Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, Part 2

Mat. 5:6 Sermon on the Mount

In 'Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, Part 2,' Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Matthew 5:6, arguing that a true Christian's character is marked by an insatiable longing for righteousness. He emphasizes that God instills a deep appetite for the blessings He intends to give, and true hunger for righteousness is evidenced by seeing through one's own self-righteousness and refusing all substitutes for Christ's perfect righteousness. Martin challenges both unbelievers to seek Christ's imputed righteousness and believers to pursue deeper sanctification, warning against contentment with external holiness or mere religious activity.

3 illustrations in this sermon

Review of the Beatitudes and the Nature of Christian Character

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Map vs. Mirror

Driving home: The Beatitudes are not a map showing us the way to be saved. They are a mirror reflecting to us the character of one who is saved.

The Beatitudes are likened to a mirror reflecting the character of a saved person, not a map showing the way to salvation. This clarifies their purpose in understanding Christian identity.

The Beatitudes are not a map showing us the way to be saved. They are a mirror reflecting to us the character of one who is saved. Now you don't use your mirror when you've got to go to strange country and want to know how to get there to use a map.

1:11 - 1:30 Read in full sermon

Evidence 1: Seeing Through Your Own Righteousness

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Lady Witnessing on a Bus

In this part of the sermon: The first evidence of true hunger is seeing through one's own self-righteousness, recognizing that even one's 'good' deeds are insufficient before God. This applies to both…

A church member witnesses to a cultured lady on a bus, who reluctantly admits to 'a few bad things' but considers her 'good things' sufficient. This illustrates the common human tendency to cling to self-righteousness.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. First of all, admit failure and that they haven't done all they should. One of our ladies was witnessing to someone on the bus the other day, and by the way, that's a very good practice. You get on the bus and you're seated next to someone.

14:02 - 14:35 Read in full sermon

Evidence 2: Refusing Substitutes for Righteousness

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Starving Man Refusing Substitutes

In this part of the sermon: The second evidence is refusing all substitutes for true righteousness. Using an analogy of a starving man refusing bark or dirt, Martin illustrates how awakened sinners and…

A vivid picture of a starving man refusing bark or flavored dirt, despite their temporary appeal, because he needs true nourishment. This illustrates how those who truly hunger for righteousness will refuse all inadequate substitutes for Christ's perfect righteousness.

That's why you're not a God-blessed man or woman. Then the second indication, found wherever there's a hungering and thirsting in the heart of a man or woman, fellow or girl, is that that person will always refuse substitutes for righteousness. Not only will he see through his own false righteousness, but he'll refuse all substitutes for the righteousness that he seeks. Let me use an illustration this morning that may help bring this into focus. Write a picture with me, a man whose face is drawn.

27:26 - 28:01 Read in full sermon

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