Embodying Kingdom Character: Meekness, Righteousness, and Mercy
Summary
In our ongoing exploration of kingdom character, we delve deeper into the Beatitudes, focusing on the qualities that Jesus calls us to embody as kingdom citizens. These are not mere suggestions but essential characteristics that should be evident in the lives of all followers of Christ. Today, we examine three specific Beatitudes: meekness, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and mercy.
Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is actually strength under control. It is the Greek word "praus," which describes a war horse that has been trained to obey its master. This concept of meekness is about having power but choosing to submit it under authority. It is a call to be humble, gentle, and not overcome by anger or arrogance. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, where despite having the power to call down angels, He chose submission to the Father's will. This is the essence of meekness—strength under control, power under authority.
Next, we explore the hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is a continuous, deep longing to be in right standing with God, to live in His perfect will rather than His permissive will. It is about pursuing holiness and sanctification, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from being aligned with God's desires for our lives. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction of worldly pursuits, this hunger and thirst lead to a fulfilling relationship with God, where we are constantly drawn to know Him more intimately.
Finally, we consider mercy, which is intricately linked to meekness. Mercy involves withholding judgment and showing compassion, reflecting the mercy God has shown us. It is an ongoing practice, a characteristic that defines us as kingdom citizens. Jesus teaches that those who are merciful will receive mercy, highlighting the reciprocal nature of this kingdom principle. Mercy is not about karma; it is about grace and the understanding that we are all in need of God's mercy.
These kingdom qualities—meekness, righteousness, and mercy—are not just ideals to strive for but are essential to living a life that reflects the heart of God. As we embody these characteristics, we bring the kingdom of God into every aspect of our lives, becoming true ambassadors of His love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
- Meekness as Strength Under Control: Meekness is not weakness but strength under control. It is about having power but choosing to submit it under authority, much like a war horse trained to obey its master. This quality allows us to respond with humility and gentleness, reflecting the character of Christ. [14:00]
- Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: This Beatitude calls us to a continuous longing to be in right standing with God. It is about pursuing His perfect will and finding true satisfaction in a relationship with Him. Unlike worldly pursuits, this hunger leads to a fulfilling and intimate connection with God. [28:05]
- Mercy as a Kingdom Characteristic: Mercy involves withholding judgment and showing compassion, reflecting the mercy God has shown us. It is an ongoing practice that defines us as kingdom citizens. Those who are merciful will receive mercy, highlighting the reciprocal nature of this kingdom principle. [42:00]
- The Distinction Between Karma and Grace: Mercy and grace are not about karma, which is rooted in false religious beliefs. Instead, they are about grace, which is a free gift from God. This understanding helps us to live out kingdom principles with a heart of compassion and forgiveness. [51:48]
- Walking in Forgiveness and Mercy: Forgiveness is essential to moving forward in God's plan for our lives. It is not about whether others deserve it but about releasing ourselves from the bondage of unforgiveness. As we forgive, we align ourselves with God's heart and open the door to His blessings. [59:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Kingdom Character
- [03:04] - Understanding the Beatitudes
- [05:11] - Kingdom Now and Forever
- [06:44] - The Kingdom Within You
- [08:36] - Exploring Meekness
- [09:51] - The Meaning of Makarios
- [14:00] - Meekness: Strength Under Control
- [17:12] - Staying in the Battle
- [20:15] - Giving God the Reins
- [21:55] - Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Meekness
- [24:22] - Turning the Other Cheek
- [28:05] - Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
- [31:10] - The Pursuit of Holiness
- [42:00] - Understanding Mercy
- [51:48] - The Difference Between Karma and Grace
- [59:40] - Walking in Forgiveness and Mercy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Kingdom Character and the Beatitudes
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:5-7
- Psalm 42:1-2
- Galatians 6:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the Greek word "praus" mean, and how does it redefine our understanding of meekness? [14:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the continuous nature of hungering and thirsting for righteousness? [28:05]
3. What is the difference between mercy and grace as explained in the sermon? [42:00]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of meekness using the example of a war horse? [14:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that meekness is a form of strength rather than weakness? How can this understanding change one's perspective on personal power and authority? [14:00]
2. How does the sermon connect the idea of hungering and thirsting for righteousness with the pursuit of holiness and sanctification? What does this imply about the believer's relationship with God? [28:05]
3. The sermon contrasts karma with grace. How does this distinction affect the way believers should view their actions and the concept of receiving mercy? [51:48]
