Episode
Sermon on the Mount: Part 20 | How Do We Fast?
- Podcast
- Straight Bible
- Published
- Jul 28, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 5758
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Summary
What does Jesus really teach about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount? Is fasting optional for Christians, or is it an expected part of the Christian life? In this episode of Straight Bible, we continue our verse-by-verse Bible study through Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus instructs His followers to fast without seeking the praise of others. This in-depth Bible study examines what biblical fasting actually is, why Jesus says "when you fast" instead of "if you fast," and how fasting differs from empty religious rituals. Matt Hepner and the team explore the heart behind fasting, exposing the danger of hypocrisy while emphasizing humility, repentance, and drawing closer to God. Throughout this discussion, you'll see how fasting is woven throughout Scripture, including the examples of Jesus' 40-day fast, Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Ahab, Jonah, the Pharisees, and the early church in the book of Acts. The conversation also dives into Isaiah 58, explaining the kind of fast that God desires, along with passages from Luke, 2 Corinthians, Psalms, and other biblical examples that demonstrate fasting as an act of dependence on the Lord rather than a religious performance. The episode also discusses practical questions Christians often ask: Should Christians fast today? What is a Daniel Fast? Does fasting make your prayers more effective? Why did the early church fast before major decisions? How does fasting humble the soul? Can fasting become hypocritical? What spiritual benefits does fasting provide? If you've never practiced biblical fasting or you've wondered what Scripture actually teaches, this episode provides a balanced, Bible-centered study focused on the words of Jesus rather than religious tradition. What has your experience with fasting been? Have you seen God work through seas…