Spiritual Hunger
Spiritual hunger in the Bible refers to a deep longing or craving for a closer relationship with God, for spiritual nourishment, and for understanding of divine truths. This concept is often illustrated through the metaphor of hunger and thirst, which signify a profound desire for spiritual fulfillment. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." This beatitude emphasizes that those who seek righteousness and a deeper relationship with God will ultimately find fulfillment.The Bible also encourages believers to cultivate this spiritual hunger. In 1 Peter 2:2, the apostle Peter exhorts Christians to "long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." This imagery of milk signifies foundational teachings and the essential truths of the faith, suggesting that just as infants crave milk for growth, believers should desire the Word of God for spiritual maturity. Spiritual hunger thus represents an active pursuit of God, His Word, and a deeper understanding of His will, which leads to growth and satisfaction in one's faith journey.
Spiritual Hunger25
God Hunger
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 42:1MAT 5:6A.W. Tozer speaks on the profound yearning for God that many of His children experience, describing it as a divine hunger and thirst for righteousness that can lead to pain. This hunger serves as a merciful reminder from God, urging believers to seek Him and find fulfillment in their spiritual lives. Tozer emphasizes that the very existence of this desire indicates the presence of spiritual life, as a dead soul lacks the capacity for such longing. He encourages listeners to view their unfulfilled aspirations as signs of hope, affirming that the desire for God is a testament to His presence in their lives.
What Is the Fulness of the Spirit?
By Peter Brandon857:51PSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 7:37ACT 4:24ROM 8:91CO 6:19GAL 5:22EPH 3:17EPH 5:18PHP 1:6Peter Brandon explores the fullness of the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit for a vibrant Christian life. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the necessity of relying on Scripture rather than human opinions, and he discusses the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. Brandon highlights that true fullness comes from a deep relationship with Christ, characterized by love, joy, and a commitment to living under His sovereignty. He encourages believers to cultivate a hunger for spiritual depth, engage in self-examination, and fully surrender to God to experience the fullness of the Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of spiritual fervor within the church, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Hunger and Thirst
By Leonard Ravenhill1731:10:04PSA 42:1ISA 22:23MAT 5:6Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound need for spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness, drawing from Isaiah 22 and the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. He highlights the detrimental effects of worldly distractions, such as television, on the spiritual development of children and the importance of seeking a deep, personal relationship with God. Ravenhill argues that true hunger for God leads to a transformative experience, filling believers with His righteousness and peace. He calls for repentance and a genuine desire for holiness, asserting that only through this pursuit can one experience the fullness of God. Ultimately, he reminds us that our spiritual hunger should drive us to seek God above all else, as true satisfaction is found in Him alone.
You Take the Goods
By Thomas Brooks0GEN 14:21PSA 42:1PSA 63:1ISA 55:1MAT 5:6MAT 6:33JHN 4:14JHN 6:35JHN 7:37PHP 3:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep longing of the soul for God, comparing it to a deer thirsting for water. He illustrates that worldly possessions and honors cannot satisfy the spiritual hunger of the soul, which craves the presence of Christ above all else. Brooks argues that just as the king of Sodom prioritized people over goods, so too should believers prioritize their relationship with Christ over material wealth. The sermon calls for a recognition that true fulfillment comes only from the 'bread of life' and the 'wellsprings of life.' Ultimately, the message is a passionate plea for believers to seek Christ as their ultimate source of joy and satisfaction.
Hungering
By A.W. Pink0PSA 42:1ISA 45:8JER 23:6MAT 5:6ROM 1:16ROM 3:22ROM 5:19ROM 10:4PHP 3:8REV 7:16A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness that arises from a deep awareness of one's own sinfulness and need for salvation. He explains that this longing is not only a characteristic of the unconverted but also a continual experience for believers who desire to grow closer to God and be conformed to Christ's image. Pink highlights that true righteousness is found in Christ alone, who fulfills the law and provides the perfect righteousness needed for salvation. He reassures that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, both in this life and in the life to come, where they will experience complete satisfaction in God's holiness. The sermon calls believers to reflect on their spiritual state and to seek a deeper relationship with God.
