Beloved,
Last Sunday evening, we looked at our Lord’s final contrast between hypocritical religion and sincere religion in Matthew 6:16-18. It brought us to a somewhat uncomfortable subject: fasting.
Looking at the biblical data, we defined fasting as a voluntary abstaining from food as an expression of Godward agony and appetite. We saw that while Jesus nowhere commands fasting, He assumes (Matt. 6:16-18) and asserts (Matt. 9:15) that His followers will indeed fast. That is what we would expect since kingdom disciples follow their King, and Jesus was one who Himself practiced the discipline of fasting (e.g., Matt. 4:2). That is why Andrew Fuller argued, “Fasting is supposed to be the ordinary practice of the godly.” That is likewise why Jonathan Edwards wrote, “Though I don’t suppose that secret fasting is to be practiced in a stated manner and steady course as secret prayer, yet it seems to me it is a duty that all professing Christians should practice, and frequently practice.”
One of my main pleas in the sermon was that we should be very slow to excuse ourselves from a practice that Christ assumes and asserts is normal for His followers. As a follow up to the sermon, I want to give a few practical encouragements for those who are new to the grace of fasting (assuming, as I mentioned in the sermon, that you have a green light from your doctor to entirely abstain from food for a prolonged period of time).
1. Start Small
If you have never fasted before, don’t begin with a week-long fast. Don’t even begin with a three-day fast. Start with a 24-hour fast. To do so only requires skipping two meals. All of us presummably fast through the night which is why we call the first meal of the day breakfast (we are breaking our fast), so if you eat an early dinner and then begin a 24-hour fast, you will only be skipping breakfast and lunch the next day.
2. Specify Your Purpose
Many people lose heart in fasting because there is not a clearly defined purpose for the fast. What are you sorrowing over or seeking after? Your purpose could be very general: “The purpose of this fast is to cultivate a personal hunger for God.” Or your purpose could be very specific: “The purpose of this fast is to earnestly pray for the salvation of my unbelieving son.” What spiritual good are you desirous for God to work in your life, your family, your church, your community, or your nation? Put it into words, and keep it ever on your heart during your fast.
3. Seek God
While fasting does have incredible health benefits (it is the reason I intermittent fast almost every day!), a religious fast like the one Jesus speaks of is a voluntary abstaining from food to the end of seeking God. Take the time you would normally spending eating and set it apart to feast on God’s word and to seek God’s face in prayer. I find it helpful when I am particularly struggling with hunger pains during a fast to stop and say, “God, I am more hungry for you and your gracious working than for food!” Spiritually-speaking, a fast is a waste of time if it is not driving you to the Lord and enabling you to express your desires to Him with greater fervency.
4. Solicit Fellow Fasters
It can be a great encouragement to fast with another person or with the entire church. If you are married, set apart a day to fast with your spouse, seeking God’s blessing upon your marriage and family. If you are single, find a close friend in the church and invite them to fast with you. Gather for set times of prayer during the fast, encourage one another through all the ups and downs of the fast, and break the fast together with a thanksgiving feast. One of my greatest memories since being at Cornerstone was our corporate day of prayer and fasting back in 2021. Oh for many more such days!
There is so much that could be said about fasting. But just like praying, the best way to learn how to do it is to, in the words of that sage fashion brand, “Just Do It!”
Yours in Him,
Pastor Nick
