Finding True Fulfillment Through Righteousness in God
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we explored the deep restlessness that resides in the human heart—a longing for unconditional love, significance, and purpose. We often seek fulfillment in the wrong places, much like Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes. Despite his wisdom, wealth, and achievements, Solomon found himself empty, concluding that true satisfaction can only be found in God. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Righteousness, as we discussed, is both a relationship with God and a lifestyle that reflects that relationship.
Righteousness begins with a relationship initiated by God and received by us. This relationship is maintained by God, who holds us securely in His hands. It is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid for our sins, making us perfect forever in God's eyes. This righteousness is imputed to us, meaning it is credited to us by God, not earned by our deeds.
To maintain a spiritual hunger for God, we must remind ourselves daily of His immense love for us, avoid filling our lives with spiritual junk food, make knowing God our primary goal, immerse ourselves in His Word, and surround ourselves with others who are passionate about God. These practices help us stay spiritually healthy and continually seek a deeper relationship with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Futility of Earthly Pursuits: Solomon's journey in Ecclesiastes shows that wisdom, wealth, and achievements cannot satisfy the deep longing in our hearts. True fulfillment comes only from a relationship with God, as earthly pursuits leave us empty. [26:59]
2. Righteousness as Relationship and Lifestyle: Righteousness is about being right with God and living a life that reflects that relationship. It is initiated and maintained by God, not by our efforts. This relationship brings true satisfaction and purpose. [31:52]
3. God's Plan for Righteousness: We cannot make ourselves righteous; it is a gift from God through Jesus' sacrifice. By accepting this gift through faith, we are made perfect forever. This imputed righteousness changes how we live, aligning our lives with God's will. [40:43]
4. Maintaining Spiritual Hunger: To stay spiritually hungry, we must remind ourselves of God's love, avoid spiritual junk food, prioritize knowing God, immerse ourselves in His Word, and associate with others who seek God. These practices keep our spiritual appetite healthy. [48:47]
5. The Importance of Community: Our spiritual appetite is influenced by those we associate with. Surrounding ourselves with people who are passionate about God and His Word helps us stay focused and grow in our relationship with Him. [57:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:31] - The Human Longing for Fulfillment
[26:15] - Solomon's Search for Meaning
[28:12] - True Satisfaction in God
[29:18] - The Beatitudes and Righteousness
[31:05] - Righteousness: Relationship and Lifestyle
[35:08] - Why Righteousness Matters
[38:17] - God's Plan for Righteousness
[46:02] - Accepting God's Gift of Righteousness
[48:03] - Maintaining Spiritual Hunger
[49:33] - Remembering God's Love
[51:06] - Avoiding Spiritual Junk Food
[52:59] - Making Knowing God the Goal
[55:03] - Immersing in God's Word
[57:21] - The Influence of Community
[01:11:01] - Announcements and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14 - "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." ... "I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind."
2. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
3. Romans 1:17 - "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Solomon conclude about the pursuit of wisdom, wealth, and achievements in Ecclesiastes? ([26:59])
