July 29, 2007
The Discipline of Fasting
What have you given up for your family?
Matthew 6
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
FASTING IS...
Fasting is Not an Optional Event for Disciples
Fasting is Not a Public Thing
Fasting is a Covenant Relationship with Your Heavenly Father
The OC’s challenge for YOU to attempt this week.
SCRIPTURES
Joel 1:14 Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the LORD your God, and cry out to him there.
Joel 2:12 That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Joel 2:15 Blow the ram's horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting.
Jesus Examples (Matthew 4)
Early Church Example (Acts 13)
THE PRACTICALITY OF FASTING...
Take today and wean yourself slowly off food (read and eat).
Food is the best fast because it makes time for you and the Father.
Jesus will become your nourishment for the next week (John 6:22-59).
Give yourselves liquids, but not soda.
Break fast at communion next Sunday.
The Discipline of Fasting
What have you given up for your family?
Matthew 6
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
FASTING IS...
Fasting is Not an Optional Event for Disciples
Fasting is Not a Public Thing
Fasting is a Covenant Relationship with Your Heavenly Father
The OC’s challenge for YOU to attempt this week.
SCRIPTURES
Joel 1:14 Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting. Bring the leaders and all the people of the land into the Temple of the LORD your God, and cry out to him there.
Joel 2:12 That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Joel 2:15 Blow the ram's horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting.
Jesus Examples (Matthew 4)
Early Church Example (Acts 13)
THE PRACTICALITY OF FASTING...
Take today and wean yourself slowly off food (read and eat).
Food is the best fast because it makes time for you and the Father.
Jesus will become your nourishment for the next week (John 6:22-59).
Give yourselves liquids, but not soda.
Break fast at communion next Sunday.
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