Hungering for Righteousness: Finding True Satisfaction in God
Summary
### Summary
In today's exploration of Matthew 5:6, we delved into the Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." This Beatitude, like the others, is a descriptor of kingdom citizens—those who belong to Jesus Christ. We discussed how being blessed does not remove our responsibility to live according to God's principles. Just as owning a car comes with the responsibility of maintenance, being blessed as believers comes with the responsibility to live out the attributes described in the Beatitudes.
We examined the deeper meanings of "hunger" and "thirst" in this context. These terms are present active verbs, indicating a continuous, earnest desire for righteousness, which is divine approval from God. This desire should be as strong as our physical hunger and thirst. Righteousness is not merely about doing good deeds but seeking God's approval in every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and choices.
We also discussed the struggle between our flesh and spirit, acknowledging that we often fall short. However, the Holy Spirit enables us to strive for these kingdom attributes. When we fail, we are called to repent and seek God's forgiveness, continually striving to live according to His will.
The sermon emphasized that our satisfaction should be found in God and His righteousness, not in worldly desires or personal gratification. True satisfaction comes from seeking divine approval and recognizing that everything good in our lives is a gift from God. We are encouraged to enjoy the lives God has given us, but always with the perspective that our ultimate satisfaction is in Him.
Finally, we were invited to reflect and pray individually and as families, asking God to reveal areas where we may have allowed righteousness to slide and how we can find more satisfaction in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Nature of True Blessing: Being blessed as a believer means being in an enviable position, favored by God. However, this blessing comes with the responsibility to live out the attributes described in the Beatitudes. Just as owning a car requires maintenance, being blessed requires us to strive for righteousness and live according to God's principles. [03:11]
2. Continuous Desire for Righteousness: The terms "hunger" and "thirst" in Matthew 5:6 are present active verbs, indicating a continuous, earnest desire for righteousness. This desire should be as strong as our physical hunger and thirst, seeking divine approval in every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and choices. [13:43]
3. Struggle and Repentance: We often fall short of living out these kingdom attributes due to the ongoing struggle between our flesh and spirit. However, the Holy Spirit enables us to strive for righteousness. When we fail, we are called to repent, seek God's forgiveness, and continue striving to live according to His will. [09:46]
4. Satisfaction in God: True satisfaction comes from seeking divine approval and recognizing that everything good in our lives is a gift from God. While we can enjoy the lives God has given us, our ultimate satisfaction should be found in Him and His righteousness, not in worldly desires or personal gratification. [24:05]
5. Reflective Prayer: We are encouraged to reflect and pray individually and as families, asking God to reveal areas where we may have allowed righteousness to slide and how we can find more satisfaction in Him. This reflection helps us realign our desires with God's will and seek His approval in all aspects of our lives. [37:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Understanding the Beatitudes
[03:11] - Blessing and Responsibility
[04:46] - Context of the Sermon on the Mount
[06:08] - Living as Kingdom Citizens
[08:07] - Striving for Kingdom Attributes
[09:46] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[11:20] - Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
[13:43] - Present Active Desire
[15:40] - Evaluating Our Desires
[17:01] - Common Distractions
[18:39] - Prioritizing Divine Approval
[20:33] - Seeking Righteousness in the World
[22:17] - Longing for Christ's Kingdom
[24:05] - True Satisfaction in God
[25:40] - The Gift of Salvation
[26:59] - The Consequences of Sin
[29:09] - Finding Satisfaction in Christ
[30:49] - Enjoying God's Gifts
[32:20] - Ecclesiastes on Satisfaction
[33:41] - Recognizing God's Provision
[35:29] - Refocusing on Righteousness
[37:36] - Reflective Prayer and Family Time
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 5:6 (ESV): "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
- 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."
- Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "blessed" according to Matthew 5:6? How does this relate to being a kingdom citizen? [01:25]
2. How are the terms "hunger" and "thirst" described in the sermon? What do they signify in the context of righteousness? [13:43]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers strive for righteousness according to the sermon? [09:46]
4. How does the sermon describe the ultimate source of satisfaction for believers? [24:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the continuous desire for righteousness compared to physical hunger and thirst in Matthew 5:6? How does this comparison deepen our understanding of spiritual longing? [13:43]
2. How does the struggle between flesh and spirit impact a believer's pursuit of righteousness? What does the sermon suggest as the solution to this struggle? [09:46]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true satisfaction is found in God rather than in worldly desires? How does this align with the passages from Psalm 42 and Isaiah 55? [24:05]
4. How does the concept of reflective prayer help believers realign their desires with God's will? What practical steps are suggested in the sermon for engaging in this type of prayer? [37:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some areas where you might be seeking satisfaction outside of God? How can you begin to shift your focus towards finding satisfaction in Him? [24:05]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of continuous desire for righteousness. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this desire in your daily life? [13:43]
3. Consider the struggle between flesh and spirit in your own life. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to help you strive for righteousness? What specific actions can you take when you fall short? [09:46]
4. How can you incorporate reflective prayer into your routine? Identify one area where you feel you have allowed righteousness to slide and pray for guidance and strength to improve in that area. [37:36]
5. Think about your family or close community. How can you encourage each other to seek divine approval in all aspects of life? What are some practical ways to support each other in this pursuit? [37:36]
6. Reflect on the concept of enjoying the life God has given you while finding ultimate satisfaction in Him. How can you balance enjoying worldly blessings with seeking divine approval? [30:49]
7. Identify one specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and refocus on seeking righteousness? [35:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Responsibility of Being Blessed
As believers, being blessed by God places us in an enviable position, favored by Him. However, this blessing comes with the responsibility to live out the attributes described in the Beatitudes. Just as owning a car requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly, being blessed requires us to strive for righteousness and live according to God's principles. This means that our actions, thoughts, and choices should reflect our commitment to God's kingdom. We are called to be active participants in our faith, continually seeking to align our lives with God's will. [03:11]
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV): "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively live out the attributes of the Beatitudes in your daily life? Identify one area where you can improve and make a plan to address it this week.
Day 2: A Continuous Desire for Righteousness
The terms "hunger" and "thirst" in Matthew 5:6 are present active verbs, indicating a continuous, earnest desire for righteousness. This desire should be as strong as our physical hunger and thirst, driving us to seek divine approval in every aspect of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and choices. Righteousness is not merely about doing good deeds but about seeking God's approval and aligning our lives with His will. This continuous desire for righteousness should permeate every part of our being, influencing how we live and interact with others. [13:43]
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: Reflect on your current desires and priorities. Are they aligned with a continuous, earnest desire for righteousness? What changes can you make to ensure that seeking God's approval is at the forefront of your life?
Day 3: The Struggle and Repentance
We often fall short of living out the kingdom attributes due to the ongoing struggle between our flesh and spirit. This struggle is a common experience for all believers, but we are not left to face it alone. The Holy Spirit enables us to strive for righteousness, providing the strength and guidance we need. When we fail, we are called to repent, seek God's forgiveness, and continue striving to live according to His will. Repentance is a crucial part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to realign ourselves with God's purposes and receive His grace anew. [09:46]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: Identify a recent struggle between your flesh and spirit. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to overcome this struggle and seek God's forgiveness and guidance?
Day 4: Finding True Satisfaction in God
True satisfaction comes from seeking divine approval and recognizing that everything good in our lives is a gift from God. While we can enjoy the lives God has given us, our ultimate satisfaction should be found in Him and His righteousness, not in worldly desires or personal gratification. This perspective helps us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, finding contentment and joy in His presence and approval. By focusing on God's righteousness, we can experience a deeper, more fulfilling satisfaction that transcends the temporary pleasures of this world. [24:05]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Consider the sources of satisfaction in your life. Are they rooted in worldly desires or in your relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to find true satisfaction in Him?
Day 5: Reflective Prayer and Realignment
We are encouraged to reflect and pray individually and as families, asking God to reveal areas where we may have allowed righteousness to slide and how we can find more satisfaction in Him. This reflection helps us to realign our desires with God's will and seek His approval in all aspects of our lives. By taking the time to pray and seek God's guidance, we can identify areas of spiritual growth and make necessary changes to live more faithfully. This process of reflection and realignment is essential for maintaining a vibrant and authentic relationship with God. [37:36]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas in your life where you have allowed righteousness to slide. How can you realign your desires with God's will and seek His approval more earnestly?
