Text: Isaiah: 58:1-11
Topic: “ FOR WHAT IS THE PURPOSE FOR OUR FAST” “WHAT ARE OUR MOTIVES”
1. WHY ARE WE FASTING, MAKING SACRIFICES, WORSHIPPING GOD?
2. ARE WE TRYING TO GET EARTHY GAIN, IS THAT OUR OBJECTION?
3. ARE WE TRYING PLEASE OUR PASTOR, PARENTS, OR ANYONE ELSE BESIDES GOD?
4. ARE WE SEEKING THE GLORY OF MEN HERE, ARE WE FASTING TO BE SEEN? ARE WE LIKEN UNTO THE PHARISEES ?
5. ARE WE SEEKING RELIGIOUS BELIEFS FOR OUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, TO BE LOOKED AT HIGHER OR BETTER THEN OTHERS?
6. DO WE LIVE OUR LIVES TO GIVE GLORY AND THANKFULNESS TO GOD IN EVERYTHING WE DO?
7. WHAT DO WE SEEK GOD FOR? COMPROMISE TO THIS WORLD OR SEGREGATION FROM THIS WORLD.
The church world today, is like the children of Israel. They are willing to fast, sacrifice and worship God as long as He compromises or does not become an inconvenience to their way of living.
Many want a form of religion, a form of worship, but truly do not long for the divine presence of God in their lives.
They are willing to give as long as God repays them for their giving. They are seeking gain of this world and pleasures of the world instead of his divine presence with them.
God does not change nor does he compromise. His requirement of us is nothing short of all of us. For GOD sacrificed, his son JESUS CHRIST, his best so that we may life and have it more abundantly. Therefore he requires nothing less of us. Then to fast, sacrifice, to worship, and to desire him with all 100%of our heart. Romans 12: 1 “ I beseech you ( request earnestly), by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your RESONABLE SERVICE.
All down through the bible and through time man has tried to compromise GOD to be praised through their righteousness instead God getting the praise. The Pharisees went about in New Testament during fast all sad showing signs of agony and despaired to gain praise of people instead of desiring the GOD’S divine presence and will in their hearts. They were seeking rewards and exaltation here in this world, and therefore received nothing from GOD for their sacrifices.
In our text GOD beckons unto Isaiah CRY aloud, spare not ( hold nothing back proclaim what I am speaking unto you to say). Lift up thy voice like a trumpet( In other words do not be ashamed or afraid to hurt some one feelings. Speak aloud so everyone can hear what I have to say about their worshipping me). Shew then their transgressions ( sins). We need to stand up and declare unto the people their sins and quit compromising for the crowds. GOD states I know their desires of their heart. I see and know the reason for their worship and sacrifices unto me.
The bible teaches us that prayer, fasting and sacrifices is a powerful time of refocusing our lives spiritually. It is not a time to force GOD’S hand, but a time to focus us toward him and his divine will in our lives. I CORINTHIANS 1: 9 “ BUT AS IT IS WRITTEN, EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM” VERSE 10 “ BUT GOD HATH REVEALED THEM UNTO US BY HIS SPIRIT: FOR THE SPIRIT SEACHETH ALL THINGS, YEA, THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD”. The priest under the old law went in once a year to lift up sacrifices for the people sins. He entered into the holy of holies, in the very presence of GOD. JESUS CHRIST became our high priest and by denying ourselves and worshipping him in spirit we are lifted through the body of JESUS CHRIST at the righthand side of our FATHER. In the present of GOD is where we find his will for us, the deep things of GOD. The very reason for our creation. We must crucify our wants of the flesh and be resurrected spiritually in his presence. For this should be our purpose in our fasting and worshipping GOD. His requirement of us is nothing less in that we desire to be in his presence. For this reason our focus and our purpose should be a living sacrifice unto him so we can dwell in his presence. This is just our reasonable service unto GOD for his many mercies he has given us.
The church world is becoming all about compromise. This is all right. This is as long as it is kept in a measure. Where is our focus? Conforming to the world for our pleasure or transforming from this world for GOD pleasure. To become a perfect sacrifice unto him. ROMANS 12 : 2 “ AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND THAT YE PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD”. Many are saying the definition of holy, consecrated and separated life. Is nothing but a tradition or extremist of religion, not really an ordinance of GOD. They are the one falling into the traditions of so many before them like the children of Isreal. They are becoming conformed unto the things of this world, seeking to be recognized of this world, seeking the pleasures and recreation of this world. In II TIMOTHY Paul warns of perilous times ( dangerous times). II TIMOTHY 3: 4 “ LOVERS OF PLEASURES MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD.” People are coming to church for the recreations, the dinners, and all the form of pleasures that men can come up with, instead of coming to worship GOD and the longing for his pleasures in their lives.
