Fasting Brochure
INTRODUCTION: The biblical practice of fasting is often neglected by the church because of confusion over it’s definition and purpose. We seek to provide the “what, why and how” of biblical fasting so that the family of Hill Country Bible Church is properly equipped to participate in this spiritual discipline according to God’s intent and design.
“Fasting is the voluntary absence from food for a limited time for the purpose of expressing to God one’s desires, dependence or dedication.”
The Picture of Fasting A right approach to fasting requires an appreciation for the biblical record of fasting, a clear definition of fasting, and a correct distinction between “religious” and biblical fasting.
The Picture, Purpose, and Practice of Fasting
Defending Fasting The biblical record on fasting reads like a “Who’s Who” of Scripture. Moses, David, Jehosophat, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and many other men and women of Scripture fasted. Though Jesus never commanded His followers to fast, He fasted Himself and assumed His followers would fast (Matthew 6:16; Mark 2:18-22). Defining Fasting Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for a limited time for the purpose of expressing to God one's desires, dependence or dedication. The normal fast was the total abstinence of food (but not water), and it could last anywhere from one to forty days. Abstaining from food and caloric drinks is an accurate picture of fasting and represents the approach taken by the leadership of Hill Country Bible Church.
Distinguishing Fasting Many world religions practice fasting as one of many “good works” done in the hope of earning God’s acceptance and forgiveness. Biblical Christianity, however, recognizes that man cannot earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead of man working his way up to God, Biblical Christianity teaches that God has reached down to man by graciously offering the free gift of eternal life to anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical fasting, then, is not something done in pursuit of a relationship with God, but is in response to a relationship with God (Isaiah 58).
“Biblical fasting...is in response to a relationship with God.” The Purpose of Fasting In addition to requiring a good definition, a right approach to biblical fasting also necessitates a clear understanding of purpose. A study of each of the passages in Scripture on fasting reveals two primary reasons for fasting and one significant result of fasting.
Reason #1: To Petition God Intensely. Arthur Wallis, In God’s Chosen Fast, wrote, “The man who prays with fasting is giving heaven notice that he is truly in earnest.” Over and over in Scripture, believers prayed with fasting for the purpose
of giving greater expression to the level of emotion or significance attached to their concerns. They fasted and prayed concerning protection (2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21), confession (2 Samuel 12:15-23; Joel 1:14; Daniel 9:3-6), intercession (Esther 4:16; Luke 2:37) and tribulation (1 Samuel 31:13; Psalm 69:10). Just like certain physical postures of prayer can reflect a higher level of emotion and intensity, so can fasting be used to communicate to God the intensity of one’s longings.
Reason #2: To Prepare For God’s Initiative. Fasting often accompanied times of sensitivity to God’s direction. Daniel fasted in anticipation of Judah’s return from captivity (Daniel 9:3). Jesus fasted as He prepared for the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). The Antioch believers were fasting when they received their next missionary assignment (Acts 13:1-3). In Acts 14:23, fasting accompanied the commissioning of elders. On different occasions in church history, people have prayed and fasted in preparation for God’s initiative. On the eve of the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards repeatedly fasted and prayed, “God, give me New England.” At significant times for Hill Country Bible Church, the church family has been invited to join the elders and pastor to fast in preparation for His leading.
Purposes: To petition God intensely. To prepare for God’s initiative. To pursue God intimately.
REASON #3: To Pursue God Intimately
AGENDA
One of the results of fasting is an awareness of dependence. What we know to be true in theory becomes crystal clear in experience. Without food, we begin to waste away physically, and apart from a growing relationship with Christ, we wither up spiritually. When David compared his hungering and thirsting for God to physical hunger and thirst in the wilderness, he concluded that worship was the only thing that satisfied him (Psalm 63). Fasting moves us to humble worship of our Provider and promotes a craving for deeper fellowship with our Savior. Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:12b)
During fasting, hunger pains can serve as reminders to pray and worship. If at all possible, commit the time that is normally spent in the preparation and eating of three meals to pray and worship. The following is a suggested guide to spending an hour in prayer and worship. 1. Begin with worship by singing favorite praise choruses and hymns (10 minutes). 2. Continue by responding to God in prayer, acknowledging dependence upon Him (15 minutes). 3. Move to a time of personal reflection and confession of sin (5 minutes). 4. Express your desires, longings and concerns to God in prayer (15 minutes). 5. Close with a time of thanksgiving for God’s goodness and provision (5 minutes).
The Practice of Fasting
NOTE: If you have further questions about fasting, please call the church office. We would be happy to answer them for you.
With a clear picture and purpose for fasting, all that remains are some helpful suggestions on what to do while fasting. A suggested agenda follows some common-sense warnings. Awareness Before fasting, it is good to consult your physician where there may be implications for any existing health conditions. For example, those on prescription medicines or with chronic illnesses like diabetes should definitely seek the advice of their doctor. However, everyone should expect some physical discomfort while fasting. Common sense and wisdom should also be exercised regarding how to break a fast, especially extended fasts.
