What Are You Hungry For?
Summary
Harry Funke, the youth pastor, delivered a message about spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness based on Matthew 5:6. He emphasized that while we all experience physical hunger and thirst, we also have deeper spiritual, emotional, and intellectual hungers that need to be satisfied. Harry shared his personal journey of loss after his mother's death from cancer, explaining how her faith during adversity inspired his own pursuit of God. The sermon challenged listeners to examine what they truly hunger for and to choose to pursue God's righteousness rather than worldly things that leave us unsatisfied. Harry emphasized that God doesn't require perfection but desires to transform our appetites to hunger after Him, promising that those who do will be satisfied.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning with grateful hearts, ready to hear from You. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to speak to us today. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived notions, and give us ears to hear and eyes to see what You desire to show us through Your Word. Holy Spirit, move among us and prepare our hearts for this time of fellowship and discussion. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's your favorite Christmas food that you look forward to eating every year, and do you have any funny stories about eating too much during the holidays?
Key Verses
Matthew 5:6
Isaiah 55:1-2
Matthew 6:33
Questions
Harry described different types of hunger - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Which type of hunger do you find most challenging to satisfy in healthy ways?
What does it mean to 'hunger and thirst for righteousness' in practical, everyday terms?
Harry shared how his mother's faith during her battle with cancer inspired him. Can you think of someone whose faith has influenced your own spiritual journey?
The sermon mentioned that we often 'snack on the world' instead of feasting on God's righteousness. What are some 'worldly snacks' that can distract us from pursuing God?
How can we develop a deeper appetite for God's righteousness when we don't naturally feel hungry for spiritual things?
Harry emphasized that God doesn't require perfection but wants to transform our desires. How does this truth change the way you approach your relationship with God?
What are some practical ways we can 'seek first the kingdom of God' in our daily lives?
How can parents and leaders model spiritual hunger for the next generation, as Harry's parents did for him?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been 'snacking on worldly things' instead of pursuing God's righteousness. Make a conscious effort to replace that habit with something that draws you closer to God - whether it's prayer, reading Scripture, serving others, or spending time in worship. Ask God to transform your appetite and help you hunger more deeply for Him.
Key Takeaways
We are all hungry people - physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually - and the question is not if we will hunger, but what we will hunger for
God promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, unlike worldly pursuits that leave us empty
We don't need perfect spiritual appetite to begin pursuing God - the desire to be hungry for Him is itself the beginning of spiritual hunger
When we seek God's kingdom first, everything else in our lives falls into proper perspective and our needs are met
God wants to transform our appetites, not force-feed us His presence, and He invites us to taste and see that He is good
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking to our hearts today about what we truly hunger for. We confess that too often we try to satisfy our deepest needs with things that cannot truly fill us. Help us to develop a genuine hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. Transform our appetites, Lord, so that we desire You above all else. Give us the strength to seek Your kingdom first, trusting that You will provide everything we need. May we be people who feast on Your goodness rather than settling for the empty promises of this world. Use us to model this spiritual hunger for others, especially the next generation. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.