I.Pious demeanour is not what God desires, but faith.
1. God abominates a double and false heart; and the greater the fervour hypocrites display in external rites, the more they provoke Him.
2. Fasting is observed as giving intensity to prayer.
3. They who fast professedly avow that they deprecate God’s disfavour.
4. But God values not outward appearance.
II. Fasting is not in itself a religious duty, but a mere index to a humble spirit.
1. What is intended by fasting?
(1) That there may be greater alacrity in prayer.
(2) That it may be an evidence of humility in confessing sins.
(3) Indicative of a purpose to subdue lust.
2. What is fasting, apart from these intents?
(1) A frivolous exercise.
(2) A profanation of God’s worship.
(3) A superstition, provoking God’s wrath.
III. No value in fasting to merry God’s favour.
IV. Mocking profanation was intolerable, and should be punished.
1. God shows Himself armed with various kinds of punishment.
2. He forewarns that they who had provoked Him should surely suffer.
3. God does not disregard or reject religious signs; but when what they signify is separated from them, there is then an intolerable profanation. (J. Calvin.)
