People's Church

Acts 4:23-24  On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. (NIV)

Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (NIV)

1. What is fasting?

2. Why should we fast?

A. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.

Matthew 6:16 – 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. (NLT)

B. Spiritual leaders throughout scripture fasted.

Moses fasted – Deuteronomy 9

David fasted – 2 Samuel 12

Elijah fasted – 1 Kings 19

Ezra fasted – Ezra 10

Nehemiah fasted – Nehemiah 1

Esther fasted – Esther 4

Daniel fasted – Daniel 10

Paul – Acts 9

Jesus fasted - Matthew 4

C. Some things only happen as a result of prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 - But this kind of demon won’t leave unless you have prayed and gone without food. (TLB)

3. How do you know what to fast?

Isaiah 58:3-5 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? (NIV)

4. What should you expect when you fast?

1. Jesus is King 

Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (NIV)

Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)

2. You should worship Jesus the King 

Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

3. You should give to Jesus the king 

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

4. You should bow down to Jesus the King

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

Philippians 2:10- So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (ESV) 

Romans 14:11 It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”  (NIV)

1. Jesus is King 

Matthew 2:1–2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Revelation 17:14 They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (NIV)

Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)

2. You should worship Jesus the King 

Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV)

3. You should give to Jesus the king 

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

4. You should bow down to Jesus the King

Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (NIV)

Philippians 2:10- So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (ESV) 

Romans 14:11 It is written: As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”  (NIV)

Psalm 103:1–2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (NIV)

Psalms 78:11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (NIV)

Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles;

they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. (NIV)

Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (NIV)

Psalm 106:21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, (NIV)

Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me. (NLT)

Isaiah 17:10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, (NIV)

Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (NIV)

1. Renews your youth like the eagle’s

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (NIV)

Psalm 23:1–3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

2. Satisfies you with good things

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

3. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

4. Redeems your life from the pit

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

5. Heals all your diseases

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

6. Forgives all your sins

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)

Psalm 103:1–2 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— (NIV)

Psalms 78:11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. (NIV)

Psalm 106:7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles;

they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. (NIV)

Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. (NIV)

Psalm 106:21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, (NIV)

Jeremiah 2:32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me. (NLT)

Isaiah 17:10 You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, (NIV)

Hosea 13:6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. (NIV)

1. Renews your youth like the eagle’s

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (NIV)

Psalm 23:1–3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)

2. Satisfies you with good things

Psalm 103:5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (NIV)

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

3. Crowns you with steadfast love and mercy

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

4. Redeems your life from the pit

Psalm 103:4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (NIV)

5. Heals all your diseases

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

6. Forgives all your sins

Psalm 103:3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, (NIV)

Psalm 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (NIV)

Psalm 103:2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)

 

Every part of the body matters

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)

 

1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT)

1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)

 

Every part of the body matters

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)

 

1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT)

1 Corinthians 12:12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (NLT)

 

Every part of the body matters

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:14-17 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? (NLT)

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. (NLT)

 

1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  (NLT)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

1. Pray about everything

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

2. Combine thanksgiving with prayer

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3 Benefits of Combining Thanksgiving with Prayer

1. The peace of God

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV)

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)

2. Peace that transcends all understanding

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3. Peace that guards your heart and mind

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

1. Pray about everything

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

2. Combine thanksgiving with prayer

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3 Benefits of Combining Thanksgiving with Prayer

1. The peace of God

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV)

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)

2. Peace that transcends all understanding

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

3. Peace that guards your heart and mind

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)