NUMBERS 11:4-6
COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS.
In the disciplines of abstinence, we abstain to some degree and for some time from the satisfaction of what we generally regard as normal and legitimate desires. “Normal” desires include our basic drives or motivations, such as those for food, sleep, bodily activity, companionship, curiosity, and sex. But our desires for convenience, comfort, material security, reputation or fame, and variety are also considered under this heading… Keep in mind that the practice of abstention does not imply that there is anything essentially wrong with these desires as such.
DALLAS WILLARD
Abstinence is not a punishment from God. It’s a gift that helps you discover who/what is first in your life.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
PHILIPPIANS 4:19
EXODUS 20:2-6
YOU BELONG TO GOD.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
JEREMIAH 1:5
“An idol is anything that we put over God and look towards to meet our needs.”
IDOLS ARE COUNTFIET COMFORTS.
John Calvin says, “THE HUMAN HEART IS AN IDOL FACTORY.”
In fasting, we abstain in some significant way from food and possibly from drink as well. This discipline teaches us a lot about ourselves very quickly. It will certainly prove humiliating to us, as it reveals to us how much our peace depends upon the pleasures of eating.
DALLAS WILLARD
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’[e]”
20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.
“There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard[f] to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
MARK 10:17-25
COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS KEEP ME FROM FOLLOWING JESUS
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
MATTHEW 6:24
COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS KEEP ME FROM HEARING JESUS
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
WHEN WE GIVE UP COUNTERFEIT COMFORTS, WE RECEIVE TRUE COMFORT.
‘He is my shepherd,
and he shall fulfill all my purpose’
Isaiah 44:28