The Deep Dealings of God Pt 30 - Let Us Go Unto Perfection - God's Love Bears All Things
By Phil Beach Jr.71:16:05PSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 13:1ROM 4:181CO 13:72CO 12:9PHP 4:19HEB 6:1JAS 4:81PE 4:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of spiritual hunger and the importance of being empty vessels for God's love to flow into our lives. He calls for a deep introspection to identify what fills our hearts and distracts us from a genuine desire for God's presence. The sermon highlights that true love, as exemplified by God, bears all things and requires us to be vulnerable and transparent in our relationships. Beach encourages the congregation to seek a renewed hunger for God, reminding them that love never fails and is essential for spiritual maturity. He concludes by inviting everyone to confess their need for God's love and to pray for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
Worship God - Spirit and Truth
By Shane Idleman1844:14JHN 4:7Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, highlighting that true worship must originate from within and be grounded in the absolute truth of God's Word. He discusses the spiritual thirst that many believers experience and the necessity of repentance and a genuine relationship with Jesus to quench that thirst. Idleman warns against spiritual barrenness and encourages believers to pursue God passionately, reminding them that worship is not merely a duty but a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude. He calls for a revival of spiritual hunger and a return to foundational truths, urging the church to seek the living water that only Christ can provide.
Seek the Lord
By Michael L. Brown8158:29DEU 4:29PSA 34:1JER 29:13HOS 10:12MAT 5:6COL 2:3HEB 11:6Michael L. Brown emphasizes the necessity of seeking the Lord with urgency and determination, drawing from Psalm 34 to illustrate that those who earnestly pursue God will find Him and lack nothing. He reflects on the importance of a deep, personal relationship with God, urging the congregation to break free from complacency and to cultivate a hunger for spiritual breakthroughs. Brown shares personal anecdotes and scriptural references to highlight that true revival and transformation come from a sincere desire to seek God until we experience His presence and power in our lives. He encourages listeners to make a commitment to pursue God wholeheartedly, as this is essential for both individual and corporate revival.
The Essential Elements of Christian Experience
By Charles Finney0PSA 42:1ISA 55:1MAT 5:6JHN 6:35JHN 7:37ROM 8:1PHP 3:9HEB 11:61PE 2:22PE 1:4Charles Finney emphasizes the essential elements of Christian experience, focusing on the deep spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness that leads to true fulfillment in Christ. He explains that this longing is not merely about seeking relief from guilt or sin but is a profound desire for spiritual purity and union with God. Finney illustrates the struggle between the natural appetites and spiritual desires, highlighting the necessity of recognizing one's own weakness and the importance of faith in receiving God's righteousness. He encourages believers to persistently seek a deeper relationship with God, assuring them that true satisfaction comes from being filled with His righteousness. Ultimately, Finney calls for a transformation that leads to a life of holiness and a desire to share this experience with others.
How Revival Is Hindered - Don't Make the Same Mistake
By Michael L. Brown7354:53MRK 5:1Michael L. Brown emphasizes the necessity of welcoming God's disruptive presence for true revival, warning against the tendency to resist change and the discomfort that often accompanies divine visitation. He illustrates this through the story of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5, highlighting how the townspeople preferred their comfort over the miraculous transformation that Jesus brought. Brown challenges the audience to examine their hunger for God and their willingness to embrace the upheaval that revival can bring, urging them to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. He concludes by stressing that true revival may not fit neatly into our expectations but is essential for spiritual awakening and transformation.
A Famine of the Word of God
By Phil Beach Jr.3322:28AMO 8:11MAT 13:10Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for true hearing of God's Word, as prophesied in Amos 8:11, where a famine of hearing, rather than a lack of preaching, is prevalent. He explains that many are listening but not truly hearing, leading to spiritual thirst and fainting among believers. The sermon calls for humility and a heart posture that allows individuals to genuinely hear and respond to God's voice, rather than merely accumulating knowledge. Beach warns that without this true hearing, even the most profound teachings will not transform lives. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper connection with God, asking for hearts that are open to His Word.
He Is the Blessed Soul!
