question

[trentlogain2]

when you all embark on a God-led fast, are careful are you to do it in secret?

"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[d]"

-matthew 6:16-18

so with that passage being read, how do you go about interpreting it and applying?

 

[Child of JC]

They didn't care about pleasing God. They fasted to look good in the eyes of man. It's all a matter of who you're trying to please, not really about keeping it hidden from others.
We're also told to give in secret. If we're giving to look like a good Christian in the eyes of men then we already have our reward. But if we do it in secret, in other words, to please the Lord, then it's worship.
The Pharisees were religious men; not spiritual ones. They followed the law to impress men; instead of obeying the law out of Love for God. Jesus' taught us not to be like the Pharisees.

 

[apsalmistspraise]

My church did a 21 day fast and for accountability we told eachother what we were fasting. for example, i fasted chocolate. someone else fasted technology. others did the daniel fast. Nothing was shared out of pride. it was just for the sake of wanting to HAVE SOMEONE encourage the brothern

 

[justhamp]

remember that its not about what you do, but why you do it. The context of the passage clearly speaks about the intentions of the person fasting (or praying, or giving). It says "that they may appear to men to be fasting". Its the motive off wanting to be seen or doing things with the expressed purpose of gaining attention and recognition.
jesus never rebuked for fasting publicly or for people finding out that you are fasting. recall the disciples of John coming and basically asking Jesus, "why do we fast and your disciples don't" - how could they have known this if fasting was always so secretive?
Its not about keeping it a secret or not. Its about why you would tell someone in the first place. Is it to edify and encourage them, to glorify God, or to gain personal attention. if it is the latter, then you have your reward. If it is the former, then your reward is on the way. LearnHowToFast.com

 

[Lukaris]

We should fast in secret while still among society & also pray & give alms in the same manner as our Lord tells us in Matthew 6: 1-18. So for ex. one can take a day to fast, pray & perhaps donate money to charity or buy food for a church food bank etc.

 

[ibelongtothelord]

Lukaris, Hello, I have a question. I"ve prayed for deliverance from nicotine and was inspired to fast and pray for it. Is this a worthwhile reason and if so, how do I go about this? I've prayed about it, in fact, just did this morning. Water only? Water and bread? Liquids only? For how long?

 

[Lukaris]

Lukaris, Hello, I have a question. I"ve prayed for deliverance from nicotine and was inspired to fast and pray for it. Is this a worthwhile reason and if so, how do I go about this? I've prayed about it, in fact, just did this morning. Water only? Water and bread? Liquids only? For how long?

Hi IbelongtoChrist,
I want to be careful in going beyond a general statement. However, perhaps you might want to try a modest fast for Lent? You need to take consideration of your health first & foremost & speak to your pastor. I know many evangelical Christians observe the Daniel fast based on the fasting of the prophet before Nebuchnezar see: The Daniel Fast - for the body, soul and spirit. You might also want to look into Pastor Jentzen Franklin; see: Fasting 2013. Hope these can help.God bless

 

[ibelongtothelord]

Thank you very much, will look into that

 

[mrtumble]

My church did a 21 day fast and for accountability we told eachother what we were fasting. for example, i fasted chocolate. someone else fasted technology. others did the daniel fast. Nothing was shared out of pride. it was just for the sake of wanting to HAVE SOMEONE encourage the brothern

That sounds positive I wish i could find the encouragement in my own life to fast