When ye fast.
I. A few remarks on the practice of fasting at the time of our Lord.
II. The sinful and unprofitable manner in which the Jews observed it.
1. Their ostentation.
2. Its futility-“They have their reward.”
III. The directions given us for its observance.
1. The propriety of private fasting.
2. The manner of its observance.
3. The prosperity of personal religion may be promoted by it. (J. K. Good.)
Fasting
I. The nature, design, and importance of fasting. Not only abstinence from sin, but abstinence from food for a time, longer or shorter, as health and duty will allow. Scripture testimony, etc. What is the design of fasting?
1. To manifest and promote sorrow for sin, etc. (Isaiah 58:5).
2. Self-denial, and a means of mortification.
3. That it may help to prayer and other holy duties. These things manifest the reasonableness and importance of fasting.
II. How the hypocrites fasted. Partial, insincere, selfish, self-righteous, external, etc. How much reason is there to think that thousands among us fast in this way!
III. How the true people of God observe this duty. They are sincere and deeply affected with their own sins, etc. (Joel 2:12-17; Exodus 9:4; Daniel 9:3; James 4:9-10). They intend the glory of God (Matthew 6:18), and the mortification of sin in themselves and others, and the reformation of the nation (Romans 13:14; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-24). They are humble, spiritual, consistent, practical (Joel 2:14; Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 55:6-7; Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7; Luke 3:9; Luke 13:1-9; James 4:8; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 58:7; Psalms 17:25; Luke 3:11). (J. Benson.)