Fasting breaks the chains of the outer man

TOPIC: THE BENEFITS OF FASTING - Brief notes about fasting from Matthew and Isaiah. . MATTHEW 6:16, “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.” . It was a Jewish custom to anoint one’s self with olive oil and in Jesus’ day it was apparently customary to anoint the heads of your guests, also (Lk. 7:46). At times ointment or perfumes were used in this personal anointing. A lack of having one’s head anointed was associated with mourning or sorrow. . Jesus is saying that there should be no external sign of fasting or sorrow, but it should be done secretly to the Lord to receive a full reward. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 7:5, that abstinence from the physical relationship in marriage for the purpose of fasting should not be done without the consent of one’s spouse. A fast does not always have to be totally secretive to be productive. Rather, Jesus is once again dealing with the MOTIVES behind our actions. The fast must be directed toward God and not men. . Fasting accomplishes many things. One of the greatest benefits of fasting is that through denying the lust of the flesh, the spirit man gains ascendancy. Fasting was always used as a means of seeking God to the exclusion of all else. Fasting does not cast out demons, but rather, it casts out unbelief. Therefore, fasting is beneficial to every aspect of the Christian life – not only in the casting out of devils. , The real virtue of a fast is in humbling ourselves through self denial, and it can be accomplished through ways other than total abstinence. Partial fasts can be beneficial, as well as fasts of our time or pleasures. However, because appetite for food is one of man’s strongest drives, fasting from food seems to get the job done the quickest. Fasting should be a much more important part of our seeking God. Endeavor to live a fasted lifestyle, whether it is a denial of yourself through food, or denial of your own wishes. Exalt Jesus today. Put Him first in everything that you do. . AWMI . Fasting Forward Note: Some churches ban conversations regarding fasting, effectively putting everyone under the Law of the verse that says fasting should be done in secret. Unfortunately they have taken that verse completely out of its context, completely missing the point of that Scripture! . To suggest that all fasting must be done in secret, is to pervert the Scriptures. Corporate fasts were and are, a regular part of the Christian life. Corporate indicates that it is shared openly as community --- definitely NOT "in secret". Small home groups often fast together, just as they did throughout the Bible, and as they gather together they discuss their progress and revelations. This was and is consistent with the Scriptural context of fasting. . The REASON Jesus told us to not broadcast our fasting, was to stop people from doing it publicly for the purpose of gaining recognition, praise, attention, admiration from people. Fasting individually or together as a group, and openly discussing your questions, concerns, observations and revelations, is NOT under a "gag order"! Just check your heart to make sure your motive is not the "praises of men", but is to grow in intimacy with the Lord. .