Embracing Meekness: The Power of Slowing Down
Summary
### Summary
In our series "Due North," we reflect on a journey that symbolizes our spiritual walk. Riding 222 miles on a tandem bike with my friend Mike, who embodies compassion and service, taught me the value of slowing down to truly see and experience life. This journey mirrors our spiritual lives, where slowing down allows us to notice God's ordained moments and opportunities that we might otherwise miss in our hurried pace.
We explored the story of Moses from Exodus 2, focusing on his early life and the significant issues he faced, such as oppression, abandonment, and identity crises. These issues shaped his actions, leading him to commit murder in a misguided attempt to deliver justice. However, Moses' story didn't end there. He fled to Midian, where he sat by a well, symbolizing a moment of pause and reflection. This pause was crucial for his transformation from a man driven by uncontrolled passion to one characterized by meekness.
Meekness, as highlighted in Colossians 3:12 and Matthew 5:5, is not weakness but a balanced strength under control. It is about trusting God to work even when we are not. Moses' transformation over 40 years in the desert illustrates how God cultivates meekness through our mistakes and experiences. This meekness is essential for true wisdom and effective leadership, as seen in Moses' later life.
The call to meekness is a call to surrender our passions and ambitions to God, allowing Him to direct and control them. This surrender leads to a life of balance, where our drive is harnessed and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is a legacy choice that impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. By slowing down and embracing meekness, we allow God to speed up His work within us, leading to profound spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Slowing Down: Slowing down allows us to see and experience God's ordained moments and opportunities that we might miss in our hurried pace. This principle is illustrated through the journey of riding 222 miles on a tandem bike, which provided a different perspective and deeper experiences. [14:00]
2. Moses' Transformation: Moses' early life was marked by significant issues such as oppression, abandonment, and identity crises. These issues led to misguided actions, but his time in Midian, where he paused and reflected, was crucial for his transformation into a man of meekness. [18:53]
3. Meekness is Not Weakness: Meekness, as described in Colossians 3:12 and Matthew 5:5, is a balanced strength under control. It involves trusting God to work even when we are not, and it is cultivated through our mistakes and experiences. [25:54]
4. Surrendering Passions to God: True meekness requires us to surrender our passions and ambitions to God, allowing Him to direct and control them. This surrender leads to a balanced life where our drive is harnessed and guided by the Holy Spirit. [28:06]
5. Legacy of Meekness: Embracing meekness is a legacy choice that impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. By slowing down and embracing meekness, we allow God to speed up His work within us, leading to profound spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom. [37:16]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:47] - Humanity's Desire to Speed Up
[14:00] - The Value of Slowing Down
[15:07] - Missing God's Moments
[16:14] - Moses' Early Life and Issues
[17:29] - Call to Meekness
[18:53] - Moses' Abandonment and Identity Issues
[19:51] - Moses' Inadequacy and Underlying Issues
[20:56] - Driven by Wounds
[22:12] - Moses' Misguided Justice
[23:20] - Sitting by the Well
[24:19] - Moses' Transformation
[25:54] - Meekness is Not Weakness
[28:06] - Surrendering Passions to God
[29:01] - Unbridled Passion
[30:22] - Putting on Meekness
[31:05] - Signs of Exasperation
[32:13] - Redirecting Passions
[34:17] - Message of Hope for Addictions
[35:20] - The Speed of Meek
[37:16] - Legacy of Meekness
[38:29] - Slowing Down for God's Speed
[39:10] - Prayer for Meekness
[40:54] - Invitation to Surrender
[41:24] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 2:11-15 - The story of Moses' early life and his flight to Midian.
2. Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
3. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant issues did Moses face in his early life according to Exodus 2:11-15?
2. How does Colossians 3:12 describe the qualities that believers should clothe themselves with?
3. What does Jesus say about the meek in Matthew 5:5?
4. According to the sermon, what was the significance of Moses sitting by the well in Midian? [23:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Moses' early life experiences shape his actions and decisions, particularly his act of killing the Egyptian? [16:14]
2. What does it mean to "clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" in the context of Colossians 3:12? How can these qualities be seen as strengths rather than weaknesses?
