Holy Hunger

The Beatitudes, Pt. 4 | March 9, 2025

Pastor Wes Morris

Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 

Matthew 5:6 (MSG) You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

Blessed: makarios (μακάριος): A deep, abiding joy that comes from living in God's presence and under His rule. 

√ AVOID LEGALISTIC CHRISTIANITY.

Philippians 3:9 (NLT) I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Legalism is when greater focus is placed on God’s law and less on His love.

√ AVOID LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY.

Revelation 3:15-16 (TLB) I know you well—you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth!

When was the last time I felt a deep hunger for God's presence?
In what areas of my spiritual life have I become comfortable or stagnant?

Psalm 63:1 (NIV) You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 

HOLY HUNGER

I. MY WAY - I lean on my own strength.
   THE BLESSED WAY - I daily recognize my need for God.

Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV) Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

PRAYER: God, make me humble.

II. MY WAY - I chase after pleasure and success to feel satisfied.
    THE BLESSED WAY - I find lasting peace and joy through Christ.

Romans 8:5-6 (NLT) Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

PRAYER: God, make me holy.

III. MY WAY - I compromise to fit in or avoid discomfort.
     THE BLESSED WAY - I hunger for God’s truth and His presence.

John 6:26-27 (TLB) Jesus replied, “The truth of the matter is that you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you believe in me. But you shouldn’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. No, spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I can give you. 

Psalm 42:1-2 (GNT) As a deer longs for a stream of cool water, so