The BIG Picture (Q&A)

QUESTION: Did Paul teach fasting? We see it in the 4-Gospels and the book of Acts but not in Paul's writing. Can you show me what I don't see or explain somehow? Is the fast also part of the Church actions or just for Jews? REPLY: What I am about to write is my view and standing in regard to fasting. Judge it according to your faith and conviction. Paul’s ministry focus is primarily on faith in Christ, the gospel, and living by the Spirit. Fasting is not a central theme in his teachings; thus, I believe the specifics of fasting are left to an individual's conviction and context. If you look at Paul's writings, the only time he mentions fasting is in these 3-verses, 1Cor 7:5   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. 2Cor 6:5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2C...

Fasting is synonymous with intercessory prayer, and prayer warriors typically testify that fasting weakens the flesh and heightens the spiritual senses. Is this biblically true or is this just a noble mindset?  Before I get into the scriptures, I do want to say that for us in the grace dispensation,  fasting is a  personal  choice and not a biblical instruction.  Paul (our apostle, Romans 11:13), does not explicitly instruct us to fast. His only reference is a personal instruction found in 1 Cor.7:5. See more in the footnote *. The person who chooses to fast must understand that it is more for their own purposes; to focus themselves, to buffet their flesh, or to remind them of their cause. Fasting has no spiritual purpose today. It cannot influence God, it cannot make your prayers more effective, it cannot manipulate the outcomes. So, if you choose to fast, know that it's real purpose is more for your personal sake than it is for your prayer sake. It's more to k...