Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

The Beatitudes: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Matthew 5:6

Introduction: In our contemporary culture thorough righteousness has become passé, old-fashioned and unimportant. However the Bible teaches differently, Prov. 10:28; Matt. 25:46; Lev. 11:44 cf. I Peter 1:16.

I. The Thrust, Order and Goodness of the 4th Beatitude… A. It's Thrust Take note of the focus of Jesus in this sermon; Matt. 5:20, 48; 6:33; 7:21 B. It's Order C. It's Goodness Lesson:

II. The Explanation of the 4th Beatitude A. Righteousness simply defined “…to be straight or upright…To use the language of the carpenter, it is to be plumb.” B. An Attribute of God see Rom. 3:5; Ps. 18:30; Dan. 4:37; Deut. 32:4; I John 1:5 C. Righteousness is not Hidden or Subjective but Clearly Displayed… D. It is Rooted in the Grace of God in Christ Jesus (the Gospel)… E. Not a Righteousness of Our Own…Phil. 3:9 cf. Eph. 1:4; II Cor. 5:21 F. This Righteousness is two-fold 1. Imputed 2. Imparted (Infused) Lesson:

III. Three Reasonable Observations From the 4th Beatitude A. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is not an option B. To hunger and thirst for righteousness manifests the sincerity (reality) of one's soul for godliness C. If you take the name of Jesus as Savior—honestly examine yourself as to whether or not you really hunger and thirst for righteousness 1. Do you experience a constant growing desire for Christ? II Peter 3:18 2. Do you have an interest in and a concern for the best things in life? Ps. 1:2 3. Is your goal in everything holiness? I John 2:6; Heb. 12:14

Application: 1. A word of warning 2. A word of hope (confident expectation of good…)