7/28/2014. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Transcription

1 Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 1. Why does Jesus use the analogy of hunger and thirst when talking about seeking righteousness? 2. What kind of righteousness are we to hunger and thirst for? 3. How will we be satisfied by hungering and thirsting for righteousness? 1

2 Jesus actually says, Blessed are the hungering and thirsting (ones) after righteousness. Amos 8:11 Days are coming when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord. A few reasons: To hammer home the importance of feasting on righteousness, instead of feasting other things of the world A few reasons: To hammer home the importance of feasting on righteousness, instead of feasting other things of the world Analogies make us think about, question, and deepen our faith 2

3 Contrasts between Physical and Spiritual Hunger Physical hunger--something s wrong; Spiritual hunger--something s right Contrasts between Physical and Spiritual Hunger Physical hunger--something s wrong; Spiritual hunger--something s right Physical hunger--can t be stopped unless you eat; Spiritual hunger--can be impeded Contrasts between Physical and Spiritual Hunger Physical hunger--something s wrong; Spiritual hunger--something s right Physical hunger--can t be stopped unless you eat; Spiritual hunger--can be impeded Physical hunger satisfied when you re full; Spiritual hunger satisfying it makes you hungrier 3

4 Contrasts between Physical and Spiritual Hunger Physical hunger--something s wrong; Spiritual hunger--something s right Physical hunger--can t be stopped unless you eat; Spiritual hunger--can be impeded Physical hunger satisfied when you re full; Spiritual hunger satisfying it makes you hungrier Physical hunger a condition we don t like; Spiritual hunger a characteristic we should desire A few reasons: To hammer home the importance of feasting on righteousness, instead of feasting other things of the world Analogies make us think about, question, and deepen our faith To get us to focus on the characteristic of hungering and thirsting after righteousness: our heart attitude! 1. Future or Eschatological Righteousness 4

5 1. Future or Eschatological Righteousness 2. Right-ness or justice in the world 1. Future or Eschatological Righteousness 2. Right-ness or justice in the world 3. Personal right-ness or holiness Hebrews 10:12 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 5

6 People think God just waits to punish us. But: Romans 5:8 While we were still sinners, that s when Christ died for us! People are defeated because of losing the battle of sin so often. But: We have access to the power of God! 2 Pet. 1:1 5; Eph 6:10, Jas. 4:7, 2 Cor 2:16, Col. 3:1 2 People are defeated because of losing the battle of sin so often. But: We have access to the power of God! 2 Pet. 1:1-5; Eph 6:10, Jas. 4:7, 2 Cor 2:16, Col. 3:1-2 We have access to the power of accountability James 5:16, Galatians 6:1-2, 1 Thess. 5:11 6

7 People are defeated because of losing the battle of sin so often. But: We have access to the power of God! 2 Pet. 1:1-5; Eph 6:10, Jas. 4:7, 2 Cor 2:16, Col. 3:1-2 We have access to the power of accountability James 5:16, Galatians 6:1-2, 1 Thess. 5:11 We are able to focus on our relationship with Jesus rather than worrying about doing more or better things John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commands. People think God just waits to punish us. People are defeated because of losing the battle of sin so often. Sanctification takes work, because relationship takes work (Phil 2:12). But it s so worth it! (John 15:15) I no longer call you servants I have called you friends How Hungering & Thirsting for Righteousness Satisfies same word used to mean full or filled after you eat. 7

8 What Matthew 5:6 boils down to There is a characteristic that should typify healthy Christians spiritual hunger and thirst. The food that satisfies it is personal righteousness. The way it satisfies is by filling us, just like when we eat. And though we are filled, it leaves us wanting more, which is a good! 8