HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Hunger for Righteousness

Matt.5:6 tells us that we will be filled and have deep spiritual joy if we hunger and thirst for righteousness.  2 Tim.2:15 instructs us to study God’s Word to be approved by God.  Ps.119:105 reveals God’s Word as a lamp to guide our way in life.  Some considerations follow.

There is a type of study that we might call extra-curricular.  It is interesting and entertaining to work puzzles and word-finds that lead us through the Bible.  Certainly it is more profitable than those of TV shows or movies or sports.  It is good to know the prophets and kings with their battles.  The prophets give us many insights into how the Scripture unfolds.  Fill-in-the-blank books also give us a knowledge of the Bible.  Can you remember the fact you found last year?  Has it made you more righteous?

Many devotion books are also available.  These can give us inspiring stories and illustrations that point us to God.  Some are much deeper in thought content while some teach social graces.

Would it be possible that we become so involved with factual knowledge that we loose sight of the spiritual aspects of living a godly life to glorify God.  All of the above are excellent; however, we also need to keep close to the gospels and epistles with a humble heart and a spirit of meditation and prayer that we may apply these things to our hearts daily.  We may “know” the fruit of the spirit, etc. but just knowing is not enough.  We need that frequent application to our hearts—that attempt to see ourselves as God sees us that we may glorify Him.  We forget so soon.

Some good Scriptures for meditation follow.  Be honest with yourself.  God knows.

            Rom.6:11-16;  Rom.12:1,2;  Rom.12:9-21

            1 Cor.6:19,20;  1 Cor.13:4-7;  1 Cor.15:57,58

            Gal.5:15-26

            Eph.4:29-32;  Eph.6:7-18

            Phil.2:3-14;  Phil.4:4-8

            Col.3:12-17,23

            1 Thess.3:12,13;  1 Thess.5:15-23

            1 Tim.6:6-12

            2 Tim.2:22-24

            Heb.2:1-3;  Heb.12:11-15

            Jam.1:19-27;  Jam.3:10-18;  Jam.4:7-12

            1 Pet.3:8-12;  1 Pet.5:5-8

            2 dPet.1:4-10’ 

            1 Jhn. 2:9-11;  1 Jhn.3:14-18;  1 Jhn.4:20,21

There are many other passages and single verses.  This does not pretend to be exhaustive.

It is only a beginning to grow into godliness. Once isn’t enough—over and over!

D - BEATITUDES - 4

D – BEATITUDES – 4

Matt.5:6   As we consider this beatitude we want to reflect on what it is that causes our hunger—righteousness.  Simply put, righteousness is rightness.  Let us look more deeply into this characteristic for this is a description of what a Christian should be.  Eph.4:24  

First, God is a righteous God.  David declares His righteousness in Ps.35:24,28   God is right in every way and He hates wickedness.  Ps.45:6,7   God is addressed as “Righteous God.”  Ps.4:1   Jeremiah calls God “the Lord of our Righteousness.”  Jer.23:6  

God made us in His image but we can never attain His righteousness.  Isa.64:6   This is no reason to quit.  We need a life of striving to gain righteousness by obedience and faithfulness.  2 Sam.22:21,22   Job reminds us of the new clothes we put on as a Christian.  Job 29:14;  Col.3:10

We are nothing but starving spirits in the wasteland of the world.  The words “hunger” and “thirst” had a real meaning to those listening to Jesus.  Even at best the people listening to Jesus would many times be on the brink of starvation as is true in many places of our world today.  Water had to be carried to the dwelling place and often the public well was a distance away.  Remember the Samaritan woman at the well.  These words were a clear picture to those people.  There was no snack if a bit hungry or a soda if thirsty.

