Those Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

In this passage Jesus proclaims the blessings that lie at the heart of the gospel, and in particular emphasizes the state of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The sermon points out the dark reality of a world that has fallen into wealth and materialism and is losing its morals and faith. It also criticizes churches and believers for leaning toward splendid buildings or formal worship and neglecting genuine truth and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Through the example of King Saul, who lost his throne when he tried to offer a sacrifice as a formality, it explains that God wants knowledge of him and obedience more than sacrifice itself. It emphasizes that just as believers fight for justice in the world, they must long earnestly for God's righteousness, even going through spiritual famine for it. The water of life that Jesus gives is an eternal spring after which one never thirsts again, and it comes from a spiritual thirst that is distinct from the world's temporary satisfactions.

The sermon asks believers to live as those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, drinking the water of life that Jesus gives rather than depending on the world's water. It also asks whether this spiritual thirst can become a channel through which the water of life is shared with other souls.