Gateway Visalia

Introduction

Matthew 6:16-24 NASB

16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

Why do we want to be noticed?

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Fasting is denying ourselves earthly pleasures for spiritual gain. (Soul Fattening)

Soul Fattening examples: (fasting mentioned 77 times)

~Mourning over sin. (Jonah 3:5)
~Freedom from sin. (Isaiah 58:6)
~Strength to overcome temptation. (Luke 4:3-4)
~Discernment. (Acts 13:1-3)
~Intimacy with God. (Luke 2:36-37)

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

Clear eyes – healthy focus.

Giving is denying our wants for eternal investments.

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

“An idol is anything more important to you than God.” Tim Keller

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16:2424

Self-denial seems absurd in an age of self-absorption.

The WayPastor Lance Ainsworth,
Matthew 6:16-24
March 13th & March 16th, 2025
Jesus’ thoughts on Fasting and Wealth.

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: Have you ever fasted? What was your experience?

Read Aloud: Matt. 6:16-24

1. v.17-18 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Have you heard many teachings on fasting? Why do you think that is? How does fasting bring us closer to Jesus?

2. v.21 “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How does our money reveal the desires of our heart? What empty promise does wealth give? Do you agree with the statement “Giving is denying our wants for eternal investments?”

3. v. 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” How can neutral things like money and food become idols in our life? In what areas of your life do you practice self-denial?

Read Matt. 16:24. Why must we deny ourselves to follow Jesus?