Message Notes:

Rom 12:2 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Matt 6:1-2,5,16-18 (NLT) "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity!... "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get… "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.

FAQ’s on Fasting

1. What is fasting?

"Fasting is a voluntary choice not to eat for a period of time in order to focus one’s attention on prayer during a significant moment in life."

2. Who fasted in the Bible?

3. How long did they fast?

4. What were they fasting from? In every Biblical example - it was food

 Absolute fast

 Normal fast

 Partial fast

5. What were they fasting for?

6. What is the result of fasting?

Prayer and Fasting Combination

Luke 2:36-38 (NLT) Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

Acts 13:2-3 (NLT) One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them." So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

7. We don’t fast to…

 Manipulate God, Impress others (become prideful), Be Legalistic, As Penance

What Is My Response?

1. Pray about fasting.

2. Pray for what to fast from.

3. Pray for what to fast for.

Response:

1. Will you pray about fasting?

2. What will you fast from?

3. What will you fast for?