Meekness: Strength Under Control and Spiritual Fulfillment
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered to seek solace and guidance from the Lord, setting aside the burdens of the outside world. We began with a prayer, asking for God's blessings and faithfulness. The focus of our study was on meekness, as highlighted in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." We explored the concept of meekness, emphasizing that it is not synonymous with weakness or apathy. Instead, meekness is a balanced state of strength under control, where one does not need to prove themselves or dominate others.
We discussed the importance of not being driven by pride or the need to be the smartest person in the room. True meekness allows us to accept correction and instruction without feeling the need to defend our stance aggressively. We looked at the example of Moses, who was known for his meekness but faltered when he let his anger take control. This led to significant consequences, including losing his standing with the people and his chance to enter the Promised Land.
We also touched on the dangers of anger and apathy in a Christian's life. Anger often leads to regrettable words and actions, while apathy results in a lack of drive and purpose. Both are detrimental to our spiritual growth. Instead, we should strive for a balanced approach, where we are neither indifferent nor overly aggressive.
The sermon concluded with a discussion on the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, as stated in Matthew 5:6. When we genuinely seek righteousness, we will be filled and satisfied. This contrasts with the endless dissatisfaction that comes from pursuing worldly desires. Our ultimate purpose as Christians is to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, and only by fulfilling this purpose can we find true satisfaction and fulfillment.
### Key Takeaways
1. Meekness is Strength Under Control: Meekness is not about being weak or indifferent; it is about having strength that is under control. It means not needing to prove oneself or dominate others. True meekness allows us to accept correction and instruction without feeling the need to defend our stance aggressively. This balanced approach helps us grow spiritually and maintain healthy relationships. [23:34]
2. The Dangers of Anger and Apathy: Anger and apathy are both detrimental to a Christian's life. Anger often leads to regrettable words and actions, while apathy results in a lack of drive and purpose. Instead, we should strive for a balanced approach, where we are neither indifferent nor overly aggressive. This balance helps us maintain our spiritual health and fulfill our God-given purpose. [28:14]
3. Learning from Moses' Example: Moses was known for his meekness, but he faltered when he let his anger take control. This led to significant consequences, including losing his standing with the people and his chance to enter the Promised Land. This example teaches us the importance of maintaining meekness and not letting our emotions dictate our actions. [26:20]
4. Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness: When we genuinely seek righteousness, we will be filled and satisfied. This contrasts with the endless dissatisfaction that comes from pursuing worldly desires. Our ultimate purpose as Christians is to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, and only by fulfilling this purpose can we find true satisfaction and fulfillment. [43:49]
5. The Importance of Spiritual Renewal: Renewing our minds and spirits is crucial for our spiritual growth. We must turn away from the desires of the flesh and seek to have God's mind. This renewal helps us live a life that glorifies God and fulfills our true purpose. By doing so, we can overcome the loneliness and dissatisfaction that come from living a life separated from God. [49:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:06] - Opening Prayer
[17:54] - Worship and Praise
[20:25] - Embracing Failure and Innovation
[21:49] - Introduction to Meekness
[23:34] - Meekness: Strength Under Control
[24:53] - Biblical Examples of Meekness
[26:20] - Learning from Moses' Mistakes
[28:14] - The Dangers of Anger and Apathy
[29:52] - Meekness in Everyday Life
[31:06] - Accepting Unchangeable Circumstances
[32:01] - Handling Disagreements with Meekness
[33:11] - The True Competition: You vs. You
[34:42] - Avoiding Comparisons Among Christians
[35:35] - Pride vs. Haughtiness
[37:49] - Active, Corrective Discipleship
[39:03] - Genuine Humility and Promotion
[40:22] - Spiritual Lessons from Secular Work
[43:11] - Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness
[45:40] - Finding True Satisfaction in God
[49:05] - Renewing Our Minds and Spirits
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
2. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."
3. Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 5:5 say about the meek and their reward?
2. According to Matthew 5:6, what happens to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?
3. How does Ephesians 4:29 instruct us to communicate with others? [28:14]
4. What examples of meekness and its opposite did the pastor mention in the sermon? [26:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of meekness as "strength under control" differ from common perceptions of meekness? [23:34]
2. Why is it important for Christians to avoid both anger and apathy, according to the sermon? [28:14]
3. What lessons can we learn from Moses' failure to maintain meekness, and how did it affect his leadership? [26:20]
4. How does hungering and thirsting after righteousness lead to true satisfaction, as opposed to pursuing worldly desires? [43:49]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the need to prove yourself. How could you have approached it with meekness instead? [23:34]
2. Anger often leads to regrettable actions. Can you recall a time when anger led you to say or do something you regretted? How can you handle similar situations better in the future? [28:14]
3. Apathy can result in a lack of drive and purpose. What are some areas in your life where you feel apathetic, and how can you reignite your passion for them? [28:14]
4. Moses' example shows the consequences of letting emotions dictate actions. How can you ensure that your decisions are guided by meekness rather than emotions? [26:20]
5. What steps can you take to hunger and thirst after righteousness in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can implement this week. [43:49]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of renewing our minds and spirits. What practical steps can you take to renew your mind and align it with God's will? [49:05]
7. Think of a person or situation that tests your patience. How can you practice meekness and strength under control in your interactions with them? [32:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Meekness: Strength Under Control
Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or passivity, but it is actually a powerful form of strength that is under control. It involves having the inner strength to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations, without feeling the need to assert dominance or prove oneself. True meekness allows us to accept correction and instruction with humility, fostering spiritual growth and healthy relationships. This balanced approach helps us navigate life's challenges with grace and wisdom. [23:34]
Matthew 11:29 (ESV): "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt the need to assert yourself. How could you have approached it with meekness instead? What would it look like to practice strength under control in your daily interactions?
