+++ Fasting in Bible +++
We can fast for the following reasons
1. To Honor God – Mt 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2, Mt 5:6
2. To Humble Yourself – 2 Chron 7:14-15
3. To Discerning Healing – I Cor 11:30, James 5:13-18, Isaiah 59:1-2
4.To Deliverance from Bondage – Mt 17:21, Is 58:6-9
5.To Revelation – God’s vision and will – Dan 9:3, 20-21, Dan 10:2-10, 12-13
6. To Revival –- Acts 1:4, 14 / 2:16-21, Joel 2:12-18
7. To Repentance – failures – Psalm 51: Jer. 29:11-14, James 4:8-10
We can Fast When
1. Sorely tempted (Mat. 4:2).
2. Wisdom is earnestly desired (Dan. 9:3).
3. Help and protection are needed (Ezra 8:21-23; 2 Chron. 20:3; Jer. 36:9).
4. Victory is desired over strong demonic powers (Mat. 17:21; Mk. 9:29).
5. Victory is desired in seemingly impossible situations (Est. 4:10-17; 9:31; Neh. 1:4).
6. Fast when something is earnestly desired from God and the answer has not come through prayer alone (1 Sam. 1:6-7).
7. Fast when in mourning for loved ones or the defeat of God’s people (2 Sam. 1:12).
8. Fast when new ministries are launched and when men go forth to proclaim God’s Word and battle spiritual enemies (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23).
9. Fast when involved in spiritual ministry (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27)
10. Fast during times of special repentance, confession, and revival (Joel 1:14; 2:12; 2:15; Neh. 9:1-2).
The importance of fasting is seen in the Old and New Testaments.
Judges 20:26–Israel fasted for victory in war.
1 Sam. 1:6-7–Hannah fasted for a son
1 Sam. 7:6–Israel fasted in repentance
1 Sam. 31:13–Men of Jabeshgilead fasted in mourning for Saul
2 Sam. 1:12–David and his men fasted in mourning for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel
2 Sam. 12–David fasted for mercy upon his child
1 Kings 21:27–Ahab fasted for mercy
2 Chron. 20:3–Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted for help and protection
Ezra 8:21-23–Ezra and the people fasted for help and protection
Nehemiah 1:4–Nehemiah fasted in mourning and for help upon Jerusalem
Nehemiah 9:1,2–Israel fasting in mourning and repentance
Esther 4:16–Esther and friends fasted for victory
Esther 9:3–Fasting is mentioned as having had a role in the victory
Psalm 35:13,14–Fasting in prayer and mourning
Psalm 69: 10,11–Fasting in prayer and mourning
Isaiah 58:6-8–The fast which pleases God
Jeremiah 36:9–Israel fasted for mercy
Joel 1:14; 2:12,15–God commanded fasting and repentance
Jonah 3:5–The Ninevites fasted in repentance for mercy
Daniel 9:3–Daniel fasted for wisdom
Matthew 4:2–Jesus fasted when tempted in the wilderness
Matthew 6:17-18–Jesus promised that the Father would bless fasting
Matthew 9:14-15–Jesus said his disciples would fast
Matthew 17:21–Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic strongholds
Mark 9:29–Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic powers
Luke 2:37–Fasting was part of Anna’s service to God
Acts 13:2–Fasting was part of the ministry of the workers at Antioch
Acts 13:3–Ordination was accompanied by fasting Acts 14:23–Ordination was accompanied by fasting
1 Cor. 7:5–Fasting and prayer is the only proper reason for abstinence from the marital relationship
2 Cor. 6:5–Fasting was one way Paul approved himself as a minister of Jesus Christ
2 Cor. 11:27–Paul fasted often.