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Intermediate Sunday School Lesson 37 : THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Text: Matthew 6
18 September 2022

INTRODUCTION

1. The Practice of Prayer

a) Learning is one thing
b) Practising is another
c) The challenge is to focus on practising and improving our prayer life

2. There are challenges that we must face and overcome

a) Correcting wrong practices of prayer
b) Committing ourselves to learning how to pray better

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING

16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:16-18

1. What is Fasting?

a) It is associated with praying
b) It is abstaining from food
c) It is a special time set aside for the purpose of seeking God in prayer

2. Fasting was associated with:

a) The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32)
i) Described as “a day to afflict your souls” Lev. 23:27, 32
ii) It was a whole day exercise
iii) The word “fasting” was not actually mentioned
iv) It was practised by many
b) One day set aside for:
i) Remembering sins that have been committed
ii) Repenting from sins
iii) Returning to God
iv) Restoration by God

3. The Call to Fasting

a) In times of national disaster
b) The prophet Joel wrote on this matter
“Consecrate a fast”
Joel 1:14

4. False Fasting rebuked

a) The practice of hypocrites
b) They wear a sad countenance (face)
c) They even disfigure their face
i) To appear righteous
ii) To win admiration and approval from people Matthew 6:16

5. The right way to practise fasting

a) The head is to remain “anointed”
b) To have a clean washed face
c) Do not appear to be fasting at all
d) There is to be no drawing attention to self

6. Fasting is like praying

a) It is to be done on a personal level
b) Before God the Father
c) The “reward” (blessing) will come from God

CONCLUSION

1. The Focus is still on Prayer

2. Fasting may be used as an aid to praying and seeking God

3. Practical concerns

a) Fasting is not for the sick/ unhealthy
b) It has to be practised wisely and carefully
c) Guidance may be sought