Quotes
1. "People who are blessed because they belong to Jesus, because they are kingdom citizens. Remember, at the start of the gospel of Matthew, as John the Baptist is declaring the coming Messiah, as Jesus starts his earthly ministry, the statement is made, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Our subtitle, our sub-theme for this whole series is the gospel of the kingdom, because this is what Jesus is proclaiming throughout this gospel, the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven." [01:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fact that the gospel exists, that Jesus had to come and die, demonstrates that everything is not all good and fluffy, that we are not all good and fluffy. There's a lot of encouragement we find through here, and there's even encouragement we find here in the Beatitudes as he says, remember, we're blessed. We are in an enviable position. We are favored by God. We are blessed through this. But blessing does not remove responsibility." [03:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are blessed as believers in Jesus Christ, but it doesn't mean we are without responsibility. And that's what he's calling us to here in the Beatitudes. Remember, we cannot divorce a passage of Scripture from the rest of its context. We look at the Sermon on the Mount, and we look at the Sermon on the Mount, and we look at the Sermon on the Mount, and so much of this sermon, so much of these chapters is he's saying, listen, followers of Jesus. He's saying, listen, you're following me. Here's what this looks like." [04:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christ enables us to live like kingdom citizens now. The Holy Spirit, if you're a believer in Jesus, if you've trusted in him to save you from your sins, the Holy Spirit indwells you, and he enables you. You live to being a child. But first, we need the Holy Spirit, our natural God, to live these Kingdom attributes, to live the Beatitudes now. We need the Holy Spirit. We need to follow his guiding. We need to follow his leading. We need to trust him as he leads. But he enables us to live these attributes now." [06:08] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the simple question is this, which kingdom do we live for? Do we live for Christ's kingdom? Do we live for the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God? Or do we live for the world's kingdom? What we do with these beatitudes, these blessed statements, demonstrates which kingdom we live for. You say, well, that's pretty just black and white. That's a little hard there, isn't it? If we've got two kingdoms, can you live for both? Doesn't Jesus make some statement about that? You can't serve two masters." [06:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's a lifestyle of striving for, what he has called us to. It's a lifestyle of striving for being poor in spirit. A lifestyle of striving towards being meek, of being a mourner. Today, a lifestyle of striving after hungering and thirsting for righteousness. And so while these are heavy statements Jesus is making to us, we have to recognize our need for the Holy Spirit who guides us and leads us, and helps us to do this knowing that we are still sinful beings and we fall short." [09:46] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you're a believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you and he guides you and he gives you the ability to live up to these attributes. And so he also grants forgiveness when you don't. So you stand up and you keep going because the just man falls time and time and time again, but he gets back up and he keeps going. And so I don't want you to walk away feeling like, man, I can never do this. I want you to walk away saying, you know what? The Holy Spirit in me will help me do this." [11:20] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Righteousness is the good things we do, right? That word righteousness literally means judicial approval. In the context of spiritual things, in the context of the New Testament, it means approval by God, divine approval. This isn't just the good things we do. This is everything in our life, everything in our lives, everything we encounter, every choice we make, everything we do, every word we speak, every thought we think. All of it, divine approval. Is what I'm doing right now, is what I'm thinking right now, is what I'm watching right now, is what I'm reading right now, does this bring divine approval?" [13:43] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we hunger and thirst after righteousness, just like we hunger and thirst for what our next meal is going to be and maybe a upcoming meal, we are hungering and thirsting for it in our own lives right now. But we're also hungering and thirsting for righteousness in the world around us. We're looking forward to that day when Christ will come, he will establish his kingdom and righteousness will rule. And so as we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we're looking for it for ourselves and we're also seeking it in the world around us." [22:17] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "True satisfaction, full satisfaction is found in the person of Jesus Christ, but we have to remember that we are to be satisfied also with the life that he has given us now. Do you ever get jealous or envious of another person, what they have, what their life looks like? You ever heard that saying, the grass is always greener? problem is the grass that's greener on the other side oftentimes is just astroturf. There's different points in everyone's lives when they are not satisfied with what their life looks like." [30:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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