Praised by People or Praised by God
Pastor Tan Thai · Mar 18, 2012
This sermon is based on Matthew 6:16-18 and explains the meaning of fasting in the Christian life while warning against performing religious duties for public praise. Jesus teaches that those who fast to be seen by others have already received their reward, while those who fast in secret will be rewarded by the heavenly Father.
The sermon opens by acknowledging that everyone desires praise and reward, whether in school, the workplace, or the church. Reward is described as the most powerful motivator for human effort. The preacher uses the story of Xi Shi and King Fuchai to illustrate how far people will go for a reward, with the king spending enormous wealth just to hear the beauty's laughter.
The second section explains that fasting is a normal and necessary practice for believers, not merely optional. Jesus uses the phrase "when you fast" rather than "if," implying it is an expected spiritual discipline. Many biblical figures including Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel, and even Jesus himself fasted. Three key reasons for fasting are presented: to express earnest prayer over important matters, to demonstrate repentance for serious sin, and to discipline the body for God's work as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.
The third section warns against fasting in order to receive human praise, specifically the practice of appearing sad, frowning, or making a public show of one's piety. Jesus calls such people hypocrites and declares they have already received their reward in the form of human approval, with nothing remaining from God. The preacher also identifies the opposite extreme: those who pretend to be humble but are secretly upset when no one notices their efforts.
The fourth section teaches how to fast in a way that receives God's reward: anointing the head and washing the face, meaning to act normally and naturally without drawing attention. Fasting, prayer, and giving should be viewed as ordinary disciplines for all believers, not achievements reserved for spiritual elites. God's reward is compared to a slow-cooked nutritious meal, unlike the instant gratification of human praise which resembles instant noodles—quick but not truly nourishing.
The sermon concludes with three practical applications: reduce unnecessary spending to give to those in need and to God's work; abstain from things that do not build up faith, such as excessive entertainment; and avoid comparing oneself to others or criticizing those who do not do the same things. Colossians 3:23-24 is cited as the closing principle: do all things wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, for the true reward comes from Him alone.