FASTING
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Fasting
Matthew 6:16-18
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.
a) At certain times in your life, you may wish to temporarily suspend normal physical activities such as eating, sleep, daily work, "that you may devote yourselves to prayer" (1 Corinthians 7:5) and other spiritual activity.
b) This is not a habitual or normal manner of life for the Christian. But in some circumstances it may be appropriate (examples: Esther 9:28,31; Acts 14:23; Luke 10:38-42).
c) In the normal course of life, Christians are found "breaking bread from house to house and taking their meals together with gladness..." (Acts 2:46).
d) The value of fasting, and bodily deprivation in other forms, is not intrinsic. When practiced as though it does have value in itself, it becomes a problem (Colossians 2:20-23). The Lord does not encourage Christians to be ascetic and austere in their way of life, but rather to enjoy God’s gifts, yet "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33).
The End ...
1. FastingMatthew 6:16-18
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.
a) At certain times in your life, you may wish to temporarily suspend normal physical activities such as eating, sleep, daily work, "that you may devote yourselves to prayer" (1 Corinthians 7:5) and other spiritual activity.
b) This is not a habitual or normal manner of life for the Christian. But in some circumstances it may be appropriate (examples: Esther 9:28,31; Acts 14:23; Luke 10:38-42).
c) In the normal course of life, Christians are found "breaking bread from house to house and taking their meals together with gladness..." (Acts 2:46).
d) The value of fasting, and bodily deprivation in other forms, is not intrinsic. When practiced as though it does have value in itself, it becomes a problem (Colossians 2:20-23). The Lord does not encourage Christians to be ascetic and austere in their way of life, but rather to enjoy God’s gifts, yet "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33).
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