Misunderstanding the Season of Lent (1 Corinthians 7:1-7)
Gary McManus, 02/26/2017Part of the Life With Jesus is Better series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
February 26, 2017 1 Corinthians 7:1-7 (p. 1132 / p. 1146)
“Misunderstanding Lent”
Goodle “Lent” or ”Lent 2017.”
What to give up for Lent?
How did we GET TO this annual observation
of the Lenten Season, the season before Easter?
Bible foundation:
As far back as 300 AD—preparation for baptism.
Then the whole church was invited to prepare with them;
a refresher course in Christian faith.
The Bible is clear that God considers 40 a spiritually
significant time.
--the flood was recorded as 40 days
--Moses time on Mount Sinai—40 days
--Nineveh was changed in 40 days
--most importantly was Jesus own experience
of being 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4,
Mark 1, Luke 4)
Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days.
There are several time frames for fasting
mentioned in the Bible.
For fasting, usually food is given up, not liquids.
However, some fasts are mentioned as being
a fast from food and drink.
Fasting in history often made sense.
We too often focus on fasting as giving up.
1 Corinthians 7:5: Paul says fast in order to pray.
Focus on what your real goal is in fasting.
Lent isn’t “giving up.” Lent is drawing near/gaining.
Titus 3:3-8
There is quite an exchange there!
Old life doesn’t seem like much
to give up.
Look what we received. . .
rebirth, renewal, poured out generously
AND we become heirs of the kingdom
with hope of eternal life.
SO, my short advice to everyone is
Don’t give up anything for Lent.
Receive something in Lent.
Do whatever you must to receive it.
Jesus story: Matthew 13:44
He sold everything he had in order
to RECEIVE a treasure.
Amen
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