When you fast...
Matthew 6:16-18
A phrase repeated through this chapter, when you… (v2, v5, v16)
Giving to the needy, prayer and then fasting are all introduced with the same two words – the assumption is that these things will be done by those who follow Jesus
Part of the sermon on the mount – a piece of the Bible that is so dangerous to the normal human life that people have gone to extraordinary lengths over the years to minimise its impact…
Protestant Christianity has often had a tendency to take simple practical commands and try and make them complicated and mysteriously spiritual
Fasting has been particularly affected by this – reacting against religious ritual and Pharisee like attitudes people have spoken about an “attitude of fasting” or “having the right heart before God” or simply stated that “we are free from law”
Jesus knew about the danger of fasting becoming religious ritual – that’s why he taught the people to do it in a way that didn’t impress the people around us – he also said “when you fast…”
Did he qualify what fasting was?
No, he didn’t need to – it simply meant a period of not eating food
Matt. 4:1-2 he was hungry
Why? He hadn’t been eating!
Doesn’t say that he was thirsty – very simple thing – he didn’t eat and he was hungry because of it
There are other types of fast mentioned in the Bible but the normal fast, the one we see most often was one of not eating
Paul went 3 days without food and water – this is extreme but physically possible
Moses went 40 days without food or water – this can only be miraculous
Total fasts are for special occasions – need to hear God clearly before you undertake one
Normal fasting, no food, is spoken of by Jesus as just that – normal!
Is this a part of your walk with the Lord?
Probably don’t dispute the simple understanding that giving to the needy and prayer are Christian essentials – this one is too!
Doesn’t fit too well into our three meals a day, never hungry culture
It is a spiritual discipline – just as prayer and reading the Bible are disciplines
Some people find some of these disciplines easier than others but they are disciplines none the less – you need to choose to do them – you don’t just wait until you feel like it!
Matt. 9:14-15 bridegroom
Fasting because of a longing for the presence of the bridegroom
He was asked a question about religious observance and responded with words that speak of intimacy and relationship
We need to understand that opportunities to fast and pray are invitations from God – he has given us a means of pursuing him
Yes it is discipline, but it is also an opportunity – there is much to be gained
We have all had times when we are too busy to eat – when we are trying to complete a task, finish something or get somewhere – the goal is bigger than the natural desire to eat
Fasting is essentially about denying yourself – denying your body food – in order to pursue a greater goal
It is not about bargaining with God, winning favour or earning answers to prayer – it is simply putting him above our body’s demands for self-gratification
It is a powerful physical statement of your faith in God and your submission to him – showing that he is Lord rather than your stomach
Did you know your stomach and your natural appetites are a rival god?
Phil. 3:17-20 god is their stomach…mind is on earthly things
When you fast you are overcoming your stomach – resisting its rule – showing it that it is not your god
When you fast you chose to give your mind to eternal things rather than earthly things
We have called a media fast and a food fast – we the people of Taunton are setting our minds on greater things than that which the media deliver and declaring together that our stomachs are not lord
You can say that Jesus is Lord with your mouth but when your stomach backs it up it is powerful
You can say that you want God to speak to you but when you shut out other voices you actually position yourself to hear
Acts 13:1-3 As they worshipped and fasted, God spoke – we are expecting this to happen this week and especially next weekend
A bit more about types of fast…
Already spoken of the normal fast – not eating, just drinking
Partial fast
Dan. 10:1-3 A simple diet for 3 weeks
Daniel already had some experience of a simple diet
Dan. 1:11-13 Vegetables and water
A partial fast like this is good for a long period when you are unable to rest
A good option for those who are medically unable to undertake a normal fast
It is still a time of self denial but essential nutrients are provided to enable life to continue with some normality
A bit more than giving up chocolate for lent (or smoking as my great aunt used to!)
It can also be quite a challenge to keep up especially if you normally have quite a toxic diet (more on this in a little while)
Nazirite vow
Num. 6:1-8
Not a fast in the classic sense but a time of special consecration to God
Paul almost certainly took one after he became a follower of Jesus (Acts 18:18) and it is something that God may still lead people to do
Need to be open to the idea that God may ask any of us to separate ourselves from wine or any other thing for a time
Remember that this is not a religious thing – it is an invitation to come close to God
Nazirite vows were rarely commanded (Samson and John the Baptist are exceptions with Samuel’s Nazirite state being chosen by his mother) – people chose to take them as a means of separation from the world and drawing close to God
Many Christians are called to abstain from alcohol for much or all of the time – remember Jesus drank wine so don’t get all legalistic about this one but remember too that there can be special benefits from abstaining
Not always abstention from eating and drinking…
1 Cor. 7:3-5a
Again it is denial of self in order to pursue God
Husbands and wives need to note the mutual consent part here – generally I would see this a natural part of a food fast
This week we have a media fast – not mentioned in the Bible but the media we know today were not an issue then – the principle is certainly sound and we believe that God has clearly spoken
Remember what we are told about Jesus…
Luke 5:15 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Even in his media impoverished age he felt the need to find some quiet – how much more do we need to make the effort sometimes?
Practicalities…
Two words to mention first:
Do food and/or media rule your life or do you rule over them?
Are you addicted to anything?
1 Cor. 6:12 I will not be mastered by anything
The extent to which going without something fills you with fear or dread is the extent to which it rules your life or you are addicted to it
If a week without TV is a big issue for you then it really is time for you to break free
Likewise for your radio, newspaper, DVD player, Facebook or whatever else normally fills you head with information and entertainment
Likewise with food – unless you are diabetic or have something similar then 24 hours without food is not long unless food rules over you more strongly than it should
You probably have fasted that long sometime in your life when you were ill or having an operation
Many people in the world fast that long on a regular basis due to not having any food
It is only a westernised overfed body that struggles to cope with short periods of fasting
As many people in this country would struggle to walk the distances the rest of the world thinks normal – so our eating habits are seriously out of shape too
What about addiction?
This is not just the obvious drugs – the illegal ones and the ones that make the taxman rich and keep the hospitals full – alcohol and tobacco
How many people here would really struggle to go a day without tea or coffee?
This is an addiction – your body has become dependent on a regular intake
Fasting will be a lot easier to incorporate into your life when you address and deal with these addictions
Need to mention toxicity as well…
Caffeine is a classic one – something that is actually toxic to your body – puts a strain on your system
If you are used to a lot of caffeine (coffee, tea, coke etc.) then you are very likely to get headaches when you fast
Another toxin than many people underestimate is artificial sweeteners – especially when consumed in large quantities such as in diet or “no added sugar” drinks
Cutting these out before you fast is a very good idea – cutting then right down or out altogether is a good idea too!
Eating a simple diet before fasting will help you a lot – mentioned the key toxins, caffeine and sweeteners, but there are other things that are worth reducing or avoiding, especially if you are planning a longer fast
Chocolate, lots of meat (especially if processed), anything very fatty or heavily processed
Instead eat lots of fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water or fruit juice
A challenge for some I know, but it will cut out a lot of the headaches, dizziness and feeling sick that can occur otherwise
Not eating huge quantities of food before a fast can help too as it allows your stomach to shrink and reduces hunger pangs
Likewise don’t overeat when you start eating again – take it easy and you will get more benefit from your food
Don’t be surprised if fasting helps you to appreciate simple foods and to dislike junk food too!
Above all remember that this is opportunity for encounter with God rather than guilt
Remember too that a bit of discipline will be needed and you do need to make right choices!