Weapons for the Believer: 8 - Fasting

Weapons for the Believer: 8 - Fasting

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first seven in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapon on the list is fasting.

Matthew 9:14-15 (ESV)

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

8. Fasting

Our Western culture minds do not have a great understanding of fasting. Much information has been disseminated in the past few decades that have brought many benefits of fasting; mostly from the health community. However, for the Christian, fasting has nothing to do with health or nutrition. It is for spiritual reasons that we fast.

When we choose to fast, we keep our body from dictating to our soul how it will carry out the will of God for our life. We do not fast to get God’s attention. We fast so we can give Him our attention.

The most important aspect of fasting is to have a proper focus. If you fast to impress others then, as Jesus put it, “you have your reward.” There is no lasting benefit to fasting for the sake of others. This was the instruction given by Jesus.

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

When properly positioned, fasting helps us hear God’s voice more clearly because we have determined, by leaving off natural desires, to focus on our spiritual senses. During times of fasting the Holy Spirit was clearly heard as He led the early Church.

Acts 13:2 (ESV)

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

The meaning of the words for “fast” in both Hebrew and Greek are very simple: “To cover the mouth.” In other words, nothing goes in. There are many really good resources on fasting. Again, this forum is not the place for long, detailed teaching on such subjects. Just do it! Find a way to start small. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you in this effort. The grace of God is there to help you through the process.