[1] #277, A Powerful Practice, Sunday 05-20-2007

Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Theme: What does Jesus teach us about fasting?

Introduction:

1. After “the Lord’s prayer” Jesus spoke about fasting.
   1. The people of Christ’s day were familiar with fasting.
   2. Today fasting is associated with medical procedures.
   3. The understanding and practice of fasting has become a lost treasure.
2. What in the world is fasting – biblically?
   1. Fast = to abstain from food (and liquids sometimes) for a religious exercise or purpose.
   2. I don’t like to fast … but I like the results.
   3. You may not be interested in fasting or feel able to fast but …
3. What does Jesus say about fasting?

Text: Matthew 6:16-18 - What does Jesus teach us about fasting?

1. There’s a wrong way to fast. (v 16)
   1. You can do the right thing in the wrong way.
   2. Some ultra religious people (Pharisees) loved to fast.
   3. They would fast twice a week.
   4. They loved the recognition from their fasting.
   5. They fasted to impress others with their spirituality.
   6. In reality they were “carnally” minded, but tried to “overcompensate” by “super spiritual” words.
   7. These hypocrites “disfigured” their faces – they wanted you to know they were suffering.
   8. These hypocrites received “their reward” … the shallow applause of people.
   9. There are other “wrong ways” to fast.
   10. Out of guilt, confusion.
2. There’s a right way to fast. (vv 17-18)
   1. We are instructed to be “indescreet” (in secret)
   2. Put oil on your head, wash your face.
   3. Don’t hang a sign around your neck. (I am fasting)
   4. We are to “fast to your Father who is unseen” (v 18)
   5. We fast because of our relationship with our God.
   6. We don’t fast for salvation or to “pay” for our sins.
   7. What are some specific purposes of fasting to the Father?
   8. To draw near to God. (we give up something important for something better)
   9. To get through a crisis.
   10. To receive guidance, direction and power.
   11. To mourn for a lost nation.
   12. To humble ourselves.
   13. “Yet when they were ill, I put on sack cloth and humbled myself with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13)
3. God blesses when we fast in the right way.
   1. “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (v 18b)
   2. How does God reward us?
   3. Our fasting doesn’t obligate God to do our will – He changes our heart and character, to do His will.
   4. The ego is submitted to Christ.
   5. He gives us strength and renewal. Breakthroughs happen.
   6. How often should we fast?
   7. He leaves this up to us.
   8. Start gradually – don’t start with a forty day fast.
   9. We can fast as we feel led or on a regular routine.

Conclusion:

The most important question: Why should we fast?

1. Jesus fasted and He taught us to fast.
2. Fasting is a spiritual weapon needed for these desperate times.
3. Pick a day, meal before Global Day of Prayer.