2. According to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, who will be filled and truly satisfied? ([29:18])
3. How does Romans 1:17 describe the process of becoming righteous?
4. What are the two aspects of righteousness mentioned in the sermon? ([31:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Solomon, despite his wisdom and wealth, found life to be meaningless? ([26:59])
2. How does the concept of hungering and thirsting for righteousness challenge our daily priorities? ([29:18])
3. What does it mean for righteousness to be both a relationship and a lifestyle? How do these two aspects interact? ([31:05])
4. How does understanding that righteousness is a gift from God through Jesus' sacrifice change one's perspective on personal achievements and efforts? ([40:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought fulfillment in something other than God. How did that experience compare to the fulfillment you find in your relationship with God? ([26:59])
2. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper hunger for righteousness in your life? ([29:18])
3. The sermon mentioned avoiding "spiritual junk food." What are some examples of spiritual junk food in your life, and how can you replace them with nourishing spiritual practices? ([51:06])
4. How can you remind yourself daily of God's immense love for you? Share a specific method or practice you plan to implement. ([49:33])
5. The importance of community was emphasized in the sermon. How can you surround yourself with people who are passionate about God and His Word? Identify one person or group you can connect with this week. ([57:21])
6. Reflect on the idea that righteousness is both a relationship and a lifestyle. What changes can you make in your daily life to better reflect your relationship with God? ([31:05])
7. How can you make knowing God your primary goal? What specific actions will you take to prioritize your relationship with Him over other pursuits? ([52:59])
Devotional
Day 1: The Futility of Earthly Pursuits
Despite his immense wisdom, wealth, and achievements, Solomon found himself empty and unfulfilled. His journey, as recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes, reveals that earthly pursuits cannot satisfy the deep longing in our hearts. True fulfillment comes only from a relationship with God. Solomon's experience serves as a powerful reminder that no amount of success, knowledge, or material wealth can fill the void that only God can satisfy. We often chase after these things, hoping they will bring us happiness and meaning, but they ultimately leave us feeling empty and restless. [26:59]
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (ESV): "And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."
Reflection: What are some earthly pursuits you have been chasing after in hopes of finding fulfillment? How can you shift your focus towards deepening your relationship with God instead?
Day 2: Righteousness as Relationship and Lifestyle
Righteousness is not just about following rules or living a moral life; it is about being in a right relationship with God and allowing that relationship to transform how we live. This relationship is initiated and maintained by God, not by our efforts. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we are seeking to be in a close, intimate relationship with God and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. This brings true satisfaction and purpose to our lives, as we align ourselves with God's will and experience His presence in our daily walk. [31:52]
Matthew 5:6 (ESV): "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for righteousness in your daily life? How can you allow your relationship with God to shape your actions and decisions?
Day 3: God's Plan for Righteousness
We cannot make ourselves righteous through our own efforts; it is a gift from God through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. By accepting this gift through faith, we are made perfect forever in God's eyes. This imputed righteousness changes how we live, aligning our lives with God's will and purpose. It is a profound transformation that affects every aspect of our being, as we are no longer defined by our sins and failures but by the righteousness of Christ. This gift of righteousness is a testament to God's immense love and grace, and it calls us to live in a way that honors and glorifies Him. [40:43]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does understanding that righteousness is a gift from God through Jesus' sacrifice change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? How can you live out this righteousness in your daily life?
Day 4: Maintaining Spiritual Hunger
To stay spiritually hungry, we must remind ourselves daily of God's immense love for us, avoid filling our lives with spiritual junk food, make knowing God our primary goal, immerse ourselves in His Word, and surround ourselves with others who are passionate about God. These practices help us stay spiritually healthy and continually seek a deeper relationship with God. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and being intentional about our spiritual practices, we can maintain a strong and vibrant connection with God that sustains us through all of life's challenges. [48:47]
Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV): "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to maintain your spiritual hunger and avoid spiritual junk food? How can you make knowing God your primary goal each day?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Our spiritual appetite is influenced by those we associate with. Surrounding ourselves with people who are passionate about God and His Word helps us stay focused and grow in our relationship with Him. Community plays a vital role in our spiritual journey, as it provides support, encouragement, and accountability. By being part of a community of believers, we can share our struggles and victories, learn from one another, and spur each other on towards love and good deeds. This communal aspect of our faith helps us stay grounded and motivated in our walk with God. [57:21]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community to support and encourage one another in your spiritual journeys? What steps can you take to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with fellow believers?