3. How does the concept of meekness as "strength under submission" challenge common perceptions of meekness as weakness? [28:06]
4. In what ways did Moses' time in Midian contribute to his transformation into a man of meekness? [25:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there moments where you feel your hurried pace has caused you to miss God's ordained opportunities? How can you intentionally slow down to notice these moments? [15:07]
2. Moses' transformation involved a period of reflection and growth. Is there an area in your life where you need to pause and reflect to allow God to work within you? [23:20]
3. Meekness involves surrendering our passions and ambitions to God. What specific passions or ambitions do you need to surrender to God, and how can you start this process? [28:06]
4. The sermon mentioned that unbridled passion is like riding a bike without handlebars. Can you identify any areas in your life where your passion might be unbridled? How can you bring these areas under the control of the Holy Spirit? [29:01]
5. Consider the legacy of meekness. How can embracing meekness impact not only your life but also the lives of future generations? What steps can you take today to cultivate this legacy? [37:16]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of trusting God to work even when we are not. How can you practice this trust in your daily life, especially in areas where you feel driven to control outcomes? [27:31]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or unseen, similar to Moses. How did you respond, and how might embracing meekness change your response in the future? [19:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Value of Slowing Down
Slowing down allows us to see and experience God's ordained moments and opportunities that we might miss in our hurried pace. This principle is illustrated through the journey of riding 222 miles on a tandem bike, which provided a different perspective and deeper experiences. When we rush through life, we often overlook the subtle ways God is working around us. By intentionally slowing down, we can become more attuned to His presence and the divine appointments He has set for us. This practice of slowing down is not just about reducing speed but about cultivating a heart that is open and receptive to God's leading.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness and miss out on the beauty and lessons that God wants to teach us. Slowing down helps us to be present in the moment, to appreciate the small blessings, and to recognize the opportunities for growth and service that God places in our path. It is in these moments of stillness that we can hear God's voice more clearly and align our lives with His will. [14:00]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. What is one specific way you can intentionally slow down today to be more present and attentive to God's work in your life?
Day 2: Moses' Transformation
Moses' early life was marked by significant issues such as oppression, abandonment, and identity crises. These issues led to misguided actions, but his time in Midian, where he paused and reflected, was crucial for his transformation into a man of meekness. Moses' story shows that even when we make mistakes, God can use those experiences to shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be. The time Moses spent in Midian was a period of preparation and growth, where he learned to rely on God and develop the character traits necessary for his future leadership role.
This transformation was not immediate but took place over many years. It was during this time that Moses learned the importance of meekness, which is a balanced strength under control. This quality allowed him to lead the Israelites with wisdom and humility. Moses' journey reminds us that our past does not define us, and God can use our experiences, both good and bad, to prepare us for His purposes. [18:53]
Exodus 2:15 (ESV): "When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and stayed in the land of Midian. And he sat down by a well."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging experience in your life. How might God be using that experience to shape and prepare you for His purposes?
Day 3: Meekness is Not Weakness
Meekness, as described in Colossians 3:12 and Matthew 5:5, is a balanced strength under control. It involves trusting God to work even when we are not, and it is cultivated through our mistakes and experiences. Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but it is actually a sign of great strength and maturity. It requires us to surrender our own desires and ambitions to God and to trust that He is in control, even when we cannot see the outcome.
This quality of meekness is essential for true wisdom and effective leadership. It allows us to respond to situations with grace and humility, rather than reacting out of anger or pride. By embracing meekness, we can become more like Christ, who exemplified this trait in His own life and ministry. [25:54]
James 1:21 (ESV): "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Reflection: Consider a situation where you are tempted to react out of anger or pride. How can you respond with meekness instead, trusting God to work in that situation?
Day 4: Surrendering Passions to God
True meekness requires us to surrender our passions and ambitions to God, allowing Him to direct and control them. This surrender leads to a balanced life where our drive is harnessed and guided by the Holy Spirit. When we hold on to our own desires and ambitions, we can become driven by our own strength and will, which often leads to burnout and frustration. However, when we surrender these to God, He can use them for His purposes and glory.
This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to trust God with our lives. It involves letting go of our need for control and allowing God to lead us. By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that we are walking in His will. [28:06]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Legacy of Meekness
Embracing meekness is a legacy choice that impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. By slowing down and embracing meekness, we allow God to speed up His work within us, leading to profound spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom. The legacy we leave behind is not just about our accomplishments but about the character and values we instill in others.
When we choose to live a life of meekness, we set an example for others to follow. Our children, friends, and community can see the difference that a life surrendered to God makes. This legacy of meekness can have a lasting impact, influencing future generations to live lives of humility, grace, and trust in God. [37:16]
1 Peter 3:4 (ESV): "But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."
Reflection: Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. How can you cultivate and demonstrate meekness in your daily life to impact those around you?
