Matthew 6:16-18When you fast, do not look somber as the

hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

MATTHEW 6:16-18

Fasting to be with God

What is Fasting?Going without food or food/water for a pre-

determined amount of time

Breakfast = break-fast

An exercise of self-denial and self discipline

Leviticus 16:29-31This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: on

the 10th day of the 7th month you must deny yourselves and not do any work-whether native born or an alien living among you-because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance.

Day of AtonementFasting was a “humbling the soul”

On this day, the people could not eat, drink, bathe, put on oil, wear sandals, or have marital relations with their spouse.

Fasting DaysThe Day of Atonement was the only God

commanded fast for the people

Over time they added several more

The Pharisees fasted 2 days a week (Mon and Thur)

Fasting was for show not genuine piety for many

Matthew 6:16-18When you fast, do not look somber as the

hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Fasting for ShowIncluded:

Fast on days they had to go to the marketplace Display a “gloomy” face Unwashed or kept hair Wrinkled clothes White powder on their faces

Jesus says, look normal so that no one knows your fasting. You will be reward for secret piety

Christian Fasting?Many Christians do not believe Jesus

commands or expects us to fast

It is clearly commanded in the Old Testament

Not as clear in the New Testament, but Jesus assumes that His followers will fast

Matthew 9:14-15Then John’s disciples came and asked Him, “How is

that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

Jesus does not feel He needs to command fasting because he believes we will. Jesus is only concerned with telling us the attitude we should have when we do.

1. We should fast to focus our minds on something we need to

pray for

In the Old Testamentsickness, calamity, mourning, sorrow for sin

David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-23)The death of King Saul and sons (1 Samuel

31:13)When Moses was receiving the Law and

covenant he fasted (Exodus 34:28)Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:5)The Jews for Esther (Esther 4:16)

In the New TestamentJesus fasted for 40 days (Matthew 4:2)Conversion of Paul, 3 day fast (Acts 9:9)Paul and Barnabas selecting Elders (Acts

14:23)

Prayer and fasting always went togetherIf you’re struggling don’t just pray, pray and

fast!

2. We should fast because it increases our self control and ability to withstand temptation

Fasting is a Practice Ground

Not giving into fleshly cravings prepares us for Satan

This is why Jesus fasted for 40 days

Fasting is SPIRITUAL PREPERATION for the battles Satan will have with you.

Jesus needed the preparation and so do we

3. We should fast because it forces us to place spiritual

matters first in our life

How Fasting WorksThe time when you would normally eat you

spend with God. It is extra time you would not normally have.

Therefore, we can fast from other things besides food

How Fasting WorksWe may need to fast from

Television Hobbies Friends Hunting, fishing, and other sports Sleep I need to fast from…..and spend that time with

God

4. We should fast because it is during a fast that God often

answers our prayers

Acts 10:30So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting

until this hour…

Peter comes and we have the Gentile Pentecost

God answers the prayers of those who humble themselves before Him in prayer and fasting

Fasting is giving something up for something better

What did Jesus give up for something better?