The Freedom of Fasting | Matthew 6:16-18 | Neil McClendon

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church

Matthew 6:16-18
The Freedom of Fasting

1. It is assumed that Christians fast, v. 16
“The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the
banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but mindless nibbling at
the table of the world.”

-John Piper, A Hunger for God

2. Fasting is for God, v. 16
When we embrace that fasting is for God two things happen:
a) it eliminates anybody having to know
b) it affects what I do while fasting
Zechariah 7:1-6
Isaiah 58:3-5

3. Fasting is in secret, v. 18
Four thoughts that accompany habitual sin...
a God is ________.
b There is no use.
c There is no stopping.
d There is no hope.

Nehemiah 9:1-2

Mental worship...
1 What has most shaped how you think about fasting?
2 What spiritual habits do you practice to stay connected to your faith?
3 Do you ever wonder if your spiritual habits matter?
4 What do you feel when you read that "your Father sees in secret? "
5 Is the lie you believe about God or yourself?