Abstaining from food and/or anything good or right in an effort to achieve something better.

We only commanded one day a year in the Old Testament

Israel began observing other times for fasting. Often in response to God's judgement. (Zechariah 7:3)

Not commanded in the New Testament but was practice often by the church. ( Matthew 9:15, Acts 9:9; 13:3; 14:23)

When should we fast?

When seeking God's pardon thorough repentance

And (the king) issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, "By the decree of the king and his nobles; Let neither man or beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not fee or drink water, but let man and beast be covered in sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God.:"

When seeking God's mercy through Spiritual mourning.

When seeking God's vindication

Times of mission preparation

Times of spiritual and physical needs

Times of evangelistic endeavor

Times of commission

Centers our minds on God

Places the spiritual above the physical

promotes dependence on God

Promoted self-denial

Not for the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18)

It is an act of righteousness

For guidelines on fasting see the back of the sermon notes or David's blog on our website.