Embracing Meekness: The Path to True Blessing
Summary
### Summary
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This Beatitude, part of the Sermon on the Mount, calls us to live out kingdom principles in a world that often does not value them. The Beatitudes are not just encouraging words but a call to embody the attributes of God's kingdom here and now. The term "blessed" refers to a state of happiness and divine favor, not necessarily tied to material wealth or success. True happiness and contentment come from being in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The concept of meekness is often misunderstood in our culture. Modern definitions equate meekness with weakness, lack of courage, or submissiveness. However, biblical meekness is about exercising God's strength under His control. Jesus Himself exemplified meekness, demonstrating power and authority without undue harshness. He was gentle and kind to the masses but firm and direct with those who opposed God's ways, like the Pharisees and money changers in the temple.
Meekness involves recognizing our own sinfulness and need for God's grace, which in turn helps us see others through the same lens of grace and compassion. It calls us to live out God's strength in our interactions, balancing truth and love. This kingdom attribute is not about being a pushover but about living in a way that reflects God's character and priorities.
The promise attached to meekness is that the meek will inherit the earth. This inheritance is not just about future rewards but also about living out kingdom principles now, preparing for the ultimate renewal of all things when God's kingdom is fully realized. As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to live differently, embodying the values and attributes that will be the norm in God's eternal kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding True Blessing: True blessing is not tied to material wealth or success but to being in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This divine favor brings a deep, abiding happiness that transcends circumstances. [06:34]
2. Redefining Meekness: Biblical meekness is about exercising God's strength under His control. It is not weakness but a balanced strength that is gentle and kind, yet firm and truthful when necessary. Jesus exemplified this in His interactions with both the masses and the religious leaders. [15:22]
3. Living Out Kingdom Principles: As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to live out kingdom principles now, even in a world that does not value them. This involves a daily commitment to embodying attributes like meekness, which reflect God's character and priorities. [22:54]
4. Seeing Others Through God's Eyes: Meekness helps us see ourselves and others through the lens of God's grace. Recognizing our own need for God's mercy enables us to extend the same grace and compassion to others, fostering a community that reflects God's love. [29:42]
5. Preparing for the Future Kingdom: The promise of inheriting the earth calls us to live now in a way that prepares us for God's future kingdom. This involves practicing kingdom attributes and living out God's principles, anticipating the ultimate renewal of all things. [35:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
[01:50] - Understanding Jesus' Words
[02:57] - Opening Prayer
[04:57] - The Meaning of "Blessed"
[06:34] - True Blessing in Christ
[08:09] - The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
[09:55] - The Challenge of Kingdom Principles
[11:40] - Cultural Misunderstandings of Meekness
[13:30] - Biblical Definition of Meekness
[15:22] - Jesus as the Example of Meekness
[17:09] - Exercising God's Strength
[18:52] - Jesus' Righteous Anger
[21:00] - Meekness in the Psalms
[22:54] - Living Out Kingdom Principles
[24:44] - The Balance of Meekness
[26:30] - Personal Reflection and Application
[28:08] - Meekness in Community
[29:42] - Seeing Others Through God's Eyes
[31:48] - The Call to Kingdom Living
[33:56] - Striving for Meekness
[35:47] - Inheriting the Earth
[37:10] - Preparing for God's Kingdom
[40:23] - The Renewal of All Things
[42:27] - Communion Preparation and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
2. Psalm 37:9-11 - "For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by "blessed" in Matthew 5:5? How does this differ from the common understanding of being blessed? [06:34]
2. How does the sermon define biblical meekness compared to the modern cultural definition? [13:30]
3. According to Psalm 37:9-11, what is the promise given to the meek? How does this align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:5?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding "blessed" as divine favor rather than material wealth change our perspective on happiness and contentment? [06:34]
2. In what ways did Jesus exemplify meekness during His ministry, and how does this challenge our cultural perceptions of strength and authority? [15:22]
3. How does recognizing our own need for God's grace help us to see others through the same lens of grace and compassion? [29:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of being "blessed." How has this sermon challenged or changed that understanding? What steps can you take to align your view of blessing with Jesus' teaching? [06:34]
2. Think of a situation where you might have equated meekness with weakness. How can you reframe that situation to see meekness as exercising God's strength under His control? [13:30]
3. Identify a recent interaction where you struggled to balance truth and love. How can you apply the principle of meekness to handle similar situations in the future? [17:09]
4. How can you practice seeing others through God's eyes, especially those who may have wronged you or whom you find difficult to love? What practical steps can you take this week to extend grace and compassion? [29:42]
5. In what ways can you start living out kingdom principles now, in preparation for God's future kingdom? What specific actions can you take to embody the values and attributes of God's kingdom in your daily life? [35:47]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to assert your own strength or authority. How might you have handled that situation differently by exercising meekness? [24:44]
7. How can you encourage and support others in your community to live out the principle of meekness? What role can you play in fostering a community that reflects God's love and grace? [28:08]
Devotional
Day 1: True Blessing in Christ
True blessing is not tied to material wealth or success but to being in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This divine favor brings a deep, abiding happiness that transcends circumstances. The world often equates blessing with material prosperity, but Jesus redefines it in the Beatitudes. He teaches that true happiness and contentment come from a relationship with God, not from external achievements or possessions. This kind of blessing is about experiencing God's favor and presence in our lives, which brings a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances.
