A Greater Righteousness (10)

Greeting

Good morning! My name is Joel Cossins, and I’m the pastor here at Libby COTN. I’d like to welcome all of our guests here today, especially to those of you checking us out online. Hello! If you’ve not yet visited us in person, I look forward to the day we can welcome you to our fellowship. You should know when you visit, you will most likely be invited to stay after, as we have a potluck every Sunday after the service—unless otherwise noted. So, come hungry for an encounter with JESUS and bring your appetite for food, as well!

You know, having said that … the irony of that statement is today’s topic, but more on that in a moment.

Announce text: Matthew 6:16-18

Key Text: Matthew 6:16-18

Some of you who are paying attention will note that we skipped some verses, in fact some very famous verses—The LORD’s Prayer. That was intentional, and I will explain a little of the why now. Part of the reason is I wanted to continue in flow of religious practices and pattern: action + motive = reward. This is the last in that grouping of the second movement of JESUS’ teaching, and I wanted to complete that pattern. The main reason why I wanted to skip ahead a bit, I will reveal later. Rest assured, we will come back to The LORD’s Prayer, okay? We aren’t avoiding it or never going to cover it.

Before we get into it further, though, let’s watch a little BP review from last week’s message.

Review

play BP video: BP_Cartoon_Prayer.mp4

So, this week we’re kind of concluding the second movement of the main body of JESUS’ message which focuses on religious practices—any regular habit we adopt to nurture a right relationship with GOD and with those around us. JESUS is highlighting three religious practices that were standard expressions of Jewish devotion in HIS day, and they are still expressions of religious practice we should be participating in today, as well. These came with a warning—beware! Be careful that your religious devotion to GOD doesn’t become a way for you elevate yourself in the eyes of others! These spiritual disciplines are generosity to the poor, prayer, and fasting. Last week we looked at prayer. This week we’re looking at the final religious practice—what JESUS has to say about fasting from our text this morning.

Uh, yah … I hear the collective groans in your minds. You mean to tell me this isn’t one of your favorite disciplines? Who doesn’t enjoy a little self-deprivation of the life-giving, life-sustaining bodily requirement for life? Right?

We’ve probably all had to fast in our life at point in time or another, right? The time of the fast varies in length, but there are times we’re forced to fast for a medical procedure. Maybe it’s an hour or two beforehand; maybe half-a-day; maybe a full 24 hour period, but a fast is often required for a medical test to run at an optimum—or for you to keep from getting sick or going to the bathroom. Have you ever fasted for spiritual reasons?

This is probably one of the more peculiar spiritual disciplines we’ve been given. I like how Marjorie Thompson puts it:

It is vaguely repellent to our modern sensibilities. If images of ascetic abuse linger in our historical memory, we may have shoved fasting into that mental closet with hair shirts, chastity belts, and self-flagellation whips. Why, we wonder, should we turn back to a pinched, life-denying spirituality that glories in restricting the body? Why not glorify God by enjoying the blessings of creation?

Some of us, no doubt, would be relieved to see the long-revered tradition of fasting fade into oblivion.

I think that about sums it up pretty well, don’t you?

historically fasting for me is kind of like jogging

if playing basketball … but ask me to run a mile ...

busy doing things all day long and not eat … but ask me to fast ...

How many can relate? This is something that affects all of us—whether we’re believers or not. Whether you are fasting for spiritual reasons or for medical purposes, it can be a challenge.

The problems don’t end with just our will-power—or lack thereof. The reason of why we fast and how we go about it were and are still a problem today. The focus as a result of the difficulties of fasting tends to be on ourselves—how it impacts us, but what if fasting was meant to reveal so ... much ... more?

JESUS is going to address these problems in our text this morning. So, our text again is ...

Announce text again: Matthew 6:16-18

Scripture Reading

Matthew 6:16–18 NASB95

16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Prayer for added blessing to the reading of the Word

Message

The title for today’s message is The Power of an Audience of One: Fasting for Greater Transformative Power.

You know, I want to mention something about that title. For the second half of the title, I originally had Fasting for Greater Transformation. I changed it to Transformative Power because—IDK, to me, anyway—it feels like it reflects more of what I want to communicate about this. The transformation isn’t just meant for us alone—it’s meant to be shared. We carry the Presence of GOD with us everywhere we go—we are HIS temple. So, this transformative power begins in(-side) us and changes us from the inside out—which because its moving outward, it should produce external manifestations of what has happened on the inside. We see those evidences—”You’re different now. What happened?”—kind of thing, right? The result of this transformative power should be that it’s not just changing us, it’s also changing those around us—our spheres of influence—those we come in contact with. The reality is whatever is going on inside of us will impact those around us—whether that’s good or bad. What’s going on inside of you? Is it good? You’ll impact others positively. Is it bad? You’ll impact people negatively. It is a moment-by-moment thing that requires active, intentional focus—a ”pray without ceasing” attention to detail.

