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The Teachings of Jesus : Lesson 21

Text: Matthew 6:16-18
5 June 2016

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING IN THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL

  1. Historical

  1. Theological Significance

  1. Special Calls to fast (Joel 1:14)

  1. The Fast that God rejects (Isaiah 58)

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING BY THE LORD JESUS

  1. Special

40 days and 40 nights

  1. Significance

 a) Pre-ministry
b) Preparation
c) Prayer
d) Meditation

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING IN THE DAYS OF JESUS

  1. The fast of the hypocrites Matthew 6:16

  1. Rejection of this fast

  2. The correct way to fast Matthew 6:17

WHY THE DISCIPLES OF THE LORD DID NOT FAST

  1. Query from two groups of people

a) The disciples of John
b) The Pharisees

  1. Why do the disciples of Jesus not fast Mark 2:18; Matthew 9:14; Luke 5:33-35

  1. The answer of the Lord Jesus

a) His Presence
b) Parable of the Bridegroom
c) There will come a day when there will be fasting
                 Luke 5:35; Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20

THE PERSONAL PRACTICE OF FASTING

  1. Pre-requisites

a) There is understanding of the practice of fasting
b) It is not something to be seen as meritorious
c) It is not an attempt to force God’s hand

  1. Personal

a) It is personal practice
b) You cannot impose this on anyone
c) It is something that is desired personally

  1. On the outside

a) No attempt to draw any attention to your fasting practice
b) Nobody needs to know that you are fasting