The children of Isreal compromise their commandments from GOD. See even though as we see in verse 2 they sought the lord daily, they delighted in knowing his ways, ( many today are becoming so call bible scholars studying and delighting in his word, but yet they are like the children of Isreal.) II TIMOTHY 3: “ EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH.” What is the truth that a lot is missing today, That GOD wants us to love him as he loves us, gave his only begotten son so we may have life, no greater love is there than GOD’S love for his children. No greater sacrifice than for a father to give up his son.Whom he loves with all of his heart. Having the power to stop the murder of his son, but allowed him to bear all the worlds sin and shame so we could be reconciled back into his Holiness presence. He allowed men to crucify him. He so desires that his creations, men and women, be reconciled back unto his glory, in which he created us. In his image was we created. In our worshipping of GOD, he wants us to desire to be reconciled back into his presence, back into the glory in which he created us. How? Through his precious son’s sacrifice for our sins and our denying of our own glory, earthly rewards, treasures of this world, and seek his will for our lives. To be united in CHRIST and to be CHRIST minded. To walk, talk, and represent CHRIST in giving glory and honor unto our father in heaven.
In the second half of verse 2 you find that they are still walking in the righteous of GOD, still keeping GOD ordinances and took delight in praying unto GOD. Today, in the church world we have some who never miss church, seems to always be praying and seeking GOD. They walk a separated life and do not partake of worldly lust and desires for pleasures or recreations. But they still are lacking the essential parts of worshipping GOD in truth. That is, What is your purpose for worshipping, fasting, righteousness and your praying. Is it to Glorify GOD and do his will in your life, or has it became a means of exalting your self for your own glory. I am doing better than you, as it became a means for you to be proud in your own righteousness. Is this not HEADY AND HIGHMINDED which also Paul states in perilous times. Christ came to find them that were lost and in ordered to do this he humbled himself down. Showing love to all and reaching out to them, healing their afflictions and setting them free from their bondage. He did not become like the world, but walk with them teaching them the truth through the glory of GOD in his life. Reaching out to all that were in need, show that by his works here on earth he gave glory unto GOD showing them that there was a GOD and he is high and lifted up. Yet GOD still cares for them that were low and in despair. By our living a clean and holy life here on earth is not to give us the glory, make us high minded, or think that we are better than everyone else.But is only Our reasonable service as Christians, to walk holy and acceptable unto GOD. Nothing that I am to boasts about for I am nothing without CHRIST. No matter how separated or righteousness we think we are. We can not be holy unto to GOD unless we walk as CHRIST, humble and ready to assist in any needs, without receiving glory for ourselves but unto GOD is all glory.
EPHESIANS 3: 21 “ UNTO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES , WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN.”
EPHESIANS 4:1 “I THEREFORE, PRISONER OF THE LORD, BESEECH YOU THAT YE WALK WORHTY OF THE VOCATION WHEREWITH YE ARE CALLED,”
EPHESIANS 4:2 “ WITH ALL LOWLINESS, AND MEEKNESS, WITH LONGSUFFERING, FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE ;
EPHESIANS 4: 3 ENDEAVOURING TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE.”
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR FAST, OF OUR WORSHIP. IT IS TO WALK A CLOSER WALK WITH GOD. IS IT TO BECOME AS CHRIST LIKE, TO BE UNITED HOLY INTO HIS BODY WITH OUT SPOT AND BLEMISH. TO BECOME COMPLETELY SEPERATED FROM THIS WORLD FROM THIS FLESHLY OUTER MAN. TO BE ABSENT FROM THIS BODY. TO BE PRESENTED HOLY UNTO THE LAMB AS A LIVING SACRIFICE. TO BECOME A HOLY VESSELS SO THAT SPIRIT OF GOD CAN BE OUTPOUR OUT OF OUR BELLIES TO BRING LIFE TO ALL THAT IT TOUCHES THROUGH US. TO BECOME A LIGHT THAT CANNOT BE HID SO OTHERS MAY FIND THE WAY OUT OF DARKNESS TO HIS DIVINE PRESENCE. TO BECOME AS A CITY THAT CANNOT BE HID, REPRESENTING A PLACE OF REFUGE FOR OTHERS SO THEY MAY OVERCOME THE FLOODS FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE. TO PARTAKE OF THE BREAD OF LIFE FREELY SO THAT OTHERS WHO HUNGER MAY SEE THAT YOU ARE FILLED AND DESIRE WHAT YOU HAVE, SO YOU CAN LEAD THEM TO THE MASTER’S TABLE.
