Hungry for Righteousness: A Spiritual Pursuit
Summary
In Matthew 5:6, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." This beatitude marks a pivotal shift in our spiritual journey. The first three beatitudes focus on recognizing our spiritual poverty, mourning over our sins, and embracing meekness. These are the roots of a godly life, leading to a profound desire for righteousness—a desire to be like Christ. This hunger and thirst for righteousness is not a mere interest but an intense, driving force that compels action. It is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith, as seen throughout the Bible in figures like David and Paul, who expressed a deep longing for God.
Hunger signifies need, life, and health. Spiritually, it indicates our awareness of our need for righteousness, the presence of spiritual life, and our spiritual health. A true Christian never feels they have arrived but continually longs for more of Christ. This relentless pursuit of righteousness is a holy passion, the only desire that will ultimately be satisfied. Jesus challenges us to examine what we truly seek from God. Is it righteousness, or have we settled for lesser pursuits?
The paradox of this beatitude is that we are both hungry and satisfied simultaneously. As we experience more of Christ, our hunger for Him grows, creating a dynamic cycle of spiritual growth. This is the blessedness of the Christian life—a continuous pursuit of God, even after finding Him. The ultimate promise is that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, both now and in eternity. In heaven, we will be free from sin, dwelling in a new creation where righteousness reigns.
This message calls us to examine our desires. Are we truly hungering and thirsting for righteousness, or have we replaced it with other pursuits? If we feel our need for righteousness, it is a sign of the Spirit's work within us, drawing us closer to Christ. Let us respond to this call, seeking God with renewed passion and longing for His righteousness to be fully realized in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Hunger as a Sign of Spiritual Life: Hunger for righteousness indicates spiritual life and health. It shows our awareness of our need for God and our desire to grow in Christlikeness. This longing is a hallmark of genuine faith, distinguishing true believers from those content in their sin. [10:06]
2. The Paradox of Hunger and Satisfaction: In the Christian life, hunger and satisfaction coexist. As we experience more of Christ, our hunger for Him grows, creating a dynamic cycle of spiritual growth. This paradox is the blessedness of the Christian journey, where our pursuit of God never ceases. [22:17]
3. A Holy Passion for Righteousness: The pursuit of righteousness is the only desire that will ultimately be satisfied. Jesus challenges us to examine our desires and prioritize righteousness above all else. This passion for holiness is central to the Christian life and reflects the purpose of Christ's sacrifice. [19:25]
4. The Promise of Eternal Satisfaction: Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, both now and in eternity. In heaven, we will be free from sin, dwelling in a new creation where righteousness reigns. This promise offers hope and assurance to believers. [29:47]
5. A Call to Examine Our Desires: This message challenges us to examine our desires and ensure that righteousness is our primary pursuit. If we feel our need for righteousness, it is a sign of the Spirit's work within us, drawing us closer to Christ. Let us respond with renewed passion and longing for His righteousness. [32:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Fourth Beatitude
- [00:30] - The Turning Point in the Beatitudes
- [01:43] - Roots, Life, and Fruit Pattern
- [02:36] - Desire for Righteousness
- [03:42] - The Life of Hunger and Thirst
- [04:28] - A Relentless Pursuit
- [05:23] - Biblical Examples of Hunger for God
- [06:56] - Hunger as a Sign of Need
- [09:37] - Hunger as a Sign of Life
- [10:34] - Hunger as a Sign of Health
- [12:05] - A Holy Passion
- [13:17] - The Search for Satisfaction
- [16:15] - The Purpose of Christ's Death
- [20:27] - A Strange Paradox
- [25:32] - The Dynamic of a Growing Christian Life
- [28:13] - A Glorious Prospect
- [32:02] - A Call to Examine Our Desires
- [33:24] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:6
- Psalm 42:1-2
- Philippians 3:10
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"? How does this relate to the previous beatitudes? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between hunger for righteousness and spiritual life? [06:56]
3. What examples from the Bible were given in the sermon to illustrate a deep longing for God? [05:23]
4. How does the sermon explain the paradox of being both hungry and satisfied in the Christian life? [21:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that hunger for righteousness is a sign of spiritual health? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [10:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge believers to examine their desires and priorities? How does this relate to the pursuit of righteousness? [14:48]
3. How does the sermon interpret the purpose of Christ's death in relation to our pursuit of righteousness? [19:25]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the ultimate satisfaction promised to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? How does this shape a believer's hope for the future? [29:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual hunger. Do you feel a deep longing for righteousness, or have other pursuits taken priority in your life? How can you refocus your desires? [14:48]
2. The sermon describes a relentless pursuit of righteousness as a hallmark of genuine faith. What practical steps can you take this week to pursue righteousness more actively? [05:23]
3. Consider the paradox of being both hungry and satisfied. How can you cultivate a deeper satisfaction in Christ while still longing for more of Him? [21:33]
4. The sermon challenges us to examine our desires. What are some specific desires or pursuits in your life that may be hindering your pursuit of righteousness? How can you address these? [14:48]
5. How does the promise of eternal satisfaction in heaven influence your current pursuit of righteousness? What changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with this promise? [29:47]
6. Reflect on the examples of David and Paul. How can their passion for God inspire you in your own spiritual journey? What specific actions can you take to emulate their longing for God? [05:23]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a holy passion for righteousness. How can you cultivate this passion in your life, and what role does community play in supporting this pursuit? [12:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Hunger as a Sign of Spiritual Vitality
Hunger for righteousness is a profound indicator of spiritual life and health. It reflects an awareness of our need for God and a desire to grow in Christlikeness. This longing is a hallmark of genuine faith, distinguishing true believers from those who are content in their sin. A true Christian never feels they have arrived but continually longs for more of Christ. This relentless pursuit of righteousness is a holy passion, the only desire that will ultimately be satisfied. Jesus challenges us to examine what we truly seek from God. Is it righteousness, or have we settled for lesser pursuits? [10:06]
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life reveals a hunger for righteousness, and how can you nurture this hunger today?
