Luciano Subirá - O JEJUM | FD#67

New Section

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of fasting, emphasizing its significance as a biblical doctrine and referencing his book on fasting.

Fasting as a Biblical Doctrine

• The speaker references Luke 5:33-38 as a key passage in the New Testament that addresses fasting.

• Jesus responds to criticism about his disciples not fasting by explaining the timing and purpose of fasting through parables.

• Jesus uses analogies to illustrate the importance of aligning practices like fasting with new beliefs and behaviors.

New Section

This section delves into the cultural context surrounding fasting, highlighting how different groups approached fasting in biblical times.

Cultural Context of Fasting

• Criticism towards John the Baptist's disciples for their frequent fasting contrasts with other religious groups' practices.

• Critiquing disciples' behavior was a significant confrontation in ancient culture, reflecting on both disciples and their leaders.

New Section

The discussion shifts to the regularity and traditions associated with fasting among various religious groups during biblical times.

Traditions of Fasting

• Pharisees' practice of fasting twice a week contrasts with Christian teachings urging believers to fast on different days to distinguish themselves from hypocrites.

New Section

In this section, the speaker addresses the relevance of biblical doctrine and the discussion around whether Jesus' teachings are applicable today based on the silence of the epistles.

Relevance of Jesus' Teachings

• Many question if Jesus' teachings are relevant today due to the perceived silence in the epistles.

• The speaker clarifies that it was the apostles who needed validation from Jesus, not vice versa, emphasizing Jesus' authority.

• Jesus spent time instructing his disciples after his resurrection, aligning their message with his teachings.

New Section

This segment delves into how Jesus' direct teachings differ from those found in the epistles and emphasizes continuity between them.

Alignment of Teachings

• Jesus emphasized preaching the gospel explicitly, a practice continued by believers despite no clear directive in the epistles.

• While some aspects were clarified in the epistles post-resurrection, they do not contradict or invalidate Jesus' original teachings.

New Section

The discussion shifts to Paul's mention of fasting in 2 Corinthians and distinguishes between forced fasting due to circumstances and intentional fasting as a spiritual discipline.

Understanding Fasting

• Paul's reference to fasting indicates a deliberate practice beyond mere deprivation out of necessity.

• Differentiating between hunger due to lack of food and intentional fasting sheds light on its spiritual significance and impact on individuals.

New Section

The focus transitions to examples of fasting practices among early Christians as recorded in Acts, highlighting its role as a spiritual discipline.

Early Christian Fasting Practices

• Examples from Acts demonstrate various instances where fasting was part of spiritual devotion among early Christians.

Lucas 5:33-38, Mateus 9:14-17, Marcos 2:18-22

The discussion revolves around the similarities in the structure and chronology of teachings and miracles in the synoptic Gospels of Luke, Matthew, and Mark.

Similar Teachings in Synoptic Gospels

• Jesus addresses the issue of fasting when questioned by John's disciples and the Pharisees. He uses a parable about not patching old garments with new cloth to emphasize the incompatibility of old ways with new teachings.

• Jesus illustrates that God's new ways cannot fit into old lifestyles. Just as one wouldn't patch an old garment with new cloth, believers must embrace a complete renewal rather than adapting God's message to fit their existing lives.

• The analogy extends to clothing quality in ancient times, highlighting the need for a complete transformation rather than superficial changes. Paul's writings in Ephesians 4 echo this sentiment of shedding old behaviors for new ones.

Continuation - Odres (Wine Skins)

Expanding on the concept of new versus old, focusing on wine skins as a metaphor for embracing God's new teachings fully.

Wine Skins Metaphor

• Jesus uses wine skins as an analogy to explain that His teachings cannot be contained within outdated structures. Just as fermenting wine would burst old skins due to pressure, trying to adapt God's message into existing frameworks will lead to loss and inefficacy.

• Exploring ancient winemaking practices reveals how limiting oxygen during fermentation controlled the process. This transformation from juice to wine symbolizes spiritual growth requiring a complete shift rather than fitting into outdated molds.

Impact of Fasting on Transformation

Discussing fasting as a tool for self-discipline and its role in aligning believers with God's transformative work.

Fasting for Transformation

• Fasting serves as more than a physical discipline; it prompts believers to embrace change fully without trying to merge old habits with newfound beliefs.

• The essence of sanctification lies in mortifying old behaviors through renewing one’s mind. Romans 12 emphasizes offering oneself wholly for transformation by allowing God to renew thoughts and actions according to His will.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of mortification and its connection to self-control, emphasizing that fasting is a tool for intentional mortification practiced by Jesus and his Apostles.

Mortification and Fasting

• Mortification should be understood beyond fasting as it relates more to exercising self-control.

• Fasting involves temporarily interrupting essential survival needs like food consumption, impacting human survival instincts.

• Jesus did not delve into the details of fasting processes because in God's kingdom, practice outweighs understanding principles.

New Section

This section delves into the results of fasting based on personal experiences and biblical teachings, highlighting the importance of practicing fasting even without full comprehension.

Results of Fasting

• Understanding the significance of fasting leads to tangible results in one's life.

• Dedication to studying fasting in the Bible can yield positive outcomes over time.

New Section

The discussion centers on how fasting intertwines with prayer, emphasizing its power to transform not only old habits but also thought patterns.

Fasting and Prayer

• Fasting is linked with mortifying the flesh and complements prayer practices.

• Regular fasting shifts one's focus towards spiritual matters, altering perspectives and priorities.

New Section

This part underscores the necessity of understanding key truths about fasting for living out a complete new life.

Key Truths About Fasting

• Mortifying the old nature through fasting aids in embracing a new way of living fully.

• Essential truths about fasting are crucial for embodying a complete new life experience.

New Section

Addressing common inquiries about rules surrounding fasting, this segment emphasizes freedom in choosing how to fast rather than strict regulations.

Freedom in Fasting Practices

• Unlike activities requiring strict adherence to rules for success, fasting offers freedom in approach while serving a purpose.

Desert Fasting and Types of Fasts

In this section, the speaker discusses Jesus' fasting in the desert for 40 days, highlighting the importance of water in fasting and different types of fasts mentioned in the Bible.

Desert Fasting Insights

• Jesus fasted for 40 days without food, but it's not explicitly mentioned that he didn't drink water.

• Water is essential for life as about 70% of the body is made up of water. Different types of fasts include normal fasting with water, total or absolute fasting without food or water.

• Total fasting is the most austere form where one abstains from both food and water. The Bible does not specify the frequency or duration of fasting.

Duration and Benefits of Extended Fasts

This part delves into prolonged fasts beyond a day, citing examples from the Bible and personal experiences with extended fasting.

Extended Fasting Details

• The Bible mentions people fasting for various durations like 3, 7, 14, 21, and even 40 days.

• Prolonged fasts can be beneficial but are recommended within a practiced context. Personal experience emphasizes medical supervision before, during, and after extended fasts.

Cultivating a Culture of Fasting

Here, the focus shifts to developing a habit of fasting gradually over time to reap its transformative benefits.

Cultivating Fasting Practices

• Starting with skipping a meal can lead to gradually increasing fasting periods. Building a culture of fasting involves starting small and progressively extending durations.

• Sharing about one's fasting experiences is encouraged as long as it's not done for self-promotion. Jesus led by example when it came to fasting practices.

Embracing Fasting as Spiritual Discipline

The conclusion emphasizes embracing fasting as a spiritual discipline rather than neglecting or subjectivizing its significance in contemporary times.

Embracing Fasting Principles