Commentary on Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) in the Context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV): “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”

Context and Theological Teaching

Matthew 5:6 is part of the Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics and rewards of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus speaks of a deep spiritual longing for righteousness and promises that those who earnestly seek it will be satisfied.

This verse is understood as a call to pursue a life of holiness and godliness. The hunger and thirst for righteousness reflect a profound desire for a right relationship with God, which is only possible through Jesus Christ. This longing is not merely for personal moral improvement but for a transformation that aligns one’s life with God’s will.

Insights from Matthew 5

The broader context of Matthew 5 emphasises the radical nature of Jesus’ teaching. The Beatitudes, including Matthew 5:6, turn conventional values upside down, highlighting the blessedness of those who recognise their spiritual poverty, mourn over sin, and seek meekness and righteousness. This passage challenges believers to examine their priorities and desires, urging them to seek God’s kingdom above all else.

Application to Modern Christian Living

For modern Christians, Matthew 5:6 serves as a reminder that true satisfaction and fulfilment come from seeking God’s righteousness. This involves:

Personal Devotion: Regular prayer, Bible study, and worship to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
Ethical Living: Striving to live according to biblical principles in all areas of life, including work, family, and community.
Social Justice: Advocating for justice and righteousness in society, reflecting God’s concern for the oppressed and marginalised.

Christian Perspective

The pursuit of righteousness is rooted in the doctrine of sanctification. This process, empowered by the Holy Spirit, involves growing in holiness and becoming more like Christ. The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 13) describes sanctification as a work of God’s grace, whereby believers are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness.

Bibliography

Bible Gateway: [Matthew 5 (NKJV)]([object Object])
Bible.org: [Hungering and Thirsting after Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)]([object Object])
Precept Austin: [Matthew 5:6 Commentary] (^12^)
Bible Hub: [Matthew 5:6 – Commentaries] (^13^)
John Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: [Matthew 5:6] (^14^)
Ligonier Ministries: [All Truth Is from God] (^7^)
Monergism: [Reformed Theology Resources] (^8^)
Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 13 on Sanctification

By understanding and applying the teachings of Matthew 5:6, believers can experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises to those who earnestly seek His righteousness.

Source(s)

1. Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 5 – New King James Version

2. 11. Hungering and Thirsting after Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)

3. Matthew 5:6 Commentary – Precept Austin

4. Matthew 5:6 Commentaries: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for …

5. Matthew 5:6 – John Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible – Bíblia Plus

6. All Truth Is from God – Ligonier Ministries

7. Monergism

8. Matthew 5-6 NKJV;KJV – The Beatitudes – Bible Gateway

9. Matthew 5:6 – Bible.com

10. Matthew 5 NKJV – Bible Hub

11. Matthew 5:6 – King James Bible Online