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Fasting
Pastor J. R. Wilhite, author
I am sure someone will get upset with this study, and if you do, please do not email me. I am going by scripture.
As far as fasting is concerned, in the New Testament there is no reference to fasting other than when Jesus told His followers how to fast. Not to be blatant when they fast. Other than that in Matthew 6 the other references are to the Pharisees, about how they fast to be known they are fasting and appear to be holy. There is one reference to the John's followers fasting and that is about it.
Matthew 17 there was a verse added that was not in the original Greek & should not have been added. It never was part of the original scripture, Jesus never said it and it is in every version:
Added verse
Matthew 17
21. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
The idea was that Jesus was talking to His followers about casting out a demon.
Matthew 17
The people who translated the word added verse 21. So now people are told to fast and pray based on this verse.
Fasting in the New Testament is as follows:
Strong's Ref. # 3522
Romanized nesteuo
Pronounced nace-tyoo'-o
from GSN3523; to abstain from food (religiously):
KJV--fast.
A true fast is when you spend time with God, meaning while spending time with God you do nothing else except spend time with God. No food, TV, nothing, and when done you later realize you are hungry or that you have fasted. It should not be based on what some man or woman says, but due to your relationship with God.
Matthew 4
It was not until after the 40 days and nights that He became hungry. God sent Him to the wilderness to be tempted, a plan of God, not of man, and in the mean time He was not hungry. If it is a God inspired fast, you will not be hungry. You will be hungry while in some other styles of fasting that are not of God, but of man instead.
Before you who are leaders start getting mad at me about what I am saying, read the Bible; find where it states that a leader can impose a fast. If you find it in the new testament send it to me and I will re-think my ideas.
Until then, I am completely against a corporate fast, or an individually imposed fast based on ideas that are not totally scriptural. The only corporate fasts that occurred in conjunction with Jesus were during his times of prolonged teaching. Then He was worried about sending the people away physically hungry and fed them first (Loaves & Fishes).
Yes, I have fasted as long as a week before, and was not comfortable. My best was for 3 days and that was spending time with God and not realizing that I even had spent 3 days without.
What about if a person feels they need to fast?
It is up to each individual to fast or not. I would recomend seeking God on this one.
To me a fast is a time spent with God that ends up as a fast. If we are seeking God and wanting to increase our relationship with Him, then a fast will automatically occur from time to time.
What about fasting and prayer?
If while praying you do not eat and go for a long period of time due to the prayer and time with God, then I would say OK. Otherwise, I would have to say no.
Prayer is suppose to be spent seeking God and asking Him for help, guidance, or just developing the relationship with Him. Prayer is not to be repeated. If you pray for something, then start praising & thanking for it. Otherwise you are doubting the prayer.
God Bless You as you hear His words and follow His leading.
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