The Secret Life
of Successful Christians
Introduction:
"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." -Matthew 6:1
In chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus is giving us practical
instruction on Christian living. Specifically, He causes us to focus
on our motives. Whom, exactly, are we trying to please? It is
entirely possible, it seems, to spend a lifetime doing "righteous"
things and yet, not be right with God. Jesus tells us to "beware"
of the temptation to live for the applause of people. He further
tells us, that if that is our motivation, we forfeit any heavenly
reward.
PART 4: Fasting
"And when
you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure
their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to
you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your
head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others
but by your Father who sees in secret will reward you." -
Matthew 6:16-17 ESV
Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is first mentioned in the Bible
in the book of Judges 20:26 and then in several other passages that
follow. In these narrative passages, it always associated with sorrow
and repentance. The Hebrew word that is translated into English as
“fasting” has a primary idea of the mouth being shut.
To put it in common English, fasting is
about shutting your pie-hole and listening to God. Fasting is not a
technique by which we can twist God’s arm. It is not a failsafe
means of manipulation, nor is it designed to make us feel spiritual
while we try to shed a few pound.
True fasting is born of spiritual
sorrow.
Isaiah 58:3-12 give us insight into the
type of fast that moves the hand of God on our behalf. The purpose of
fasting is not to afflict ourselves so that God (and others) will
feel sorry for us. The purpose of fasting is to:
- break evil strong holds,
- facilitate generosity,
- bring righteousness through repentance.
New Testament Examples of Fasting
- Jesus, in Matthew 4. A parallel passage in Mark says that Jesus was “driven” by the Spirit into the wilderness. Although few probably realized it, the declaration of his sacrificial mission had been made at his water baptism just a few days before. He was in the wilderness in isolation as the Spirit prepared him for ministry. In the wilderness, Jesus engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan himself, and came out victorious.
- The Roman Centurion Cornelius, in Acts 10. He was most likely a gentile, but was considered “righteous” because of his generosity to the people and devotion to God. It appears that as he earnestly sought to please the Lord he was engaged in prayer and fasting.
- The church in Antioch, in Acts 13 . In this church we see a group of mature believers who have joined together to seek the will of God. This gives us an example of corporate prayer and fasting within a community of believers. From this atmosphere new ministry is born.
How do I fast effectively?
1. Be
sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit regarding timing. If you
sense that the Spirit is “driving” you to prayer and fasting,
listen! God is trying to do something great through you. He is
preparing you for ministry. He is allowing you to battle evil on a
spiritual level. He is trying to direct your life in the ways he
wants you to go!
Many times we pray
as a matter of spiritual discipline. We know we need to pray;
therefore, we do, but occasionally we pray because the Spirit drives
us to pray. It is in those times when we have the mind of God, and we
know it. It is at those times when our spirit is completely
synchronized with the Spirit of Christ and we know it. It is at those
times that the powers of hell fear the awakened Church.
When we get to
this point prayer is no longer a discipline. It is not a chore. Here,
we want to pray. We want to fight. We are empowered by the Holy
Spirit.
- Fast and pray with a purpose. Whether seeking direction in ministry, mercy on a nation, or a deeper walk with God, it is good to pray with focus.
- Follow through on God’s clear direction. Jesus left the wilderness and began performing miracles. Cornelius sent to Joppa for Simon Peter, as instructed. The Christians in Antioch sent out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on a missionary journey.
Prayer Focus
Pray for God to instill in you a
spiritual passion that will drive you to prayer and fasting.
