| BLESSED
ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
- [Part: 1] |
Matthew 5:6: “...for they
shall be satisfied.”
Every part of God’s creation seeks satisfaction
in some way, usually according to its true need.
Of all God’s creatures, humans have the
greatest propensity to seek what they do not
need where they cannot find it. In fact, the
world longs and strives for happiness but doesn’t
grasp it, for happiness is never found when
it [a feeling of happiness] is the main objective.
Only God offers the goal that produces true
and lasting joy: “Blessed [spiritually
prosperous with an inner happiness independent
of outward circumstances] are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness [right standing
with God], for they shall be satisfied.”
This verse, the fourth promise in this series,
introduces a significant change. The first three
dealt with the problem of self - the need for
emptiness before God can fill. Now we begin
to look at the solution. Awareness of our bondage
to sin and self produces mourning and leads
to hunger and thirst for righteousness. This
godly craving, in turn, leads to fulfillment
as God imparts His righteousness to those who
seek Him. Hear His call to the people He loves:
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the
waters; And you who have no money, come, buy
and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money
and without cost. Why do you spend money for
what is not bread and your wages for what does
not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat
what is good, and delight yourself in abundance...”
- Isaiah: 55:1-2
My Lord, I long for your purity and goodness.
In myself, I fall so far short of the pure,
unselfish life of love which you have shown
me. I cannot be and do what my heart desires.
I am totally incapable of pleasing you on my
own. Now I come to you in my need, for you have
promised to be in me the righteousness for which
I hunger and thirst. Thank you, my Lord and
King, for your wonderful gift of a new and holy
Life.
FIRST DAY: Read Matthew
5:6.
Since we so easily hunger and thirst for that
which brings only momentary relief, we need
to look at what brings eternal satisfaction.
1. Define or explain “righteousness”.
2. How do the following Scriptures demonstrate
hunger and thirst for righteousness? [Notice
the blessing for those who “mourn”
sin: they are the ones who “hunger and
thirst” and therefore “will be satisfied”.
They are becoming “the pure in heart”]
Psalm 25:1-5
Psalm 40:6-8
Psalm 119:8-11
Psalm 139:23-24
3. What action is prompted by such hunger and
thirst?
SECOND DAY: Although
God satisfies our hunger and thirst, His fulfillment
stimulates greater desire for ever more of Christ’s
righteousness and presence. Thus hunger and
thirst co-exist with the wonderful satisfaction
that can only be found in Jesus.
1. Read John 6:32-34 & 48-58. What is the
“bread” that God offers those who
are hungry?
2. Read John 7:37-39. What does Jesus continually
offer you?
3. Read John 4:14. What does Jesus promise those
who drink from the water He offers?
4. 1 Corinthians:1:30 tells us that Christ Jesus
“became to us wisdom from God and _________
and _____________ and ______________."
Why is this significant to you today?
5. [Challenge question] Read 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Which word here implies an action comparable
to “eating” and “drinking”
of Jesus’ life? What is the result of
this action?
THIRD DAY: God’s
Word offers vivid illustrations of hearts that
hunger and thirst for His righteousness, as
well as hopeful promises of deep fulfillment.
1. Read Philippians 3:7-10. How did Paul express
his hunger, thirst and appreciation for his
righteousness in Christ [which was inseparable
from fellowship and union with his beloved Lord].
Do you agree?
2. Righteousness and fellowship with God go
together. Only the righteous can enter into
and enjoy His presence, and only as we live
in His presence can His righteousness reign
in us. In the following passages, where do you
see David’s hunger and thirst for Cod
and His righteousness? What action on his part
brings satisfaction?
Psalm:63:1-8
Psalm:143:11 [Here you see the action on David’s
part but not the expression of satisfaction.
Sometimes we must, in faith, wait for relief,
which will come in God's perfect time and way.
Notice David’s joy in the opening verses
of the next few psalms.]
3. [Personal] Can you identify with any of the
above? Explain.
FOURTH DAY: Even if you have believed in Christ’s
redemptive work on the cross and are identified
with His death and resurrection life [Romans
6:4-5], you may face a multitude of obstacles
that hinder the righteous life of Jesus from
flowing through you.
1. According to Isaiah 55:1-3 [quoted in the
introduction], what can keep either the believer
or unbeliever from being satisfied on “food”
that truly fulfills?
2. What action brings satisfaction?
3. What does Isaiah emphasize concerning the
cost of God’s “food and drink”?
Why is this so important?
4. Describe the “blessing” God promises
those who respond to His invitation.
5. [Personal] What do you hear Him say to you
in this passage?
FIFTH DAY: How does
Matthew 6:33 affirm and summarize the message
of this lesson? Write Him your response.
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