Lesson 5: Hungry for More

Pursuing God’s Righteousness

This week, we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the powerful truth found in the fourth Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This blessing unveils a shift from recognizing our spiritual need to embracing the deep desire for something more—God's righteousness. But what does it truly mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Righteousness goes beyond mere personal piety; it encompasses both a right relationship with God and a right relationship with others. On a personal level, it involves aligning our character and conduct with God's will, reflected in obedience to His commands and a growing intimacy with Him. This isn't about outward appearances; it's about internal transformation that naturally flows outward into righteous actions. True righteousness also has a social dimension, prompting us to seek justice and compassion in our communities and the world. It calls us to be agents of God's love and grace, extending help to the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.

Righteousness should consume us in the same way physical hunger and thirst drive us to seek sustenance. It's a deep longing for a vibrant connection with God, a yearning to experience His presence and live out His love. As we pursue righteousness, we'll find ourselves increasingly satisfied, yet always desiring more. The more we taste God's goodness, the more we crave His presence. And the more we experience the joy of serving others, the more we're compelled to extend His love and grace to those in need.

So, we must ask ourselves: What are we truly hungering and thirsting for? Are we pursuing fleeting worldly desires or are we passionately seeking God's righteousness? This week, let's examine our hearts, asking God to reveal any detours we've taken and reignite within us a burning passion for righteousness and justice. May we be a people who not only hear the message of the Gospel but live it out, transforming our lives and impacting our world.

Questions for Discussion

  1. How would you describe the two aspects of righteousness and how are they interconnected?

  2. What is the connection between righteousness and justice?

  3. What are some specific examples of "doing justice" in our communities and in the world today?

  4. What is the importance of having hunger and thirst for righteousness? Why is the desire important?

  5. Revelation 7:16-17 says ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ How does this promise motivate us to persevere in our pursuit of righteousness today?

  6. How can we cultivate a persistent "hunger and thirst" for righteousness, even when we experience moments of satisfaction or spiritual dryness?

  7. How can we ensure that our pursuit of righteousness is genuine and not merely performative?

  8. What are you truly "hungering and thirsting after." What are some practical steps we can take this week to re-align our priorities and pursue righteousness more intentionally?