What is the Purpose of Fasting?

Jesus said, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matt. 6:16) The hypocrites which included the Pharisees, were claiming that by fasting, it showed their profound righteousness and godliness, but it really demonstrated their poverty in these spiritual qualities. They were putting on a show to gain favor with others, but Jesus showed them for what they really were . . . hypocrites. Jesus goes on and says, “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:17-18) Jesus takes the issue of fasting and puts it entirely in the private, personal realm. So, when and if his disciples fasted, they were to do it in secret. Thus, in the public eye, there was not to be any indication they were fasting. They were to keep themselves washed, normally clothed and they were not to disfigure their faces as the hypocrites do. You see, it was common for those fasting in ancient times to wear sackcloth and put ashes on their heads. So, their tears and sweat would mingle with the ashes to disfigure their faces. This lead to the sad countenance, together with their audible mourning and rough clothing, would make it very apparent to all that they were fasting. So, if they were fasting, they were seen as being spiritual giants which was the intended impression.

Now, instances of fasting are found in the history of most heathen people and in the Bible. Does God command us to fast today? Is it to be observed as a religious rite? The word fast or fasting occurs 14 times in the Old Testament and 30 times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Israel fasted when there was a famine, war, pestilence or death. We read of Christ, Cornelius, the saints fasting, not to mention Zaccheus who fasted twice each week. Generally, fasting during these times was on the second and fifth days of the week and lasted through the day, beginning at sunset of the preceding day. Now, did Christ institute any fasting days for the church? No. And there is no direction by the Divine or apostles to continue to observe regular fasting. Yet, the Pharisees criticized Jesus and his disciples because they did not fast as much as the Pharisees. They asked Jesus, “. . . Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.(Lk. 5:33-35). From this passage we learn that: Fasting was inconsistent with the joy which should characterize the disciples while the Lord was with them. Now, an occasion would come when, because of grief over his leaving, they would fast which was evidence of their attitude of the mind and disposition of heart. Jesus kept trying to show the Pharisees that the old patch of Jewish practices should be affixed to the new garment of Christianity (Lk. 5:36-39). Thus, Christ removed fasting from the public realm and classified it as a matter of private devotion. He taught that it is to be observed, if at all, in private without revealing to others and was for the good of one’s own soul. But, it is not a command nor are there penalties for those who do or do not wish to partake in fasting. However, while some may see fasting as a blessings, others do not. But if one is to fast, it should be done for the glory of God. You know, on the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave instructions to the disciples on how to give, how to pray and how to fast, just as if they were of equal obligation. Yet, while prayer and giving are seen as items of public worship and fasting is not, it reveals that fasting be used in the area of private devotions and be restricted to such usage. But make no mistake, fasting does have an important part in the life of the disciple as Jesus indicated. Fasting that is done to the glory of God is rewarded by which its chief purpose is to strengthen us in times of trial and adversary, on all occasions of sorrow and grief, and to turn around attention away from the desires of the flesh to the nourishment of the soul. Therefore, fasting, properly engaged in, can be a source of great spiritual blessing, a discipline of the will and an exercise producing great inward strength, and power.

All of us on occasion, should with firmness, put out of our hearts every illusion of worldly desire, and fleshly appetite, and with prayer and fasting, draw near to God and claim his support and guidance in life. Such an experience would make us all infinitely stronger, richer in faith, and vastly better equipped to live the Christian life. Therefore, in view of the fact that neither time nor manner of observance is given for fasting, we must conclude that these are matters to be determined in each instance, and by each person participating.

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We Are Dead

We are dead… live like it!

Following the presidential election this week I have become concerned for the spiritual state of our nation, especially with the church in America and where our hearts are. As I was listening to a popular local radio personality mutter on melancholically about his future it made me think of the numerous social statuses posted by fellow Christians late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Now I love our country and I pray for our country. I am concerned about our freedoms and for the economic outlook of our nation. I want there to be an environment that is conducive to achieving success in this life. But I fear many of our brethren, let alone the world, have lost sight of the real goal.