Anyway, that’s why I chose that title. To me, it just felt like it communicated a little better, and if not, at least my explanation revealed the goal of this message and the intent of all of these ethics from JESUS’ teachings. Speaking of goal … Here’s the main takeaway this morning:

Big Idea: Fasting is an intimate act of devotion that connects us to GOD and transforms our hearts, emphasizing our need for HIS Presence over public recognition.

In Matthew 6:16–18, JESUS teaches that fasting should not be a performance for the sake of impressing others, but rather a personal and private act of worship that strengthens the believer's bond with the FATHER. HE encourages us to fast in secret, highlighting that true spiritual efforts are recognized and rewarded by the FATHER, not by public acclaim. This passage invites you and I to reflect on the genuineness of our spiritual practices and our motivations behind those practices.

Introduction: The Biblical Practice of Fasting

In the book of Deuteronomy, we begin to uncover a little bit of what the purpose of spiritual fasting is for.

Deuteronomy 8:3 NASB95

3 “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.

This is the very verse JESUS quoted when HE was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness at the onset of HIS ministry:

Matthew 4:4 NASB95

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ”

The meaning of man shall not live by bread alone finds its deepest meaning in Israel’s forty‑year wilderness wanderings. There God humbled the people with hunger, then sustained them daily with manna—a miraculous food that could not be stored, forcing the Israelites to depend on God day by day for their sustenance. This taught that survival depended not on any single provision but on obedience to every word of GOD.

When the nation finally entered the “land flowing with milk and honey,” the temptation was to credit their blessings to their own effort and strength. Deuteronomy 8 warns that prosperity can lull them into self‑satisfaction, causing them to forget the desert lessons. The true meaning, then, is that physical nourishment is insufficient without spiritual dependence on God. Like Israel, we must continually trust in GOD’s Provision and Word.

This is essentially the same lesson that we learn from fasting—that we are completely and utterly dependent upon GOD for every area of our life. In the dessert, GOD provided food for what HIS people would eat to remind them of their dependence on HIM. In fasting, we have the inverse. We are giving up food to remind us of the same thing—to remind us of our dependence on HIM.

Most of us understand the concept of fasting—giving up food (& water) for a period of time, but biblical fasting is so much more than abstinence. Fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from food or drink for a designated period in response to a serious and sacred moment. In the Hebrew Bible, fasting is frequently described but rarely commanded, with the primary exception being the Day of Atonement (in Lev 16), a day of national reflection on sin where eating and drinking are withheld to mark the weight of the moment. So, fasting is a means to mark moments so serious that eating would be inappropriate. While we don’t have to fast in order to connect with GOD, it is a way of yielding ourselves completely to HIM serving as a reminder that we can trust HIM to meet us in our time of need.

By JESUS' time, fasting had become a widespread expression of devotion in Judaism—an embodied form of prayer engaging the whole body—often practiced regularly, e.g., twice a week in some early communities. New Testament scholar, Scott McKnight, calls this "body talk," that heightens focus on GOD's activity and underscoring human fragility and dependence.

Biblical fasting is responsive, not instrumental: it is not a means to compel GOD but a whole-body acknowledgment that the moment's seriousness makes eating inappropriate. Categories include:

Sacred moment fasts: Discernment when GOD reveals purpose (e.g., Acts 13:2–3, setting apart Paul and Barnabas).

Grief or sorrow fasts: Response to loss or crisis (e.g., 2 Samuel 1:12, Israel mourns the death of King Saul & son Jonathon).

Repentant fasts: Acknowledgment of sin and return to GOD (e.g., 1 Samuel 7, Samuel return to the LORD & remove foreign gods/idols).

Fasting inverts feasting: while feasting celebrates abundance, fasting marks solemnity, humility, or spiritual hunger. Old Testament prophets critiqued fasting divorced from justice—Isaiah 58 condemns fasting amid oppression, declaring GOD's preferred fast as liberating the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. Zechariah questions fasts performed without true heart-turning to GOD.

In our text this morning, now that JESUS has described how the disciples should pray, HE turns to how they should fast. JESUS affirms fasting but redirects its purpose toward authentic devotion.

1. Critique of Public Fasting

He begins with a critique of public fasting. As we will see in v.16, JESUS continues with the same pattern and language we have become accustomed to in this section of HIS message.

