Encounter Church
Sunday Morning 11.09.25
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  • Joy Unspeakable
  • My Worship
  • Sing Wherever I Go
  • Flow to you

  • 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.
  • 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.
    Big Idea: What does Jesus teach us? He teaches us how to keep our focus on what really matters and has long-term consequences.

    Introduction:

    Audience: Jesus’ audience is impoverished. They are spiritually and actually poor. Jesus does not want them to be distracted by their surroundings and miss the jewel of the kingdom. Similarly we cannot

    I am reminded of a show called “Hoarders”. It is basically a show of people who through life circumstances have gotten stuck in a place where they hold onto items and have no capability release anything.
    They have mastered an ability to collect it but had no ability to let go. They are always using phrases like “I could use that one day”. And so they amass huge stockpiles of material based on the “possibility” they may need it. However it not only irritates but gets in the way of those who are trying to come close to love them.
    A. You see hoarding allows us to over subscribe value to items in our lives that give us temporary comfort but inevitable destruction.
    (My rage kept me safe, My Cynicism and sarcasm helped me cope,
    So Jesus this morning tells us not to lay up
    /*
    Original Word: θησαυρίζω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thésaurizó Pronunciation: thay-sow-RID-zo Phonetic Spelling: (thay-sow-rid'-zo)
    ay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up) */
    for ourselves treasures :
    /*
    Original Word: θησαυρός Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: thésauros Pronunciation: thay-sow-ROS Phonetic Spelling: (thay-sow-ros') KJV: treasure  NASB: treasure, treasures Word Origin: [from G5087 (τίθημι - laid)] 1. a deposit, i.e. wealth {literally or figuratively}
    HELPS Word-studies
    2344 thēsaurós (from 5087 /títhēmi, "to put, set") – properly, stored-up treasure (riches); (figuratively) a storehouse of treasure, including (treasured) thoughts stored up in the heart and mind.
    */
    on earth. And because of the word treasures we immediately in our mind go directly to money. And that definition is not incorrect but it is incomplete.
    It can also mean treasured thoughts stored in the heart and in the mind.
    In short, treasures are simply what we value the most!..
    Power Principle: We can hold onto to things that we value at the expense of things that are eternally valuable.
    It is possible for me to value a thing that has no value to anyone else.
    That’s why often people on the outside cannot see why it’s hard for someone to let a bad person or habit go. It simply because that person or thing has no value to you but they have found a way to provide value to them… And they are willing to abandon jobs, family, friends and ultimately their soul because they value what is being brought over the toxicity that comes with it or them. They have allowed something or someone to arrest their focus…

    I. What am I Collecting? (What are we holding on to That we need to let Go of?)

    Some of us are hoarding pain and negative emotions

    Hoarding Pain and negative emotions
    Some of us are hoarding bitterness
    Some of us are hoarding criticism and negative critical spirits because although they are toxic and push people away, they have become a comforting defense mechanisms for our past pains, traumas and insecurities
    We reject the eternal peace of God and spiritual wholeness which has great value for things that give an illusion of… security

    Some of us are hoarding career success, achievement and accolades

    Hoarding career success, achievement, and accolades
    Some abandon spiritual growth and relational health for corporate promotion
    They careers are coming together, while their lives are falling apart
    Some sacrifice Kingdom marriages to please earthly bosses and company recognition
    Some neglect Kingdom families they have been entrusted with to pursue corporate success under the false guise of “I’m doing this for my family”

    Some are hoarding personal happiness at the expense of everything else.

    Some are hoarding personal happiness at the expense of everything else.
    Happiness is important. However it is not priority over God’s kingdom agenda.
    Some sacrifice their deeper relationships with God for the warmth and intimacy that a significant other brings. They will totally overlook the fact that person is not connected to Jesus because they are lonely and the presence of another provides value…
    How many Kingdom families have been broken up over the phrase “I deserve to be happy”?
    Power Principle: Sometimes the pursuit of the things we desire can lead us away from the things we desperately need.
    What have we stored
    As with all people, there can be a tendency to romanticize conditions we desire. People look for life improvement and may very well make the a detrimental decision looking for relief.

    II. What Am I confusing? (Things that are good but misprioritized)

    Matthew 6:20 NKJV
    20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
    The lasting value are in the things of God. They are more secure bet
    HOLD UP IN RESERVE , HOLD ONTO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE The things you fall in love with are hard to let go of.

    III. What is my Course? (It’s Time for an evaluation)

    Matthew 6:21 NKJV
    21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    I can evaluate the health of my spiritual by evaluating the reality of my priorities
    Heart:
    The core of the being . It contains
    A. Mind
    Romans 12:2 NKJV
    2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
    2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
    5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
    Philippians 4:8 NKJV
    8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
    B. Job 7:15
    Job 7:15 NKJV
    15 So that my soul chooses strangling And death rather than my body.
    Ezekiel 36:36 NKJV
    36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.”
    Numbers 30:2 NKJV
    2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
    1 Chronicles 22:19 NKJV
    19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”
    C. Emotions
    Psalm 42:11 NKJV
    11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
    John 11:35 NKJV
    35 Jesus wept.
    Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

      • Matthew 6:19–21NKJV

      • Matthew 6:20NKJV

      • Matthew 6:21NKJV

      • Romans 12:2NKJV

      • 2 Corinthians 10:5NKJV

      • Philippians 4:8NKJV

      • Job 7:15NKJV

      • Ezekiel 36:36NKJV

      • Numbers 30:2NKJV

      • 1 Chronicles 22:19NKJV

      • Psalm 42:11NKJV

      • John 11:35NKJV

      • Galatians 5:22–23NKJV

  • 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.
    Big Idea: What does Jesus teach us? He teaches us how to keep our focus on what really matters and has long-term consequences.

