2. Matthew 6:2, 5, 16 “...when you give to the poor...when you pray...whenever you fast....”

3. Definition: “[Fasting is] abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.” D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

4. Matthew 6.16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5. Colossians 2.23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

6. False fasting – For others’ approval – For self-righteous pride

7. False fasting The value of Spirit-directed self-denial Fasting helps us to... – Expose our sin “Normally we meet God in his good gifts and turn every enjoyment into worship with thanksgiving. But from time to time we need to test ourselves to see if we have begun to love his gifts in place of God.” John Piper

8. False fasting The value of Spirit-directed self-denial Fasting helps us to... – Expose our sin – Express our grief Joel 2:12–13 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments.”

9. False fasting The value of Spirit-directed self-denial Fasting helps us to... – Expose our sin – Express our grief – Overcome our enslavement Philippians 3:19...their god is their belly... 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

10. False fasting The value of Spirit-directed self-denial Fasting helps us to... – Expose our sin – Express our grief – Overcome our enslavement – Receive God’s guidance

11. - Check your motives - - Start small - - Listen -