This is the picture of us in a spiritual way.  So many in the world never eat or drink from the Word of God.  Jesus is the Bread of Life.  Jhn.6:35   When Jesus was being tempted, He answered Satan with these words.  Matt.4:4   The Word of God comes from the mouth or breath of God Himself.  2 Tim.3:16,17   Sometimes we are like the student that thinks he can absorb text knowledge by osmosis if he puts the text under his pillow.  No, we must not only read, but study the Bible.  2 Tim.2:15

How much do we really want righteousness?  Diets of various kinds are used for different physical maladies.  Maybe it is less salt or less sugar or maybe it is just less.  We become concerned with our physical health.  How concerned are we with our spiritual health?  Can we go on a diet of less world and more spiritual food?  Too often we want a nibble of the Word of God or of church but in reality there is no lasting hunger and thirst that we are able to take on the righteousness of the Lord.  2 Cor.5:21

One bite of some kinds of food requires another bite and another and another.  When we partake of spiritual food, it is common to want more and more.  Our greatest spiritual food is from the Scriptures but there are also other ways of obtaining this food.  We need to be present with others in the faith when they meet together.  Heb.10:24,25  

Why do support groups help addictions?  They encourage one another and stimulate one another to keep fighting the addiction.  As Christians come together, we encourage one another to keep fighting Satan.  We stimulate one another to love and good deeds.  We study the Word together and gain insight and support our memories. 

The illustration is often used of a bed of hot coals.  They are all red with heat but take one coal out and set it aside.  It cools off and looses its usefulness.  This is a Christian that leaves the body of Christ and goes alone.  His spiritual desire is soon lost.  It is so easy to miss one service.  It is easier yet to miss the second one and so on.  If the saints are meeting together, the question, “Will I go?” should not enter our minds.  We hunger to be there and we will be blessed.

Is the Bible precious to you?  If we were in a totally dark cave, would a flashlight be of great importance to us?  This is the Bible in the world of darkness.  Ps.119:105   Peter mentions this light in 2 Pet.1:19   We are told to pay attention.  Our darkness in the world is turned to light.  2 Sam.22:29   Job mentions God’s light many times.  Job 22:28

As we study God’s Word we need a purpose.  This saying is so true—“There are some Christians who can’t be called pilgrims because they never make any progress.”  Infants drink milk and then eat baby food.  They don’t stay on baby food.  There is a difference between vegetables and candy.  We need the nourishment that the Bible can give us.  Candy might make us grow “out” but won’t keep us healthy.  2 Pet.3:18  

It is true that we are babes in Christ when we first become a Christian but we don’t want to stay that way.  We get stuck in spiritual infancy.  1 Pet.2:2   We are to grow.  Think of a stagnant pond.  Nothing comes in and nothing goes out.  Heb.5:12-14

As mentioned, it is important that we avail ourselves of every opportunity to learn from classes, sermons, etc.  However, most import is our daily study alone with God.  Pray for understanding and application of His Word for your life.  First read, meditate upon what the Word says for it says what it means, then apply it personally.  Don’t just skim the words and think you have read the Bible.  Ps.1:2  Put God’s Word in your heart and the heart of your family.  Deut.6:6-9   This was accomplished in the life of Timothy as told in 2 Tim.1:5  Just knowing trivia is not enough without application.  It has been told that Krushchev could quote large portions of Scripture.  His grandmother would give him a piece of candy for every verse he could quote.  It did not show in his life.

Josiah found both great repentance and joy when the book of God’s Word was found in the temple.  2 Chron.34:15,31  Let us discover what the Word of God has for our lives as Josiah did—with all our heart.  Jer.15:16  To consume the Words of God will begin filling us with righteousness and help us to grow in Christ.  Eph.5:2

C - BEATITUDES - 3

C – BEATITUDES – 3

Matt.5:5   What deep spiritual joy the meek have.  Meekness is not weakness.  In some versions the word, gentle, is supplied.  Meekness is a trait to seek.  Zeph.2:3   Rewards are promised with meekness.  Isa.11:4   Salvation is promised in Ps.76:9.  We know that meekness is not the only thing that leads to salvation but this statement does add to its importance.  Ps.37:11 says approximately the same as the Beatitude.  The reward is peace. 

