Sermon Series: Fasting and Prayer

Week #3: Guidelines for Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18

February 4 & 11, 2018

Power Point

 

Guidelines for Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18

 

Definition for fasting for our series: Fasting is a voluntary abstaining from something for a specified period of time to specifically seek God and to grow spiritually.

 

Part #1

  1. Fasting is not to be done Hypocritically.

Arthur Wallis said that “when the Pharisees fasted heaven looked the other way.”

 

  1. Fasting is to be done Privately.

 

  1. Fasting is to be done Purposefully.

Kingsley Fletcher said: “Fasting is not a tool to twist the arm of God so that He will give you exactly what you want. Fasting has a spiritual purpose, and that purpose is to get the flesh out of the way so that the Spirit of God can move in your life.”

 

Part #2

  1. Fasting is to be done Prayerfully.

Matthew 6:9-13

 

The pattern Jesus gives for prayer: Matthew 6:9-13

  1. Worship— Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
    B. Submission— Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  2. Provision— Give us this day our daily bread.
  3. Forgiveness— And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  4. Protection— And lead us not into temptation.
  5. Deliverance— but deliver us from evil.
  6. Worship— For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

 

  1. Fasting is not a Ritual.

Matthew 9:14-17

 

  1. Fasting must always start with Repentance.

Isaiah 58:3-9

 

Fasting Challenge: Give up 30 minutes each day of tv, phone and social media this week.

  1. As you pray and seek God’s face and will in your life this week, ask God to move in your life and grow you spiritually.
  2. This week put away all rituals and prayerfully seek God in true humble repentance.