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This statement challenges us to reconsider what it means to be truly blessed. It is not about accumulating wealth or achieving worldly success but about living in harmony with God's will. When we align our lives with God's purposes, we experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer. This is the essence of true blessing—being in right relationship with God and experiencing His favor in our lives. [06:34]
Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been seeking happiness through material means. How can you shift your focus to finding true blessing in your relationship with God?
Day 2: Redefining Meekness
Biblical meekness is about exercising God's strength under His control. It is not weakness but a balanced strength that is gentle and kind, yet firm and truthful when necessary. Jesus exemplified this in His interactions with both the masses and the religious leaders. In our culture, meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or lack of courage. However, biblical meekness is about having strength that is under God's control. It involves being gentle and kind, yet firm and truthful when necessary.
Jesus is the perfect example of meekness. He demonstrated power and authority without undue harshness. He was gentle with the masses, showing compassion and kindness, but He was also firm and direct with those who opposed God's ways, like the Pharisees and money changers in the temple. This balanced strength is what true meekness looks like. It is not about being a pushover but about living in a way that reflects God's character and priorities. [15:22]
Isaiah 42:3 (ESV): "A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had to balance gentleness and firmness. How can you better exercise God's strength under His control in similar situations?
Day 3: Living Out Kingdom Principles
As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to live out kingdom principles now, even in a world that does not value them. This involves a daily commitment to embodying attributes like meekness, which reflect God's character and priorities. Living out kingdom principles means embodying the values and attributes of God's kingdom in our daily lives. This is not always easy, especially in a world that often does not value these principles. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.
Meekness is one of the key attributes of God's kingdom. It involves recognizing our own sinfulness and need for God's grace, which in turn helps us see others through the same lens of grace and compassion. By living out meekness, we reflect God's character and priorities in our interactions with others. This daily commitment to embodying kingdom principles prepares us for the ultimate renewal of all things when God's kingdom is fully realized. [22:54]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Identify one kingdom principle you struggle to live out daily. What practical steps can you take to embody this principle more consistently in your life?
Day 4: Seeing Others Through God's Eyes
Meekness helps us see ourselves and others through the lens of God's grace. Recognizing our own need for God's mercy enables us to extend the same grace and compassion to others, fostering a community that reflects God's love. When we understand our own sinfulness and need for God's grace, it changes the way we see others. Meekness involves recognizing that we are all in need of God's mercy, which helps us extend the same grace and compassion to those around us.
This perspective fosters a community that reflects God's love. Instead of judging or condemning others, we are called to see them through God's eyes—eyes of grace and compassion. This approach not only transforms our relationships but also creates an environment where God's love can flourish. By living out meekness, we contribute to a community that embodies the values of God's kingdom. [29:42]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's grace through you. How can you show them compassion and understanding today?
Day 5: Preparing for the Future Kingdom
The promise of inheriting the earth calls us to live now in a way that prepares us for God's future kingdom. This involves practicing kingdom attributes and living out God's principles, anticipating the ultimate renewal of all things. The Beatitude "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" carries a promise that extends beyond our present circumstances. It points to a future inheritance in God's kingdom. However, this promise also has implications for how we live now.
