Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

See Dalia Fahmy, "How common is religious fasting in the United States?” Pew Research, April 5, 2024.

I. Putting Spirit Ahead of Flesh

Matthew 6:16 “And when you fast, ....”

Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them."

Putting the Spirit Ahead of the Flesh -Giving to the poor (wealth)
-Prayer (time)
-Fasting (hunger)

II. Emptying of Self

Matthew 6:16 “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.”

Fasting Brings Humility
See Isaiah 58:3
See Psalm 69:10
See Daniel 10:3

III. Being Filled Up By God

Matthew 6:17 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 un- seen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Rewards of Fasting
A) Strength to Fight Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)

B) A Supercharged Prayer Life (Ezra 8:23)

C) Healing (Isaiah 58:8)

D) Direction & Guidance (Isaiah 58:11; Acts 13:2)

E) Hearing God More Clearly (Daniel 10)

F) Power Over the Enemy (Matthew 17:21; 2 Chronicles 20:3-4)

G) Greater Worship (Luke 2:37)