Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV)
1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be 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 who is gracious, compassionate and abounding in steadfast love. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that He is first kind to us in Christ, and that He leads us into being kind in His likeness.
2 - How have you lived without regard for people in need, or with selfish motives when you have been generous? Confess your pride and short-sightedness to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you and to purify your heart.
3 - Give thanks to Jesus for the wonder of His generous love and compassion for us when we were in the most extreme need, helpless to save ourselves. Thank Him for bearing our guilt (by His death) and reviving us (by His resurrection).
4 - Who do you know that is in need, whether it is financial, emotional, or relationally? Pray for them, asking the Lord to meet them in their need, and that He would give you wisdom in how you can help them also.
5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you His fruit of love and kindness. Pray for His transforming power in your life, so that He would be glorified as you are conformed more and more into His likeness.