The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for August 25-30, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 MOT & NLT
16And when you (plural) fast do not be gloomy ones as the hypocrites; for they disfigure their faces so that they may appear as fasting ones to men; truly (amen) I tell you they have their reward. 17But when you (singular) fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18so that you may not appear to men as fasting, but to your Father, the one in secret, and your father, the one seeing in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 MOT
16“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NLT.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for another week of studies in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As I turn to the topic of fasting, I pray that You will show me what is right for me when it comes to fasting. Since Jesus told us, “WHEN you fast…” I know that He wants me to fast, so show me how and when and for how long. Use the spiritual disciplines in my life to draw me closer to You, and to increase my effectiveness as Your witness in the world. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16And when you (plural) fast do not be gloomy ones as the hypocrites; for they disfigure their faces so that they may appear as fasting ones to men; truly (amen) I tell you they have their reward. MOT
16“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get. NLT
Why do you think the “hypocrites” (the Jewish religious leaders) would “disfigure their faces” so that other would know they were fasting?
Have you ever fasted? Have you let others know you were fasting? Why or why not?
Today’s Challenge: When I fast THIS WEEK (if there is no health reason why you should not fast!) I will make sure that I don’t make a show of it, but will fast solely to God’s glory!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t want any part of my faith to be a “show” for others. I want to live a life that is fully devoted to You through Your Son, Jesus, and in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Fill me, right now with Your Spirit, that every thought, word and action that comes from me today, will bring You honor and glory. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
17But when you (singular) fast, anoint your head and wash your face MOT
17But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. NLT
Twice Jesus says “WHEN you fast” (in verses 16 & 17). What does that tell us about His expectation for His followers when it comes to fasting?
What do you need to do to apply this teaching in your life this week?
Today’s Challenge: I will make certain that my thoughts, words and actions are for God’s glory and not for mine!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You see EVERYTHING that I do, whether others do or not. I pray that today You will make my life pure that whatever I do in word or deed, I will do EVERYTHING in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, giving thanks to YOU, my Heavenly Father, through Him. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18so that you may not appear to men as fasting, but to your Father, the one in secret, and your father, the one seeing in secret, will reward you. MOT
18Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. NLT
Why is it bad for others to notice that you are fasting according to this verse?
What do you think God’s reward is for fasting?
Today’s Challenge: I will be careful to practice my spiritual disciplines in a way that brings them only to the attention of Jesus!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus underwent a forty day absolute fast at the beginning of His ministry here on earth. I know that such an act would be fatal for any normal person, not receiving Your supernatural sustenance. As I think about Jesus’ willingness to go to the full extent of sacrifice on my behalf, I am so grateful for everything He has done. Thank You for sending Him as Savior and Lord of all life, and of my life! In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
The ABSOLUTE Fast. An absolute fast is a fast during which a person abstains from any kind of food or drink. This fast is rarely undertaken nor should it be, since only by God’s supernatural sustenance can anyone survive such a fast for more than a few days!
Why do you think Jesus underwent an absolute fast for 40 days at the outset of His ministry?
What reason(s) do you think would cause God to lead a person to an absolute fast today?
Today’s Challenge: I will listen for God’s direction in my life and then do His will!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You again for Your faithfulness in my life! I know that regardless of what I do, Your love for me is everlasting. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now that I may live with the same kind of faithfulness toward You. Let my life be light and salt for others today, that they may see Jesus in me and be drawn to Him. This I ask in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
The NORMAL Fast. The normal fast is one in which the participant abstains from all foods and drinks with the exception of water. People in good health may participate in such fasts.
Have you ever participated in a normal fast? If so, what did you think of it and of the results of the fast?
Why do you think Jesus commended the practice of fasting to His followers?
Today’s Challenge: I will undertake a normal fast (if my health permits it!) within the next week, and will focus on one, specific area of my life where I need Jesus to be more real!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I conclude this week of focus on fasting, I pray that You will continue to show me how and when to fast. I pray that it will become a part of my regular spiritual disciplines that You may become more and more in charge of my life today and always! This I pray in Jesus’ name, and for the sake of His coming Kingdom! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
The PARTIAL Fast. The partial fast is abstaining from a particular food or activity. Often Lent is a time of year when Christians abstain from chocolate, or meat, or television viewing. This is the most common example of partial fasting, although partial fasts may be undertaken at any time of year.
Can you think of a time of year or a reason why you may undertake a partial fast?
What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of the partial fast, the normal fast and the absolute fast when compared with one another?
Today’s Challenge: I will make fasting a part of my regular spiritual disciplines, and will be sensitive to times when God is leading me to fast!