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Awaken Fast (part 2)

Sermon Summary

Matthew 6:1\\u20134 (ESV)

¹ \\u201cBeware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. ² \\u201cThus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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Pastor Chris acknowledged that we can struggle with following the disciplines of the Lord because we develop a closed heart. It\\u2019s natural for us to make fasting, or tithing, or prayer simply an obligation \\u2013 this is legalism and it comes from an unopened heart \\u2013 like a flower bud not yet in bloom. Jesus taught us how to live meaningful, thriving lives, open hearted, when he gave the Sermon on the Mount and shared the Beatitudes.

Beatitudes are the expectations of life. Jesus shows us how to live our faith in an open, generous way. As you read, not the word \\u201cwhen\\u201d appears before each action. \\u201cWhen\\u201d is the expected behavior.\\xa0 Graciously, God has built in a reward for each activity we are expected to do. These treasures are the way we account for, and add incentive to, our daily living. Follow these keys to an open heart and your life with flourish while the treasure you seek is promised from God:

Four Keys of an Open Heart\\xa0

1. Generously Give \\u2013 it is impossible to out-give God, try it

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2. Shut-the-door Prayer Life \\u2013 God built you for one-on-one relationship with Him, make the space

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3. Fast - fasting unlocks your heart to the deeper things of God

Our prayers together, as a church body, for this Awaken Fast are:

• Personal renewal and sensitivity on our hearts to receive more of God
• Revival in the Church of America
• Renewed heart to reach the 253 with the love and truth of Jesus
• Salvation for our family, friends, co-workers, and community to have saving relationship with Jesus

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4. Invest \\u2013 store up treasures for eternity

Illustration of the dot and the line. Our life represents a dot, eternity represents an unending line \\u2013 live on the line, not just the dot. Treasures that we store (invest) now in eternity are the rewards of an open heart and generous hand.

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Having an open heart demonstrates that we want to make our life count. Like the Beatitudes, God expects us to spend the time and money He gives us in the ways He shows us. Here are some keys to living life His way:

The 6 Treasure Principle keys:

1. God owns everything; I\\u2019m His money manager.

2. My heart always goes where I put God\\u2019s money.

3. Heaven\\u2013the New Earth, not the present one\\u2013is my home.

4. I should live today not for the dot, but for the line.

5. Giving is the only antidote to Materialism.

6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

(The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn)

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Discussion Questions

1. How do you see other Christians living life with expectation? What are some ways that they show their focus on God\\u2019s priorities?
2. What do you think is the best way to live with eternity in mind? How does this living change how you might use your time and money?
3. How is fasting going? What have you changed in your lifestyle to meet the meal and prayer expectations of the Awaken Fast? What are some sudden realizations you\\u2019ve had?

Application Questions

1. Is God first in my life?
2. Do I love what God loves?
3. How will I live this week with an open heart?