Flip the Script 02 | KW
Part of Flip the Script
January 12, 2020

Prayer/Fasting—God’s Design

Matthew 6:16-18

Flip The Script 02 | Mick Veach | lead pastor| first aired on 01.12.20

“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. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 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. – Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT)

Introduction


  1. Essential action points for a prayer life:
    a. Claim biblical promises
    b. Be specific
    c. Ask big

  2. History tells us that fasting:

    a. Has been around for thousands of years
    b. It is not exclusive for Christians
    c. It has physical benefits—but not the motive when with prayer

  3. Critical Point: Fasting should forever center on Jesus

  4. The following characteristics are evident in those who pray and fast:
    a. A deeper hunger for God—I want more
    b. An urgency to see God’s glory displayed
    c. A passion to join the things of God
    d. A humility that drives them to continual surrender of their lives

Three Essential Items to Understand about Fasting

I. Fasting Is

Reveal Answer
in the
Reveal Answer

A. The Old Testament is full of examples that show fasting was normal for many situations
B. The biblical fast has the following meaning

  1. Hebrew: Tsom—means not to eat for self-denial
  2. Greek: Nestia—means not to eat for self-denial

C. Types of Fasts:

  1. Normal fast—no food but water
  2. Absolute fast—not food or water, Ezra 10:6
  3. Partial fast—restricted diet—Daniel 10:3

D. Fasts can be private or corporate

  1. Entire church, Acts 13:1-4
  2. Entire nation, Jonah 3

Key Point—Fasting is normative in the life of a believer

II. The Bible

Reveal Answer
the Following
Reveal Answer
from Fasting:

A. Holds back God’s judgment—Deuteronomy 9:18-26
B. Brings forth miracles—I Samuel 1:7
C. Brings unexpected victory—2 Chronicles 20:3-4
D. Helps develop humility—Psalm 35:13
E. Gives Protection—Ezra 8:21-23
F. Reveals motives—Matthew 6:16-18
G. A powerful aid in spiritual warfare—Matthew 17:21, Isaiah 58
H. Helps in decision making—Acts 13:1-4

Key point—We don’t fast just to fast—God uses it in our lives

III. Fasting Has

Reveal Answer
Reveal Answer
on Us

A. Impacted historical leaders:

  1. Augustine said it was his Christian duty
  2. Luther said it is a powerful tool for his sanctification and victory in spiritual warfare
  3. Wesley fasted two times a week and preached 40,000 sermons with 250,000 miles on horseback

B. The effect of fasting on us (Elmer Towns)

  1. Emptying yourself of every barrier to God
  2. Creating a better appetite
  3. Waiting in His presence to become like Him
  4. Enjoying His presence and spiritual rest
  5. Disciplining myself like Jesus did
  6. Gaining spiritual insight from the Word

Key point—Let’s get at it

Call to Action

  1. Decide to fast for a meal once a week
  2. Set a time in which this will occur
  3. Study scripture on fasting and prayer

Want a record of your sermon notes for today? Click the EMAIL button to send a copy!