Carmelo Caparros
Apr 18, 2021
INTRODUCTION
In this 21st Century, fasting has become a LOST HERITAGE and this is UNFORTUNATE given the POWER that we might derive out of it. Jesus Himself said in relation to fasting: “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you”.
I believe that our sermon last weekend was sufficient to make us realize the great BLESSINGS that come with a God ordained fast. Having said that, there is a WRONG way to FAST and a RIGHT ONE. This is what the Lord was teaching in this passage.
BODY SERMON
To facilitate our understanding on this matter, we will look at its THREE-FOLD POINTS
I. PROPRIETY OF FAST v. 16
It doesn’t say “if” you fast, but “when” you fast.
It is NOT OPTIONAL. God expects His people to fast.
Jesus expects us to continue in our fasting (Matthew 9: 14 – 15).
II. WRONG FAST v. 16
(A) PROJECTION OF PRETENSE
(B) WRONG MOTIVE
(C) PEOPLE’S REWARD
III. RIGHT FAST vv. 17 – 18
(A) NEGATIVE PROJECTION v. 17
(B) RIGHT MOTIVE: v. 18
(C) GOD’S REWARD – v. 18
CONCLUSION
With an understanding of the WHAT and the WHY of Fasting, let us re-introduce this into our lives and ministry.