1 Peter 2:1-3; John 6:26-29; Matthew 5:6; Amos 8:1-12
Introduction:
1. Having spent the past several days most likely feasting, this may seem like a poorly timed discussion.
2. On the other hand, with the magnitude of our physical appetites so fresh in mind, this may be the best time to discuss our spiritual appetites.
Discussion:
I. Prompting A Healthy Appetite (1 Peter 2:1-3)
A. In view of God’s awesome provisions given through His word (1 Peter 1:3-25), Peter urged his readers to crave the word of God (2:1-3).
B. The moment a newborn baby discovers its mother’s milk, a persistent longing begins.
C. Trying to console that hungry baby with anything else is an exercise in futility.
D. This instinct is so strong because growth depends on the nourishment it provides.
E. Such it is with His word and our souls; nothing else will satisfy (Psalms 42:2; 63:1).
II. Making Healthy Food Choices (John 6:26-29)
A. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He walked on the Sea of Tiberias on the way to Capernaum.
B. The next day, the crowds who ate the bread sought and found Him there.
C. These people dropped everything and crossed the sea to find Him; clearly, they were hungering for what He provided.
D. However, His response made it clear that the food they craved was not the food they truly needed.
E. They needed to make the right food choices.
III. Enjoying Food Security (Matthew 5:6)
A. Lots of people are hungry this very moment.
B. Many likewise would love to fill themselves with the most nourishing foods, but cannot.
C. According to the World Health Organization, 673 million people faced hunger worldwide in 2024.
D. 2.3 billion faced moderate to severe food insecurity, uncertain of what they would eat.
E. Thankfully, the food our souls cannot live without is free for all who desire it.
IV. Avoiding Spiritual Famine (Amos 8:1-14)
A. Sadly, most people choose to starve their souls to death (Matthew 7:13-14; John 6:60-65).
B. This was the situation in the days of the prophet Amos in Israel.
C. The people were so caught up in temporal gains (8:4-6) they failed to feed their souls.
D. For this, God swore to bring a famine “of hearing the words of the Lord…” (8:11).
E. The calamity such would bring upon them was staggering (8:2-3, 7-14).
F. Such painful self-inflicted wounds when all they needed was right in their hands.
Conclusion:
1. I do hope Thanksgiving was a wonderful feast for you and your family.
2. I hope each of us is well nourished throughout our lives.
3. Above all, I pray we each partake daily of the bounty that He has assured to the hungry, thirsty soul; only refusal to eat can leave us malnourished.
Further Food for Thought
1. Have you ever wondered why we spend so much energy on the temporal nourishment that is sure to fade with our bodies one day?
2. How do we promote a better spiritual appetite and better choices of nourishment?