A Fast Teaching On Fasting
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A Fast Teaching On Fasting 19 February 2012
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A Fast Teaching On Fasting. 19 February 2012. Spiritual Disciplines Overview. meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, celebration. Spiritual Disciplines Overview. Not just for monastics. Normal Christian practice. Fasting. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of A Fast Teaching On Fasting
A Fast Teaching On Fasting19 February 2012
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance,
celebration
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
Not just for monastics
Normal Christian practice
Fasting
John Wesley – ‘Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason; and
others have utterly disregarded it.’
Matthew 6:1-18
Biblical Reasons for Fasting
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
1) Jesus speaks of fasting in the context of giving and prayer
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
2) Jesus says, ‘When you fast...’
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
Examples in Scripture
- Old Testament
- New Testament
Spiritual Disciplines Overview
4) God’s people throughout history
Purpose of Fasting
1) Hunger for God
Matthew 4:4
John 6:35
Purpose of FastingWhy bread? And why hunger and thirst? My answer is very simple: He created bread so that we would have some idea of what the Son of God is like when he says, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). And he created the rhythm of thirst and satisfaction so that we would have some idea of what faith in Christ is like when Jesus said, “He who believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
~John Piper
Purpose of Fasting
God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.
~John Piper
Purpose of FastingIf you don’t feel strong desires for the
manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table
of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. God did
not create you for this. There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers
of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: “This much, O God, I want you.”
~John Piper
Purpose of Fasting
2) Change for us
John 4:34
1 Corinthians 6:12
Purpose of Fasting
3) Intercession for others
Hebrews 7:25
Romans 8:26
Practical Considerations
How?
Who?
When?
