Nathan Brosher
May 3, 2026
Matthew 6:16-18 ESV - 16 "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. 17 But when you fast, 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
1. Fasting (Heart posture, not performance)
Generosity
Fasting
“If people are the audience, God is not!” - Elisabeth Elliot, (American Missionary/author)
The Posture: Humility and Hunger
2. Sabbath/Rest
Exodus 20:8 NLT - 8 "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Sabbath is not a suggestion; it’s a command! God builds rest into rhythm.
Mark 2:27-28 ESV - 27 And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
The purpose of the Sabbath is for True rest as a day of freedom and restful worship, rather than simply a list of prohibitions.
Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT - 1 God's promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news--that God has prepared this rest--has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who listened to God.
Fasting vs Sabbath