Blessed are the Meek
REVIEW
Paradox definition – a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Sermon on the Mount – Jesus is speaking to His disciples and the crowds early in His ministry. He is challenging their expectations of who gets into His Kingdom and what His Kingdom is like.
Beatitudes: “Blessed” – The word beatitude comes from the Latin word “beatus” (bee-ā-toos) which means blessed, happy or prosperous.
THIS WEEK - “MEEK”
Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
1. Meekness is like:
Humility (Matt 11:29; 21:5) and Gentleness (Gal 5:22-23) and Selflessness (Lk 22:42)
Strength or power under control (mice vs monsters)
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT) Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
2. Meekness is not:
Weakness or cowardice
Controlling or overbearing
Proverbs 20:3 (NLT) Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson (Canadian Psychologist & author) – “But “the meek” isn’t well translated. It means something more like: Those who have swords and know how to use them, but keep them sheathed, will inherit the world. That’s a way better way of thinking about it. You have to be powerful and formidable and then peaceful, in that order.”
3. Jesus was/is Meek:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus described Himself as humble/meek
But He wasn’t weak (Matt 21:5; Zech 9:9; Matt 26:53; Rev 1:12-18)
He submitted to the Father (Lk 22:42) – not forcing His own way
He trusted God’s plan and timing and ability to work even when injustice seemed to reign (cross) (Heb 12:2; 1 Pet 2:21-25)
4. Paradox:
World: Take! Get! Self! Survival of the fittest! Dog eat dog!
God: Blessed / happy / prosperous – “good for you”
Characterized by meekness – a way of life, not perfectly but as priority
The Blessing in Meekness:
“For they will inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5)
A new heavens and a new earth (Rev 21:1-2; 2 Pet 3:8-13)
It’s not all on us / we are not the solution to our problems (Ex 14:13-14; Rom 12:17-21)
Psalm 37:5-9 (NLT) Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. 6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. 7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9 For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
5. Choosing Meekness as a way of life: (application)
Choose to believe God, that He is right in saying it’s more blessed to be meek than controlling
Where do you tend to try and control things in your life?
Relationships, outcomes, work, neighbors, family, church,
Choose to make margin for God to show up in the injustices of your life
Don’t retaliate - don’t let the monster out
Allow Him to work
Rest in His timing
Is there a situation where you’re trying to force your timing?
Is there a situation where you’d like to get even?
For Small Group Discussion:
Opening Question: What is the most powerful thing you have ever lost control of?
Main Point: The world says it belongs to the rich, the dominant, and the bold. Jesus flips that around and says the true inheritors of the earth are the meek. Meekness is a controlled strength that puts everything in the hands of God.
Main Scripture: Matthew 5:5, Philippians 2:3-11
Head Questions
Meekness is not weakness. How did Jesus model being meek? (Matthew 11:28-29 & 21:5)
Who do you know that models meekness well?
Heart Questions
The world says “strength is control.” Jesus says “strength under control”. Where do you tend to grasp for control? (Romans 8:15-18)
What situations do you need to place in God’s hands?
Hands Questions
What areas of your life is God asking you to show meekness?
What people do you need to respond to with grace and humility?
To watch the Sermon Team on The Overtime Podcast, go to: https://bit.ly/RLOvertime