Matthew 6:16 NASB95

16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

JESUS critiques performative fasting—deliberately appearing gloomy or disfigured to attract attention. Now, it is worth noting that there were traditional requirements for fasting. Biblical scholar, C.S. Keener, noted that according to rabbinic literature, Jewish fasts included other forms of self-abasement like not shaving, washing one's clothes, [and] anointing" oneself with oil. So, these references by JESUS are referencing actual traditions associated with fasting, but as usual, the hypocrites like to play up the physical effects—the physical toll of fasting to draw attention to themselves. In an honor-shame culture, such visible piety earned public admiration and status, the ultimate currency for influence.

Here, we see the familiar “Hypocrite” (Greek hupokritēs) which originally meant “stage actor”—someone pretending for an audience and the action + motive = reward pattern. In this context, the audience is human: fasting becomes theater to gain recognition. The reward? Fleeting human praise—the only recompense received.

JESUS’ warning echoes Old Testament warnings: Isaiah and Zechariah condemned fasting that ignored justice or lacked heart-change, performed merely for appearance. Zechariah challenged:

Zechariah 7:5b NASB95

5 “ ... was it actually for Me that you fasted?

reminds me of time as a kid—ways to trick someone into thinking you were crying

JESUS’ warning is that if this is how you practice your fasting, you’re missing the point of fasting altogether! You’re play-acting—going through the motions with no benefit to your soul!

The purpose and intent of our fasting matters! When you and I fast, the tendency—at least for me, anyway—is to focus on myself—my bodily cravings, how I’m starving. Oh, I try to use that as a time to remind myself to pray, but there is often a lack of commited focus. Anyone relating to this? That’s why this study this morning is so important, because I think we will see a fresh perspective that will help reorient our intentions to genuine faith practices that will connect us on a deeper level with JESUS.

Take some time this morning to reflect on your own spiritual discipline(s). What motivates you to perform these spiritual acts? Are you going through the motions, or are you sincere?

When we are intentionally genuine, these acts connect us with GOD in more meaningful ways, as we align ourselves with CHRIST’s example in seeking the FATHER’s will for our lives. This sacred act sets the foundation of our understanding on the Audience of ONE WHO brings transformation to our lives.

2. Practice Private Fasting

Having again addressed an improper heart posture for our practicing our religious piety—this time as it relates to fasting, JESUS then transitions to reorienting our perspective to a proper heart posture.

Matthew 6:17 NASB95

17 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face

JESUS instructs the opposite: conceal fasting. Anointing the head with oil and washing the face—normal grooming—hides physical effects, ensuring no one notices.

The command is hyperbolic for emphasis: make fasting invisible to others. The audience must be GOD alone—an audience of ONE. This protects motive—fasting becomes genuine devotion, not a bid for honor.

In the wilderness, GOD gave Israel manna that could not be stored; they had to trust in HIS daily provision. Likewise, private fasting aligns with the broader call to righteousness directed toward the FATHER, preserving humility and authenticity.

When you and I fast, we need to do so in a way that no one notices—skip a meal, skip coffee, or refrain from a favorite snack. Keep your routine unchanged outwardly; let the discipline be between you and GOD.

Private fasting preserves the purity of motive, turning the body into a “silent prayer” that GOD alone—our audience of ONE—can see.

3. Rewards of Secret Fasting

Matthew 6:18 NASB95

18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

When fasting is hidden, only the FATHER—WHO sees in secret—knows. HE promises a reward (misthos: recompense, honor) that is eternal, secure, and unaffected by earthly decay.

This reward contrasts sharply with public acclaim: one is temporary and human; the other is divine, abundant, and tied to new creation blessings. Isaiah 58 reframes fasting: true fast is to loose the bonds of injustice, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. The reward is a restored relationship with GOD and a just society. The FATHER honors those who honor HIM with pure motives.

Will you consider adding fasting to your spiritual disciplines, if you haven’t already? Engage in fasting as a means to connect with the FATHER at a heart-level—it is produces a connection that is invaluable and transformative, just like the private strength and guidance JESUS received during HIS earthly ministry. Let us follow HIS example.

Secret fasting fosters deeper communion, humility, and dependence—transforming the one who is fasting while avoiding self-congratulation. The result is a heart-motive that is pure and a reward from the FATHER that is unseen, lasting, and aligned with HIS kingdom values—justice, compassion, and authentic devotion.

Trust in the FATHER’s unseen rewards and deepen your reliance on HIS intimate Presence. Draw near to the FATHER, and HE will draw near to you.

So, pj … What’s the point?

