THE PROBLEM OF PUBLIC FASTING

Be careful not to practice your righteousness
in front of others to be seen by them.
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:1

CONTEXT:

MATTHEW 6:16-18

16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

THREE BIG IDEAS
ON SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

EVERYONE CAN PRACTICE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

BEWARE, SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES CAN BECOME SELF-PROMOTIONAL

THERE CAN BE GREAT JOY IN PRIVATE DEVOTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 2008.

• Greig, Pete. How to Pray – A Simple Guide for Normal People. NavPress. 2019.

• Keller, Timothy. Why Do We Need the Bible? (Sermon on the Mount Series). 1990.

• McKnight, Scot. Sermon on the Mount (The Story of God Bible Commentary). Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 2013.

• Stott, John. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (The Bible Speaks Today Series – Matthew 5-7: Christian Counter-Culture). IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 1985.

• Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God. Harper Collins. New York, NY. 1998.