As a follow-up to the previous post on fasting, I wanted to formulate an answer to one of the comments on whether or not fasting is required for believers. This is my attempt at such a response.

The greatest good for a believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29) from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). By this, God is glorified in us and our souls should be satisfied in Him. Our ultimate desire should be for the glory of Christ to be reflected, especially through our growth in godliness.

…train yourself for godliness; 8for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Paul commanded Timothy to train himself for godliness and surely this command should be extended to all believers today. The verb translated “train” is gymnazo and the noun translated “training” in verse 8 is the related gymnasia. As you can probably see, this is the etymology of our English word “gymnasium.”

This root in the Greek literature was often used in reference to the athletic competitions which were common in that culture. Training of this sort often involved exercising without clothes,[1] since clothes would have served as a hindrance to the competition (imagine trying to run a marathon in high heels for an extreme example). This same imagery serves as the basis for the admonition of Hebrews 12:1 let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Notice that it is not just sin that we lay aside, but anything which weighs us down, entangles us, etc. Like the ancient runners, in order to not be entangled, we are to run the race naked (figuratively speaking, please do not show up this weekend sans clothes). At times this reality calls us to lay down our appetites, our technology, our media, etc.

Spiritual disciplines are not intended to enslave, but rather to liberate. They are aimed at freeing us from our natural inclination to self-interest, habits, fear, complacency, comfort, ease, etc. The runner who loves running does not see the shedding of his coat and tie as bondage, but rather as freedom to pursue his passion. In the same way, the believer should see the disciplines as means of finding the liberty to run the race of faith with less constriction.

Training in godliness, discipline, and self-control: these are all commands of Scripture and are thus the duty (and should be the delight) of the believer. Fasting is merely one of many means to pursue obedience for God’s glory and our joy.

Why wouldn’t we want to do it?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…

Titus 2:12

---

[1] “A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature” (BDAG)