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We seem to endlessly be searching for belonging and significance and some sort of purpose in this world of woe. And then the problem is multiplied when we, like the old Johnny Lee song, start to try to find love in all of the wrong places. Looking for love in all of those faces. Searching for their eyes, looking for traces of what I'm dreaming of. You remember the song, right? Well, now you can't get it out of your mind. So what are we dreaming of? What is it that we're looking for? What is it that is the angst inside of us that causes this restlessness in our hearts? It is to be loved unconditionally." [25:31] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Maybe you've experienced that feeling of emptiness in your life, in your heart. I know that all of us have gone to the refrigerator at one point in our life, and we open it up, and we just stand there. We know we're hungry. We just don't know what we're hungry for. What's going to bring satisfaction to our hunger? Jesus says, though, having a spiritual hunger is a good thing. Jesus says, in fact, it's one of the keys of being blessed by God is that you are hungry for the right thing." [28:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see, God has long-range plans for your life and for my life. He wants you to be in heaven with Him, but He's not going to force you to be there. He gives you a choice. You see, you can spend your life connected to Him or you can spend your life disconnected from Him. If you want to rebel against God, you can. If you want to ignore God, you can. You can pretend that God doesn't exist. You can disobey God. You can be apathetic toward God. God gives you that choice." [37:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So this morning, let me help you with that choice. In fact, we could all bow our heads. We bow for reverence. We could close our eyes, focus. We could have a little talk with God. We call that prayer. And in your heart, you could pray something like this perhaps this morning. Heavenly Father, this morning, I understand that You have a plan for my life. To make me righteous. To bring me into a relationship with You. And then, to change the way that I live. And Father, I want to say yes to that. I make the choice today to say yes to having a relationship with You." [01:00:51] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are beings who, spiritual beings who have a God-shaped hole in our hearts. Only God can fill that. So when you try to fill it with other things, with salary, or status, or success, or passion, possession, position, power, prestige, or anything else other than God, you will not be satisfied. It's junk food. Here's the thing, if you're not hungry for God, it's because you might be full of something else. We're not gonna say what that something else might be. It's probably me, myself, and I. When you're full of yourself, then you don't have a hunger for God." [51:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Righteousness is about a relationship, and righteousness is about a lifestyle. First of all, righteousness is a relationship. It means being right with the living God. In Romans chapter 1 verse 17, it says this, the good news, the gospel, shows how God makes people right with himself. Did you notice that it is God who is the one who makes you right with him? You don't make yourself right. That's something that God does for you, and only God can do for you. He makes us right with himself." [31:52] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Salvation is always by grace through faith. That relationship is received by sinners through belief and repentance. And then the relationship itself with God produces obedience. The relationship with God produces a lifestyle that pleases God, a way of living right as God intends. Listen to what John would write in 1 John 2, verse 29. It says, All who practice righteousness are God's true children. So when we come into a relationship with God, it produces something within us, and that something within us is a desire and a design and the ability then to live a sanctified, a set right life with God." [34:28] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what have we learned so far? First, about God's plan. We cannot make ourselves righteous. Second, God sent Jesus to pay for our sins that we might be made perfect for how long? Forever! And here's the third part of the gospel. I accept by faith what God did for me. That's all you have to do. That's all we're required to do is to accept by faith what God has already done for us. I accept God's grace, his mercy, his forgiveness. I say I believe that what Jesus did on the cross is enough. By the way, it's all there is to pay for my sin." [46:02] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So how is it that I might maintain a hunger for God so that tomorrow I want to know him better than I know him today, that next week I want to be closer to him than I am now, that next year I want to be wiser and closer to God than I have been this year? How do I maintain that spiritual appetite? Five things. First of all, I remind myself about how much God loves me. In fact, I would recommend doing this every day because what we know influences how we feel and how we feel dictates how we act. So we need to know something from the very beginning so it can change the way we feel, so it can change the way that we live." [48:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to get around other people who have an appetite for the word of God. That their goal, number one goal in their life is knowing God more. We need to be around people who are looking into the word of God and they're being good Bereans, they're studying it and they're saying, not only do I know this, but this is what's influencing my life. This is what I know and that what I know is influencing how I feel and how I feel is now directing what I do. So, I'm not only in a relationship with God, I am, I'm in a life altering relationship with God. How can you tell? By how you live, your lifestyle." [57:21] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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