Proper Fasting
"When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, 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
We are back to talking about another small portion of what is now known as the Sermon on the Mount.
This is now part six of this series.
Inage Credit: hungrygen.com
We are back to talking about another small portion of what is now known as the Sermon on the Mount.
This is now part six of this series.
Repeat
This portion of the sermon is actually the same as the one about praying. We could almost just change the word 'praying' and put in the word 'fasting' and it should still work. You can read Part 5 of this series if you haven't yet, as a backgrounder, as we will not repeat what we have already previously discussed there.
Difference
Don't get me wrong, praying is not exactly the same as fasting.
Praying is connecting with God in a spiritual level, while fasting is denying the flesh to be better able to.
Yes, they go hand in hand. But fasting by itself will not necessarily connect one with God.
What is Fasting
So first off, fasting is not dieting, well it is in a way. But the intent is not to lose weight or be physically healthier, which of course could naturally occur by doing so.
If that is your intention, do not be misled, you aren't fasting or fasting biblically. And biblical fasting isn't a fad or a health guru's secret.
Fasting will not be the same for everyone and it shouldn't be a gauge as to one's spiritual level or prowess.
Personal
Fasting, like praying is personal. It is something between you and God. And something only He should know about.
Fasting will come in different ways, levels and shouldn't be done without considering your own personal health condition.
For most it is a gradual process and also what might work for one, might not work in the same way for another. The effect of denying what kind of food or what type of meal or the frequency and duration will be different for different people.
Do your own research, seek guidance and ask God what kind of fasting will work for you.
Denying ones flesh will be different for everyone. Different things drive us and we should look for the ones that drive us most away from the things of God and make our flesh stronger than our spirit.
Bread
Once you find those, you will understand what Jesus meant when He quoted the Book of Deuteronomy: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Physical bread is what powers your physical self. If you deny your flesh that type of bread, the flesh weakens. (Also physical bread is not just food. It could be any thing, vices, addictions, habits, anything that powers your body).
Spiritual bread, or Scriptures (the Word of God) powers your spiritual self.
Denying your flesh of physical bread and feeding on the Word of God is like working out your spirit and building up your spiritual life. Doing it regularly is akin to doing regular physical exercise. In fact as we already talked about it, it also makes your mind and body healthier (like a total workout).
I guess God is really the Master Designer. And man is now only starting to understand how we were designed. Man consists of at least four parts, body, mind, soul and spirit. Body, mind and soul lives in the physical realm and the spirit in the spiritual realm. Understanding or living in just one realm is only half living.
Reward
One last thing, like praying, fasting is not a show and tell act.
The Message paraphrase of these verses is spot on.
"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."
Yes otherwise, your earthly, fleeting and automatic rewards and human accolades are yours, if that is your goal.
This portion of the sermon is actually the same as the one about praying. We could almost just change the word 'praying' and put in the word 'fasting' and it should still work. You can read Part 5 of this series if you haven't yet, as a backgrounder, as we will not repeat what we have already previously discussed there.
Difference
Don't get me wrong, praying is not exactly the same as fasting.
Praying is connecting with God in a spiritual level, while fasting is denying the flesh to be better able to.
Yes, they go hand in hand. But fasting by itself will not necessarily connect one with God.
What is Fasting
So first off, fasting is not dieting, well it is in a way. But the intent is not to lose weight or be physically healthier, which of course could naturally occur by doing so.
If that is your intention, do not be misled, you aren't fasting or fasting biblically. And biblical fasting isn't a fad or a health guru's secret.
Fasting will not be the same for everyone and it shouldn't be a gauge as to one's spiritual level or prowess.
Personal
Fasting, like praying is personal. It is something between you and God. And something only He should know about.
Fasting will come in different ways, levels and shouldn't be done without considering your own personal health condition.
For most it is a gradual process and also what might work for one, might not work in the same way for another. The effect of denying what kind of food or what type of meal or the frequency and duration will be different for different people.
Do your own research, seek guidance and ask God what kind of fasting will work for you.
Denying ones flesh will be different for everyone. Different things drive us and we should look for the ones that drive us most away from the things of God and make our flesh stronger than our spirit.
Bread
Once you find those, you will understand what Jesus meant when He quoted the Book of Deuteronomy: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Physical bread is what powers your physical self. If you deny your flesh that type of bread, the flesh weakens. (Also physical bread is not just food. It could be any thing, vices, addictions, habits, anything that powers your body).
Spiritual bread, or Scriptures (the Word of God) powers your spiritual self.
Denying your flesh of physical bread and feeding on the Word of God is like working out your spirit and building up your spiritual life. Doing it regularly is akin to doing regular physical exercise. In fact as we already talked about it, it also makes your mind and body healthier (like a total workout).
I guess God is really the Master Designer. And man is now only starting to understand how we were designed. Man consists of at least four parts, body, mind, soul and spirit. Body, mind and soul lives in the physical realm and the spirit in the spiritual realm. Understanding or living in just one realm is only half living.
Reward
One last thing, like praying, fasting is not a show and tell act.
The Message paraphrase of these verses is spot on.
"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."
Yes otherwise, your earthly, fleeting and automatic rewards and human accolades are yours, if that is your goal.
The previous messages on this Sermon on the Mount Series:
Part 1 - Judging
Part 2 - Giving
Part 3 - Worrying
Part 4 - Building
Part 5 - Praying
Part 1 - Judging
Part 2 - Giving
Part 3 - Worrying
Part 4 - Building
Part 5 - Praying
Inage Credit: hungrygen.com
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