Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians

The Word on the Mountain
(Lesson 6)

The Hungry and the Thirsty (Part 1 of 5)

The Study of Hunger

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 AV)

After Christians have built their foundation of Jesus Christ, and prepare to move past the milk instruction of first principles, they must seek after the Things of the LORD GOD to gain a new and deeper understanding of their belief. It is through seeking, that the condition of hunger is felt dramatically within the soul of the believers, as they are compelled to search deeply and continuously for the Things of God. It is also through this seeking by believers, that the LORD GOD, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are able to measure the hunger for His Things, and provide the correct amount of provisions to feed them.

Seeking is what it is all about, and you are doing it right now as you study with our Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. You are looking and listening and comparing and contemplating and reaching and studying and growing...All activities critical in seeking the Things of God and being fed His Deep Things according His Will.

While we begin our seeking for deeper things as we study the blessings for hunger and thirst, our path will lead us to two of the most important principles of the Christian faith which are the eating of the Bread and drinking of the Wine of Jesus Christ.

To understand bread and wine as it is expressed in the Word of God is a huge step forward toward Him, and could well be two of the most important concepts for a maturing and seeking Christian to know.

So we begin with hunger and are led to The Bread of Jesus Christ. We then study  thirst and are led to the Wine of Jesus Christ. It all fits together in a magnificent picture of our walk with Jesus Christ, and defines our faith and our works that are done with the guidance of our Savior Jesus Christ, to bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

But first, we must be famished enough to be compelled to go deep enough to focus enough on the provisions of the LORD GOD as he feeds us a deeper understanding to satisfy our very real hunger for today.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 AV)

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14 AV)

These first principles are the doctrine of Jesus Christ for the laying of a new believer’s foundation. The topics of these first principles are repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)

These doctrines (truths of belief) are the first food that should be given to a new believer, and consist of the typological content of milk, to enable the new Christians to receive learning. This milk presentation of doctrine is easily eaten, digested and understood by the new believer.

Through the use of these easily understood concepts of weak drinks versus strong foods, we can easily understand the typological significance of spiritual food in the Kingdom of God.

The terms of milk and strong meat define the character of the teaching, with milk being gentle teachings of doctrine, requiring little effort to understand, and meat being stronger teachings of doctrine, requiring more effort to understand.

The description of milk and meat are not the literal descriptions of food and drink, but rather define the character of food to explain the level teachings given to a believer for understanding.

Milk is drank by the new Christian faithful to learn the simpler concepts of Christian belief, and strong meat is eaten by the older Christians who have experience in learning the Word of God.

Because the blessings of filling, spoken of by Jesus Christ in his sermon on the mountain, with the teachings of deep Things of the LORD GOD belong to those who hunger after righteousness, we can easily understand the Christians who are promised this blessing by Jesus Christ to be those who are not satisfied with the first principles given to all babes in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ promised all maturing Christians who crave to learn the deep Things of the LORD GOD to understand righteousness according to His Word. It was not to the new Christian that this promised blessing was given, but to the older Christian who sought a deeper knowledge after receiving the first principles of faith according to the Word of God.

It takes not only the knowledge of the first principles of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, but the laying of his foundation, and enough experience that good and evil are easily discerned. Only then can a Christian go on to the strong meat and learn the deep things of righteousness.

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3 AV)

Only those mature Christians who have rejected their carnal nature and embraced their spiritual being are able to seek after righteousness. It is these faithful followers of Jesus Christ that is promised the blessing of being filled when they crave the deep Things of the LORD GOD and His Righteousness.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” (Psalms 34:8-10 AV)

We know that young Christians can be defined by the words young lion typologically by examining the exact Hebrew meanings of the associated words. A village is a congregation of people protected by walls. The Hebrew word representing young lion derives from the primitive root which means “to cover”. To cover translates typologically to the act of atonement and cleansing. The typologically clear meaning of lion throughout the LORD GOD’s Word consistently speaks of strong heroic and fierce characteristics.

Combined together, and considered with our knowledge of the Word of God, it is easy for us to associate the description of young lion to the characteristics of our young Christians. These new and young Christians receive atonement and cleansing, and are protected by the LORD GOD, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and mature believers until they have grown to the point of seeking after the Things of the LORD GOD on their own journey for nourishment led by Him.

Certainly, Psalms was written before the new covenant of Jesus Christ, however, principles in the Word of God remain true and constant, regardless of time or place. Thus, young lions literally lack and suffer hunger naturally, as they have not yet learned to seek after their food. Spiritually, this same concept applies, as the young also must be taught to seek the Things of the LORD GOD.

Young lions do not have trust or fear until they have been taught that they are not always the strongest or fiercest animals in their Kingdom. In fact, in nature, young lions cannot be successful in their hunt for food if they do not have an understanding of the things that are good and trustworthy and the things of nature that are greater than themselves which demands their fear.

