Preacher: Russ Perry | Series: Blessed Are

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?

Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. Romans 3:22

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.             Matthew 6:10

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

WHAT THIS PERSON DOESN’T LOOK LIKE…

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; For the good that I want to do, I do not do; but the evil I do not want  to do, that’s what I keep on doing. Romans 7:18-19

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

WHAT THIS PERSON LOOKS LIKE…

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalm 42:1-2a

O God, You are my God; early will I seek you; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

HOW DO I KNOW I’M MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION?

Am I walking in the light?

Do I surround myself with people who help me or hurt me?

Do I crave God’s word?

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…

Am I praying for Jesus to come back?

Your kingdom come… Matthew 6:10

Do I value God’s reward?

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalm 17:15

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

QUESTIONS FOR LIFE

1.Describe a time when you were really hungry or thirsty. What was it like to quench that feeling?

2.Tell your group about a time when you didn’t have an appetite, either because you were sick or emotionally drained. In the same way your physical appetite returned, what specifically have you done to encourage your spiritual appetite?

3. Read Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The righteousness Jesus speaks of is doing good works that others can see and thereby honor God. Can you give an example of how you or someone you know has demonstrated that?

4.Can you give your group an example of how you’ve allowed people around you that hurt you? How did you change that by putting people around you that helped you? How has your small group helped you? Please explain.

5.How often (or not) do you think about Jesus coming back? Does that influence your appetite for righteousness? Why or why not.

6.Do I value God’s reward? Tell your group how your time, energy, and resources reflect how important you believe reward is?

7.You’re as close to God as you want to be. Agree or disagree. Please explain.

8.Read 1 Cor. 2:9 “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Let’s dream a bit.  What would you love for your role in the kingdom to be like? How do you think you’ll be satisfied?