The human body has certain primal needs. For instance, we need food, water and air to live. From there we have lesser needs, but needs nonetheless—like shelter, to be loved, to feel safe and so forth. From those basic needs we then fill in the wants—such as a bigger house instead of just a house, eating for enjoyment rather than eating to survive or any number of choices to make life easier or more enjoyable.

We spend a lot of time, over the course of our life, taking care of that physical life, and that is all well and good within reason. As part of our Christian calling, however, we are to place a priority on our spiritual life. This calls for a different perspective. We are called to look beyond this life and the limited comfort that we might be able to achieve. We are called to seek a life beyond this physical life—a kingdom not of this world.

In order to help us in our calling, God has given us a handful of powerful tools—prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting. To the world, these tools don't seem very effective, but in the hands of God working in a Christian's life they are extremely effective. Much has been written about the first three tools, but what do you know about fasting?

Let's begin then, by defining our terms. What does the term "fast" mean? Unger's Bible Dictionary explains that "fast" is from the Hebrew word sum, meaning "to cover" the mouth, or from the Greek word nesteuo, meaning "to abstain." For spiritual purposes, it means to abstain from eating and drinking.

Fasting can be done for a variety of reasons even physically. Many times before major surgery a patient will be told to fast for a certain period of time so that food in the system doesn't complicate the surgery. Sometimes people fast in order to help detoxify bodily systems. They will use a restricted diet, or only drink juice or go without food for a certain period of time. Each and every one of us actually fasts. every day—the daily fast is "broken" by the meal called "break-fast".

Fasting is a spiritual tool even Jesus Christ used in His earthly ministry.

The three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) describe a time when Jesus was approached by a man begging Him to exorcise a demon from his only son (Mark 9:14-29). The demon was very cruel and caused the son great pain and the father horrible distress. The demon must have occupied the boy for several years (vs 21-22). The man had already sought out Christ's disciples for help. However, the disciples were unable to cast the demon out. Christ then confronted the demon and successfully commanded it to leave the young man.

After performing this great miracle, Jesus was approached by His disciples and asked why they were unable to cast the demon out of the young man. Jesus informed them that this particular kind of demon required strength that only came through prayer and fasting. Although fasting has a weakening effect on the body, it has just the opposite effect on spiritual strength.

This Teen Study examines fasting and explains how this great spiritual tool is absolutely essential in a true believers' life.

What is fasting?

Exodus 34:28—"So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water.…"

1. What is the main objective in fasting?

Isaiah 58:3-11

Comment: The primary purpose in fasting is to draw near to God in order to gain His mind and perspective and what we need to do to please Him. Additionally it is to gain the strength and help to change our ways. In this passage God points out the difference between fasting for the wrong reasons… and the right reason.

2. Is there more to fasting (for spiritual strength) than just doing without food and water?

Daniel 9:3—prayers (intercession) and fasting.

What was Daniel's purpose in his fast?

3. Should fasting be done privately?

Matthew 6:16-18: "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, So that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Comment: Christ once gave a parable about a Pharisee and a Tax Collector. The Pharisee bragged about how he fasted twice a week. Read Luke 18:9-14 to find out if this man was justified.

4. What should you fast about?

To draw closer to God
James 4:7-8,10—See also Psalms 35:13, which shows fasting is a primary way of humbling ourselves before God

Daniel 6:18-19—Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions.

For others
Psalms 35:13—"But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting.…"

Comment: It is important that we pray for others, even our enemies. But in order to be close enough to God to better understand His will and petition Him on behalf of others, fasting is the tool to help us do that

About important decisions
Esther 4:16 "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"

About trials
Matthew 4:1-2—"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights."

To serve God
Luke 2:36-37—"…but served God with fastings and prayers…."
Acts 13:2—"…they ministered to the Lord and fasted…."

5. How Long Should You Fast?

The fast God prescribes for all of us annually on the Day of Atonement is a 24-hour fast—from sunset to sunset. Apart from Atonement, there is no prescribed time to begin or end a fast. However, the basic, typical fast means going without normal meals for at least a day.

Mordecai and Esther fasted for three days over the plight of the Jews (Esther 4:16)

Cornelius fasted four days (Acts 10:30)

David fasted several days over his dying son (2Samuel 12:18)

Moses fasted forty days and nights prior to receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28)

Jesus Christ fasted forty days and nights prior to His battle with Satan (Matthew 4:2)

6. How often should you fast?

How often did the apostle Paul fast?
(2 Corinthians 11:27, certainly more often than only on the required Day of Atonement.

Did Christ make it obvious that His true followers would be fasting?
Matthew 6:16-18—"…when (not "if") you fast…."

Summary

Since we are physical, fasting can be a very difficult challenge, especially living in a society that promotes indulgence. However, fasting is going to become an increasingly important tool that each of us will need to remain strong in these end times, and draw close to God for the spiritual strength we need. But as with many things that are of great value, unless you try it and get into the habit of it, you won't know how much you are missing!

1. Can you think of a current situation that you are personally struggling with that might need your attention in fasting?

2. Do you have a friend or even an enemy that could use your help by fasting?

3. When you do fast, why is it important to keep it a secret?

 

Comment: Some people have serious health problems that might make it difficult for them to fast. Others have found that it is necessary for them to take small amounts of liquid or food with required medications (such as insulin-dependant diabetics). The Church urges everyone to exercise good judgment and not to endanger his or her health. Anyone with a life-threatening illness or other serious medical conditions, should consult with a qualified medical practitioner before fasting.