4. How does the sermon use the example of King David to illustrate the reciprocal nature of mercy? What lessons can be drawn from David's life regarding showing and receiving mercy? [49:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation where you might have misunderstood meekness as weakness. How can you apply the concept of "strength under control" in your interactions this week? [14:00]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel a deep longing for righteousness. What practical steps can you take to align more closely with God's perfect will in this area? [28:05]
3. Consider a time when you withheld mercy from someone. How can you practice mercy in your daily life, especially towards those who may not deserve it? [42:00]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive to move forward in your spiritual journey? What steps will you take to release that unforgiveness? [59:40]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper hunger and thirst for God's presence in your life? What specific actions can you take to pursue a more intimate relationship with Him? [28:05]
6. Reflect on the concept of giving God the reins in your life. What areas are you still holding onto, and how can you submit them to His authority? [20:15]
7. The sermon discusses the difference between God's permissive will and His perfect will. How can you discern and pursue God's perfect will in your decisions and actions this week? [28:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Meekness as Strength Under Control
Meekness is often misunderstood as a form of weakness, but it is actually a profound strength that is under control. This quality is about having power and choosing to submit it under authority, much like a war horse trained to obey its master. Meekness allows individuals to respond with humility and gentleness, reflecting the character of Christ. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, where despite having the power to call down angels, He chose submission to the Father's will. This is the essence of meekness—strength under control, power under authority. Embracing meekness means choosing to be humble and gentle, not overcome by anger or arrogance, and it is a vital characteristic for those who wish to embody the heart of God. [14:00]
"Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32, ESV)
Reflection: In what situations do you find it difficult to exercise meekness? How can you practice responding with humility and gentleness in those moments today?
Day 2: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
The Beatitude of hungering and thirsting for righteousness calls believers to a continuous longing to be in right standing with God. It is about pursuing His perfect will and finding true satisfaction in a relationship with Him. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction of worldly pursuits, this hunger leads to a fulfilling and intimate connection with God. It involves a deep desire to live in His perfect will rather than His permissive will, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from being aligned with God's desires for our lives. This pursuit of holiness and sanctification draws us closer to God, allowing us to know Him more intimately and experience the fullness of His love and grace. [28:05]
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a lack of spiritual satisfaction? How can you actively pursue righteousness in that area today?
Day 3: Mercy as a Kingdom Characteristic
Mercy is a defining characteristic of kingdom citizens, involving withholding judgment and showing compassion. It reflects the mercy God has shown us and is an ongoing practice that should be evident in the lives of all believers. Jesus teaches that those who are merciful will receive mercy, highlighting the reciprocal nature of this kingdom principle. Mercy is not about karma; it is about grace and the understanding that we are all in need of God's mercy. By practicing mercy, we align ourselves with God's heart and demonstrate His love and compassion to others, becoming true ambassadors of His grace. [42:00]
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you extend mercy to them today, reflecting the mercy God has shown you?
Day 4: The Distinction Between Karma and Grace
Understanding the difference between karma and grace is crucial for living out kingdom principles. Mercy and grace are not about karma, which is rooted in false religious beliefs. Instead, they are about grace, which is a free gift from God. This understanding helps believers to live with a heart of compassion and forgiveness, recognizing that God's grace is not earned but freely given. By embracing grace, we can let go of the need for retribution and instead focus on extending love and forgiveness to others, reflecting the heart of God in our daily lives. [51:48]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding grace as a free gift change your perspective on forgiveness and mercy? How can you apply this understanding in your relationships today?
Day 5: Walking in Forgiveness and Mercy
Forgiveness is essential to moving forward in God's plan for our lives. It is not about whether others deserve it but about releasing ourselves from the bondage of unforgiveness. As we forgive, we align ourselves with God's heart and open the door to His blessings. Walking in forgiveness and mercy allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, freeing us from the burden of resentment and bitterness. By choosing to forgive, we demonstrate the heart of God and become true ambassadors of His love and grace in the world. [59:40]
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? What steps can you take to begin the process of forgiveness and release yourself from the burden of unforgiveness?
