Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)

16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Intro: How well do you handle deprivation and going without?

WHAT IS A FAST?
What is a fast and why were they commanded?

THE ULTIMATE DEPRIVATION & REWARD
How has Jesus worked both to forgive and free us?

FASTING, FREEDOM & LOVE
How can fasting, from a posture of Gospel humility and security, help us identify and root out idolatrous influences and grow in faithfulness?

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD for His surpassing worth compared to any and every created thing. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for His goodness and trustworthiness vs. the transitory and vain things of this world.

2 - How have you lived inordinately attached to the things of this world? Confess your idolatry, and spiritual adultery, to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you and to change your heart to truly love Him.

3 - Give thanks to Jesus for His willingness to be deprived (bearing our guilt) and to share so freely His reward (giving us His righteousness). Thank Him for applying all of His blessedness to saving our lives through His suffering.

4 - Who do you know that is hooked on something worldly? Pray for them, asking the Lord to work to persuade them of their need for redemption and to enable them to trust Jesus’ work instead of their own vain efforts.

5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you His fruit of love, faithfulness and goodness. Pray for the Spirit to empower you to live faithfully toward the Father, root out idolatrous influences in your life, and die to them.