Growing Through The Beatitudes - Part 3

Growing Through The Beatitudes - Part 3

Text:

Introduction:

A. There are 8 positive attitudes stated in the Beatitudes that provide a foundation for a fulfilling and joyful life. These Beatitudes speak to the inner person, and that is the REAL you. The Beatitudes calls us to BE something before we DO something.

1. Beatitudes described: Poor, Mourn, Meek, Hunger and Thirst, Merciful, Pure, Peacemakers, and Persecuted.

2. Beatitudes’ reward: Kingdom of Heaven, comfort, inherit the earth, filled, mercy, see God, called sons of God, inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

B. The word translated “blessed” is also translated “happy, blissful and spiritually prosperous” (To be enlarged).

Main Points:

I. Jesus said, “Blessed [happy] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (satisfied).” Matthew5:6

A. Hungering and Thirsting Defined:

1. Normally the Greek words used for hunger and thirst are in the genitive case.

2. Refers to possessing a little hunger and a little thirst, thirsting or hungering a bit for something.

B. God uses the verbs for hunger and thirst in in an unusual way. They are in the accusative case.

1. It indicates a hunger and a thirst for the whole thing, not just for a taste. It is a craving and consuming desire that must be filled.

2

1. It indicates a hunger and a thirst for the whole thing, not just for a taste. It is a craving and consuming desire that must be filled.

2. Blessed are they who have an all-consuming hunger and thirst for righteousness – to be right and to do right – to experience personally and practically the holiness of God in lifestyle.

How are HUNGER and THIRST fulfilled in the believer’s life?

I. Gather Will and Desire from the first 3 Beatitudes

A. Poor in spirit, mourning and meek.

B. The past of your yesterday should assist with the progression of today.

C. Hunger is natural, but appetite can be cultivated. If you change your diet, over time you will change your appetite.

1. Practice abstaining from pleasures that you enjoy, even if those pleasures are legitimate.

2. Be willing to help others around you.

3. Reflect on your blessings and benefits in CHRIST.