Bible Passage: Matthew 6:16-18
Big Idea: We fast out of a longing for deeper relationship with Jesus, not for status or the approval of man.
1. Fasting Is Not Optional strengthening prayer (Ezra 8:23; Joel 2:13; Acts 13:3)
seeking God’s guidance (Judges 20:26; Acts 14:23)
expressing grief (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:11–12)
seeking deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3–4; Ezra 8:21–23)
expressing repentance and returning to God (1 Samuel 7:6; Jonah 3:5–8)
humbling oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27–29; Psalm 35:13)
expressing concern for the work of God (Nehemiah 1:3–4; Daniel 9:3)
ministering to the needs of others (Isaiah 58:3–7)
overcoming temptation and dedicating yourself to God (Matthew 4:1–11)
expressing love and worship to God (Luke 2:37)
2. How Not To Fast
3. How To Fast