Moses was definitely not a weak man and yet he was known as the meekest man on the face of the earth.  Num.12:3   In his meekness Moses was strong and courageous.  He led an immense group of people.  Yet he was humble and self-sacrificing in the midst of all the problems he endured during his leadership.  He was a man of prayer and stood for the word of the Lord and was willing to defend it at all costs.  This certainly was not weak.

Jesus was a perfect example of meekness.  Matt.11:29   Jesus’ life exuded with meekness.  He was so gentle and compassionate.  Jesus ministered to all groups of people even though of all people He could have been proud and aloof.  He was the Son of God!  Phil.2:6,7   However, when the time came to stand up to the Pharisees, He did not hold back His reprimands to them.

Early in the English language the words, gentle man, had the meaning of a man who was meek.  Now the words have been put together as gentleman and have lost their original meaning.  Meekness is not meanness but on the other hand, it does not surrender rights.  Being meek is not putting yourself down as a rug to be trampled upon.  However, a meek person realizes that God is the vindicator.  Rom.12:19  

Meekness comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults or hurts.  A person that is constantly ruffled by every insult and annoyance that comes his way is thrown off guard with his passion and lives by the control of everyone who crosses him.  Such a heart cannot be meek and gentle.  1 Pet.2:19;  1 Cor.6:7   The person who is controlled by the Spirit will be meek and gentle.  Their spirit will not be inflamed by provocation but they will be able to return a soft answer.  They would rather forgive twenty injuries than be the revenger of one.

Paul the apostle was another example of a meek man.  Tit.3:1,2   Paul realized the importance of following those that ruled over them.  In so doing, they were to be gentle or meek and peaceable.  Paul mentions the meekness of Christ and then states that he, also, is a meek man.  2 Cor.10:1   In describing a Christian woman, Paul uses the term, “a meek and quiet spirit.”  Does this describe our spirit?  We need introspection with this question.  This is what we are to be.  Eph.4:2

The second half of this Beatitude has caused some questions.  For they shall inherit the earth.  Are we to become landowners if we are meek?  The Jews had this expression that came from the promise that they would inherit the Promised Land.  Gen.13:15   Many promises ended with the blessing that they would inherit the land.  After they did enter the Promised Land, “inherit the land” began to mean the blessings they would receive under certain conditions.  1 Cor.3:21-23   For a long time the Israelites looked forward to inheriting the land promised to Abraham.  Gen.15:7   This desire continued as they wandered through the wilderness.  Ex.32:13  Their possession of the land included some instruction.  Deut.16:20  

Canaan, the Promised Land, represented the many blessings of God’s people.  Ultimately, Canaan represented Heaven.  Isa.60:21    

Meekness or gentleness is a characteristic Christians should have.  Eph.4:2  This is a characteristic we must have toward others.  Col.3:12   Gentleness must be used as we work with other people.  Humility goes along with it.  1 Pet.3:15   Gentleness is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit.  Gal.5:23   Even wisdom is shown in gentleness.  Jam.3:13

This quote from Henry Morris explains meekness:  “A meek spirit enables a Christian to maintain composure in the face of opposition, to accept adversity without complaint, promotion without arrogance, demotion without resentment.  It produces a peace which no trouble can disturb and which no prosperity can puff up.”

So a deep spiritual joy is experienced as we develop a meek and gentle spirit and we will receive spiritual blessings as our promised land and eventually heaven.  Rev.21:7

B-Beatitudes-2

B – BEATITUDES – 2

Matt.5:4   Those that mourn have a deep joy of the soul for they are blessed.  In the former beatitude those realize they are destitute in spirit and have great need of the Lord and His mercy.  Realizing our great need makes us humble before God and man.