As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to live in a way that prepares us for the ultimate renewal of all things. This involves practicing kingdom attributes like meekness and living out God's principles in our daily lives. By doing so, we not only prepare ourselves for the future kingdom but also bring a glimpse of that kingdom into the present. This forward-looking perspective helps us stay focused on God's eternal purposes and motivates us to live in a way that honors Him. [35:47]
2 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV): "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can start living out kingdom principles more intentionally? How can this prepare you for God's future kingdom?
Quotes
1. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Our big idea today is just that, blessed are the meek. That word blessed, remember, it's the idea of happiness of those who God's favor has been bestowed on. Blessed does not necessarily mean tangible things. So often, that's what we get in our mind, that when someone is blessed, it's tangible things. Someone gets a good job. Oh, you're blessed. Someone buys a new car. Oh, you're blessed. That's not what blessed is." [06:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're a believer in Jesus Christ this morning, if you've trusted in him to save you from your sins and to take you to heaven when you die, no matter any other circumstances going on in your life, no matter what else is taking place, you are blessed. And there is no greater blessing you could have than that. And so if we're looking to other things to bring us happiness, if we're looking to other things to bring contentedness in our lives other than Jesus Christ, you won't find it." [07:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This world, this world is full of people who are looking for happiness and contentedness in every area and every corner, and they do not find it. Now, don't get me wrong. As all of us know, there is temporary pleasure in many things, right? Buying a new car, there's temporary pleasure in that, isn't there? And then you get a scratch or a ding. We can find temporary pleasure in a whole lot of stuff, but it never lasts." [08:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The people that are truly happy, the people that are truly content are the people who are citizens of the kingdom of God. And that's what we're talking about. Kingdom of God. Those are the blessed people. Those are the happy people. Those are the people who are, as the word means, to be envied because God's favor is on them. Those are the happy people." [08:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Meekness calls us to control what we could do with what God would do through his power and through his spirit in us. This kingdom attribute of meekness is a reflection of what David wrote in the book of Psalms. In Psalm 37, verses nine to 11, he says for the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. And just a little while, the wicked will be no more, though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there, but the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." [20:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We need to focus on, Lord, what about me? Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, we can change ourselves. Notice, power of the Holy Spirit, you can't do it. You need the Holy Spirit to lead and direct and give you the power to do that. We say, Lord, what do I need to do? How do I live this out? And rather than pointing the finger and beating other people up, we come alongside them and we love them and we help them and we exercise God's strength and God's control in walking alongside with brothers and sisters in Christ to live out kingdom attributes." [27:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Meekness causes us to see who we really are in light of Jesus and to live that out. Here's the other thing meekness does. Meekness causes us to see, who others really are in the light of Jesus and how to live that out. Because when I see who I am in light of Jesus, when meekness causes me to see who I am in light of Christ, I see that I am a sinner that is in need of his saving grace. And when I see other people, I see that they are also sinners just like me in need of Christ's saving grace." [28:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The world thinks it's weird. The world thinks it's strange when we live a life that reflects Jesus, when we truly live in meekness. But let's be honest. The church also thinks it's weird when we live a life that exemplifies Jesus. It does. When we live out these attributes, when we truly live out these kingdom attributes, we so rarely see them lived out in people's lives. And so when we see them, we think it's strange. We do." [31:48] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If we as individuals, if we as people sitting in this room right now, if we have no desire to live out kingdom principles, in our lives, if we have no desire to do it, it should cause us to question whether we truly are citizens of that kingdom or not. Because citizens of the kingdom desire to live according to the way the ruler of that kingdom directs them to live. This is Christ's kingdom. This is God's kingdom." [32:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. That word inheritance that's used there is to obtain, to acquire. This is something that is owed to someone from someone else, something that has been given to someone from someone else. We think of inheritance that we receive from family members when they pass away. That's what he's talking about, this inheritance. What do we receive? What do we have as heirs? As heirs of God, as heirs of Christ, what do we receive through this? And he says this is one of them. Our inheritance is the earth." [34:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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