Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Living Kingdom Culture

Tonight, we gathered as a family to celebrate the goodness of God, to honor those who serve, and to remember the privilege of being part of a community that cares deeply for one another. We took time to recognize the practical ways God is moving among us—through ministries like the 05 Supermarket, which serves hundreds in need each week, and through the simple act of checking in and praying for those around us. In a world filled with uncertainty and shifting circumstances, we are reminded that God’s provision and presence are steadfast, and that we are called to be both recipients and conduits of His generosity.

Our focus continues on the theme of “Kingdom Culture,” exploring what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 and the Beatitudes call us to a radical reordering of our priorities: to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other needs will be met. This is not about religious performance or outward appearances, but about a deep, internal alignment with God’s heart and values. The true mark of kingdom living is not just what we say, but what we hunger for—what we crave at the core of our being.

We examined the Beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Hunger is a sign of spiritual health; when our appetite for God and His ways wanes, it signals a need for renewal. Our cravings shape our direction—what we pursue, what we invest in, and ultimately, who we become. It’s easy to let our appetites drift toward things that never truly satisfy, but Jesus invites us to a deeper longing for Him, promising that those who seek Him will be filled.

This is a journey of honesty and grace. Some of us are thriving, others struggling, but all are invited to bring our true selves before God. There is no condemnation—only an invitation to return, to ask for a renewed hunger, and to trust that God will meet us. As we pray for one another and examine our own appetites, we are reminded that the Spirit is at work, shaping us into a people who reflect the righteousness of Christ in both position and practice. May our deepest craving be for Him, and may our lives bear witness to the reality of His kingdom.

---

Key Takeaways

• 1. Hunger Reveals Spiritual Health Just as a loss of physical appetite signals something is wrong in the body, a lack of spiritual hunger is a sign that our soul needs attention. When we no longer crave God’s presence, His word, or the things that matter to His heart, it’s time to pause and seek renewal. True health is marked by a continual, urgent desire for more of God, not just religious activity. [97:02]
• 2. Our Appetites Shape Our Direction Whatever we hunger and thirst for will determine the path of our lives. We are always moving in the direction of our deepest cravings—whether for God, for approval, for power, or for comfort. This is why it’s critical to regularly examine what we are truly hungry for, because our pursuits will follow our appetites, not just our intentions. [99:48]
• 3. Righteousness Is Both Position and Reflection In Christ, we are made righteous by His work, not our own. Yet, we are also called to reflect that righteousness in our daily lives—how we speak, act, and relate to others. The journey is incremental, as the Spirit shapes us to increasingly display outwardly what is already true of us inwardly. [87:23]
• 4. Community Helps Guard Our Hunger Spiritual appetite rarely disappears overnight; it fades gradually, often unnoticed. That’s why we need community—to help us discern when our hunger is waning, to encourage us, and to pray for renewal. Honest relationships allow us to celebrate victories and support each other in seasons of struggle, keeping us aligned with God’s heart. [95:15]
• 5. God Promises to Fill the Hungry The world offers many things that promise satisfaction but ultimately leave us empty and craving more. Jesus alone is the bread of life who truly satisfies. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God promises not just to meet our needs, but to fill us with Himself—bringing lasting joy, peace, and purpose. [105:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [61:56] - Praise and Honoring the Dream Team
• [64:09] - Announcements and Community Outreach
• [66:21] - Resources for Those in Need
• [67:58] - Prayer and Connection
• [71:12] - Entering God’s Presence
• [73:07] - Kingdom Culture: Seeking First the Kingdom
• [74:59] - The Call to Alignment and Promise of Addition
• [76:15] - What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom?
• [78:05] - Honest Reflections on Our Spiritual Pursuit
• [83:25] - The Beatitudes: Values of the Kingdom
• [86:06] - Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
• [89:04] - The Urgency and Nature of Spiritual Hunger
• [93:55] - Recognizing Shifts in Appetite
• [97:02] - Hunger Reveals Health
• [99:48] - Our Appetites Direct Our Lives
• [101:39] - Appetites Reveal Allegiance
• [105:17] - The Promise to the Hungry
• [108:08] - Prayer for Renewed Hunger
• [115:18] - Closing Announcements and Blessing

1. In Matthew 5:6, what does Jesus say will happen to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?
2. According to Matthew 6:33, what are we told to seek first, and what is the promise that follows?
3. The sermon described hunger as a sign of spiritual health. What are some practical ways the church is seeing God move among us, as mentioned in the message? [[01:05:19]]
4. What does Psalm 51:10,12 reveal about David’s heart and his desire for renewal?

1. The sermon said, “Hunger reveals health.” Why is a loss of spiritual appetite a warning sign, and what might cause someone’s hunger for God to fade? [[01:37:02]]
2. How does what we crave or hunger for shape the direction of our lives, according to both Jesus’ teaching and the sermon? [[01:39:48]]
3. The message talked about righteousness being both a position (who we are in Christ) and a reflection (how we live). What does it look like for someone to reflect righteousness in their daily life? [[01:27:23]]
4. Why is community important in helping us guard our spiritual hunger, and how can others help us notice when our appetite for God is changing? [[01:35:15]]

1. The sermon challenged us to examine our spiritual appetite: “What are you hungry for?” Take a moment to honestly reflect—what do you find yourself craving most these days? Is it God, or something else? [[01:32:29]]
2. When was the last time you noticed your hunger for God’s presence, His Word, or prayer was fading? What were the warning signs, and what did you do about it? [[01:33:55]]
3. The message said, “Our appetites shape our direction.” Are there things you are pursuing right now that might be pulling you away from seeking God first? What would it look like to realign your priorities this week? [[01:39:48]]
4. The pastor encouraged us to pray for a renewed hunger. Is there an area of your spiritual life where you need God to restore your appetite? What specific step can you take to invite God into that process? [[01:48:43]]
5. Community was described as a way to help guard our hunger. Who in your life helps you notice when your spiritual appetite is changing? How can you be that person for someone else in this group? [[01:35:15]]
6. The sermon reminded us that there is no condemnation, only an invitation to return to God. If you feel like your hunger for God is low, what would it look like to accept that invitation this week? [[01:48:08]]
7. Jesus promises to fill those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. What would it mean for you to be “filled” by God in this season? How can you make space for Him to do that? [[01:45:17]]