The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 February 7, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …”

“Blessed are the gentle/meek …” “It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting” (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) – “At Your word” (Luke 5:5; 1 Samuel 3:10) “Harnessed strength … not occupied with self … a horse that is obedient to the reins” (Joe Price)

“… For they shall inherit the earth.” Is there an eternal perspective to this promise? 2 Peter 3:10-15; (Psalms 102:23-28); Psalms 149:4 Our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled and unfading. 1 Peter 1:4 This is the point of this blessing!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …” So far, the blessed person is the one who: Realizes his spiritual poverty. Mourns, as for the dead, his spiritual undone condition. Prepares his heart with meekness or gentleness to receive the direction and guidance of our heavenly Father.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …” Next, the Lord adds the condition that the blessed person is the one who “hungers and thirsts for righteousness” What does it mean to “hunger” or “thirst”? Our driving force. An insatiable desire. What do “hungry” people do?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …” Hungering and thirsting … Defined: “to crave ardently, to seek with eager desire” (Thayer) The type of hunger experienced in a famine.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …” Hungering and thirsting … Job 23:12; Psalms 42:1-2; 63:1-3; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 4:31-34; 7:37-38 What is our hunger and thirst to do for us? Proverbs 16:26 (cf. Philippians 3:12) Again, what is it that spiritually hungry and thirsty people do? Seek to be fed! Jeremiah 3:15; Ezekiel 34:11ff.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness …” Right standard of behavior to please God – Proverbs 8:20; Matthew 5:20; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 3:16; 1 John 3:7 Right standing before God – legally, to be declared right. Romans 3:21-26; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30 Right relationship with God – forgiveness, fellowship, reconciled. Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:6-9 It is to be sought after. Matthew 6:33