The Sermon on the Mount – A Sermon Like No Other Week 25 – Righteousness and Practical Religion Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance… But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret place; (Matthew 6:16a, 17-18)
The third couplet in the Practical Religion verses (6:1-18) is Fasting. Not much is spoken today of this practice. It was very obvious in Jesus day. The Pharisee’s used this practice to enhance their piety among the people. Jesus was not impressed. He knew it was useful in ones prayer life, seeking God’s will and charity. It is still useful today. Jesus didn’t want the people to fall for more error in their prayer life. He instructed them truthfully about how His Father viewed this practice. Practicing this form of worship quietly is God’s way! Truth 24: Fasting as a tool for seeking God’s will is useful when practiced according to Jesus’ instructions.
Blessings to all,
Sandy Davis, for the team at Women In Discipleship (sm) womenindiscipleship.org – P.O. Box 694, Goldenrod, FL – 32733 – (407) 325-2986 sandydaviswid@earchlink.net
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