Day 2: The Paradox of Spiritual Hunger and Satisfaction
In the Christian life, hunger and satisfaction coexist in a dynamic cycle of spiritual growth. As we experience more of Christ, our hunger for Him grows, creating a paradox where we are both hungry and satisfied simultaneously. This is the blessedness of the Christian journey, where our pursuit of God never ceases. The ultimate promise is that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, both now and in eternity. In heaven, we will be free from sin, dwelling in a new creation where righteousness reigns. [22:17]
"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." (Psalm 107:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced both hunger and satisfaction in your spiritual journey, and how can you embrace this paradox to deepen your relationship with Christ?
Day 3: A Holy Passion for Righteousness
The pursuit of righteousness is the only desire that will ultimately be satisfied. Jesus challenges us to examine our desires and prioritize righteousness above all else. This passion for holiness is central to the Christian life and reflects the purpose of Christ's sacrifice. A true Christian never feels they have arrived but continually longs for more of Christ. This relentless pursuit of righteousness is a holy passion, the only desire that will ultimately be satisfied. [19:25]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific desire or pursuit in your life that competes with your passion for righteousness, and how can you realign your priorities to seek holiness?
Day 4: The Promise of Eternal Satisfaction
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, both now and in eternity. In heaven, we will be free from sin, dwelling in a new creation where righteousness reigns. This promise offers hope and assurance to believers, encouraging them to persevere in their pursuit of God. The paradox of this beatitude is that we are both hungry and satisfied simultaneously. As we experience more of Christ, our hunger for Him grows, creating a dynamic cycle of spiritual growth. [29:47]
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" (Revelation 21:3, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal satisfaction influence your daily life and decisions, and what steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective?
Day 5: A Call to Examine Our Desires
This message challenges us to examine our desires and ensure that righteousness is our primary pursuit. If we feel our need for righteousness, it is a sign of the Spirit's work within us, drawing us closer to Christ. Let us respond with renewed passion and longing for His righteousness. Jesus challenges us to examine what we truly seek from God. Is it righteousness, or have we settled for lesser pursuits? [32:02]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What desires in your life need to be examined and possibly redirected towards righteousness, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide this process?
Quotes
The first three Beatitudes deal with the roots of a growing and thriving spiritual life: being poor in spirit, mourning, becoming meek rather than being self-willed or defiant towards God. I've come to see I don't have the wisdom to lead my own life rightly, and so I submit to the hand of God. [00:02:04]
Hunger signifies need, life, and health. Spiritually, it indicates our awareness of our need for righteousness, the presence of spiritual life, and our spiritual health. A true Christian never feels they have arrived but continually longs for more of Christ. This relentless pursuit of righteousness is a holy passion. [00:10:34]
Jesus tells us right here there is one desire and only one that will be completely satisfied. The only one that is blessed are they who hunger and thirst for this thing: righteousness. Why? Because they are the ones, and they alone, ultimately who are really going to be satisfied. [00:13:17]
The purpose of the passion of Jesus Christ is that we should have a passion for righteousness. It's that important. Christ died to redeem a people, people who no longer live for themselves but are marked by a passion for holiness, which is why he says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." [00:19:25]
The Christian is one who at one and the same time is both hungering and thirsting and yet is filled. And the more he is filled, the more he is hungry and more he hungers and thirsts. This is the blessedness of the Christian life. It goes on: anger and thirst, I experience more of Christ. [00:22:17]
The distinguishing mark of those who are righteous in Jesus Christ is that they long for righteousness. They are not people who sit around saying, "I made a decision 25 years ago." There is a momentum of hunger and of thirst that is moving them forward in an active pursuit of living faith. [00:27:12]
If you are in Christ and Christ is in you, then not only will you have a great hunger and thirst for righteousness—that's the life that inevitably flows out from the presence of the Spirit—but that desire for righteousness that is in you will be satisfied. [00:30:00]
The Holiness that is begun in you in this life will be brought to completion beautifully in all its perfection in the presence of Jesus, and you, Christian friend, will sin no more. Would that be marvelous? Can you even imagine yourself without a trace of sin? [00:31:02]
If the message today makes you feel your own need, then thank God because it is the Holy Spirit that brings that awareness. He's creating the hunger and thirst even now within you. And if that's what's happening, I say to you from Isaiah 55 that was read earlier, "Come, anyone who thirsts, come to the waters." [00:32:02]
If you have any hunger and thirst for righteousness at all, it is Christ who is provoking this and creating this within you, and he does not do this to mock you. He does this so that you will draw near and so that you will receive and so that you for all eternity will be satisfied. [00:33:24]
Oh God, I have tasted your goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace, and I am ashamed of my own lack of desire. Oh God, Triune God, I want to want you. I long to be filled with longing. [00:34:11]
Show me your glory, I pray, that I may know you indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, and come away," and then give me the grace to rise and follow you up from this misty lowland where I have wandered for so long. [00:35:00]
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