Encounter Church
Sunday Morning 11.02.25
      • Bible Trivia
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  • You Are Good
  • How Great Is Our God

      • 1 Timothy 5:17NIV2011

  • Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)

  • Scripture:

    Matthew 6:16–18 NKJV
    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.
    Introduction:
    Jesus makes a stark contrast between the teachings of religion and the intentions of God.
    Jesus did not imply that the reactions of the religious were without reward. He implied that the reward they received had a very limited shelf-life.
    The applause of men is fickle and fleeting. We appreciate affirmation but we do not perform for it.
    The applause of God is life changing and has eternal consequences
    Matthew 6:16 NKJV
    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.
    Jesus is prescribing to us how to fast by initially telling us what to avoid.
    This scripture is not forbidding corporate fasting.
    Acts 13:2-3 It is prohibiting using fasting and it’s appearance to gain more religious clout in the eyes of others. In other words, “GOD IS NOT YOUR INTENDED AUDIENCE”
    Acts 13:2–3 NKJV
    2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
    Acts 14:23 NKJV
    23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
    (Also Ezra 8:23,Esther 4:15-16, 2 Chronicles 20, Jonah 3:5-9, Leviticus 23:27)

    I. THE PURPOSE OF FASTING

    A. Spiritual Discipline
    It teaches and trains our spirits to rule of the desires of the flesh. I also teaches the flesh submission. This is a prime example of spirit led discipline.
    Galatians 5:16–18 NKJV
    16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
    B. Separation and Sanctification to God
    When we fast remove distractions that would arrest our focus and distract our flesh. Fasting is a spiritual “Do not disturb Mode”. It lowers the level of distraction and reminds us that our focus should be on our creator.
    To Fast in a biblical way declares to God that you are more important to me than anything else. Even the very food I eat.
    In short, many of the things that motivate us on this earth satisfy our flesh but don’t benefit us in the long run. We are being robbed by focusing on validation rather than Kingdom impact. The truth is if you focus on kingdom impact, The other thing will come as well.
    Matthew 6:17–18 NKJV
    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.
    He is telling us a simple but yet powerful message:
    Power Principle: Spend only the time or focus necessary on things that will ultimately fade away. Place your focus on things that have eternal value.
    Matthew 6:19–21 NKJV
    19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    Power Principle: Do not fall in love with this world, it’s systems or what it has to offer. It is all a mirage. This world has so many attractive things and opportunities. God has provided these things for our enjoyment. But they are not to take HIS place.
    1 Timothy 6:17–19 NKJV
    17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

      • John 14:1NIV2011

      • 2 Kings 4:25–26NIV2011

      • 2 Kings 4:32–35NIV2011

      • Isaiah 41:10NIV2011

      • Matthew 8:5–13NIV2011

      • John 16:33NIV2011

      • Romans 8:28NIV2011

      • Isaiah 61:1–3NIV2011

      • John 3:16NIV2011

      • Romans 5:8NIV2011

      • Romans 10:9–10NIV2011

Encounter Church
http://www.encounter360.org
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