Matthew 6:16-18
(sermon outline for Sunday January 25)
Central idea: The discipline of fasting may allow believers to grow spiritually and choose wisely.
When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
Matthew 6:16-18 The Message
There are several good reasons that fasting should be discussed and practiced among God’s people:
1) The Bible encourages it.
2) Jesus fasted.
3) Disciples across the ages fasted.
4) There are many more addictive behaviors now than at any time in human history.
5) These are tough times and tough times challenge us to practice tough disciplines.
Outline: Let’s consider a few of the common questions that are brought to the table when talking about fasting:
1. What is fasting?
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from a normal function, such as eating, for the sake of intense spiritual inquiry or transformation.
2. Why fast?
a. To focus on God
b. To free yourself from a habit or addiction
c. To find God’s direction
3. What are some types of fasts?
a. Food fast (partial food fast, complete fast)
b. Activity fast (e.g. golf, fishing, hunting, scrapbooking, tennis, needlepoint, Bunko)
c. Social fast (day of solitude with no contact with friends)
d. Technology fast (ipod, cell phone, blackberry, laptop, texting)
(Note: *Ash Wednesday, on February 25 this year, is the first day of Lent, a time set aside for believers to voluntarily abstain from some favored food or activity for 40 days in order to prepare for Holy Week.)
4. “Should I fast?”
a. When you are searching passionately for God’s direction.
b. When you are in a spiritual drought.
c. When you join with other believers in praying for an extraordinary intervention.
d. When you are learning to live a spiritually disciplined life.
Summary: In your faith journey, you may be invited or challenged to participate in the spiritual discipline of fasting to more fully concentrate on God, to confirm or clarify your sense of spiritual direction, or to passionately intercede on behalf of another. When you fast, fast privately and fast faithfully.
The goal of this discipline, like all the spiritual disciplines, is to help you be an effective follower of Jesus.
