Hunger and Thirst
Disciples Blessing
October 27, 2024
Rev. Tim Sharpe
This sermon on Matthew 5 continues the Beatitudes series, spotlighting the fourth beatitude—those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—explaining what that hunger means, the dimensions of righteousness, how Christ satisfies it through Scripture, prayer, sacraments and the church, and it includes the installation and commissioning of a new ruling elder with an invitation to communion.
Summary
Continuing a series on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5), the preacher focuses on the fourth blessing—those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—teaching that hunger recognizes a lack and prompts a desire for God's will to be done. The sermon outlines various dimensions of righteousness (including judicial and societal), explains that pursuing righteousness means seeking to obey God's Word, and assures listeners that Christ satisfies this hunger through the Scriptures, prayer, the sacraments, and the ministry of the church. The service also includes the installation and prayerful commissioning of Derek as a ruling elder (with vows, laying on of hands, and exhortation to pastoral duties per 1 Timothy 5), and concludes with an invitation to self-examination and participation in the Lord’s Table.
Key Points
- Context: Matthew 5 Beatitudes—promises for all of God's children
- Focus: Fourth Beatitude—'blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness'
- Meaning: to hunger is to recognize a lack and long for God’s will and obedience
- Righteousness: described in multiple dimensions (judicial, societal, etc.) with a righteous society reflecting God’s will corporately
- Assurance: Jesus promises satisfaction for those who seek righteousness
- Means of grace: Christ meets us in the Scriptures, in prayer, in the sacraments, and through the church
- Church life: installation of Derek as ruling elder—questions, vows, laying on of hands, prayer, and charge to lead and shepherd
- Pastoral role: elders are to care for, guard, and encourage the flock (1 Timothy 5)
- Invitation: call to self-examination and to come to the Lord’s Table if you’ve put your faith in Christ
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