It may seem strange that mourning would be blessed and yet that is exactly what the second beatitude says.  We mourn when we are separated from our loved ones.  How much more should we mourn when we are separated from our God.  This is what sin does.  It separates us from God.  Isa.59:2   Sin is transgression of the law.  1 Jhn.3:4  

Our obedience to our Lord shows Him and the world that we love Him and know Him.  We abide in Him.  1 Jhn.2:3   If we are separated, then He may not answer us.  1 Jhn.3:22   We loose our ability to overcome when we are separated from God.  1 Jhn.4:4;  1Cor.15:57  

Before we became a Christian we realized our need of a Savior.  Mourning took place as we repented of our sins.  Perhaps tears flowed.  We no longer wanted to be separated from God so we took the steps needed to become a Christian as the first Christians did in Acts 2:38.  What joy developed in our heart as we received forgiveness of those sins.  We were no longer separated from God but instead, we were given the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling in our lives. 

Do we remember that mourning?  Do we still mourn when we do or say things that do not please our Lord.  The spiritual mourning is not just for one time.  If we love someone, we do not want to hurt them.  How deeply do we love Jesus?  As we study His Word, are we willing to change as we recognize those things in our life that cause His displeasure.  This must be a daily examination with mourning and repentance.

Several examples of various kinds of mourning for sin can be found in the Scripture.  Cain is our first example.  God was not happy with Cain’s sacrifice and Cain was angry.  God’s answer is found in Gen.4:7.  Cain’s response was killing his brother, Abel.  Rather than repenting he became angry, jealous, and murdered.  He was separated.  Gen.4:13,14 

It seems that Ahab was sorry he had been caught.  He had caused Naboth to be killed and then had possessed his vineyard.  1 Kgs.21:20   He had all the outward signs of mourning.  It was for his punishment.  Then God reversed the punishment and laid it upon his sons; however, Ahab listened to false prophets and was killed.  Too often the mourning is because of being caught in sin.  We need to mourn because we have failed our Savior.

David mourned in a different way.  His sin was ever before him.  Ps.51:3,4   David acknowledges his sin and remembered.  He goes further than that.  He pleads for forgiveness.  Ps.51:1,2   Such spiritual joy is experienced when sins are forgiven.  Ps.32:1,2   Then David wants to be renewed.  Ps.51:10   He has sensed that his sin took him away from God and he wants to return.  Ps.51:11,12

Paul was another one who realized his sin, repented, became a Christian, and then served God the rest of his life.  As he looked back, he felt he was the worst of sinners and not fit to be called an apostle.  1 Cor.15:9

So as we acknowledge our sin and mourn in repentance, we, too, want to be renewed in our hearts.  First, we must turn our minds away from things of the world.  Rom.13:14   As long as we keep thinking and wishing for worldly things, our hearts cannot be renewed.  Col.1:21   As we cast off those worldly thoughts and desires, we can be renewed through Christ Jesus.  Col.1:22   The renewal is not just the casting off.  We have to put on the right things.  Col.3:10

Our spiritual mourning turns to great comfort as we are brought back in right relationship with God.  2 Thess.2:16,17   Think of everlasting comfort.  Consolation and encouragement are other words used for the Greek word, “comfort.”  Heb.6:18,19   This everlasting comfort and strong consolation that we have in hope as an anchor of the soul gives us deep spiritual joy that is our blessedness.

God is a God of comfort.  2 Cor.1:3   As He comforts us, so we in turn comfort others in their need.  2 Cor.1:4   As Christians we do not live just for ourselves.  Life in Christ is sharing with one another.  We share materially.  We share joys and sorrows and in this beatitude, we share comfort.

Ps.94:19   When our hearts are heavy, it is of great comfort to know that God cares.  God is above all and yet when we bow before him in humility and repentance, he listens and revives our hearts.  Isa.57:15   A great contrast is given as comfort is given to those who mourn.  Isa.61:2,3  

As we come to a time of mourning, whether it be spiritual or earthly, let us take heart and know that our comfort will come from God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  May our mourning become a time of rejoicing in our God of comfort.  The world longs for this but do not possess it.  Col.2:2,3