Basics: Part 6 - “Fasting: No to Me, Yes to God”
July 6 & July 9, 2023
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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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.
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might
humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey
for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.
Ezra 8:21 (ESV)
Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 13:1-3 (ESV)
*Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty
nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:1-2 (ESV)
And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
Mark 9:28-29 (ESV)
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)
Questions & Application
These questions can be used for personal study and/or in a Small Group format. We’d love to hear how you are putting them to use, so let us know at smallgroups@manna.church!
Read the main Scripture(s) of the sermon. What are your observations?
What was your biggest takeaway from today’s message?
What about the sermon inspired, encouraged, or challenged you?
What insights do you have that you could share with someone else?
What action steps do you need to take to respond to the message?
