G. K. Chesterton once defined a paradox as “truth standing on its head calling for attention.” The way of the kingdom of God seems to be filled with paradoxes: Last is first, giving is receiving, dying is living, losing is finding, least is greatest, poor is rich, weakness is strength, and serving is ruling. The Beatitudes show us just how different the character of kingdom citizens should be.

The first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” pertains mainly to intellectual understanding, signifying those who realize their spiritual destitution are indeed blessed. Its emotional equivalent is the second Beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn.” Meekness is a characteristic, not merely a temperament. It stands as an antithesis to ambition and envy, illustrating the mild, humble, and modest demeanor of someone aware of their spiritual neediness, which subsequently influences their conduct. The characteristic of meekness does not denote lack of assertiveness but rather the absence of egotistical assertions. Those with power and influence must learn to harness their strength for the benefit of others instead of for self-serving purposes. Misusing our strength selfishly can cause harm to others. Recognizing the potency of selflessness involves a willingness to risk our lives for others and uphold truth when required. Today we will see how the BLESSED LIFE MOVES FROM SORROW TO SOLACE AND MEEKNESS, NOT WEAKNESS.

Outline

• We never move past the

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  (poor in spirit).

• If the “poor in spirit” is primarily intellectual (those who understand they are in spiritual poverty) and “those who mourn” is its emotional counterpart, then we must embrace the dance between mind and heart because this is the way into the kingdom of heaven and the comforting embrace of the Savior.

• Godly grief over sin that leads to repentance is good grief that is meant to bring immediate

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  .

• How we

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  God can be seen by what we cry over and laugh about.

• Let the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ be both your

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  and your
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  .

• Meekness is a

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  trait, not a
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  trait. Meekness is
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  and
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  for the sake of others.

Application

• Have you mourned your sin and turned to Jesus for salvation?

• Christian, do you take your sin seriously?

• Are you walking in the strength of the Lord for the sake of others?

Questions

1. Is God blessing all sorrow but not all laughter? (2 Samuel 13:2; 1 Kings 21:4) How does Romans 3:10-17 help us understand why we should be sorrowful over our sin?
2. How should Christians think about laughter and humor? (Proverbs 17:22)
3. How can we sorrow over sin, experience comfort, and then move to joy? Why is moving away from the sorrow of sin sometimes difficult?
4. Where can you see the meekness of Jesus displayed in the gospels? (Matthew 12:9–45; Mark 10:13–16; John 2:14–17; Matthew 16:21–23; Matthew 11:29)
5. What are some ways you can see meekness?