Renewed Mind Vs. Physical Fasting in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth in Christian thought involves both the renewal of the mind and practices such as physical fasting, though these are understood to contribute to spiritual development in distinct ways. The concept of a "renewed mind" emphasizes an internal transformation, while physical fasting is often seen as an external discipline intended to support that internal change.
The New Testament speaks to the renewal of the mind, particularly in passages like Ephesians 4:23, which refers to being "renewed in the spirit of your mind" [9]. This renewal is not merely a superficial change but involves the "restored and divinely informed leading principle of the mind" [9]. It suggests a continuous process of spiritual rejuvenation, moving from an old state to a new one [9]. This internal transformation is crucial for spiritual growth, as a "crushed spirit" or emotional problem can be more debilitating than a physical ailment [7].
Fasting, on the other hand, is a practice with deep roots in biblical tradition. It is depicted in the Old Testament as a sign of self-deprivation intended to focus on God and express humility and repentance [5, 11]. For instance, Isaiah 58:3 indicates that fasting should be a time for seeking God's pleasure, not merely self-interest [5]. The prophet Isaiah also connects true fasting with an awareness of injustice and a call to help the needy [6]. In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the practice of fasting but cautions against performing it for outward show. He instructs his followers to fast in secret, so that their reward comes from God rather than from human recognition [1, 3]. John Gill notes that Christ's teaching on fasting emphasizes an "abstinence from sin" and an "exercise of faith and hope in God" rather than merely outward physical deprivation [10].
The relationship between the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence is also relevant. The apostle Paul speaks of a "natural body" and a "spiritual body," indicating a distinction between the physical and spiritual realms [4]. While the body requires physical sustenance, the soul requires its own "proper aliment" for the whole person to be invigorated [8]. Thus, while physical fasting can lead to bodily weakness, as described in Psalm 109:24 where knees buckle and the body grows lean [2], its purpose is to redirect focus from physical needs to spiritual ones.
The early church continued the practice of fasting, but the emphasis remained on its spiritual intent. Jesus's disciples did not fast during his earthly ministry, which some interpret as a subtle proclamation that the Messiah had already arrived [11]. However, after his ascension, fasting became a recognized spiritual discipline. The key distinction lies in the motivation and outcome: fasting should not be a performance for others but a sincere act of devotion that fosters a renewed mind and a deeper connection with God [1, 3, 10]. The goal of such practices is to cultivate a spiritual nature that is "worthy of its place" as the leading principle of the mind [9].
Sources
- Matthew “so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. -- Matthew 6:18”
- Psalms “Psalms 109:24 (LEB) — My knees ⌞buckle⌟ from fasting, and my body grows lean without fat.”
- Matthew ““Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. -- Matthew 6:16”
- 1 Corinthians “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body. -- 1 Corinthians 15:44”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 58:3: 58:3 Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Lev 16:29; see Zech 7:5). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 58:6: 58:6-7 True fasting creates an awareness of injustice and oppression and prompts the practitioner to reach out to help the needy in their struggles (see 42:7; Matt 25:35-36; Jas 1:27).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:14: 18:14 A spiritual or emotional problem (a crushed spirit) can be more trying than a physical one (sick body).”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 9:19: When he had received meat, he was strengthened - His mind must have been greatly worn down under his three days' conviction of sin, and the awful uncertainty he was in concerning his state; but when he was baptized, and had received the Holy Ghost, his soul was Divinely invigorated; and now, by taking food, his bodily strength, greatly exhausted by three days' fasting, was renewed also. The body is not supported by the bread of life, nor the soul by the bread that perisheth: each must have its proper aliment, that the whole man may be invigorated, and be enabled to pe”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:23: be renewed--The Greek (ananeousthai) implies "the continued renewal in the youth of the new man." A different Greek word (anakainousthai) implies "renewal from the old state." in the spirit of your mind--As there is no Greek for "in," which there is at Eph 4:17, "in the vanity of their mind," it is better to translate, "By the Spirit of your mind," that is, by your new spiritual nature; the restored and divinely informed leading principle of the mind. The "spirit" of man in New Testament is only then used in its proper sense, as worthy of its plac”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 6:17: But thou, when thou fastest,.... Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of life, and refreshments of nature; but in an abstinence from sin, in acknowledgment and confession of it; and in the exercise of faith and hope in God, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin; wherefore cheerfulness, and a free use of the creatures, without an abuse of them, best became such persons. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; directly contrary to the ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 9:14: 9:14 fast: Fasting expressed personal humility and repentance (2 Sam 12:16-23; Dan 9:3). It called attention to the national need for repentance (Lev 16:29-31; Neh 9:1) and probably sought to hasten the arrival of the Messiah through purification. The fact that Jesus and his disciples did not fast (Matt 11:18-19) subtly proclaimed that the Messiah had already arrived (see also 6:16).”