this element to it or it is the vanity of religion without purpose!

That which occurred in the NT church was a mix of OT understanding and NT teaching- knowing that

OT Scripture was all some may have had while the writings of the letters which would become The New

Testament canon which we presently have and are responsible to God to give an account of ourselves

for!

When the full Revelation of truth is given that which is in part goes away!

1 Cor 13:9-10

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which

is in part shall be done away

KJV

From OT to NT

This sets us up for the understanding of The Canonical Covenant we are under The NT

Thus because we have been told all things and given new birth containing The Holy

Spirit as teacher by The Work of Jesus-> we have the fullness of God we will bear

the most required of God and man!

Luke 12:48

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be

beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be

much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask

the more.

KJV

What God is teaching us here is that OT of law was only to convict of sin and death

and the sacrificial system was to point to deliverance from sin By The Christ as the

blood of bulls and goats do not save anything... but few saw this in the OT! And no

one saw The Church as we are and know by NT Revelation! Nicodemus in his conversation

in John 3 proves what I am saying... so you going back in OT example of fasting I

believe to be error with the full revelation given!

 

I was wondering how you could seemingly ignore what is plain...and somehow I have received an answer in your last post that, IMO, goes beyond my simple question and observation see above

 

I will stop here, because it seems things will get more complicated should I press the matter and the scriptures pertaining to fasting are there if anyone wants to look them up and read them

I will address what you highlighted in orange, this:

No I see as a division of reckoning with truth and must be rightly divided in order to understand the Scriptures

the difference of law and grace is explained in light of fasting 

What is a division of reckoning truth?  I'm guessing you may mean understanding, but if you don't, then I fail to understand your phrase " a divison of reckoning with truth and must be rightly divided in order to understand the Scriptures.

 

I will say, regarding that, that most things are quite simple when we are told to simply do something and have the example of our Lord Jesus as instruction

 

I honestly do not have the observation that you do concerning fasting.  

 

I guess that's it.

 

Thanks

There are divisions in Scripture in which we must give our reasoning to in order not

to have wrong results as I described above with OT and NT... just as context is vital so is the

the way God is covenanting with them at the time of writings! Using fasting in Daniels day as a

model for NT times when God was dealing with them in a total different way is error because we

would be requiring of them that which God did not even require! They simply could not spiritually

fast as we are able today as they were not born again!

When we gather spiritually as one body and fast and pray it is to be done in secrete within the one

body of believers. As one body not even conversed unnecessarily so as to obey unto God the desire of

obedience to His Word.

I know I am unclear in my writing and I apologize for this to you... Shiloh who is clear in his

ability says my writing is convoluted! I am working hard to be different and I am sorry for your frustration!

Love, Steven

[Sevenseas]

Hey Enoob....thank you for re-replying   (I think I just coined a new word)

 

We do have a different take on this subject.  I am open to changing my view, but right now, I have expressed how I believe

 

Thanks again...I am pretty sure it's the same for you.  Hugs

[enoob57]

Hey Enoob....thank you for re-replying   (I think I just coined a new word)

Will you put your likeness on that coin? Hugs