New and young Christians must understand, trust and fear the all great, all powerful, omnipotent, omniscient nature of the LORD God before their hunger will be fed by Him. A young trusting Christian that ventures out from the first principles of Jesus Christ, and explores the realm of the LORD GOD through the Spirit’s guidance, will be fed His good things.

“Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” (Luke 6:21 AV)

“Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.” (Luke 6:25 AV)

Simple concepts, but deep principles...Those who hunger and seek after the things of the LORD GOD will be filled. Those who have their hunger satisfied and no longer seek after His Things, will hunger once again.

“And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.” (2 Samuel 17:27-29 AV)

A little bit more typology to go even deeper...

In the Word of God, wilderness is a place where cattle are driven. It is open, barren and dry. The wilderness represents the world, the place where common, natural life people (cattle) are herded together by their leaders. Thus, people belonging to the LORD GOD are hungry, when they take part in the carnal life directed and controlled by worldly interests.

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalms 107:1-9 AV)

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.”

“He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.” (Psalms 107:31-38 AV)

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.” (Psalms 146:5-9 AV)

“But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:” (Isaiah 65:11-13 AV)

This Scripture is a little bit more difficult to interpret. It requires not only an examination of the Hebrew Words, but also a consideration of the times and practices of the rebellious, as well as the promised fulfillment of prophesy that is revealed throughout Isaiah.

The rebellious people have knowledge of the spiritual Things of the LORD GOD, and at one time served him, before disobeying His Word. Rather than relying on Him to distribute their food and rewards, they instead embrace a new spirituality mixed with their learned spiritual knowledge, false sense of security and power within the spiritual realm and the worship of the god of fortune. This combination produced great results, and fortune came to them.

Ba’al Gad is the Babylonian god of fortune was and is worshipped by those wanting good luck and fortune which produces reward without the LORD GOD’s Influence or Will. Today, many spiritually focused individuals bargain with the LORD GOD as they offer prayers to the god of fortune to let them win a large sum on the lottery, horses, poker tables, slot machine, stock market, rubbing the rabbit’s foot, etc., with promises to the LORD GOD to share a portion of the good fortune with Him and His good works when they win.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,...

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” (Luke 1:46, 53 AV)

The Things of the LORD GOD cannot be purchased, but are given freely by His Grace through those who choose to love and follow his beloved Son Jesus Christ.

“And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it...” (Mark 11:12-14 AV)

“...And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:20-26 AV)

“On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven...” (Acts 10:9-16 AV)

“...And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Acts 10:25-33 AV)

This important message was given to Peter in a trance, accompanied by a great hunger. This hunger was not present before he prayed, but during his prayer, and was directly related to the message the LORD GOD wanted him to receive.

“And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.” (Exodus 16:13-21 AV)

The LORD GOD gives bread to feed the hunger of those who seek His Things. Some Christians gather heaps and heaps of bread, while others gather a lesser amount. Regardless, all have the perfect measure to nourish their souls for that day. Christians must always be careful to eat every morsel in the day that it is given, and not put off learning until tomorrow. When it is rejected in it’s day, the leftover bread of the LORD GOD is the breeder of maggots and becomes useless stink. When Christians fail to even gather their daily bread, it disappears and cannot be gathered the next day.

The LORD GOD provides according to His Will, and His Ways are very clear in the handling of the His bread given to hungry Christians for nourishment.

So, we begin our deeper journey into bread, the chosen food (meat) of the LORD GOD to feed His hungry from His Word. This journey began with our study of hunger, for without hunger, there is no seeking. Without seeking, there is no feeding. That is the LORD GOD’s way.

The eating of bread is one of the major typological principles highlighted throughout the Word of God, and a critical point in understanding the deeper Things of God. For this reason, we will take a brief change in course from our study of the Sermon on the Mount, to learn the deep things about bread in the Word of God in our next lesson.

Blessed are the hungry for they shall be filled with the bread of righteousness...

Cite Article Source

MLA Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L. "The Hungry and the Thirsty (Study of Hunger)." The Word on the Mountain Jan 2007.   <http://guidedbiblestudies.com/sermon/6mountain.htm>.

APA Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L. (2007, January) "The Hungry and the Thirsty (Study of Hunger)." The Word on the Mountain Retrieved   from http://guidedbiblestudies.com/sermon/6mountain.htm

Chicago Style Citation:
McFarland, Kathy L.(2007) "The Hungry and the Thirsty (Study of Hunger)." The Word on the Mountain (January), http://guidedbiblestudies.com/sermon/6mountain.htm (accessed )

About the Author

Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and Author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She is a Religious Studies student of Liberty University, Hebrew language student attending Israeli taught Ulpan and a Homeschool parent teaching the things of God. She is also well-known as a child advocate of innocent children tortured and suffering from the abuse of sexual perversion, out-of-control violence, and pathetic neglect by a carnal world gone mad.

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