"... for they shall be filled." 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 and 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?
Ps.
63:1-8
Ps.
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.
Just
as I am without one plea
But
that Thy blood was shed for me,
And
that Thou biddest me come to Thee,
0
Lamb of God, I come! I come!
The Secret of
Abundant Life: Lesson
6