Colossians 3:1-4 has some sobering, yet foundational, thoughts for you and I to consider:

  1. If you are a Christian you need to have your eyes on eternity! Many Christians have forgotten the big picture. We can’t see the proverbial forest for the trees. Paul uses the idea of looking at “the upward things” and not on “the lower.” In Philippians 4:13 he writes “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Have we forgotten that Jesus said you should, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20)? “Setting our sights on the realities of heaven means striving to put heaven’s priorities into daily practice.”[1]
  2. We need to be spiritually minded! In order to have our eyes set on the upward things we need to remember that it matters what we think about. We are responsible for our thoughts and the instruction here is to keep our thoughts on heaven. Paul is not saying here that we should never think about earthly things but that we not forget to keep those things in perspective! “He must be heavenly-minded here on earth and so help to make earth like heaven.”[2] “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
  3. We have died! As Christians we are dead to this world and its worries. What lies behind the cold dead eyes of the deceased? Far too many Christians still have some old life left in them! “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). So we each need to be challenged with the words of Paul to the Colossian brethren to, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:” (Colossians 3:5).
  4. We have eternal life in Christ! Our eternal existence as Christians is hidden (concealed and safe) with Christ in God. “So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6). This is the proper frame of mind for those who are dead in Christ. A prerequisite to our verse earlier in Philippians 4:7 is, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (v. 6).
  5. When Jesus comes, nothing else will matter! And really isn’t that all that matters?

“Seek first (above all else, especially, unendingly) the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Be obedient to the will of the Lord, worship faithfully with the church, study diligently the word, pray unceasingly, live righteously at home, abide godly with your neighbors, work heartily and patiently and you shall be blessed! We are dead…Live like it!

Be faithful [Tim]

[1] Life Application Study Bible: New King James Version. Carol Stream, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.

[2] Robertson, A. T., and Wesley J. Perschbacher. Word Pictures of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2004.

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The Throne of Grace

When things looked dark during the days of Jeremiah, when he was having problems and when it seemed as though the nation was gone, the record says, “A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary” (Jer. 17:12). We ought to think about some things concerning this passage. The first time that we find this type of reference about the throne of God is in First Kings 22:19. In it, Ahab appeals to Jehoshaphat to join with him in battle. They finally send for Micaiah after the false prophets prophesy. Micaiah appeals to the throne of the God on high in the realization that God is in control, and with all that the false prophets were saying, that was not going to change such! In Isaiah 6:1, Isaiah saw, “…also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple,” and Isaiah builds his entire prophetic book around the sovereignty and the authority of God. In John 12:32, Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me,” which is a reference to Him being lifted up on the cross, out of the grave and His ascension on high. In Acts 7, Stephen saw him standing at the right hand of the throne of God. John, the Revelator, sees several scenes of the throne (Rev. 4:2; 5:6-7, 13; 21:5). In Hebrews 1:8, it states, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.” Now, this is the reason that Jeremiah records this statement here. Look at the dark days. Place yourself in his situation with all of the problems with which Jeremiah is struggling. Then, there is an announcement of a high throne. God had not abdicated His throne. As dark as things looked, the fact remains—God was in control.

Note also the fact that not only is there the mention of the throne of the beginning, but it is also the place of our sanctuary, which suggests several things. First, this is the place of authority; this is where God gives directions and renders verdicts, which is exactly what God was doing. Jeremiah was having a problem—Judah was guilty of grievous sins. Thus, an announcement was made that there is the throne of God where authority still exists. God had made that verdict because of the sinfulness of Judah, and it was going to stand, because they were not going to repent. There would not be any change in that. Therefore, that authority was going to stay there. Second, the word “sanctuary” is a reminder of a place of refuge (cf. Num. 35:6, 11-12, 26-27). The cities of refuge were a sanctuary of shelter and protection. This statement in Jeremiah is in reference to the throne of God. Thus, when they submitted to the will of God and accepted His verdicts that He gave therefrom, they would find a place of refuge and protection in the throne of God and where God would save them from the avenger.

Now, let us notice what the Hebrew writer wrote:
Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [Hebrews 4:14-16]

Here we have the priesthood and mediation of Christ. Yet, notice there is the combination of the throne with the priesthood (He is our high priest—one who understands our problems, knows our infirmities, has been tried as we have and yet sinless). This is the throne to which Jeremiah refers. That same throne is still there. It is “the throne of grace.” That is the reason that this throne is a place of refuge, safety and security. God made such possible through the priesthood and mediation of Christ, which is the reason that we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace.”

