Meekness: Strength in Surrender to God's Will
Summary
In our journey through the Beatitudes, we have come to understand that these are not mere suggestions but transformative principles that Jesus embodied and taught. Today, we delve into the third Beatitude: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This teaching is not only counter-cultural but also a powerful testament to the kingdom of God, which operates on paradoxes that often contradict worldly values.
Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but in the kingdom of God, it is anything but. Meekness is strength under control, a power that is harnessed and directed by the Holy Spirit. It is the picture of a powerful stallion, not wild and damaging, but broken, submitted, and surrendered for purpose. This is the kind of strength that can change lives and impact a hurting world.
To live in meekness is to live a life of surrender to God, allowing Him to lead us and use our strengths according to His will. It is to have a repentant heart, acknowledging our need for God's guidance and forgiveness. It is to live with a receptive spirit, open to the Word of God and allowing it to transform us from the inside out.
Meekness is not about being a doormat or a pushover; it is about having the courage to lay down our own weapons and pick up surrender. It is about living with an uncommon security in God, knowing that He is the final authority in our lives. It is about having a higher perspective, not getting baited into arguments or debates, but living with the peace that comes from being harnessed by the Holy Spirit.
The reward for living in meekness is profound. We inherit the earth, not in the sense of material possession, but in the sense of possessing everything that cannot be bought—peace, joy, and the contentment of being who God created us to be. This is the true power of meekness, and it is available to all who choose to live surrendered to God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Meekness is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength under control. It is the power of a life surrendered to God, where our natural tendencies are harnessed for His purposes. This kind of strength is more impactful than any forceful assertion of our own will. [49:33]
2. Living a life of meekness requires a repentant heart—one that is constantly seeking God's guidance and is quick to acknowledge and correct its faults. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God's grace. [37:21]
3. A receptive spirit is essential for cultivating meekness. It involves being open to the Word of God and allowing it to deeply influence and shape our lives. This receptivity leads to transformation, enabling us to embody the Beatitudes in our daily walk. [39:21]
4. The meek inherit the earth not by force or entitlement but through the quiet strength of surrender. This inheritance is less about material wealth and more about the richness of a life aligned with God's will, filled with the peace and joy that comes from divine assurance. [42:21]
5. Meekness brings an uncommon security that the world cannot offer. It is a confidence rooted in the knowledge that our lives are governed by God's ultimate authority, not by the shifting sands of human opinion or circumstance. This security allows us to face life's challenges with a steadfast heart. [43:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
2. Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
3. James 1:21 - "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to those who are meek according to Matthew 5:5?
2. How does Jesus describe Himself in Matthew 11:28-29, and what does He offer to those who come to Him? [14:12]
3. According to James 1:21, what should we lay aside, and what should we receive with meekness?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of meekness as "strength under control" challenge common misconceptions about meekness being weakness? [25:24]
2. In what ways does living a life of meekness require a repentant heart and a receptive spirit? [37:01]
3. How does the promise of inheriting the earth in Matthew 5:5 relate to the idea of possessing peace, joy, and contentment rather than material wealth? [12:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the urge to react with anger or force. How could you have responded with meekness instead? [29:01]
2. Meekness involves surrendering our strengths to God. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control? How can you begin to surrender this area to God this week? [34:07]
3. The sermon mentioned that meekness brings an uncommon security. How can you cultivate this security in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or criticism? [43:01]
4. Think of a time when you were baited into an argument or debate. How can you apply the principle of living with a higher perspective to avoid such situations in the future? [43:45]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of having a repentant heart. Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness or forgive? How will you take steps to do this? [37:49]
6. How can you practice having a receptive spirit to God's Word this week? Identify one specific way you can be more open to the teachings of the Bible. [38:01]
7. The sermon emphasized the power of meekness in changing lives and impacting the world. What is one practical way you can demonstrate meekness in your interactions with others this week? [10:05]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the transformative principle of meekness as taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Strength in Surrender
Meekness is often misconstrued as a lack of strength when, in fact, it is the epitome of strength under control. It is the intentional submission of one's power and abilities to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Imagine a wild stallion, full of potential and power, yet only when it is tamed and directed does its strength become truly purposeful and impactful. Similarly, when individuals surrender their will to God, their natural strengths are harnessed for divine purposes, creating a profound impact that far exceeds any forceful assertion of personal will. This is the strength that comes from being aligned with God's will, a strength that is cultivated through a life of surrender and obedience to the Holy Spirit. [49:33]
"Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land." - Psalm 25:12-13 ESV
Reflection: What personal strengths or talents have you been holding onto that you need to surrender to God, and how can you begin to allow Him to use them for His purposes?
