After discussing prayer in Matthew 6, Jesus turns to the topic of fasting. This is a discipline that many Christians often neglect, but it has significant benefits to our growth.

It seems as if Jesus makes an assumption here, just as he does with the topics of prayer and giving. He says, “When you fast…” Not if you fast. The initial context here is that the Pharisees fasted, and Jesus expected his followers to do so as well. But he has to differentiate between how that was supposed to look for his followers. The Pharisees performed this spiritual discipline in a hypocritical fashion, seeking to be noticed for their supposed piety. Jesus urges his disciples to avoid that trap, and to pursue this for different motives.

If that’s the case, then just what is fasting, and how do we do it?

Different Types of Fasts in the Bible

The Bible describes at least three different kinds of fasts, and I believe that it implies a fourth type as well. These are different ways that we can approach the discipline of fasting.

First of all, there is what we might call the Regular Fast. This is when someone drinks liquids but doesn’t eat food. This is the fast most often found in the Bible, and is the most common style of fasting.

The second type of fast is an Absolute Fast. This is when someone abstains from eating or drinking anything at all. This is very likely what David did as he was praying for his son, the baby of Bathsheba, who died in 2 Samuel 12. This is the kind of fast that Jesus experienced in the wilderness for 40 days. For you and me, an absolute fast should be kept short. Denying our body liquids could result in serious dehydration very quickly, and so this type of fast should be very carefully considered and practiced.

A third type of fast is what many might call a Daniel Fast. This is more of a partial fast from certain foods and drink. Daniel skipped wine, meat, and rich food, so most people skip things like meats and sweets. When Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables, they stayed in better health than the others who were being groomed for the king’s service. Note, though, that they didn’t fast for the health benefits, but in order to honor God.

While those three are the primary types of fasting that we can see clearly in Scripture, there is the possibility or the suggestion of a fourth. In 1 Corinthians 6:12-13, we read:

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food…”

This passage is found in the context of abstaining from sexual immorality, but I think it gives us the principles of another type of fast as well. A 1 Corinthians 6 Fast is fasting from those things that dominate us, steal our time, or take us away from God. It may be fasting from the internet, or television. It may be a sinful habit that we need to let go of finally and for good. Just like with food and drink, abstaining from such things requires saying no to our “flesh.”

Principles to Keep In Mind When Fasting

When fasting, there are a few principles that can help us to maintain the proper perspective.

First, fast seriously. This is between you and Jesus. It’s not about losing weight, or lowering your cholesterol. This is not about gaining prestige or reputation as the Pharisees did. This is all about submitting your life to Jesus.

Second, keep an attitude of humility in your fasting. Put all your focus on God. This is about filling your life with him, not with more of you.

Third, listen while you fast. Seek God’s voice and God’s direction. Keep a journal handy so you can write down thoughts and ideas that God may be telling you. Keep your Bible handy, and spend some time there, listening to his voice as he speaks through those Words. Keep your spirit in tune with the Holy Spirit and be aware of his nudging and leading.

And finally, fast in expectation. God will work in your life. He will. When you submit yourself to him, he moves. So keep your eyes open and pay attention to what he will do.

Above all, remember that fasting is one of the ways in which we seek to put Jesus first in our lives. This is a spiritual discipline, and its purpose is to grow closer to Jesus, and to grow in faith and spiritual maturity as we follow him. Seek him above all else.

Question: Have you developed the discipline of fasting into your life? What has your experience been with this practice? You can leave a comment by clicking here.