Church Office: 303 E. Pflugerville Parkway Pflugerville, TX 78660 Phone: (512) 990-7777 FAX (512) 990-3677 www.hcbcpf.com
“Fasting is the voluntary absence from food for a limited time for the purpose of expressing to God one’s desires, dependence or dedication.”
The Picture of Fasting A right approach to fasting requires an appreciation for the biblical record of fasting, a clear definition of fasting, and a correct distinction between “religious” and biblical fasting.
The Picture, Purpose, and Practice of Fasting
Defending Fasting The biblical record on fasting reads like a “Who’s Who” of Scripture. Moses, David, Jehosophat, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and many other men and women of Scripture fasted. Though Jesus never commanded His followers to fast, He fasted Himself and assumed His followers would fast (Matthew 6:16; Mark 2:18-22). Defining Fasting Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for a limited time for the purpose of expressing to God one's desires, dependence or dedication. The normal fast was the total abstinence of food (but not water), and it could last anywhere from one to forty days. Abstaining from food and caloric drinks is an accurate picture of fasting and represents the approach taken by the leadership of Hill Country Bible Church.
Distinguishing Fasting Many world religions practice fasting as one of many “good works” done in the hope of earning God’s acceptance and forgiveness. Biblical Christianity, however, recognizes that man cannot earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead of man working his way up to God, Biblical Christianity teaches that God has reached down to man by graciously offering the free gift of eternal life to anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical fasting, then, is not something done in pursuit of a relationship with God, but is in response to a relationship with God (Isaiah 58).
“Biblical fasting...is in response to a relationship with God.” The Purpose of Fasting In addition to requiring a good definition, a right approach to biblical fasting also necessitates a clear understanding of purpose. A study of each of the passages in Scripture on fasting reveals two primary reasons for fasting and one significant result of fasting.
Reason #1: To Petition God Intensely. Arthur Wallis, In God’s Chosen Fast, wrote, “The man who prays with fasting is giving heaven notice that he is truly in earnest.” Over and over in Scripture, believers prayed with fasting for the purpose
of giving greater expression to the level of emotion or significance attached to their concerns. They fasted and prayed concerning protection (2 Chronicles 20:3; Ezra 8:21), confession (2 Samuel 12:15-23; Joel 1:14; Daniel 9:3-6), intercession (Esther 4:16; Luke 2:37) and tribulation (1 Samuel 31:13; Psalm 69:10). Just like certain physical postures of prayer can reflect a higher level of emotion and intensity, so can fasting be used to communicate to God the intensity of one’s longings.
Reason #2: To Prepare For God’s Initiative. Fasting often accompanied times of sensitivity to God’s direction. Daniel fasted in anticipation of Judah’s return from captivity (Daniel 9:3). Jesus fasted as He prepared for the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). The Antioch believers were fasting when they received their next missionary assignment (Acts 13:1-3). In Acts 14:23, fasting accompanied the commissioning of elders. On different occasions in church history, people have prayed and fasted in preparation for God’s initiative. On the eve of the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards repeatedly fasted and prayed, “God, give me New England.” At significant times for Hill Country Bible Church, the church family has been invited to join the elders and pastor to fast in preparation for His leading.
Purposes: To petition God intensely. To prepare for God’s initiative. To pursue God intimately.
REASON #3: To Pursue God Intimately
AGENDA
One of the results of fasting is an awareness of dependence. What we know to be true in theory becomes crystal clear in experience. Without food, we begin to waste away physically, and apart from a growing relationship with Christ, we wither up spiritually. When David compared his hungering and thirsting for God to physical hunger and thirst in the wilderness, he concluded that worship was the only thing that satisfied him (Psalm 63). Fasting moves us to humble worship of our Provider and promotes a craving for deeper fellowship with our Savior. Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Job said, “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:12b)
During fasting, hunger pains can serve as reminders to pray and worship. If at all possible, commit the time that is normally spent in the preparation and eating of three meals to pray and worship. The following is a suggested guide to spending an hour in prayer and worship. 1. Begin with worship by singing favorite praise choruses and hymns (10 minutes). 2. Continue by responding to God in prayer, acknowledging dependence upon Him (15 minutes). 3. Move to a time of personal reflection and confession of sin (5 minutes). 4. Express your desires, longings and concerns to God in prayer (15 minutes). 5. Close with a time of thanksgiving for God’s goodness and provision (5 minutes).
The Practice of Fasting
NOTE: If you have further questions about fasting, please call the church office. We would be happy to answer them for you.
With a clear picture and purpose for fasting, all that remains are some helpful suggestions on what to do while fasting. A suggested agenda follows some common-sense warnings. Awareness Before fasting, it is good to consult your physician where there may be implications for any existing health conditions. For example, those on prescription medicines or with chronic illnesses like diabetes should definitely seek the advice of their doctor. However, everyone should expect some physical discomfort while fasting. Common sense and wisdom should also be exercised regarding how to break a fast, especially extended fasts.
Church Office: 303 E. Pflugerville Parkway Pflugerville, TX 78660 Phone: (512) 990-7777 FAX (512) 990-3677 www.hcbcpf.com
