“They (the prophets) began cutting down trees. But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. ‘Oh Sir!’ he cried, ‘It was a borrowed ax.’ ‘Where did it fall?’ The man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. ‘Grab it,’ Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.” 2 Kings 6:1-7, Amplified
“When you fast … comb your hair and wash you face then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything will reward you.”
Matthew 6:17-18, ELT
1. Jesus used an active exhortation “When you …” to instruct His followers:
a. When you give financially to God (Matthew 6:1-5).
b. When you pray (Matthew 6:6-14).
c. When you fast (Matthew 6:15-18). He wants you to do all three continuously.
2. Fasting continuously:
a. To worship in God’s presence.
b. To put God first in everything.
c. To keep a sharp cutting edge in service.
3. Story of competition between two lumber jacks. The younger stronger man was beaten by the older lumber jacks because he kept his ax sharp. What is ax sharpening in ministry?
4. Jesus expected His followers to continue fasting, i.e., to keep their ministry edge sharp.
5. If you are not sharp you will work harder, longer, and produce less.
6. Fasting keeps God’s presence alive, and keeps God first to make you effective in ministry.
7. Your spiritual enemy wants to convince you that your present “spiritual edge” is effective and will work. So, continually fast to let God keep you sharp.
8. You can do more in a shorter time with God’s anointing from fasting, than you can accomplish with normal ministry.
9. Technically, a sharp edge of ministry is more than added spiritual focus, it is everything.
10. You may be ministering with some of God’s prophets, doing God’s work, make sure your spiritual ax stays sharp.
11. They were working at the Jordan River, a place with many trees, i.e., a big harvest field. Make sure your ministry cutting edge is sharp because “the harvest is great, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
12. Just because you have “Elisha” or someone you consider a “man of God” helping you, a dull edge ax will slow your productivity.
13. You don’t have to do anything to “lose your edge” because your old nature always will pull you down, or slow you up. So fast on a regular basis.
14. You get your “spiritual edge” back at the place you lost it. So:
a. Fast about a spot or problem in your life or ministry.
b. Fast with a man of God.
c. Fast with others (Matthew 18:19-20).
15. Lost spiritual cutting edge is restored intentionally by fasting and prayer.
a. You must want it back.
b. You must ask, “Alas master, it was lost” (v. 5).
c. You respond according to God’s direction.
16. Your ministry doesn’t primarily depend on others, you must fast in the secret place. “Your Father sees in secret” (Matthew 6:18).
17. Secret fasting has public rewards. “Your Father … will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:18).
18. Ministry is about God, we do it for Him, and our effectiveness depends on His power through us.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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