To The Hungry Even The Bitter Tastes Sweet

I. Introduction: Your condition in life can change how you see things. To a person who has no shoes, uncomfortable shoes will seem so much greater than the person with good shoes. Spiritually, we want to rise above allowing our circumstances to determine our values. Have the intellectual ability to understand the value of all things without having to have your condition dictate value.

A. Understand that during the time of the Law of Moses, God’s people were carnally minded in part because the law was carnal (Hebrews 7:14-19).

1. The Law was debilitating (in a way) during that time (Romans 8:1-4).
2. So, it was dangerous for them to have too little or too much (Proverbs 30:8-9).

1. Think about what happens when your god is your belly (Philippians 3:18-19; cf. Luke 12:13-21 and Romans 16:17-18).
2. That difference in thinking is vital for us (Romans 8:5-8).

1. Slavery looked better to Israel when they were hungry (Exodus 16:1-3 and Numbers 11:4-6).
2. Consider why Moses was able to rise above the others (Hebrews 11:24-26).
3. To see wealth in poverty requires spiritual thinking (Revelation 2:9) as does seeing poverty when one is wealthy (Revelation 3:14-19).

1. Paul had learned to be content in whatever state (Philippians 4:10-12).
2. Notice the perspective Paul learned and taught by the Spirit: If I have what I need, I am content (I Timothy 6:6-10). If I have abundance, I know how to use it faithfully (I Timothy 6:17-19).
3. Considering what Jesus taught the twelve as being spiritually goal minded (Matthew 6:19-34 and Matthew 19:27-29).

1. STAY hungry and thirsty for righteousness (Matthew 5:6), even when you’re feeling full (Colossians 1:10).
2. Continue desiring to grow in knowledge, even after you have learned much (I Peter 2:1-2).
3. Your relationship with your brothers and sisters is good. Great! Now, grow it further (I Thessalonians 4:9-10).
4. Always abounding has you never pausing (I Corinthians 15:58).