Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:1–10 (NIV) 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 He began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Hunger+Thirst Psalm 42:1-2(NIV) As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
For Righteousness
Matthew 6:33 (NIV) Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
2 Kinds of Righteousness 1. Personal Righteousness
Justification: Imputed righteousness.
Romans 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2. Practical Righteousness
Sanctification: Imparted Righteousness
Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
“Imparted righteousness is the evidence of imputed righteousness.”
1 John 3:10 (NIV) This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
Philippians 2:12 (NIV) ...Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
“Only God can work righteousness.” Matthew 5:20 (NIV) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“We don’t get righteousness by pursuing righteousness but by pursuing Jesus.”
Jeremiah 33:16 (NIV) 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
Yahweh/Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord IS our Righteousness.
Nurturing Spiritual Hunger and Thirst Psalm 63:1-8(NLT)1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
1. Savor the moments Psalms 63:2(NLT) “I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.”
“Moments create cravings.”
2. Remain at HIS table
“We stifle spiritual cravings by indulging in carnal desires.”
3. Cherish his presence Psalms 63:3(NLT) Your unfailing love is better than life itself.
“If we will obsess over Jesus, we won’t have room to obsess over anything else.”
