About fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)

• There is no general command for fasting in the Old Testament or New Testament. Some specific groups were commanded to fast at particular times. Other times it was done voluntarily.

• Keep it clean

  • Fasting is not to be done for show. God will not accept it as spiritual service if it is done for show.

• What about fasting?

  • Self-denial with purpose – Isaiah 58:3-7

    • Isaiah warned about fasting without dedication.

  • Devotion to prayer

    • Command

    • Necessity

    • Authorization

    • Practicality

Worry and service (Matthew 6:19-34)

• What is prioritized? Matthew 6:19-20

• What is exclusive? Matthew 6:24

• Are these related?

• Concern vs. worry:

  • Concern motivates you to address the problem. Worry only makes the problem seem worse without actually doing anything to fix it.

• Exclusivity demonstrated by Moses – Hebrews 11:24-26

• Choose the right priority

  • The rest will fall into place.

  • II Corinthians 9:10 – As we do good, God increases our capacity for doing good.

Obsess over wealth?

• Don’t obsess – God is in control, not us.

  • Add a cubit?

  • Add an hour?

• Necessity of money

  • “Make” a living

  • Share

• Wealth is neither evil nor virtuous

  • Abraham – Romans 4:9-16; Genesis 13:2

  • Daniel