Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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Biblical Backdrop for Fasting
What Jesus had to say:
Assumption
Jesus assumes that fasting will be a normal part of everyday living for Him for the Christ-follower
Advertised
Fasting shouldn’t be advertised
Making public advertisement of your fasting would be to make it artificial
No artificial fasting
Appearance & Action
Don’t be like the religious leaders in Jesus’ day who were more concerned w/the appearance of fasting than with the action of fasting
Attitude
Your attitude should be focused on the Father
It’s not about outward show
It’s not about being praised by men
Jesus is teaching them radical truth
Charity
Prayer
Fasting
All based in the OT
Radical … comes from Latin word radix = root
Jesus is bringing them back to the root of their relationship basd in OT understanding that charity … prayer … fasting originate in the heart
One Old Testament example:
Nehemiah had just been given bad news
“those who survived the exile…are in great trouble and disgrace”
“The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
Nehemiah — Personal
He was a cupbearer to the king
Meant he had to be trustworthy, handsome, intelligent, cultured, knowledgeable about a variety of topics
Was a position of great responsibility & privilege
This was a position of access - he had access to the king
He could use his influence in a variety of ways, had to be trustworthy
Nehemiah — Professional
He cared enough to ask
Vs 2 — I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
Big doors swing on little hinges
I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
Moses was called on an ordinary day in from a burning bush
David was called on an ordinary day from shepherding the flock
Peter, Andrew, James & John were called on ordinary days from being fishermen
You never know what will happen on an ordinary day
Q4U: Why would Nehemiah care to ask?
After all, he had a position of ease & influence
A century & a half before, the Prophet Jeremiah had given this word from the Lord
Nehemiah was the man God had chosen to ask that question & to do those things
HTD: you & I could be missing God’s assignment because we’re afraid to ask the right questions
FLIP SIDE: REASONS WE DON’T ASK:
REASONS WE DON’T ASK:
1.) We don’t ask because we know that information will lead revelation
You’ll find out something you don’t want to know
You might not get a “good report”
But remember, the grave yard is full of people who refused information
BUT YOU MIGHT GET A GOOD REPORT … you won’t know if you don’t ask
2.) We don’t ask because we know the information may lead to obligation
You CAN choose to live in ignorance
Remember the graveyard is full of people who refused information
3.) We don’t ask because we know that a response will be required
Think about this … the promises of God are indicators of His love & commitment to us
But every promise means that a response is required
Nehemiah asked because he cared
When we care, we ask
What did Nehemiah learn?
What do we learn?
Remnant
Nehemiah “sat down”
Ruin
This was customary for Jews when mourning ()
Nehemiah wept — a sign of his strength ...
Reproach
He was able to bear the burden of the news
Nehemiah opens w “great affliction (1:3) but ends w/ “great joy” (8:17)
Nehemiah mourned
mourn = to feel sadness & express it through vocalization & tears
Nehemiah fasted
Abstained from certain foods
Nehemiah prayed
Called out to his Creator
Few of Important Statements:
Fasting is not a spiritual hunger strike
Fasting isn’t about gain…it’s about forsaking
Fasting doesn’t change God’s hearing so much as it changes our praying
Fasting doesn’t change God’s hearing so much as it changes our praying
From this place of fasting & prayer that God’s plan to restore the wall & the people was birthed
An early church example:
Acts
Key Takeaways
This was corporate in nature
Worship was a part
describes a congregational fast
describes a congregational fast
Worship was joined with fasting in hearing God’s voice
There was a sense of expectancy
There was an openness to the Lord’s leading
There was a willingness to hear His voice
Practical Principles Regarding Fasting
What is fasting?
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God
Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out.
It enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives.
Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
If in doubt, seek medical advice & counsel before beginning!
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