Therefore, here is something we need to learn. From the very beginning (Gen. 1:1), God has established His throne. Down the windings of history and the changing of time, that throne has always been there. When Egypt grew to be a mighty nation, had Israel in its clutches of bondage, that throne was always there. Because of that, God delivered the nation from bondage. When the northern kingdom went into idolatry and Assyria grew into a mighty nation, overran the northern kingdom, that throne was still there. When Judah sinned, turned aside into idolatry, remained impenitent and went into Babylonian captivity, that throne was still there. When the Jewish nation nailed the only begotten Son of God to the cross, thinking that they had defeated Christ and brought an end to all that He had in mind, He was lifted up from the grave, lifted up to the right hand of God to “the throne of grace,” and there made king and priest, which is what Stephen saw in Acts 7. Facing death when they were about to stone him, he lifted up his eyes and saw the Son of God standing at the right hand of God, enthroned, knowing that Jesus had conquered death and that His blood redeemed from sin. Stephen closed his eyes in peaceful sleep without fear because he knew that throne was secure. This is the throne of Hebrews 4:14-16—“the throne of grace,” where Jesus is both priest and king. See the throne in Revelation 1 and the one coming out from that throne who is the fountain of living waters. This is what we need to remember today.

We are living in troublesome times. Who knows what a day may bring forth? How uncertain are things? Yet, in the midst of all of this, for the child of God, there is a throne that is secure, which is “a throne of grace,” and whatever may be our burdens or heartaches or trials, the invitation is to come boldly to this throne of grace, and there we may find mercy and grace to help in time of need. Passages as these are the reason that the Bible talks about the peace of God that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). They are the reason that Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). That throne is still secure today. I do not know what tomorrow holds or what it may bring, but I do know that this throne is secure, and that throne is my sanctuary, my place of refuge, protection, grace and mercy, where I will always find help for every kind of need, because that is the promise that God made. I am glad that my future does not depend upon the changing thrones of earth and the changing times and rulers of the lands of this world. If it did, who could know what tomorrow might bring or what there might be, but my future does not depend upon that. My future depends and rests upon the throne that is high and glorious, which is a sanctuary.

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The Problems of Youth

There is no time like the time of youth in the lifetime of the Christian; each Christian ought to extend themselves in an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom in God’s service. Some of the wise thoughts revealed via the Written Word encourage young people to get started in service to God early and grow with deliberation and patience, submitting to the wise instruction of the hoary headed ones, according to God’s instructions.

SEEK GOD EARLY IN LIFE

Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” NKJV.

Proverbs 20:29 –  “The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head” NKJV.

 The wise man, Solomon, surely knew of the benefits of early commitment to God. God can use the strength and enthusiasm of the young, youth is the most expedient time in life for the individual to commit to God’s service. Dedication to the principles of righteousness early in ones life does not guarantee accuracy in thought or action, but the young are adaptable, they are susceptible to change, they are willing to learn. The willingness of the young to learn will surely enable many of them to mature in soundness and fidelity to the faith.

THE APOSTLE PAUL’S INSTRUCTION TO YOUNG TIMOTHY

2 Timothy 2:14-26: Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.  Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,mand that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” NKJV.

Several items of instruction are directed to the young, also to others:

Ø      Not to strive about words to no profit – verse 14

Ø      Seek God’s approval in thought and action – verse 15.

Ø      Correctly, apply the teaching from God – verse 15

Ø      Shun profane and idle babblings – verse 16.

Ø      Be confident, the Lord knows you are faithful – Verse 19.

Ø      Know this, everyone who claims to be worthy are not necessarily so, some are of clay value not of gold or silver value – verse 20.

Ø      Some are valuable to God in His

Ø      service – verse 21.

Ø      Do not allow your youthful passions to lead you astray, maintain faithfulness – verse 22.

Ø      Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes – verse 23.

Ø      Do not become involved in quarrels with others – verse 24.

Ø      Confront those that are in opposition to God’s teaching in a kind way, seeking their restoration – verse 25.

 

CONSIDER THIS: These instructions are worthy admonitions to all Christians, yet in this context Paul is dealing with Timothy and his work as a teacher and faithful young Christian. Young people (both male and female) consider the instruction and gauge your lives according to sound instruction, instruction like these revealed to us in 2 Timothy.

