Motives Matter In Fasting.
Saturday, April 22, 2023Key Verse
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:16).
Text — Matthew 6:16-18
Message
In His sermon, our Lord Jesus rebuked hypocrites and corrected several erroneous practices of those days as it is today. He warned against public shows of religion like publicizing charity to the poor and praying to attract the attention of people. He taught His followers conditions for acceptable fasting. God looks beyond our outward display. He searches our hearts and judges by the motives behind every action. (1 Samuel 16:7).
A young Christian brother fasted for 21 days to show of his prayer ability and almost died after the fasting.
The pretentious Scribes and Pharisees hid under tradition to transgress the laws of God. Their charity, prayer, and fasting were for public display. The hypocrites pay themselves ‘’their reward’’ because they attract applause from men for their fasting.
Define your purpose of fasting and ensure you really spend time praying. Fasting is not starvation. Any practice of religion that does not encourage faith and uprightness of heart will not please God. Righteousness is a factor in acceptable fasting. If you are a sinner Jesus can save and transform you today.
Quote
God looks beyond our outward display
Challenge
Holiness precedes profitable fasting and prayer.
Prayer for today
O God, save me from vanity of religious activities.
About Author - Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
