What Is Fasting?
Prayer and fasting are part of worship. In the New Testament, they are acts of faith rather than sacrifice. Christianity does not require sacrifice because One sacrifice is enough (Hebrews 10:5–14 NIV; Hosea 6:6 NIV), so faith is essential in these practices. Fasting and faith are deeply connected. Explore the nature of faith. Whereas sacrifice requires a price, and faith is not needed.
In the Old Testament, all the fat from different burnt offerings belong to God. (Leviticus 7:3–4 NIV) No Israelite was allowed to eat fat. (Leviticus 7:22–25 NIV) So, too, as a Christian, your fat belongs to God. Utilize it as a fellowship offering. (Leviticus 6:12–13 NIV) Use fasting (burning fat) as a means of fellowship with God. During fasting, you may experience pain as the fat burns, especially at the beginning. Do not worry; it is your body adjusting to the new diet. NIH research on fasting and health confirms that fasting can trigger beneficial changes in the body.
Fasting is a form of worship (fellowship) rather than sacrifice, as written, “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves?” (Isaiah 58:5–11 NIV) Fasting is fellowship with God. Fasting involves denying yourself certain privileges as a sacrifice (consecration) to God. You should abstain from sexual activities during fasting. (1 Corinthians 7:4–5 NIV) Through sexual relations, you belong to each other, but fasting is a form of consecration to God.
Continue to Day 9: Types of Fasting.
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