THE BENEFITS OF GENUINE FASTING

Introduction:

Matthew 6:1-18 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses various aspects of righteous living and contrasts it with the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.

In this specific section, Jesus focuses on three spiritual practices: giving to the needy (Matthew 6:2-4), prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). He teaches His disciples how to approach these practices with sincerity and genuine devotion rather than seeking recognition from others.

Jesus begins by warning against practicing righteousness for public display or self-glorification. He highlights that those who seek human approval for their acts of righteousness have already received their reward in full (Matthew 6:2,5,16). Instead, Jesus encourages His followers to engage in these practices privately and sincerely before God.

Regarding fasting specifically, Jesus cautions against imitating the hypocrites who intentionally make their fasting obvious by appearing disheveled and miserable. Their aim is to gain admiration from others. However, Jesus instructs His disciples to maintain a normal appearance while fasting so as not to draw attention but rather seek God's reward in secret.

I. Hypocritical Fasting

A. What is a hypocrite?

The word hypocrite comes from the greek word hypocrites. It was often used of someone who is a good actor. It means to have two faces or two different characters.

A hypocrite is someone who is one thing in public and another behind closed doors.

Matthew 6:16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”

B. The Warning Against Hypocrisy

1. Hypocrites seek admiration for their fasting.

If you seek the admiration of men you have an inward need that only God can heal. Orphan Spirit.

2. They intentionally appear miserable and disheveled to gain attention.

3. Their reward is limited to human recognition.

Isaiah 29:13 (AMP) And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning],

As I was growing up I was taught that there were certain things that were considered a sin. No one could ever explain why… We weren’t allowed to go to movies… Skating… (I challenged the thinking), There are times when we practice religion and tradition and not what is biblically and spiritually accurate.

GOD DESIRES FOR US TO BE GENUINE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

II. Genuine Fasting

Matthew 6:17–18 “But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

A. The Call to Authenticity.

1. Comb your hair and wash your face—maintain a normal appearance.

2. Do not draw attention to yourself while fasting.

When you purchase a product you have the choice to buy the real deal or a knock off. Now, the knock-off may be affordable and look like the real deal, but over time the knock-off begins to wear down and breaks quickly. The reason is because the quality of the product is not in the appearance but in the quality of craftsmanship.

B. The Promise for our Authenticity

1. Our Father sees what we do in secret.

WE think God doesn’t see the secret things.

Psalm 91:1 (NKJV) 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 .He promises rewards for genuine acts done with pure motives.

Matthew 6:18 (NKJV)

18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

III . Understanding the Heart Behind Fasting

A . Motives Matter to God

Psalm 51:6 (CSB) Surely you desire integrity in the inner self, and you teach me wisdom deep within.

1 .Fasting should be an expression of devotion and seeking God's presence.

2 .Our focus should be on aligning our hearts with His will rather than gaining human approval.

B . Cultivating Humility

1 .Fasting privately helps us develop humility before God.

“Fasting is an opportunity to shift your perspectives so that you see everything how God does.”

2 .It reminds us that true rewards come from Him alone.

James 4:10 (NLT) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Conclusion: