How to Understand Fasting Matthew 6:16-18

One of the hot topics in Christian circles of late… Spiritual Formation –growth & development One definition: “Spiritual formation is an intentional Christian practice, much like that of Eastern Mysticism, which claims as its goal the development of religious maturity that leads to Christian devoutness which has it roots in the ancient practices found in those of Catholic religious orders, Ascetics and others.”

One is said to engage in spiritual formation through… Ancient Christian religious activities (prayer, the study of scripture, journaling, fasting, simplicity, solitude, confession, worship, submission, service, guidance) Spiritual Theology that includes historical and contemporary practices Christian Spirituality

A general description… “Spiritual formation is a rather general term referring to all attempts, means, instruction, and disciplines intended towards deepening of faith and furtherance of spiritual growth. It includes educational endeavors as well as the more intimate and in-depth process of spiritual direction.” (Gerald G. May, psychiatrist, in Care of Mind, Care of Spirit)

Proponents of Spiritual Formation… Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, Larry Crabb, Henri Nouwen, Eugene Peterson, Ignatius of Loyola, C. S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Thomas a Kempis, David G. Benner, George Fox, Oswald Chambers, John Bunyan, Dietrich Bonheoffer and others

It sounds like it should be a good thing… From an objective outside observer, the practice of spiritual formation can be viewed as a movement within Evangelical Christianity away from doctrinal exclusivity, and towards a more inclusive mystical methodology Like so many things it has some positive and good points and some seriously bad points – wherever it deviates from propositional biblical truth as the guide for all of life –the danger of unrestrained subjectivity & mysticism

I. The Concern of Jesus regarding Fasting as a Common Ritual “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.” (Matthew 6:16–18, NKJV)

A. It was assumed that people would fast Fasting was required only on the Day of Atonement Fasting was commonly referenced in the OT Fasting was commonly referenced in the NT

B. It was recognized that people abused fasting Fasting is a ritual that can be abused Fasting is a ritual that can be done effectively

II. The Biblical Expectation for Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline We may wonder when, why or if we should fast Is it a spiritual discipline for us today?

A. Fasting may be appropriate for urgent supplication Fasting and prayer were common responses to great difficulty, distress or great need Fasting and prayer were common for seeking direction or protection Fasting and prayer were associated with leader selection Fasting and prayer were associated with special times of devotion to God

B. Fasting may be appropriate for devoted deprivation Fasting may be an act of worship associated with sacrifice Fasting may be an act of mourning associated with tragedy Fasting may be an act of devotion associated with prayer

C. Fasting may be appropriate for humble submission Fasting may be an act of contrition and repentance Fasting is not a means of manipulating God

III. The Contemporary Practice of Fasting as a Popular Fad A. Some practice fasting as a spiritual discipline Fasting may be a proper biblical activity Fasting may be a faulty mystical activity

B. Some practice fasting as a medicinal procedure Fasting may be a necessary procedure prior to medical treatment of examination Fasting may be perceived as a preemptive treatment for a potential ailment or a treatment for existing ailments Fasting may be used as an aggressive means of losing weight

C. Some practice fasting as a personal preference Fasting may be undertaken for any number of reasons noted above Fasting may be undertaken just as a contemporary fad Fasting may have value that is not yet fully understood

Concluding thoughts: As Christians… We are not commanded to fast We are not forbidden to fast We are not particularly encouraged to fast We have biblical examples of fasting We have admonitions not to fast before men

Final applications: The bottom line: fasting is optional for the believer There is a place for fasting, but feasting is more commonly expected with most special events Of greater importance is “holding fast” We are frequently commanded to hold fast to the truth and to the Lord…