#272 – THE MEEK HUNGER AND THIRST (26/1/21)

This week, we are considering the fourth Beatitude,

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.' (Matthew 5:6)

This leads on from the previous Beatitude; the meek will not turn to themselves to improve themselves. The meek hunger and thirst for righteousness from God! They know that true transformation is by the Spirit. Too often we think of improving our lives in terms of self-discipline. Of course, the Bible points out means by which we can be changed, but they are all dependent upon God changing our hearts.

Paul puts it like this,

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.’ (Galatians 5:22-25)

Who produces the fruit in us?

What is the fruit that is produced in the individual and Christian community?

What are we to be careful to do?

Do you hunger and thirst after these kinds of fruits?

The first beatitude taught us of our spiritual poverty; may we know that we are spiritually poor and unable to save and change ourselves. But may we also be filled with the meekness that reaches out to God by whose power we can be changed ever-increasingly into the image of Christ.

FINALLY

On Sunday, Nev warned us of the ways that we can ‘snack’ on unimportant things and so neglect to feast on Jesus. He encouraged us to get into ‘Running Partners’ (2 or 3 brothers or sister who meet to encourage each other). Like an athlete, we will always improve if we have the encouragement of others.

Here is a link that gives details on running partners if you'd like to find out more: https://www.communitychurchputney.com/post/running-partners

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - BLESSED ARE THE SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

If you were really hungry, what would you most like to eat?

Introduction - please share in your group

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the forth of the Beatitudes,

'"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

This is not about the righteousness that is ours through faith in Christ; this is about our hungering and thirsting to live a righteous life.

Throughout God's Word, as here in The Sermon on the Mount, we learn what the righteous life looks like. A true Christian will have a desire for God's character to be made evident in their lives.

They will be filled

Those who have such a hunger are promised satisfaction: "They will be filled".

This means that they will enjoy God's presence in their lives; they will have the satisfaction of having a good conscience toward God; most importantly, they will be satisfied with eternal life in eternal glory with God.

Discussion questions

1. Is there anything that God spoke to you about from Sunday's message that you'd like to share?

2. How will hungering and thirsting for righteousness be evident in one's life?

3. What are the things that we can 'snack' on that reduce our appetite for important spiritual practices?

2. How does devotion to scripture and teaching help us in our pursuit for righteousness?

3. Nev encouraged us to think about getting into 'running partners' to help us in this. Is this something that you would like to get involved in?

Here is a link that gives details on running partners: https://www.communitychurchputney.com/post/running-partners

Investing and inviting

1) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

2) How are you planning to 'invest and invite'?