Day 2: Humility's Path to Guidance
A repentant heart is essential for those who seek to live in meekness. It is a heart that recognizes its need for God's guidance and is quick to admit and rectify its faults. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about acknowledging one's dependence on the grace of God. It is through this humility that one can truly experience the transformative power of God's love and guidance. A repentant heart does not wallow in guilt but rejoices in the opportunity to be made right with God and to walk in His ways. [37:21]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" - Isaiah 57:15 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where pride has hindered your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to cultivate a more repentant and humble heart?
Day 3: Openness to Divine Transformation
Cultivating meekness requires a spirit that is receptive to the Word of God. It is about allowing the scriptures to deeply influence and shape one's life. This openness leads to a transformation that is not superficial but one that emanates from the very core of our being. As one's heart and mind are molded by the truths of the Bible, the Beatitudes become more than just words; they become a lived experience, a daily reality that is evident in one's actions and interactions with others. This receptivity is not passive; it is an active pursuit of God's truth and a willingness to be changed by it. [39:21]
"Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." - Psalm 25:4-5 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can make yourself more open to the transformative power of God's Word, and how can you apply this openness to a specific area of your life?
Day 4: Inheriting True Riches
The meek inherit the earth, not through force or entitlement, but through the quiet strength of surrender. This inheritance is not about acquiring material wealth but about embracing the richness of a life that is in harmony with God's will. It is a life filled with peace, joy, and the contentment that comes from knowing one is living as God intended. This divine assurance is the true treasure that the meek receive, a treasure that far surpasses any earthly possession. [42:21]
"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." - Psalm 37:11 ESV
Reflection: How does the pursuit of material wealth compare to the pursuit of the richness of life in God, and what practical steps can you take to prioritize the latter in your daily life?
Day 5: Security Beyond the World
Meekness brings a security that the world cannot offer. It is a confidence that is rooted in the knowledge that one's life is under God's ultimate authority. This security allows individuals to face life's challenges with a steadfast heart, not swayed by the shifting opinions or circumstances of the world. It is a peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and His perfect plan for our lives. This uncommon security is a hallmark of the meek, who find their refuge and strength in the Lord. [43:21]
"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." - Nahum 1:7 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of security in God's authority, and how can this newfound security change the way you approach challenges in your life?
Quotes
1) "Meekness is not weakness, folks. It's submitted power. It's literally strength under control by God himself." [26:17] (Download | )
2) "Meekness is the abiding place for provision. When you live surrendered, when you live in the power of meekness, the whole world is yours when you live surrendered." [46:21] (Download | )
3) "We're not feathers. We're just surrendered to God and to his word. And what's interesting is the beatitudes like all the others comes with reward." [42:21] (Download | )
4) "You live with an uncommon security. In the word, in God, and in his spirit. Because that is the final authority in my life." [43:21] (Download | )
5) "A tamed horse is more powerful than an untamed horse. Why? Because it will make greater gains. It will be more profitable in its use." [29:13] (Download | )
6) "You live your life with a receptive spirit. Meekness is a fruit of the spirit that we see in Galatians chapter five." [38:21] (Download | )
7) "The angriest people are the most exhausted people. Jesus is literally saying, if you will take upon yourself my meekness, I will give rest into your life." [14:30] (Download | )
8) "The Beatitudes are there to change our life. They're counter-cultural to the world that we see and live in today so that we can be that peculiar person we have been designed to be." [35:19] (Download | )
9) "The reward is what? Inherit the Earth. The rewards. Amen? Does it help you any today?" [51:27] (Download | )
10) "In a surrendered life we can fulfill the purpose that you have for our life. And I thank you for the inheritance, the reward that we inherit all things that can't be bought." [53:27] (Download | )
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