Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian faith, righteousness is a central theme that reflects the moral and ethical standards set by God. It is not merely about adhering to a set of rules but involves a deep, intrinsic desire to align one's life with God's will. The concept of hungering and thirsting after righteousness is vividly illustrated in the Beatitudes, where Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (
Matthew 5:6).
Biblical ContextThe metaphor of hungering and thirsting signifies an intense, earnest longing for righteousness, akin to the physical cravings for food and water. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that the pursuit of righteousness should be as fundamental and urgent as the basic human needs for sustenance. In the biblical context, righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, attainable through faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Old Testament FoundationsThe Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding righteousness as a relational concept, deeply connected to God's covenant with His people. In
Isaiah 55:1-2, the prophet invites the people to come to the waters and partake freely, symbolizing the spiritual nourishment that God provides. This invitation underscores the idea that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from seeking God's righteousness.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, Jesus embodies the perfect example of righteousness. His life and teachings provide a model for believers to emulate. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in
Romans 3:22, stating, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness is not earned by human effort but is imputed to believers through faith in Christ.
Spiritual ImplicationsHungering and thirsting for righteousness involves a continuous, active pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. It requires a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and a willingness to be transformed by God's Word. This pursuit leads to spiritual growth and maturity, as believers are conformed to the image of Christ.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, this beatitude calls Christians to live out their faith with integrity and justice. It challenges believers to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else (
Matthew 6:33). This involves prioritizing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, which nurture a righteous life.
The Promise of FulfillmentThe promise attached to this beatitude is profound: those who earnestly seek righteousness will be filled. This filling is both a present reality and a future hope. In the present, believers experience the peace and joy that come from living in accordance with God's will. In the eschatological sense, the ultimate fulfillment will be realized in the kingdom of heaven, where righteousness will reign supreme.
In summary, the blessedness of hungering and thirsting after righteousness is a call to a life of deep spiritual longing and commitment to God's ways. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that comes from being in right relationship with God, both now and in eternity.
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
The Beatitudes.
... 1.) Poverty of Spirit; (2.) Meekness; (3.) Hungering and Thirsting ... by the pride of
Pharisaic righteousness and wisdom ... the general one of" the blessedness of the ...
/.../the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/i the beatitudes.htm
In what Sense a Sinless Righteousness in this Life Can be Asserted ...
... rests his desire for the ultimate blessedness as its ... be forgiven him; [1109] and
whatever righteousness he has ... him, and still to go on hungering and thirsting ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 65 in what sense a.htm
The Eighth Beatitude
... poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting ... in heart, peacemakers,
persecuted for righteousness' sake. ... and above the inherent blessedness of such a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the eighth beatitude.htm
The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are ... They do not hunger and thirst
after righteousness'. ... reproves them who, instead of hungering and thirsting ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm
The Essential Elements of Christian Experience.
... a soul intensely hungering and thirsting after righteousness almost forgets ... loves
to do for His hungering and thirsting ... this is indeed the blessedness of heaven ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiv the essential elements of.htm
The Fourth Beatitude
... Aspiration is blessedness when it is worthily directed. ... the possession of any real,
deep righteousness of his ... will spring in his heart a hungering and thirsting ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the fourth beatitude.htm
The Bliss of the Glorified
... I. A DESCRIPTION OF THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE GLORIFIED ... text also means our spiritual
hungering and thirsting ... hungers and thirst to-day after righteousness, for he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the bliss of the glorified.htm
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... let us hunger and thirst; hungering and thirsting ... are they who hunger and thirst
after righteousness." [2150] Wherefore ... There will there be blessedness, in the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm
Life.
... is on the way to thought and blessedness, is in ... life the outcome and the light is
righteousness, love, grace ... itself to the soul that is hungering and thirsting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/life.htm
Recommendation.
... and separation from God, and no blessedness but in ... as above, so these trees of
righteousness, the planting ... denial, and self-abasing, in hungering and thirsting ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/recommendation.htm
Resources
What is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgRighteousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
