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Fasting Jesus' Way

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are in a sermon series entitled, MEET ME ON THE MOUNTAIN. We are presenting what is need to prepare God’s church for His return. God's primary concerned that our hearts be turned toward Him when we fast.

 

Fasting is a time to seek His face and be captured by His Spirit. We are blessed and we become a blessing to others. True fasting is not principally concerned about food, or the external act of fasting. Those things can be easily fabricated and counterfeited. True fasting is focused on the Object of our fasting and is to be completely unto God.

 

When we to fast the way Jesus teaches us to, it is likely that we will not receive any acclaim or praise from men. In fact, some may even ridicule or view us as fanatical or legalistic.

 

I encourage you to take the time to personally search the scriptures. Diligently seek God out in this matter, allow Him to direct you. Then be obedient to His voice.

 

 

Series: Meet Me on the Mountain – Part 5
FASTING JESUS’ WAY 
Matthew  6:16 - 18

 

 

True fasting is focused on the Object of our fasting it is to be completely unto God.

I. The Wrong Way to Fast

Jesus shows the negative to accentuate the positive.

A. Fasting as a Hypocrite

Instead of fasting for a noble or godly reason the motive for some is deception.

1. To Gain a Sense of God’s Approval and Self-approval

You don’t have to try to gain His approval you already have it.

2. To Fulfill a Religious Act

Fasting for some is the only end they have in mind.

3. To Gain Religious Recognition

Some fast to gain the attention of others, especially in religious circles.

B. Fasting for Recognition

There are inherent dangers in fasting.

1. Danger of Feeling “Super-spiritual” –

You can become “spiritual snobs” and look down on those who haven’t “arrived yet.”

2. Danger of Over-confidence –

We put our confidence in our activities and ourselves rather than in our relationship to God.

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:14 NLT

3. Danger of Changing One’s Appearance and Actions

Hypocrites disfigure their faces to show they are fasting Matthew  6:18

C. Reward: Human Recognition and Esteem

If the reward you aim for is the admiration of others that is all you will get.

II. The Right Way to Fast

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:17-18 KJV.

A. As a Duty - ”when thou fastest”

Fasting is to be a normal part of the spiritual journey.

B. Without Notice –

…That thou appear not unto men to fast…

Fast in such a manner that it occurs without notice.

C. To God Alone - …but only to your Father…

We fast to know Him and His will.

D. Result: God Will Reward You - thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 KJV.