Fasting

Northwest Bible Church – May 17, 2026 – Matthew – Alan Conner

Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting

Intro

A. DEFINITION OF FASTING.

1. A Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.  

2.  A broader use.    

B. PRACTICE OF FASTING

1. OT practice

a. Mandatory for the Day of Atonement.

b. Voluntary fasting for other occasions.

2. NT practice.  

a. Christ fasted for 40 days, Matthew 4:2.     

b. Pharisees.  Luke 18:12 ‘I fast twice a week; 

c. Apostles and others.   Acts 13:2-3; 14:23.

C. PURPOSE OF FASTING

1. To humble the flesh in order to humble the soul. Psalms 35:13; Isaiah 58:6; Joel 2:12-13

2. To seek God for a blessing.   Isaiah 58:4

3. To intensify our prayers.   Psalms 42:1-2

D. ABUSES OF FASTING (Matthew 6:16).

1. Fasting as a hypocrite.   Matthew 6:16

2. Merit in physical abuse.   Colossians 2:20-23

3. Secularizing danger.  

E. PROPER FASTING (Matthew 6:17-18).

1. Don’t advertise it.   

2. God will reward you.