By Thomas Brooks0ISA 64:4MAT 5:6PHP 3:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound necessity of Christ's righteousness for justification and sanctification, illustrating that true blessedness comes from a deep hunger and thirst for this righteousness. He contrasts the believer's own unrighteousness, likening it to filthy rags, with the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is freely offered to sinners. Brooks encourages believers to earnestly seek both imputed and imparted righteousness, as this pursuit leads to spiritual fulfillment and transformation. He highlights that those who genuinely desire the qualities of the new nature, as described in Galatians, are indeed the blessed souls who will ultimately be satisfied. The sermon calls for a sincere longing for Christ's righteousness, akin to a desperate need for food and water.
Appointed to Be Eternal Fruit-Bearers
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 15:16HEB 12:25A.W. Tozer emphasizes that a true encounter with God transforms a person, leaving them marked by a profound moral discontent and a deep spiritual hunger. He points out that many people find temporary pleasure in sin and become complacent with the world's moral standards, which hinders their ability to repent and believe. Tozer illustrates that true repentance requires a divine work that stirs a dissatisfaction with oneself and the world, contrasting the complacency of Esau with Jacob's spiritual longing. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine spiritual hunger is a sign of God's prior work in a person's heart, as they realize their need for Him.
Prayer and Desire
By E.M. Bounds0PSA 42:1MAT 5:6JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the critical role of desire in prayer, arguing that true prayer is born from a deep-seated craving for God and His righteousness. He asserts that without genuine desire, prayer becomes a hollow exercise devoid of meaning and power. Bounds encourages believers to cultivate their desire for God, even praying for the desire itself when it is lacking, as this longing is essential for effective supplication. He illustrates that fervent prayer, fueled by intense desire, is what truly connects us to God and brings about spiritual transformation. Ultimately, he calls for a church ablaze with holy zeal, reflecting the passionate heart of God.
Heart Hunger
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 6:35ROM 12:11CO 9:24GAL 6:9PHP 2:132TI 1:7HEB 11:6JAS 2:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes that in both nature and spirituality, we are driven by our deepest hungers and longings. He argues that mere dreaming or wishing without action is ineffective, comparing it to the difference between a powerful lightning strike and a flashlight that provides consistent light. Tozer critiques the current state of prayer and discussions about revival, suggesting that much of it is wasted energy due to a lack of focused action. He warns against the dangers of fanaticism, which seeks results without following the necessary steps to achieve them. Ultimately, he calls for a genuine hunger that leads to purposeful action in our spiritual lives.
Are You Hungry?
By John Wesley0PSA 107:9PRO 16:26ISA 55:1MAT 5:6MAT 6:33JHN 6:35John Wesley emphasizes the importance of recognizing our hunger for satisfaction and contentment in life, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from seeking righteousness. He points out that many people feel overwhelmed by life's demands, often postponing their satisfaction for a future time. However, Wesley assures that Jesus promises satisfaction to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, encouraging believers to let their spiritual appetite drive them towards God's Kingdom. He reminds us that our appetite can work for us if we focus on the right desires, leading to true contentment.
Who Will Come to Jesus?
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 6:44JHN 15:16EPH 2:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while God's invitation to come to Jesus is open to all, it is not without conditions. He warns against the church's tendency to dilute the gospel invitation, stressing that the term 'whosoever' is always accompanied by the necessity of belief and divine enablement. Tozer highlights that no one can come to Christ unless drawn by the Father, and that a genuine spiritual hunger must precede salvation. He reminds us that it is God who initiates the call, as seen in John 15:16, where Jesus states that we do not choose Him, but He chooses us.
The Beatitudes the Fourth Beatitude
By A.W. Pink0ISA 45:8MAT 5:6ROM 1:16A.W. Pink expounds on the fourth Beatitude, emphasizing the deep spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness that arises from an awareness of one's own sinfulness and need for God's grace. He illustrates that this longing is both an initial experience for the sinner seeking salvation and a continual desire for holiness in the life of a believer. Pink connects the concept of righteousness to God's salvation, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from Christ, who is our righteousness. He encourages believers to maintain this hunger and thirst, assuring them that God will satisfy their spiritual needs both now and in eternity. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper relationship with God, marked by a yearning for His presence and righteousness.
Where Do We Go to Eat?
