Introduction

Muslims fast. Some Jews fast
How many people do you know that fast or how many sermons have you heard on this subject?
Fasting is not a subject you hear many people talk about.

My introduction to fasting happened after having been to the military. I was involved in a mission organization that promoted at times the idea of fasting and using that time to then for prayer or specific devotions with the Lord. There were times that I fasted a few days.
I can also recall a pastor who had announced that he was spending 40 days in fasting.
I recall thinking that he must have been incredibly spiritual.

The question you may ask is what does God have to say about the Matter?
Are you required to fast as a believer?
Is it sin if you do not fast?
If you do fast, how should it be practiced.

Historical Background

Jesus focused on the practice of righteousness in Matthew 6
He gave the principle in Matthew 6:1

In your practice of righteousness do so, not to be noticed by people but by God.
I wonder now why a pastor would announce from the pulpit that he is fasting?
If your main target audience is to be seen by people, then its hypocrisy.

Jesus then gave three examples:
• Vs 2 -4 – Charity
• Vs 5-15 – Prayer
• VS 16-18 – Fasting

Fasting is the third are in which Jesus provided corrective instruction.
In practicing your righteousness (piety), you pervert God’s standard when your focus and desire is for people to see you and praise you.
Fasting was practiced for many reasons.
Ancient pagans believed that demons could enter the body through food.
When they felt under attack by demons they would fast, to prevent the evil spirits from gaining access to the body.

Yogis in eastern religions often fast for long periods.
Rabbis compared fasting to sacrifice and considered the affliction of the body as the offering of one’s blood and fat upon the altar.

In Modern western society fasting is popular for health and dieting reasons.
The Old Testament reveals many faithful believers fasted.

Moses, Samson, Samuel, Hannah, David, Elijah, and many others fasted.
In the New Testament, Anna, John the Baptist, Jesus and even Paul fasted.

In the early church many of the early church fathers and later Luther, Calvin, Wesley and Whitfield had fasted.

Our passage this morning will shed some more light on the matter

Proposition

2 ways to approach fasting that either honors or dishonors God:
1. Artificial fasting vs 16
2. Authentic fasting vs 17-18

See the previous sermons here on The Disciples Prayer Life