God’s Diner Bell - Come And Get It!
(Matt. 5:6)
Pastor Chris Norris
Intro: As we view this scripture we all understand that this is one of the beatitudes (or blessed). But this morning with the help of the Lord I would like to expound on the word "righteousness" now this word has two applications it applies to the Sinner and the Saint alike, notice the wording here; "...which do hunger and thirst after righteousness..." "As hunger and thirst are the keenest of our appetites, our Lord, by employing this figure here, plainly means "those whose deepest cravings are after spiritual blessings." (J,F,B Com. )
1. To the Sinner "righteousness" is that state of being "just" or approved of God as in. (Rom. 4:6) Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
(2 Cor.5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2. To the Saint "righteousness" as in (Mt.5:10) Denoting that spiritual and entire conformity to the law of God, under the want of which the saints groan.
3. Just a side note if a person is hungry and thirsty enough they will not turn down food he will eat what is set before him. (Psa.19:7-10) ¶ The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
4. (Psa.119:103-104) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
As long as its from the word of God he will eat, whether he Shouts or Pouts, Blesses or Burns, weather it the Judgement of God or the Joys of God, Heaven or Hell he will eat if he is hungry and thirsty.
* With That In Mind Let Us Consider The Text *
[ Consider the phrase "...hunger and thirst..." ]
I. Consider this speaks of Emptiness.
1. The sinner through indulgence in sin to fill the emptiness they feel in their heart and soul, but to fulfill the lust of the flesh will never satisfy the soul. (1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The flesh is never satisfied!!!!
2. The only place we can fill that emptiness in the heart is in the house of God remember Naomi. (Ruth 1:2) I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath
3. Emptiness speaks of being in need;
A. Notice the sinner is in need Of Salvation.
1. Before the sinner is saved he is empty but Jesus said if we will believe on him he will abide in us. (John 14:23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
2. The word "abode" here = 1) a staying, abiding, dwelling, abode, 2) to make an (one's) abode, 3) metaph. of the God the Holy Spirit indwelling believers (or live in).
B . The sinner is in need of Support.
1. Jesus said; (Mt.11:27-30) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
II. Consider this speaks of Eagerness. "...hunger and thirst..."
1. If a person is hungry and thirsty enough they will be eager to eat, that is our job through witnessing, praying, and preaching and the conviction of the Holy Ghost to make them eager to get saved.
A. Eagerness speaks of a Craving.
1. The sinner craves sin but the Holy Ghost through the word of God can make the sinner crave salvation.
2. Until the sinner wants to be saved more than he wants to sin he will never get saved.
B. Eagerness speaks of Conformity.
1. To the Will of God. (2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2. To the Word of God.
[ Consider now the word "...filled." this is in opposition to hunger and thirst. ]
III. Consider this speaks of the Effect. "...filled."
1. The effect of hungering and thirsting after "righteousness" for the Sinner and
Saint alike is "..shall be filled."
2. Jesus tells the sinner; (Joh. 6:37) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
3. Jesus tells the saint; (Mat. 7:7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
A. This speaks of Satisfaction. "...filled."
B. This speaks of Saturation. "...filled." {no room for anything else}
IV. Consider this speaks of the Extent. "...filled."
1. The sinner is like the leper in (Luke 5:12) And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
He is full of sin.
2. The saint is to be full of the Holy Ghost; (Eph. 5:18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
A. The extent is Complete.
1. You are either completely saved or completely lost there is no in-between.
B. The extent is Competent.
1. Nothing better can be devised.
V. Consider this speaks of the Entirety. "...filled."
1. Jesus said in; (John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
2. The word "...never..." here = not, in no wise, no, never, no more at all, not never, certainly not, not at all, by no means.
A. This denotes what is Accomplished. "...filled."
B. This denotes Availability. "...hunger and thirst..."
C. This denotes Abundance. "...filled."
Close: So can you hear God’s Dinner Bell? If so Come And Get It!!!