By David Wilkerson0AMO 8:11MIC 7:1David Wilkerson delivers a poignant message from Micah 7, addressing the spiritual famine affecting both ancient Israel and the modern church. He highlights the desperate cry of believers who feel starved for God's Word, echoing the prophecy of Amos about a coming famine not of food, but of hearing the Lord's words. Wilkerson paints a vivid picture of people searching for spiritual nourishment in vain, as they find no true clusters of fruit in the vineyards of faith. He emphasizes that while many seek the truth, only a remnant genuinely desires the pure Word of God, contrasting this with the prevalence of distorted teachings in today's churches.
Dynamics of Holy Hunger
By Wesley Duewel1.5K46:58GEN 32:26EXO 32:32PSA 42:1ISA 65:2MAT 6:33ACT 9:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep desire and hunger for God. He encourages listeners not to worry about running out of things to say in their prayers, but rather to let their innermost being cry out to God for mercy. The speaker then shares a story about a man who witnessed the powerful prayers of a minister named Robert Murray Machine. He explains that sometimes, when we are faithful and pray with sincerity, there may be moments when we are beyond words and our hearts cry out to God, resulting in tears of genuine emotion. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that God is keeping records of our words, meditations, stewardship, and obedience, and that He desires to reward us throughout eternity.
Matthew 5:6
By Chuck Smith0PSA 42:1ISA 55:1MAT 5:6ROM 14:17PHP 3:9JAS 1:20Chuck Smith emphasizes the deep and intense hunger and thirst for righteousness that should characterize Christians. He illustrates how this longing is not merely for a small portion but for a complete fulfillment of goodness, which can transform individuals and ultimately the world. Smith argues that true happiness is found not in the pursuit of happiness itself but in the desire for righteousness, which aligns us with God's will. He highlights that if everyone sought righteousness, societal issues like war would diminish, as changed hearts lead to a changed world. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God values the desire for righteousness in our hearts, as seen in David's example.
Revival Conference 2007 - Part 3
By Denny Kenaston84109:14PSA 44:1ACT 2:1Denny Kenaston emphasizes the significance of remembering the beautiful memories of revival, urging believers to reflect on past experiences of God's presence and guidance, much like Israel did. He highlights that these memories serve as a catalyst for spiritual hunger and a desire for revival in our lives and churches today. Kenaston encourages individuals to seek personal and corporate revival, reminding them that acknowledging past revivals can ignite faith and prayer for a fresh outpouring of God's Spirit. He shares inspiring accounts of historical revivals, illustrating how humility and a longing for God can lead to transformative experiences. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt cry to God, asking Him to 'do it again' in our time.
God's Word for God's Glory
By Gary Wilkerson10147:03PSA 19:1Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of God's Word in revealing His glory and truth, urging the congregation to appreciate both the beauty of creation and the depth of Scripture. He highlights how David, throughout his life, maintained a hunger for God's Word, which he viewed as essential for spiritual revival and wisdom. Wilkerson calls for a renewed passion for the Bible, encouraging believers to let it guide their lives and transform their hearts. He stresses that true understanding of God comes not just from nature but from the Scriptures, which provide clarity and direction. Ultimately, he prays for a fresh hunger for God's Word among the congregation, reminding them of its power to change lives.
Amos 8:11
By Chuck Smith0PSA 119:105ISA 55:2JER 29:13AMO 8:11MAT 5:6JHN 6:35ROM 10:172TI 4:3HEB 4:121PE 2:2Chuck Smith addresses the alarming famine for the Word of God, emphasizing that while the Bible remains widely available, many fail to hear or understand its message. He explains that this famine arises from humanity's tendency to substitute the Creator with created things, leading to a spiritual void and restlessness, particularly among the youth. Smith warns that idolatry and materialism contribute to this famine, leaving society searching for fulfillment in the wrong places. He calls for a return to God, urging individuals to abandon their idols and seek the Lord earnestly to hear His voice once more.
Encountering the Magnificence of Jesus (Prov. 2:1-5)
By Mike Bickle181:34:49PRO 2:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of encountering the magnificence of Jesus, urging believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Him beyond mere forgiveness and healing. He highlights that true Christianity is about actively seeking a personal connection with Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, rather than just seeking benefits like salvation or provision. Bickle challenges the audience to recognize the neglected glory of Jesus and to cultivate a hunger for a more profound understanding of His nature, which will transform their spiritual lives. He encourages believers to be messengers of this revelation, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowing God is the most powerful and pleasurable experience one can have. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to seek the deep things of God, promising that those who hunger will be filled.