How Do We Fast?

N. T. #65  "How Do We Fast?"

May 9, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

The previous topics which Jesus spoke about were almsgiving and prayer. Now He teaches about fasting. 

This direction assumes that fasting is a normal part of one's spiritual life. (1 cor. 7:5) Fasting is associated with sadness (9:14, 15), prayer (17:21), charity (Is. 58:3-6), and seeking the Lord's will (Acts 13:2,3; 14:23) [The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Fasting refers to obstaining from food (religiously); not eating.

The Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29) was a day of fasting under the Mosiac Law, which was mandatory of the Jews. The Pharisees added 2 fasting days, on Monday and Thursday of each week, as a case of puilic display and piety.  What did their fasting look like?

• a sad countenance;
• disfigure their face; cover their face as a mourning gesture;
• and neglecting of appearance.

That was done so they could appear as spiritual men. Sounds like it was a show instead of a serious time spent with the Lord. At any rate, Jesus said they had their reward. He wanted to cautious us and His followers about not fasting in that manner.

LET IT GROW

How are believers to fast?

• Maintain your appearance as normal by anointing your head; in other words, fix your hair like usual;
• Wash your face; don't look grungy.

Fasting is to be done secretly unto the Lord while outwardly maintaining the appearance of joy and triumph. When we do it God's way, secretly, He rewards us openly.

Instead of spending time preparing food and eating it, we are to use that time we would have spent doing so in prayer.  Fasting teaches us self-discipline, shows us we can live with less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts. Self-sacrifice is to be done quietly and sincerely. [Life Application Study Bible]

What is our motives in the things we do? Is it for the right reasons or for selfish reasons?

LET IT GO

It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You, Holy God.

Bless all who red this today with Your everlasting love.