    Introduction:

    Audience: Jesus’ audience is impoverished. They are spiritually and actually poor. Jesus does not want them to be distracted by their surroundings and miss the jewel of the kingdom. Similarly we cannot

    I am reminded of a show called “Hoarders”. It is basically a show of people who through life circumstances have gotten stuck in a place where they hold onto items and have no capability release anything.
    They have mastered an ability to collect it but had no ability to let go. They are always using phrases like “I could use that one day”. And so they amass huge stockpiles of material based on the “possibility” they may need it. However it not only irritates but gets in the way of those who are trying to come close to love them.
    A. You see hoarding allows us to over subscribe value to items in our lives that give us temporary comfort but inevitable destruction.
    (My rage kept me safe, My Cynicism and sarcasm helped me cope,
    So Jesus this morning tells us not to lay up
    /*
    Original Word: θησαυρίζω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thésaurizó Pronunciation: thay-sow-RID-zo Phonetic Spelling: (thay-sow-rid'-zo)
    ay up (treasure), (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up) */
    for ourselves treasures :
    /*
    Original Word: θησαυρός Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: thésauros Pronunciation: thay-sow-ROS Phonetic Spelling: (thay-sow-ros') KJV: treasure  NASB: treasure, treasures Word Origin: [from G5087 (τίθημι - laid)] 1. a deposit, i.e. wealth {literally or figuratively}
    HELPS Word-studies
    2344 thēsaurós (from 5087 /títhēmi, "to put, set") – properly, stored-up treasure (riches); (figuratively) a storehouse of treasure, including (treasured) thoughts stored up in the heart and mind.
    */
    on earth. And because of the word treasures we immediately in our mind go directly to money. And that definition is not incorrect but it is incomplete.
    It can also mean treasured thoughts stored in the heart and in the mind.
    In short, treasures are simply what we value the most!..
    Power Principle: We can hold onto to things that we value at the expense of things that are eternally valuable.
    It is possible for me to value a thing that has no value to anyone else.
    That’s why often people on the outside cannot see why it’s hard for someone to let a bad person or habit go. It simply because that person or thing has no value to you but they have found a way to provide value to them… And they are willing to abandon jobs, family, friends and ultimately their soul because they value what is being brought over the toxicity that comes with it or them. They have allowed something or someone to arrest their focus…

    I. What am I Collecting? (What are we holding on to That we need to let Go of?)

    Some of us are hoarding pain and negative emotions

    Hoarding Pain and negative emotions
    Some of us are hoarding bitterness
    Some of us are hoarding criticism and negative critical spirits because although they are toxic and push people away, they have become a comforting defense mechanisms for our past pains, traumas and insecurities
    We reject the eternal peace of God and spiritual wholeness which has great value for things that give an illusion of… security

    Some of us are hoarding career success, achievement and accolades

    Hoarding career success, achievement, and accolades
    Some abandon spiritual growth and relational health for corporate promotion
    They careers are coming together, while their lives are falling apart
    Some sacrifice Kingdom marriages to please earthly bosses and company recognition
    Some neglect Kingdom families they have been entrusted with to pursue corporate success under the false guise of “I’m doing this for my family”

    Some are hoarding personal happiness at the expense of everything else.

    Some are hoarding personal happiness at the expense of everything else.
    Happiness is important. However it is not priority over God’s kingdom agenda.
    Some sacrifice their deeper relationships with God for the warmth and intimacy that a significant other brings. They will totally overlook the fact that person is not connected to Jesus because they are lonely and the presence of another provides value…
    How many Kingdom families have been broken up over the phrase “I deserve to be happy”?
    Power Principle: Sometimes the pursuit of the things we desire can lead us away from the things we desperately need.
    What have we stored
    As with all people, there can be a tendency to romanticize conditions we desire. People look for life improvement and may very well make the a detrimental decision looking for relief.

    II. What Am I confusing? (Things that are good but misprioritized)

    Matthew 6:20 NKJV
    20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
    The lasting value are in the things of God. They are more secure bet
    HOLD UP IN RESERVE , HOLD ONTO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE The things you fall in love with are hard to let go of.

    III. What is my Course? (It’s Time for an evaluation)

    Matthew 6:21 NKJV
    21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    I can evaluate the health of my spiritual by evaluating the reality of my priorities
    Heart:
    The core of the being . It contains
    A. Mind
    Romans 12:2 NKJV
    2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
    2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV
    5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
    Philippians 4:8 NKJV
    8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
    B. Job 7:15
    Job 7:15 NKJV
    15 So that my soul chooses strangling And death rather than my body.
    Ezekiel 36:36 NKJV
    36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.”
    Numbers 30:2 NKJV
    2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
    1 Chronicles 22:19 NKJV
    19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”
    C. Emotions
    Psalm 42:11 NKJV
    11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
    John 11:35 NKJV
    35 Jesus wept.
    Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

      • Matthew 6:19–21NKJV

      • Matthew 6:20NKJV

      • Matthew 6:21NKJV

      • Romans 12:2NKJV

      • 2 Corinthians 10:5NKJV

      • Philippians 4:8NKJV

      • Job 7:15NKJV

      • Ezekiel 36:36NKJV

      • Numbers 30:2NKJV

      • 1 Chronicles 22:19NKJV

      • Psalm 42:11NKJV

      • John 11:35NKJV

      • Galatians 5:22–23NKJV

Encounter Church
http://www.encounter360.org
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