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)
God’s word always expects a response of faith from us. The people were enabled to leave Egypt by God’s power, but they had to paint the blood over their doors. The walls of Jericho fell, but they had to march around the walls. The sick are healed, but we are to pray…
Likewise, our growth in righteousness is a gift from God, but it’s a gift that we are to take hold of by taking appropriate actions that reflect our faith. Paul wrote of the kind of attitude we are to have,
‘Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.’ (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
'Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.' (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
A very helpful text that speaks of the ‘dependent striving’ that is required is from Philippians 3
‘Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.’ (Philippians 3:12)
What has he not yet obtained?
What does Paul do in light of his lack?
Paradoxically, who is He depending on for the achieving of his goal?
FINALLY
On Sunday, Nev challenged us to get into training for spiritual growth. What actions do you need to take, or do you need to change anything in your routines?
The goal for which we have been taken hold of is to be perfectly righteous - perfectly like Christ! Is your use of time reflecting the athlete’s focus?
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)
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