Conclusion

Fasting is an intimate act of devotion that connects us to GOD and transforms our hearts, emphasizing our need for HIS Presence over public recognition.

JESUS’ teaching on fasting completes the triad of religious practices (generosity, prayer, fasting), reinforcing that righteousness flourishes when GOD is the sole audience. Notice that in each of the three examples JESUS never tells people to abandon the practices. As mentioned earlier, JESUS fasted during HIS 40 days in the wilderness, and afterwards HE also made it a routine discipline in HIS Life. So, rather than abandonment, HE urges them to express their devotion creatively—so that their love for GOD isn’t treated as a trophy. Public display for human honor yields only fleeting reward; private devotion for GOD’s glory yields eternal recompense. He knows His followers will be most effective in the world when they care little about status and focus instead on walking in GOD’s generous love.

True fasting—responsive, humble, and hidden—reflects GOD’s character: identifying with the vulnerable, pursuing justice, and seeking HIS face alone. It is not about impressing others but deepening relationship with the FATHER WHO sees the heart.

May we fast with pure motives—marking sacred moments, repenting, and hungering for GOD—trusting the Father who rewards what is done in secret. In this, we embody Kingdom righteousness and honor the ONE WHO truly matters.

add second you: vision of what a world looks like when GOD’s Word applied to lives from relational mapping in intro

Imagine a world in which we all began fasting on a regular basis in the way JESUS taught us this morning. What kind of impact would it have in your life? What kind of impact would it have in our Libby COTN fellowship? What kind of impact would it have in the town of Libby?

Earlier, I told you I would share the main reason for skipping ahead to fasting ...

It’s fascinating to me how the LORD works, because HE put that on my hear to do before I realized something. I thought I was doing this from a structural approach and then would come back later to spend more time on the LORD’s Prayer. Then, it dawned on me that this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday—the start of Lent. I believe the LORD wants me to call us to a corporate time of fasting during Lent. Now, don’t panic! I understand not everyone can participate in a traditional fast. Some of us have medical issues. I get that. That’s why I will be presenting some alternative ways we can engage in this together—and I do want to strongly encourage that we all engage together!

I want to close this time before we have Communion together by reading an excerpt from Margorie Thompson’s book, Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life.

Read A Look At Lent

Marjorie provides “other forms” of fasting for those who cannot do a traditional fast.

She argues that fasting is fundamentally an exercise in abstinence—a deliberate “stepping back” from the relentless consumption that characterizes modern life. Rather than denying pleasure altogether, the goal is to break the grip of things that have become substitutes for GOD and to rediscover the proper enjoyment of HIS gifts. By identifying the areas where we “consume” to fill emotional voids—food, media, shopping, status, judgment, busyness, etc.—we can choose specific forms of abstinence that free us from those controlling habits and open us to GOD’s healing in body, mind, and spirit.

Forms of Abstinence (Ways to Fast)

Media & Information • Turn off or limit TV, radio, and constant streaming. • Choose natural sounds or silence instead of background noise. • Check email and social‑media accounts only at set intervals. • Reduce exposure to advertising (mail‑order catalogs, online ads).

Food & Packaging • Avoid highly processed, over‑packaged foods. • Refuse single‑use packaging and strive for zero‑waste meals. • Practice mindful eating rather than mindless snacking.

Consumerism & Shopping • Fast from unnecessary purchases and impulse buying. • Put credit‑card use on hold; practice financial simplicity. • Declutter and resist the “big splash” of conspicuous consumption.

Fitness & Diet Culture • Step back from obsessive workout regimes or extreme dieting. • Seek moderate, sustainable health habits instead of rapid, unsustainable results.

Recognition & Honor • Perform charitable acts or work anonymously. • Avoid seeking public accolades or personal glory for good deeds.

Judgment • Refrain from judging others based on appearance, rumors, or limited information. • Practice gentler self‑assessment, avoiding harsh self‑criticism.

Busyness & Schedule Overload • Simplify calendars for yourself and your family. • Preserve regular Sabbath rest and unplugged time. • Prioritize quality relationships over a packed agenda.

These abstinence practices are not ends in themselves; they are means to remind us of our total dependence on GOD, to restore balance, and to allow CHRIST’s lordship to shape our lives rather than our own ineffective attempts at self‑control.

There are three areas of focus I want us each to zero in on during this time of corporate fasting:

individual & family

congregation

community

Closing prayer & benediction

Numbers 6:24–26 NASB95

The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’

Scripture records the following words in v.27:

Numbers 6:27 GW

“So whenever they use my name to bless the Israelites, I will bless them.” 

So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!