April 05, 2026

12 What is Fasting

http://www.maywoodbaptistchurch.org/flighttraining/20%20What%20is%20fasting.mp3

All Show Notes: http://www.flighttrainingpodcast.wordpress.com

Special Thanks for This Episode:

Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, 1998

Music used under Creative Commons. Something Elated by Broke For Free. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Something_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Something_EP_-_05_Something_Elated

This Episode Show Notes

Episode 12 (20 in 2018)

What is Fasting (inspired by Foster’s book)

Some rare variations in the Bible, but typically fasting is simply abstaining from all food and drinks except water. Like the other disciplines, fasting should center on God. Our primary reason to fast is to connect with Jesus. We will talk a little more about that at our next meeting.

For now, let’s look briefly at the key things Jesus can teach us about fasting:

Matthew 4:1-3

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil.2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus fasted. Good reason for us to.

Note a long time in solitude and fasting right before ministry.

Matthew 6:16-18

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

When you fast…not a command, but…

Fast in secret. Practically it is ok to let those who need to know know, but keep it underwraps from those who don’t have a specific reason to know.

Fasting for the right reasons is rewarded by God.

Matthew 9:14-15

14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

(then goes on to talk about patches and wineskins)

There is a right time to fast (note acts 13:2 and 14:23 couple examples of fasting in Acts)

Again this is not a command, but there is a place for fasting. Think of it as an invitation from Jesus.

The good thing is, we don’t just have to understand fasting by talking about it. We get to do it this month, several times.

Before I get to this week’s challenge, let me share some practical tips with you about fasting:

If possible, spend the time you normally eat in prayer/meditation

Realize what your hunger is (not starving, just pattern of acid production in stomach…). Harness it as a reminder to focus your day and your dependence on God. Our memory verse this month can help.

Drink plenty of water. Sipping it can help with hunger pains.

Don’t “stock up” on food before. Eat smaller meals. Roles of raw fruits and veggies before/after a fast

May feel cold easier, take a jacket

Try to avoid sudden movements, like jumping up from a chair. Could feel light-headed.

Medical concerns

This week’s challenge:

Starting fairly easy and are going to ramp up a little each week. To start, one day this week you are going to fast for 24 hours between two lunches.

Meaning you will not eat after lunch one day until eating lunch the following day. So you will only be skipping dinner and breakfast.

For this first fast, we are not going to do a traditional Biblical fast. You will be able to drink any liquids you want during this time. Such as fruit juice, coffee, and even milk. Just don’t start blending up food to drink.

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