HEED THE WISE INSTRUCTION FROM RELIABLE AND FAITHFUL MEN: Age and Experience are a valuable source of Information for the Young Christian.

Ø      Leviticus 19:32, ‘You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD” NKJV.

Ø      Proverbs 16:31, The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness”

Ø      2 Timothy 2:2, And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. NKJV

FOLLOW WISE COUNCIL: INSTRUCTION FOR GROWTH FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE GROWING CHRISTIAN:

Ø      Romans 16:17-19, Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil” NKJV.

Ø      1 Corinthians 3:10-11, According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ“

Ø      2 Corinthians 10:12, For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” NKJV.

THE WHOLE OF MAN (Including the young)

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14: And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs.  The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright — words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.  And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is, man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether good or evil”

CONSIDER THIS: The instructions given by God that we have discussed, have been presented to encourage the young (both young men and young women), to consider well God’s instructions. The editor, while writing this article has considered himself while young, middle aged, and growing older. The thoughts are best digested by the individual while they are young for a number of reasons, as we have noted:

1.  Young people have sharp minds and are able to adjust their affections and commitments    as they are shown the reasonableness of God’s requirements on their lives.

2.  The physical stamina contributes to the endurance of our young people (i.e., teachers, preachers, and young Christian ladies), as the young Christian exhibits their dedication and resolve to continue in the “narrow way” – cf., Matthew 7:13-14, “The Narrow Way” (Also – Luke 13:24): “> Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  >  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” NKJV.

CONSIDER THIS:  It is difficult to understand the different level of participation, continuation in difficult tasks, interaction with other faithful ones outside the assemblies, and generally laboring in the work of the Lord for the young preacher verses the older preacher. It may be difficult for the young person to visualize this matter but age makes a difference in strength and stamina for service in God’s vineyard. We understand that this is so after we have attained to an advanced age but while we are still young we do not dwell very much on the realities of this subject, “age” verses the “strength of youth.”

For the young Christians, we encourage continued faithfulness and untiring dedication and untiring service in the Lord’s work. Always be steadfast in faithful service standing always for the ‘TRUTH.” There will come a time in your future, when “… the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” NKJV – (Ecclesiastes 12:1b).

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The Opposite of Truth

Question: Why do most church of Christ preachers insist on using so many Bible references in their teaching, preaching, and writing?

Answer: Because they believe the Bible is God’s all-authoritative, inerrant, eternal truth, and the only true “roadmap” to heaven (Jn. 10:27-28). And they also so sadly and tragically know that so many good religious folk who claim to believe that, have been dubiously misled into believing many things are in His Word which actually run completely contrary to it! How those folks, just like in Jesus’ and the apostle Paul’s day, have a zeal for God but not in accordance with knowledge (see Matt. 7:21-28, 22:29; Lk. 6:46-49; Rom. 10:1-3)! For instance, many today very strongly but very wrongly believe:

  • Baptism has nothing to do with being forgiven of sins or saved. God says just exactly the opposite (Acts 2:38, 22:16; 1 Ptr. 3:21; Mk. 16:15-16).
  • That once a person is saved, they can’t ever be lost/lose their salvation/“fall from grace”. God says just the opposite (Gal. 5:4; Heb. 3:12-4:11, 10:26-39; 2 Ptr. 2:20-22).
  • That denominationalism/divisions in the church are acceptable to God. God says just the opposite (1 Cor. 1:10; Gal. 1:6-10; Phil. 1:27-2:2; Eph. 1:22-23 along with 4:4-6).
  • That the earthly aspect of the kingdom is still to come; and yet, the congregation of the church of Christ at Colossae in the mid-1st century was already in the kingdom as was Paul, according to God (Col. 1:13-14).
  • That those who persist in the practice of sins such as adultery and homosexuality can and will still be saved. God says just the opposite (Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).

And so, you can surely see why it is so important to know what the word of God actually says so as to not be deceived as so many apparently are. We who comprise the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16) have but one mission: To see that everyone who truly wants to go to Heaven, knows from God’s word, exactly what it says about how to get there, so they can be obedient and sure to go. That’s it. What about you? Let’s set down and study God’s word together today… And you shall know the truth!

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