Fruit of the Spirit: How to Grow in Self-Control
The spiritual discipline of Fasting will help us have more self-control. Traditionally, fasting is going without food for an extended period of time. Usually it is linked to prayer and seeking God.
There are many New Testament examples of fasting. Matthew 4:2 tells us that Jesus fasted for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry. Although, many have fasted for this long a period, most do not. Especially if you have never fasted before, start out with a shorter period, maybe a couple days.
In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 6:16-18) Jesus warns against making a big show of fasting. It is not a badge of spirituality to be displayed for others to see. It should be kept as private as possible.
We know (Matthew 9:14, 15) that the disciples of Jesus did not fast while he was with them. However, Jesus suggests that after he was gone, his followers would fast.
Acts 13:1-3 tells us that the church at Antioch was having a time of common fasting. It is not clear if the entire church family or only the leaders were fasting, but this is an example of a group of believers fasting at the same time. Now, we are not told what lead them to do this, but we are told the result. During this time, the Holy Spirit revealed that Paul and Barnabas were to be sent on their first missionary journey. The group fasted and prayed together before sending these men out.
There are many other examples, but I will only list one more. In Acts 14:23, we are told that part of the process followed by Paul and Barnabas as they appointed leaders in the churches of Galatia was to pray and fast.
Let me give you some simple advice about fasting. If you have any health problems, ask your doctor before fasting. Drink plenty of fluids, including plain water. Juice and sports drinks are good but not too much. If you start to feel ill, break your fast. When you do break your fast, slowly bring your diet back to normal. Eating too much immediately after a fast can be shock to your system.
There are many New Testament examples of fasting. Matthew 4:2 tells us that Jesus fasted for 40 days at the beginning of his ministry. Although, many have fasted for this long a period, most do not. Especially if you have never fasted before, start out with a shorter period, maybe a couple days.
In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 6:16-18) Jesus warns against making a big show of fasting. It is not a badge of spirituality to be displayed for others to see. It should be kept as private as possible.
We know (Matthew 9:14, 15) that the disciples of Jesus did not fast while he was with them. However, Jesus suggests that after he was gone, his followers would fast.
Acts 13:1-3 tells us that the church at Antioch was having a time of common fasting. It is not clear if the entire church family or only the leaders were fasting, but this is an example of a group of believers fasting at the same time. Now, we are not told what lead them to do this, but we are told the result. During this time, the Holy Spirit revealed that Paul and Barnabas were to be sent on their first missionary journey. The group fasted and prayed together before sending these men out.
There are many other examples, but I will only list one more. In Acts 14:23, we are told that part of the process followed by Paul and Barnabas as they appointed leaders in the churches of Galatia was to pray and fast.
Let me give you some simple advice about fasting. If you have any health problems, ask your doctor before fasting. Drink plenty of fluids, including plain water. Juice and sports drinks are good but not too much. If you start to feel ill, break your fast. When you do break your fast, slowly bring your diet back to normal. Eating too much immediately after a fast can be shock to your system.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 8:20 AM
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