Hunger and Thirst Part 1

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

A study of the Beatitudes and The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7 will reveal principles of righteousness that only those living through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit attain. Righteousness if often defined as “right living” or acting in a way that is free from guilt or sin. Yet, God’s Word tells us there is none righteous and that we all have sinned. It is only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that our sins are forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I love this verse, seeking forgiveness results in reconciliation with God and the removal of guilt. Donald C. Stamps in the Life in the Spirit Bible says this, “We must admit our sins and seek forgiveness and purifying from God. The results are (1) forgiveness by and reconciliation with God, and (2) the purifying from (i.e., removal of) guilt and the destruction of sin’s power in order to live lives of holiness.

You see, we must not stop reading after verse 9, the next verse puts it all in perspective:

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:10

Basically, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying we don’t need the work of Christ on the Cross. We are turning our back on the effective saving grace through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Let’s be like Peter when Jesus started to wash his feet at the last supper. Peter at first stopped Jesus and didn’t want him to wash his feet but Jesus replied in John 13:8, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Peter quickly saw the error of his words and asked Jesus to wash not only his feet but his hands and head also.

Oh Lord, wash us completely clean!

Pastor Julia Scott