Quotes
1) "Blessed are the poor in spirit. For the kingdom of heaven is theirs. And then the amplified has a little parenthesis, and it says, both now and forever. It's very important to understand that. For the kingdom of heaven is theirs both now and forever. See, that opens it up now to us to understand. When we talk about the kingdom of heaven, we're not just talking about this final, eternal destination. We can walk in the kingdom right now because his rule is established in our lives. We have submitted to his lordship, so his rule and his reign is established in our hearts. Therefore, we are kingdom citizens, and we bring the kingdom everywhere that we go, both now and forever." [05:11] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. You know when I first see this word meek you know it's it sounds like a I'll just be honest with you like a soft word you know it sounds kind of like like uh like someone that's weak like I don't I I in my previous life I would never want to be known as meek right I ain't meek what are you talking about I mean I think about like little baby Jesus so meek and so mild right but what we have to understand here is this meekness is not weakness meekness is strength under control okay you guys got to get this so so now you're gonna have a different understanding about this word this is an attribute that you want strength under control." [09:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied before we get to righteousness I just want to look at this the way that Jesus words this blessed are those who hunger and thirst I mean this gives a picture a picture of something that is continuous in your life how many know that I'm hungry right now is anybody hungry well guess what you're gonna eat a good meal after we're done here but you will hunger again right just like when we thirst and we drink water we will thirst again why? because it has to do with our inherent need for life that's hungering and thirsting it's the way that he created us yes it's how we fuel our bodies right thank you Lord and I love that he uses this language blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness it's not just a one -time thing it's something that is continuous it's something that is ongoing in your life." [28:05] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "You know, I'm not just talking about know about him. This is not talking about reading manuscripts or reading other people's thoughts. This is talking about fellowshipping him. This is talking about fellowshiping him. This is talking about having intimacy with your creator. With your savior. You hunger. You pursue him. But you're satisfied in the pursuit. Isn't that amazing? But you want more. You want to know him in a deeper way. And guess what? That'll never stop. Because the depth of who he is, it's beyond our human comprehension. But if you draw near, it draws near. And he begins to reveal things to you about yourself and about him, which is amazing. He begins to reveal his heart to you. You begin to feel his heart and you begin to take on his nature. That's why it says we want to become more like Jesus, right? That's what a disciple is. We are literally taking on his nature because we are spending time with him. You can't do that if you're not spending time with him." [34:41] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Blessed, content, sheltered by God's promises. Let me read that again. Content and sheltered by God's promises are the merciful. The merciful. Let's look at this really quick. What is mercy? What is it to have mercy? It's to have pity. It's to have compassion. Mercy is to have pity. It's to have compassion. There's a difference between mercy and grace. These are Christian lingos that we talk a lot about. We talk about God's mercy and God's grace and we lump them together because they really go hand in hand, but there's a difference. We have to understand this. God's mercy is that he with holds what we truly deserve. That's mercy. We deserve judgment. We deserve punishment for our sins. We deserve condemnation. And God so mercifully withholds that from us. That's mercy. Grace is that not only does he withhold in his mercy, but then he gives us life. Forgiveness. Eternal life. He gives us joy in his presence and peace. He gives us authority in Jesus. He gives us all these things that we don't deserve." [42:00] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy. They shall receive mercy. Listen, we all have received mercy. And let me, let me break it to you. We all are going to need mercy continuously in our life because we all fall short. We fall short and we need God's mercy. You know, when I think about this, blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy. You know, you know what I think about? I think about King David. Think about this King David. King David was shown a lot of mercy by God. Do you know David's story? David was a sinner. I mean, he committed some of the most egregious sins that could be committed. He had an adulterous affair with another man's wife, the leader of his army, one of the heads of his army. While he was off to battle, had an adulterous affair with his wife that led to her getting pregnant. That led to him coming up with this scheme to have this woman. And he was a sinner. He was a sinner. He was a sinner. He was a sinner. He was a man killed to hide it. And that's what happened. You see the snow. ball that happens with sin?" [47:39] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "So his hatred towards sin. Sin is really fueled and compelled by his love for people because sin is literally killing people, not just physically, spiritually. When the Bible speaks of death, it is speaking of an eternal separation from God. Sin is keeping people eternally separated from God. So God feels very strongly towards sin. And towards the enemy. And really for us, we learn how to be able to not walk in offense towards people. We learn how to be able to turn the other cheek. We learn how to be merciful. Because we start to see people through the same lens that God sees them. And we understand that though people may see. And they're going to continue to do that. We can differentiate the sin and the deception that people are living under from the person themselves, right? And we can see like, God, you love that person. And the way that they're acting, the way that they're treating me. Think about Jesus. Jesus is on the cross. Going through. Through everything that he went through. At this point, he is unrecognizable as a human. Hanging, dying." [58:13] (102 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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