The Three Whens

Sunday November 9, 2014
Speaker:

In Matthew 6:1-8 we are told what to do when we give, when we pray, and when we fast. These are three attributes/principles of a Christian life. God asked us to give (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7). It pleases the Lord and is a matter of the heart (Genesis 8:21; Malachi 3:10). How are we to give? We are to give directed by the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), out of love (1 Corinthians 13:3), and in humility (Matthew 6:1-3). What are we told to pray? Matthew 9:38 says to pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest. There are laborers waiting for you to pray to send them out. Why do we pray? We pray to receive our requests from the Lord (Mark 11:24-25), to send out laborers into the harvest (Luke 10:2), and if Jesus needed to pray, we certainly need to (Isaiah 50:4). How do we pray? The Model, Lord’s Prayer shows that we are to have a personal relationship with the Father, keep Him first, pray in line with the Word, repent, and ask for direction. What is fasting? Jesus needed to fast. He fasted for forty days in God’s presence. Food is the life source for my flesh. When my spirit gets filled, my flesh also gets filled. Denying the flesh enhances the spirit. Seek first the kingdom of God. Give, pray, and fast.