SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE IN SECRET

Passage: Matthew 6:16-18

Key verse: 18

NIV

Fasting

16 “When you fast,(A) do not look somber(B) 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. 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 unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.(C)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Fasting

16 “And (A)when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. (B)Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, (C)anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. (D)And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Fasting (16-17)

Fasting is not very popular. But Jesus sometimes fasted, and he recommends it to us as spiritual discipline. The Pharisees fasted regularly. They made sure that everyone knew they were fasting. Their reward was people's praise. We should desire to please God, not to impress people. Fasting should be done to help us concentrate in prayer. Perhaps fasting is a way to challenge pleasure-seeking lifestyles, as well as our inclinations to avoid all suffering.

2. Our Father sees in secret (18)

All such spiritual discipline should be done for God's eyes alone. 'Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' This idea is repeated three times in this chapter. God, who was concerned about the imaginations of men's hearts in Genesis 6, still cares about what we do in secret. He wants us to reserve a place in our lives for him alone.

Prayer: Lord, help me to maintain spiritual discipline for your eyes alone.

One Word: Seek rewards from God