Quotes
1. "Sometimes when you slow down, things begin to speed up. Sometimes when you slow down, you begin to see the opportunities or you see a different perspective. And that's exactly what happened. In fact, I think you would hate to be a part of my family. And driving in my car as we drive north or go south and passing the landmarks. Because now there are landmarks and I have these steeped memories that are just ingrained with me." [14:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What I'm afraid of in this day and age, is that our pace and our drive is leading past opportunities or moments that God has ordained for us. And because of our pace, because of our drive, there are moments that we may be missing. Or let me say it like this. Maybe because of our pace and because of our drive, we're just passing people. And we have no idea what's going on or has gone in their lives." [15:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I don't know if you're sitting in the room and you feel like an underdog. But I'm telling you, any one of those issues that I just had mentioned, if you've experienced those, I'm telling you, it is something... A seed that can begin to birth this underdog mentality. This desire to make a name for yourself. I think that's exactly what Moses was doing, even though in the heat of the moment, he didn't really understand the ramifications of his decisions." [20:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your mistakes can help you cultivate your meekness. See, God is using and he's waiting. He was waiting to use a man of meekness instead of a man who burned with passion. Burned out of control with passion. He decided. And guess what? He wants to use you as a meek individual. The proof of concept is found in Numbers 12, 3. It says, now Moses was very meek. He was a very meek man. More meek than anyone else on the face of the earth." [25:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Meekness is not weakness. It is a balance of power and control. Speed and steering. And seeing and leading. Meekness is not weakness. Let me tell you a little bit more about meekness. Again, the definition of gentleness. It's in connection to meekness. Gentleness in the Greek. It means a mildness. A mildness of disposition or meekness. Let me tell you just in my language. In my paraphrasing. Meekness is trusting God. That when he is working. Or he is working when you are not. Meekness is trusting God. At work when you are not." [27:31] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Unbridled passion. Is like riding a bike without handlebars. Did you all hear that? Unbridled passion. Unbridled drive. Is like riding a bike without handlebars. You know what that is? It's stupid. It's dumb. You know what I'm saying? It is not a wise choice. It's all gas. And it's no control. Someone caught me between services. He said he had the image of a balloon blowing it up with air and letting it go. All power but no direction." [29:01] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Are you exhausted? Because if you are exhausted. It is a warning sign. That you have been exasperated. An unbridled passion. Will bring you to a place of exhaustion. Do you all hear what I am saying here today? If you are tired. If you feel like you are weak. If you feel like you are lacking direction. You just feel like you are on the hamster wheel. It is a full proof sign. That you need meekness. That the Holy Spirit. Provides. It is a sign. Are you burnt out? Because if you are burnt out. Guess what? It is time for you to put your exasperation down." [31:05] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I want to speak to someone here. You walk in this room. And you know you are dealing with addiction. And I felt like the Holy Spirit was dropping into me. A message of hope for you. And this is what I want you to hear. I think this is what God wants to hear. That you were created for great things. That God has a plan for you. That your life is not over. And God wants to heal you. And he wants to help you. But he also wants to. Redirect. Your passion. That that passion. That has taken a hold of you. Right in the form of addiction. That God has the power to redirect that. And change it. And turn it. For you to become effective. In the kingdom of God." [34:17] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Some of you feel like. Man you've got oppression issues. You feel like you've got an abandonment. An identity or unseen. Unseen issues. You might not feel like you belong. Or maybe you feel inadequate. And I would tell you this. Perfect because that's the people. That God chooses to use. But if he's going to use you. You've got to learn the speed. Of meek. And the speed of meek. Is this. Sit down. Let me help you understand that. Matthew 11 28. Jesus says come to me. All who are weary and burdened. And I will give you. Rest. Your burden might be heavy. My. My burden is light. Come to me. Sit down at the well. And drink. Your fill." [35:20] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If we're going to sit. Let me understand it. First we have to surrender. We surrender to Jesus. We give him passion. You know when we surrender. You know if you've ever been arrested. You put your hands up. What does that mean? Nothing you're carrying. You carry anymore. It is at the feet of the authority. You know what I'm saying. Someone's laughing. Because they were arrested sometime. They get it. But when it comes to Jesus. You lay down your passion. You lay down your ambition. You say Lord I don't know. I've never been able to manage that well. I've never had the handle bar on that passion. It's yours God." [36:20] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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