Topical Encyclopedia The concept of hungering after righteousness is a profound aspect of the character of saints, reflecting a deep, spiritual longing for God's will and holiness. This desire is not merely a passive wish but an active pursuit, indicative of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is a defining trait of those who seek to live in accordance with God's commandments and to embody the virtues of the Kingdom of Heaven.Biblical Foundation The Beatitudes, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, provide a foundational understanding of this characteristic. Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude highlights the promise of spiritual satisfaction for those who earnestly seek righteousness, suggesting that such a pursuit is both commendable and rewarded by God. Nature of Righteousness Righteousness, in the biblical sense, encompasses both personal holiness and social justice. It involves living in a way that is pleasing to God, characterized by moral integrity, ethical behavior, and a commitment to justice and mercy. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes this dual aspect, calling for a life that reflects God's standards: "Learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). Spiritual Hunger The metaphor of hunger and thirst conveys an intense, innate desire that drives the believer to seek God with all their heart. This spiritual hunger is a sign of a healthy, vibrant faith, as it propels the saint towards deeper communion with God and a more profound understanding of His will. The psalmist captures this longing beautifully: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God" (Psalm 42:1). Transformation and Growth Hungering after righteousness is indicative of a transformative process in the life of a believer. It is a journey of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit works within to conform the individual to the image of Christ. The apostle Paul speaks to this transformation, urging believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). Practical Outworking This hunger manifests in various practical ways, including a commitment to prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and active participation in the life of the church. It also involves a dedication to living out the principles of the Gospel in everyday life, such as showing love and compassion to others, advocating for justice, and maintaining personal integrity. Challenges and Perseverance While the pursuit of righteousness is noble, it is not without challenges. The world often presents temptations and distractions that can lead one astray. However, the saint is called to persevere, trusting in God's promise to satisfy their spiritual hunger. The apostle Peter encourages believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18), underscoring the ongoing nature of this pursuit. Eternal Perspective Ultimately, the hunger for righteousness points to an eternal reality. It is a foretaste of the complete fulfillment that will be experienced in the presence of God. The book of Revelation offers a glimpse of this future satisfaction: "They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat" (Revelation 7:16). This promise assures the saints that their longing for righteousness will be fully realized in the life to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Word from the Beloved's Own Mouth. "And Ye are Clean. " --John ... The Nature of Spiritual Hunger The Lord Our Righteousness A Persuasive to Steadfastness The New Sinai The Good Shepherd Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome Jacob Boehme's Influence in England Against the Belief of those who Think that the Sins which have ... Resources What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice Character of Saints: Blameless and Harmless Character of Saints: Fearing God Character of Saints: Following Christ Character of Saints: Guileless Character of Saints: Hungering After Righteousness Character of Saints: Hungering for Righteousness Character of Saints: Led by the Spirit Character of Saints: Loathing Themselves Character of Saints: New Creatures Character of Saints: Poor in Spirit Character of Saints: Pure in Heart Character of Saints: Righteous Character of Saints: Steadfast Character of Saints: Taught by God Character of Saints: Taught of God Character of Saints: Undefiled Character of Saints: Zealous of Good Works Character of the Wicked: Abominable Character of the Wicked: Alienated from God Character of the Wicked: Blasphemous Character of the Wicked: Blinded Character of the Wicked: Boastful Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against God's People Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against Saints Character of the Wicked: Corrupt Character of the Wicked: Covetous Character of the Wicked: Deceitful Character of the Wicked: Delighting in the Iniquity of Others Character of the Wicked: Despising Saints Character of the Wicked: Despising the Works of the Faithful Character of the Wicked: Destructive Character of the Wicked: Disobedient Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil Character of the Wicked: Envious Character of the Wicked: Evildoers Character of the Wicked: Fearful Character of the Wicked: Fierce Character of the Wicked: Foolish Character of the Wicked: Forgetting God Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent Character of the Wicked: Froward Character of the Wicked: Glorying in Their Shame Character of the Wicked: Hard-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Hating the Light Character of the Wicked: Heady and High-Minded Character of the Wicked: Hostile to God Character of the Wicked: Hypocritical Character of the Wicked: Ignorant of God Character of the Wicked: Impudent Character of the Wicked: Incontinent Character of the Wicked: Infidel Character of the Wicked: Loathsome Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure More than of God Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure, not of God Character of the Wicked: Lying Character of the Wicked: Mischievous Character of the Wicked: Murderous Character of the Wicked: Persecuting Character of the Wicked: Perverse Character of the Wicked: Prayerless Character of the Wicked: Proud Character of the Wicked: Rebellious Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints Character of the Wicked: Reprobate Character of the Wicked: Selfish Character of the Wicked: Sensual Character of the Wicked: Sold Under Sin Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked Character of the Wicked: Uncircumcised in Heart Character of the Wicked: Unclean Character of the Wicked: Ungodly Character of the Wicked: Unholy Character of the Wicked: Unjust Character of the Wicked: Unmerciful Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable Character of the Wicked: Unruly Character of the Wicked: Unthankful Character of the Wicked: Untoward Character of the Wicked: Unwise Character: Defamation of, Punished Character: Firmness: Joseph in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Character: Instability: Israelites Character: Instability: Pharaoh Character: Instability: Reuben Character: Instability: Solomon Character: Revealed in Countenance Physiognomy: (External Aspect)): Character Revealed In Related Terms |
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