Matt. 6:16 says that our fasting should be in secret to be rewarded. We are not to be as the hypocrites who make a show of it and try to impress others with our self-flagellation, or self-discipline. True fasting is self-control in all things in Spirit, not just skipping a meal and thinking that pleases God. The goal is to maintain discipline in every facet of life according to 1 Cor. 9:25. Isaiah 58 says that only spiritually motivated fasting pleases the Lord and we shouldn't think we can force God to favor us on account of it, but it is done to humble ourselves as we see a need.
Isaiah 65:5 says that we should never think like we have a holier-than-thou attitude, especially that we have a spiritual strength and others have a weakness (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). We all have our easily besetting sin and Satan knows us well enough to attack us at our area of weakness. True fasting sets the prisoner free and puts the person in a more spiritual mood, if the person already has that he doesn't fast for the sake of fasting, thinking that it is the means of sanctification. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and like all fruits, they must be cultivated and grown; everyone is at a different level of growth and maturity and we are not to look down on our brother or even condescend to him, but see him as our equal in Christ--we are all one in Christ.
The Pharisees were especially guilty of drawing attention to themselves and practicing their piety before men, to be seen by them and this is forbidden in Matt. 6:1. We shouldn't brag about our spirituality either or toot our own horn as to our piety, but let another praise us. Religiosity is no sign of spirituality and if an unbeliever can duplicate it or fake it, it isn't of God. There is a time to fast and a time to celebrate, but never to indulge.
There is always a danger of going overboard, but Christians should know that moderation in all things is a principle and never to go the extreme. The Bible neither teaches nor endorses asceticism, abstinence, nor indulgence as lifestyles. Fasting isn't just giving up food but can be many things the person "enjoys" and has the discipline to carry it out faithfully, such as skipping needed rest or entertainment. Soli Deo Gloria!
Isaiah 65:5 says that we should never think like we have a holier-than-thou attitude, especially that we have a spiritual strength and others have a weakness (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). We all have our easily besetting sin and Satan knows us well enough to attack us at our area of weakness. True fasting sets the prisoner free and puts the person in a more spiritual mood, if the person already has that he doesn't fast for the sake of fasting, thinking that it is the means of sanctification. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and like all fruits, they must be cultivated and grown; everyone is at a different level of growth and maturity and we are not to look down on our brother or even condescend to him, but see him as our equal in Christ--we are all one in Christ.
The Pharisees were especially guilty of drawing attention to themselves and practicing their piety before men, to be seen by them and this is forbidden in Matt. 6:1. We shouldn't brag about our spirituality either or toot our own horn as to our piety, but let another praise us. Religiosity is no sign of spirituality and if an unbeliever can duplicate it or fake it, it isn't of God. There is a time to fast and a time to celebrate, but never to indulge.
There is always a danger of going overboard, but Christians should know that moderation in all things is a principle and never to go the extreme. The Bible neither teaches nor endorses asceticism, abstinence, nor indulgence as lifestyles. Fasting isn't just giving up food but can be many things the person "enjoys" and has the discipline to carry it out faithfully, such as skipping needed rest or entertainment. Soli Deo Gloria!
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