WORSHIPPING GOD IS NOT FOR OUR EARTHLY GAIN OR PROSPERITY IT IS OUR REASONABLE SERVICE SO WE CAN PARTAKE OF GOD DIVINE NATURE FOR MAN. FOR HIM TO WALK WITH US DAILY. II PETER 1: 4 “ WHEREBY ARE GIVEN UNTO US EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: THAT BY THESE YE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, HAVING ESCAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUST”
ISAIAH 58: 6 “ IS NOT THIS FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN? TO LOOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE?
Here in our text, GOD speaks to Isaiah saying I know the purpose of their fast. I know their very intentions and their hearts desire. They are seeking their own glory in their worship. They are seeking their own rewards in their fast. I see their strife with one another, fighting declaring I know the laws better tha you, I am living it better, and am more righteousness than you. Their fast was to be seen so all would know and saying surely these men and women are GODLY and right with GOD. They were seeking GODLINESS for their own uplifting. They were seeking their own glory and promotion. Today, we as a church have divided by our own desires and ways, seeking our own understanding to meet our conveniences and theories. There is just 1 faith that is in CHRIST JESUS and there is only one way to worship GOD truly. That is in CHRIST JESUS not in our own self. JESUS IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH. We must be CHRIST minded in every intention of our hearts. To give GOD the Glory and honor. In pureness, separation from this world, in our worship, in our love for one another, in our longsufferings, forbearing one another, in all things be holiness and in peace. GOD knows our intents and our heart desires. He knows everything about us. He has every hair numbered up on our heads. This should bring fear in us. GODLY fear and stir us to realize we must live our lives each day worshipping GOD in spirit and in truth.
JOB 23: 10 “ BUT HE KNOWETH THE WAY THAT I TAKE.”
JEREMIAH 17:10 I THE LORD SEARCH THE HEART, I TRY THE REINS, EVEN TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO THE FRUITS OF HIS DOING.
FINISH JOB 23VERSE10 “WHEN HE HAS TRIED ME, I SHALL COME FORTH AS GOLD.
It does not take long, to be around a person to find out the true way of their heart. Job through all his trials and tribulations, always gave praise and thankfulness to GOD. WHY? For his heart was not his but GOD’S. His desire was to please GOD no matter what trial, tribulation, or sorrow came in his way. JOB 27: “ My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” Job never lost focus of dwelling, trusting and seeking the presence of GOD. JOB 13:15 “ Though he slay me, yet I will trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” VERSE 16 “ He also shall be my salvation. Many people go to church claim salvation but the heart is not desirous of worshipping GOD. You say Brother, that is judging them, no their heart judges them, it condemns them through their speech. “ For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Is our hearts desire to become holy people, peculiar people, separated from this world, to be set apart for a service unto GOD. No matter the sacrifice. Abraham through faith and desires to please God was willing to sacrifice the most cherished thing to him naturally his son Issacs. Through his faith and willingness to please GOD through obeying him no matter what the calling. Abraham was blessed of GOD and chosen to be the father of all the people of God.
We need a revival across this land where all the children GOD come together and separate their minds and hearts from the things of this world and seek GOD, worshipping him in spirit and truth. Then shall a light spring forth and health of the church be revitalized and our lord shall cry ASK WHAT YE WILL. VERSE 11 “ AND THE LORD SHALL GUIDE THEE CONTINUALLY AND SATISFY THY SOUL IN DROUGHT AND MAKE FAT THY BONES, AND THOU SHALT BE A WATERED GARDEN, AND LIKE A SPRING OF WATER, WHOSE WATERS FAIL NOT.” These are shouting words. If we as the children of GOD would worship GOD for him and him alone them life shall spring forth out of us. Touching the dying around us. That is the true way of giving GOD the glory in our lives. For what is our purpose in worshipping? What is the purpose of our Fast?
I will close with the reading of Isaiah 57: 15 “ FOR THUS SAITH THE HIGH AND LOFTY ONE THAT INHABITETH ETERNITY, WHOSE NAME IS HOLY; I DWELL IN THE HIGH AND HOLY PLACE, WITH HIM ALSO THAT IS OF A CONTRITE AND HUMBLE SPIRIT, TO REVIVE THE SPIRIT OF THE HUMBLE AND TO REVIVE THE THE HEART OF THE CONTRITE ONES.”