Day 2: The Dangers of Anger and Apathy
Anger and apathy are two extremes that can be detrimental to a Christian's spiritual health. Anger often leads to regrettable words and actions, causing harm to ourselves and others. On the other hand, apathy results in a lack of drive and purpose, leading to spiritual stagnation. Striving for a balanced approach, where we are neither indifferent nor overly aggressive, is essential for maintaining our spiritual health and fulfilling our God-given purpose. [28:14]
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when anger or apathy affected your actions. How can you seek a balanced approach in dealing with your emotions? What steps can you take to ensure that neither anger nor apathy controls your life?
Day 3: Learning from Moses' Example
Moses, known for his meekness, provides a powerful example of the importance of controlling our emotions. Despite his meek nature, Moses faltered when he let his anger take control, leading to significant consequences, including losing his standing with the people and his chance to enter the Promised Land. This example teaches us the importance of maintaining meekness and not letting our emotions dictate our actions. [26:20]
Numbers 20:10-12 (ESV): "Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, 'Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?' And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.'"
Reflection: Consider a time when your emotions led to actions you later regretted. How can you learn from Moses' example to better control your emotions and maintain meekness in your life?
Day 4: Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness
When we genuinely seek righteousness, we will be filled and satisfied. This pursuit contrasts with the endless dissatisfaction that comes from chasing worldly desires. Our ultimate purpose as Christians is to glorify God in our bodies and spirits, and only by fulfilling this purpose can we find true satisfaction and fulfillment. [43:49]
Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Reflection: Reflect on your current pursuits and desires. Are they leading you towards righteousness or worldly satisfaction? How can you realign your focus to hunger and thirst after righteousness?
Day 5: The Importance of Spiritual Renewal
Renewing our minds and spirits is crucial for our spiritual growth. We must turn away from the desires of the flesh and seek to have God's mind. This renewal helps us live a life that glorifies God and fulfills our true purpose. By doing so, we can overcome the loneliness and dissatisfaction that come from living a life separated from God. [49:05]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need spiritual renewal. What practical steps can you take to renew your mind and spirit in this area? How can you seek God's guidance in this process?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The idea that I don't have to be the smartest person in the room, this is hard for me, I struggle with this, I have been coached at work, I have been coached by the Lord, this idea that I can let other people know even if they're wrong, I don't have to necessarily correct them unless the Lord leads me into a position to correct them." [23:34] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Meekness isn't apathy, guys, meekness isn't going, yes, run me over like a freight train, meekness is strength under control, I don't have to prove myself, I don't have to wear the t-shirt, by the way, if you got to wear the t-shirt, you ain't in charge, okay, but we got to learn to say, look, this is how it is, you can like it, lump it, but it's how it is, not apathetic, not angry." [28:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Everywhere, everywhere you go is spiritual. Because you're spiritual. So yes, you might work in a secular workforce, but the bubble around you is spiritual. And the battle you face is still spiritual. And we want to influence people for Christ. Is that a spiritual thing? Yeah. Can I not, as a teacher of this class, influence people? Sure I can." [42:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're not satisfied in life it's likely because there's yielding to the flesh going on we've got you know we all look for our purpose right even in training at work we have to give a purpose you know we get a missions every business has a mission statement a purpose we look for our purpose as christians can i tell you what your purpose is you will never be fulfilled until you fulfill your purpose." [47:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sin is lonely because you're separated from the only one who can fill what you need and that's God and so we got to be meek we got to be um poor in spirit mourn over our sin you see what we're saying not not being prideful not being full of ourselves not not take treating sin lightly hungering and thirsting after righteousness instead of after the filth of this world." [49:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The meek can be passionate under control and not need to prove themselves. They're the men who suffer wrong without bitterness or a desire for revenge. If you ever find yourself having to prove yourself, you've stepped out of meekness. Okay, so somebody doesn't agree with you. They can be wrong. If you're not meek, you won't know that they're... You won't know they're right." [32:01] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Meekness has the ability to look at those situations and be instructed and be corrected. You know, even when somebody's wrong and you're right, that's a good learning opportunity for you. It's to strengthen your stance and to understand where people come from, stuff like that. Meekness. One of the things I've definitely had to learn as a pastor is that because a church member is wrong doesn't mean I can't like them, love them, find a way to orchestrate life so that they come into what's right." [33:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled, right? Hear what Jesus said, Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you, right? And the Bible says, If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. The Bible says that if we seek, we will find, right?" [43:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you realize that as much as your body thirsts for sin, it can thirst for righteousness also? Your body, your body is simply the vessel. And if you yield to the flesh, that's what it wants. And if you yield to the spirit of God, it will come to a point where that's what it wants. I'm not saying we'll never be, you know, we'll never, I'm not saying we can't ever go that direction. I'm saying our desires can change." [44:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We live in a society that's totally unsatisfied. And I would give the challenge to us Christians that we are unsatisfied. We are not satiated with our life. And the reason is, we're yielding to the flesh instead of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. You'll understand the, this thing that I'm showing you here at a later date. We'll cover it sometime when I have internalized it a little bit more before I try to." [45:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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