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Passage: Matthew 5:5 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’
This week as we prepare for Sunday, I find myself challenged about the concept of meekness.
Think about: Is meekness a strength or weakness?
On Sunday I will challenge us to rediscover the power of living a ‘meek’ life.
The Old Testament definition of the word used for ‘meek’ means humble, afflicted, poor oppressed. It has to do with obedience in accepting God’s guidance. It is used of Moses in Numbers 12:3, read this verse and think about Moses life, what did meekness/humility look like in him.
In order to get an idea of the importance of Biblical ‘meekness/humility/gentleness‘ it is be useful to read through some verses which mention it.
Matthew 11:29-30, Matthew 21:5, 1 Corinthians 4:20-21, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Galatians 5:22-23, Galatians 6:1-4, Ephesians 4:1-7, Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:22-26, Titus 3:1-2, James 1:21-22, James 3:13-18, 1 Peter 3:4, 1 Peter 3:15-16
Think About: Take some time to think about some events in Jesus’ life how did he manifest ‘meekness’.
Check back here on Sunday at 10.30am for the ‘Engage and Extend’ sections.
Engage and Extend
As you prepared for today, what was you conclusion on meekness, is it a strength or weakness?
Consider the people Jesus spoke to and their experience of meekness.
I said this on Sunday:
“It is probable that meekness then as now, if we are honest, was seen as a weakness. People who were meek can be downtrodden, oppressed, others around them succeed and they struggle. For those who Jesus looked over maybe it didn’t seem to have a benefit maybe they felt like changing and becoming like the rest of the world.”
Jesus said “no” you will get your reward. You will inherit the earth. Discuss how this is affirmed by Psalm 37, and what encouragements you get from this Psalm.
James Montgomery Boice says this of meekness.
Gentleness or meekness is seen most clearly in those who are so much in control of themselves that they are always angry at the right time (as against sin) and never angry at the wrong time.
The meek are those who humbly seek God. They are neither too bold nor too timid.
Being meek is living out a harmony of gentleness with being angry over injustice.
Meekness and Gentleness in action.
Today the challenge to us as disciples and a church is for us to rediscover the power of living a Biblically meek life, for us to become more like Jesus.
Read the following three episodes from Jesus’ life and discuss the how his meekness so powerfully changed things.
Note in each these three elements:
- Gentle approach
- Powerful confrontation
- Restoration
The woman at the well. John 4
The woman caught in adultery. John 8:1-11
Jesus over turned the tables after after humble entry. Mark 11:15-17
Have we been passive in our meekness our active?
Meekness is living the Micah 6:8 life, discuss.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
What is the blessing in all of this?
We inherit the earth, for us now this is speaking about the promised land given by God, which for us is heaven, the kingdom of heaven, we are the people of heaven. How does this truth that we are citizens of heaven bless us as we seek to live meek lives even when it is difficult?
Living a meek life is not easy and like Jesus trouble can come. Sadly there are those who think that if you are a Christian everything should be rosey and fine. No struggles, oppression or sickness. Look at Jesus, the disciples and the apostle Paul. They didn’t have an easy time but they knew the blessing of inheriting the kingdom of heaven, living in the blessing of it now and in eternity.
We can be confident that even if by living a meek life we have trouble and the world around us seems to succeed that we are living as disciples and have the kingdom of heaven.
Trinity Deeper 