Text: Matthew 6: 16-18 (CSB): “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
We are continuing our study in the Book of Matthew of the Sermon on the Mount. We have seen that Chapter 5 deals with the internal part of the Kingdom and Chapter 6 deals with the external part of the citizen of the Kingdom. Chapter 5 deals with the righteousness we are to possess as Kingdom citizens, and chapter 6 shows the righteousness we are to practice.
Both emphasize the motive behind our behavior.
Now we are going to look at the topic of fasting. Not one most of us today don’t want to think about. But, today let us think about the basics of how to fast, and tomorrow we will see Jesus’ contrast between the hypocrites and the humble.
Let’s start with some background information. The Hebrew word “tsom” means self-denial, and the Greek word “nesteia” refers to self-denial. Some scholars believe that this concept started with the loss of appetite that accompanies great distress and duress. It is a natural expression of grief for many people.
We need to consider what Fasting is not intended to do. It is not intended to persuade God to change His mind. It will not make you more acceptable in God’s eyes. And a Biblical Fast is not done to for weight loss.
On the other hand, realize what Biblical Fasting is intended to accomplish. Fasting prepares us to have the proper attitude and to conform us to His purpose in any situation. Fasting cleanses us both in body and soul. Fasting equips us for the battle we wage against Satan. Fasting gives us insight into God’s direction – helps us know the will of God.
(One word of caution – beware of physical disabilities that would prohibit one from doing it. Be sure to check with your Doctor before taking part in a fast.)
There are different kinds of fasts in the Scriptures.
§ Normal fasts – abstain from food but not water – Matthew 4:2 – “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”
§ Partial fasts – limitation of diet – some foods – Daniel 1: 12 – “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
§ Absolute fasts – both food and water – Ezra 10: 6 – “Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib; and when he came there, he ate no bread and drank no water, for he mourned because of the guilt of those from the captivity.”
§ Private fast – as Jesus refers in this passage to his Disciples.
§ Congregational fast – Antioch – Acts 13:2 – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
§ National fast – for a corporate need – 2 Chron. 20:3 – “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”
In the last few days, it may have been that you have participated in National Fasting for the chaos and crisis that this world has been going through.
Tomorrow we will finish our topic of Fasting with a look at this passage where Jesus compares between the Hypocrites and the Humble.
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