"Fasting" - Walking the Way
Adam Barnett preaches on "Fasting" for Week 7 of Walking the Way.
MESSAGE NOTES
Walking the Way
"Fasting" • June 23, 2024
Teacher: Adam Barnett
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“In many ways the stomach is like a spoiled child, and a spoiled child does not need indulgence, but needs discipline.” - Richard Foster
Fasting – the deliberate abstinence from physical gratification for a greater spiritual goal.
- Should we fast?
“When you fast…” – Matthew 6:16
- Why should we fast?
Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. - Matthew 9:14-15
“Fasting helps us to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain the Kingdom of God.” – Andrew Murray
- Why should we not fast?
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:16-18
“The world is not a stage. When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity, but it won’t make you a saint.” - Eugene Peterson
- How to start a fast?