MEEKNESS
Matthew 5:5
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
WHAT IS MEEK?
Meekness is POWER under CONTROL.
Meekness is carrying a sword, but knowing when to unsheathe it.
- It entails a measured, deliberate, and properly deployed power.
How do we balance this directive of Christ to be meek with others throughout the Bible exhorting us:
- to be “of good courage” (Psalm 27:14)
- “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10)
- “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong,” (I Corinthians 16:13)
You are not really meek if you NEVER STAND UP or do not HAVE THE ABILITY TO FIGHT, (your power is not under control - you are just powerless).
JESUS SAYS this is vital for us to walk in our inheritance.
Psalm 37:11
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
Meek = anavah -
ע (Ayin): insight or vision.
נ (Nun): represent life and activity.
ו (Vav): connection or binding.
ה (Hey): divine revelation or the presence of God.
The word עֲנָוָה (anavah) suggests a person who
- SEES THE ISSUE/PROBLEM (ע),
- But LIVES FAITHFULLY (נ),
- BY FOCUSING ON OUR CONNECTION TO GOD (ו),
- AND HIS REVELATION ABOUT THE PERSON AND SITUATION (ה).
HEBREW CULTURE INHERTIANCE is responsibility, effort.
INHERIT = Yirshu
- yirshu - suggests that inheritance involves effort and action (י),
- leadership and authority (ר),
- transformation and refinement (ש),
- a divine connection (ו)
YOU FAIL TO WALK INTO THE FULLNESS OF YOUR INHERITANCE IF YOU DO NOT WALK IN MEEKNESS.
WHAT IS OUR INHERITANCE?
- All of Heaven’s ways, Heaven’s culture and Heaven’s resources operating in our lives
ALL OF HEAVEN’S AUTHORITY OPERATES FROM THE ATTITUDE OF MEEKNESS.
WE HAVE TO RESIST THE FEAR THAT WE WILL LOSE WITH MEEKNESS.
John 10:10
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
MEEKNESS vs. HUMILITY
HUMILITY is an attitude toward ourselves. It’s how we see ourselves in relation to God.
MEEKNESS is how our HUMILITY is then acted toward others.
OUR IDENTITY is ROYAL + WARRIOR + PRIEST
ROYALTY is about our authority and what is at our disposal.
WARRIOR is about our ability to stand, to fight and to hold.
1. MEEKNESS is
Matthew 5:5
5 Blessed are the meek (“praus”): for they shall inherit the earth.
When Christ said, “Blessed are the meek,” He was using a military term.
- Strength under control.
- Power under authority.
- Formidable determination in the face of the constant onslaughts of the enemy.
- The humble willingness to do what your Master commands you to do.
The exact opposite of feeble timidity.
The whole point is that we have enough of a relationship with God that we are going wait on him to give us instructions and to give us victory!
2. MEEKNESS is FRUIT on
We have been given the fruit of the spirit to support the gifts of the spirit.
Galatians 5:22 - 23 NIV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
KINDNESS and GENTLENESS You have to lay down your rights to carry your cross.
MEEKNESS is about having the power, right and ability - and not doing it.
IT is having SELF-CONTROL while being KIND and GENTLE and FORBEARING…
Without kindness and gentleness, receiving your inheritance will actually kill you.
- The blessings of God can crush you if you do not have the character to keep it.
- God does not want you to get your inheritance if it is going to hurt in the long run.
3. MEEKNESS is GIVING
1 Corinthians 10:23 ASV
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.
Colossians 3:13 NIV
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
“GRIEVANCES” come in 3 areas:
- frustrations
- failures
- fouls”
Luke 17:1
1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
THE OFFENDED HEART is the BREEDING GROUND for DECEPTION:
- BEST way to live in forgiveness is proactive -
- Grow past daily temptations to get offended.
4. MEEKNESS MEANS
1 Corinthians 13:7
7 (Love) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
LOVE is a VERB therefore an ACTION!
“bear” (stegō)
- to roof over
- to hold
- to cover.
Real love is always in SPIRITUAL EXPECTATION!
Worry is poisoned HOPE -
It is an EXPECTATION to go through things before you see the results of your faith.
Biblical acceptance is based on hope in God.
Real love never throws in the towel and quits.
Faith brings answers to prayer. but Enduring faith brings answers with character.
5. MEEKNESS
THE MEEK PERSON IS NOT INTERESTED IN:
- BEING MORE IMPORTANT THAN OTHERS
- BEING BETTER THAN OTHERS
- BEING STRONGER THAN OTHERS.
James 4:6
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
6. MEEKNESS is
Colossians 3:1 - 4
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:12
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
7. MEEKNESS is WILLING to HAVE
The MEEK are people who are quiet before God!
IT MEANS THAT YOU ARE LISTENING FOR GOD TO TELL YOU WHAT TO DO NEXT.
~ PAUSE AND PRAY ~
Psalms 46:10
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Be mindful that the Holy Spirit is there to help you with your homework…
It is not about how YOU CAN FIGURE IT OUT…
IT IS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN TRUST HIM AND FOLLOW
THERE IS A POWER IN MEEKNESS,
THAT GOD PROMISES TO GIVE US THE BEST LIFE POSSIBLE!!!
MEEKNESS IS POWER UNDER CONTROL!
- IT is BEING CONFIDENT THAT GOD HAS YOUR BACK!
- IT is CARING FOR OTHERS!
MEEK PEOPLE LOVE GOD, AND LOVE PEOPLE BY SHOWING THEM BY EXAMPLE THE TYPE OF LIFE GOD CALLS US TO LIVE!
Here are the effects of meekness: YOU INHERIT the EARTH!
MEEKNESS STARTS WITH GOD AND ENDS WITH GOD!