Topical Bible: Fasting of Hypocrites: Described

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Fasting, a spiritual discipline observed throughout the Bible, is intended as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and expressing repentance. However, Scripture also addresses the misuse of fasting, particularly when it is performed hypocritically. The fasting of hypocrites is characterized by outward displays of piety that lack genuine devotion and sincerity of heart.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah addresses the issue of hypocritical fasting among the Israelites. Isaiah 58:3-4 records the people's complaint: "Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?" The Lord responds by highlighting their insincere practices: "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and oppress all your workers. You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist." Here, fasting is criticized when it is accompanied by unjust behavior and self-serving motives, rather than genuine repentance and a heart aligned with God's will.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of hypocritical fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:16-18 , He warns, "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Jesus emphasizes that fasting should be a private act of devotion to God, not a public display intended to garner admiration from others.

Characteristics of Hypocritical Fasting

1. Outward Display: Hypocritical fasting is marked by an emphasis on external appearances rather than internal transformation. Individuals may seek to appear devout to others while neglecting the true purpose of fasting, which is to draw closer to God.

2. Self-Serving Motives: Instead of seeking God's will, hypocritical fasting is often motivated by a desire for personal gain, recognition, or influence. This self-centered approach contradicts the humility and submission that should accompany genuine fasting.

3. Neglect of Righteousness: As seen in Isaiah 58, hypocritical fasting is often accompanied by unrighteous behavior, such as oppression and strife. True fasting should lead to acts of justice, mercy, and love, reflecting a heart transformed by God's grace.

4. Lack of Sincerity: The fasting of hypocrites lacks sincerity and authenticity. It is a ritualistic practice devoid of true spiritual significance, failing to produce the fruit of repentance and a deeper relationship with God.

Biblical Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of hypocritical fasting and calls believers to examine their hearts and motives. In Zechariah 7:5-6 , the Lord questions the sincerity of the people's fasting: "Ask all the people of the land and the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?’" This passage underscores the importance of fasting with a genuine heart focused on God, rather than on self-centered interests.

In summary, the fasting of hypocrites is a cautionary example found in Scripture, illustrating the importance of sincerity, humility, and righteousness in spiritual practices. Believers are encouraged to fast with a heart fully devoted to God, seeking His presence and aligning their lives with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 58:4,5
Behold, you fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: you shall not fast as you do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: For ... the preceding chapter our Lord has
described inward religion ... names almsgiving; of the former, prayer and fasting. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 26 upon our lords.htm

The Prophet of the Highest.
... priests were hirelings; the Pharisees were hypocrites; the ruling ... The idea which
lies beneath the fasting and privation of ... that it can best be described in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/iv the prophet of the.htm

First Sunday in Lent
... Such as these are described in the parable (Luke 14 ... should be injured by too much
fasting, watching and ... God, inasmuch as false teachers and hypocrites, with all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

Mahometans.
... practice are, prayer, with washings, alms, fasting, pilgrimage to ... over the midst
of hell, and described to be ... is called al Howyat, to the hypocrites, or those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... forth fruits meet for repentance, described a course of ... the preposterous attempts
of hypocrites, who zealously ... frequent mention of sackcloth, fasting, and tears ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

The Land and the People.
... During his forty days of fasting "in the wilderness ... and workingmen of Galilee, who
are described to us as ... How he arraigned those hypocrites seated on Moses' seat ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

Matt. xv. 21, 22
... But having described both her calamity, and the intensity of ... power not to send them
away fasting; of one ... therefore He also calls them hypocrites, because in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lii matt xv 21.htm

V. ...
... For hitherto he has described what it is to preach the ... The hypocrites who rest on
their own works, and hence ... but that only can be called true fasting, when we ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... we are continually familiar, God has described the law of ... work, such as praying,
reading, fasting, giving, serving ... children of the devil, hypocrites, blind dolts ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... And this is why Lazarus after his resurrection is [4827] described as being at ... but
as we prefer virginity to marriage, so do we esteem fasting and spirituality ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm