11. Purposes of Fasting

Glutton-Free: Cultivating a Theology of Enough

Part 11: Purposes of Fasting

God provided a model for us in the early church of how redeemed economic relationships can have a dramatic effect on the poor, influencing them for the kingdom. But we would be naïve to think we can embrace such a lifestyle in our own strength. Because that is not our natural tendency, God in his sovereignty has provided a way to help us, the discipline of fasting.

Scripture reveals many purposes for fasting:

• Victory - The Israelites fasted to secure deliverance from their enemies. In celebration they raised the Ebenezer flag declaring, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

• Guidance – With enemy armies approaching, King Jehoshaphat “was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.” God answered his prayer and the people did not even need to fight: they followed God’s instruction to send singers ahead of the army and as they praised the enemy armies began attacking each other! 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

• Repentance – Upon their return to Jerusalem after the exile the people assembled together, fasted, and “confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors.” Nehemiah 9:2

• Obedience – God commands the people to tear their hearts and fast in repentance reminding them “he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Joel 2:12-15

• Deliverance - Jesus’ disciples were once confused when they could not cast demons out of a boy. Jesus replies, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29

• Discernment - It was the habit of the early church to fast. The leaders’ fasting led to the dedication of Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journeys. On one of those trips, Paul and Barnabas pray and fast to appoint elders in a new church.  In Acts 13:2, In Acts 14:23