The Role of Fasting

• The intention is to write a short book answering specific questions about fasting

Why Must We Fast?

• Fasting alone doesn't impress God or make one more spiritually powerful
• Fasting deprives oneself of food
• Depriving yourself of food doesn't make you a spiritual juggernaut
• Fasting has little to no spiritual significance by itself
• Fasting is meant to supplement prayer and bible study
• Fasting announces readiness to boost the spirit at the expense of the flesh
• Fasting amplifies the impact of spiritual activity when added to it

Three Reasons To Fast

• To amplify prayer life and bible study culture
• To side with the Spirit in the battle between spirit and flesh, referencing Galatians 5:17
• To bring God glory by showing that He matters more than personal comfort

Can I Drink Water When I Am Fasting?

• The point of fasting is to redirect focus to the spirit, not to suffer or hunger
• Unless there is a direct instruction from the Holy Spirit to not drink water, drinking water is permissible
• It is not advisable to use water to fill the stomach and stop hunger
• It is recommended to drink a small glass of water per time to keep the body functioning

Guidance On Other Consumables

• Drinking juice during a fast is discouraged
• Brushing teeth during a fast is encouraged
• Chewing gum is permissible to keep breath fresh, but it may make one hungrier

When Should My Fast Begin and End?

• There is no right or wrong answer, but here is how the Bible refers to fasting
• A 1-day fast occurs from sunrise to sunset and is used to seek direction from the Lord (Judges 20:26)
• A 3-day fast occurs without food or drink for wisdom, discernment, protection, and guidance (Esther 4:16 Acts 9:9)
• A 7-day fast is for wisdom and comfort from grief and guidance (1 Samuel 31:13)
• A 10-day fast consists of only vegetables and water for favor, strength, wisdom, and discernment (Daniel 1:12)
• A 14-day fast is from food for protection and wisdom, referencing Acts 27:33-34 where Paul and the men on the ship fasted
• A 21-day fast is for times of distress and mourning, consuming no meat, wine, rich or pleasant food, or oils but rather fruits, vegetables, nuts, and water (Daniel 10:3)
• A 40-day fast is rare in the Bible, and each person was divinely appointed and touched by God for this type of fast

Biblical Examples

• Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 9:9, 9:18 say Moses neither ate nor drank water
• 1 Kings 19:8 says Elijah first ate and drank heavenly food, then he was sustained for 40 days of fasting
• Matthew 4:2-4 says Jesus fasted food for 40 days, and Satan tried to tempt him with food
• It is recommended to fast from dawn to dusk, or 6am to 6pm

I'm Sick, Should I Fast?

• If you have an underlying health condition, see a doctor before fasting
• Individuals should not subject themselves to rigors of fasting without proper medical permission, especially expecting and nursing mothers

Can I Have Sex During My Fast?

• 1 Corinthians 7:5 says, "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency"
• It is wrong to deprive your partner of sex
• Both partners must agree on not having sex during the fast and plan to return to having sex
• If fasting is between 6pm and 6am, then 6pm to 6am is open season for all matters of sex
• The point is to deprive your own flesh, not your partner's

Are There Other Things I Can Fast From?

• Fasting means identifying other ways that bring satisfaction to the flesh and limiting them
• Reduced phone usage, movies, and sex can all be things that people fast from
• It is counter-productive to spend your time watching movies or pressing your phone during a fast
• If there is a general call to fast, assume it is from food

Can I Tell People That I'm Fasting?

• The rule about fasting is that that you should not seek adulation, referencing Matthew 6:16-18
• There is nothing wrong with mentioning it in passing or as an example for teaching
• The issue arises when the reason for talking about your fast is for people to know you are a religious person