Meekness: Strength Under Control in God's Will

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound distinction between meekness and weakness, two concepts often misunderstood and conflated. Meekness, as described in the scriptures, is not synonymous with weakness. Instead, it represents a strength that is harnessed and controlled, a power that is submitted to the will of God. This is a crucial understanding for Christians, as it redefines how we perceive strength and humility in our spiritual walk.

Meekness is about having the strength to submit our will to God's purpose, allowing Him to guide our actions and decisions. It is the ability to hold back our power and use it in a way that aligns with God's will. This controlled strength is what makes meekness a powerful attribute, one that Jesus himself exemplified. He was the epitome of meekness, possessing all power yet choosing to submit to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross.

In our daily lives, embracing meekness means recognizing that true strength lies in our ability to control our impulses and desires, channeling them in a way that serves God's greater purpose. It is about being strong enough to be gentle, patient, and humble, even when the world might see these traits as signs of weakness. By embodying meekness, we become vessels for God's work, allowing His strength to be perfected in our perceived weaknesses.

Key Takeaways:

1. Meekness vs. Weakness: Meekness is not a lack of strength but rather strength under control. It is the ability to harness one's power and submit it to God's will, demonstrating true spiritual maturity. [00:10]

2. Strength in Submission: True strength is found in our willingness to submit to God's purpose, allowing Him to guide our actions. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our faith and trust in God's plan. [00:10]

3. Jesus as the Model of Meekness: Jesus exemplified meekness by possessing all power yet choosing to submit to the Father's will. His life teaches us that meekness is a powerful attribute that aligns us with God's purpose. [00:10]

4. Controlled Strength: Embracing meekness means controlling our impulses and desires, channeling them in a way that serves God's greater purpose. This controlled strength is what makes meekness a powerful attribute. [00:10]

5. Vessels for God's Work: By embodying meekness, we allow God's strength to be perfected in our perceived weaknesses, becoming vessels for His work and demonstrating true spiritual maturity. [00:10]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Understanding Meekness
[00:20] - Meekness vs. Weakness
[00:30] - Strength Under Control
[00:40] - Submission to God's Will
[00:50] - Jesus as the Model
[01:00] - Embracing Meekness
[01:10] - Controlled Strength
[01:20] - Becoming Vessels for God
[01:30] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

#### Observation Questions
1. How does the sermon define meekness in contrast to weakness? [00:10]
2. What examples from Jesus' life illustrate the concept of meekness as described in the sermon? [00:10]
3. According to the sermon, what role does submission to God's will play in demonstrating true strength? [00:10]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of meekness challenge common societal views of strength and power? [00:10]
2. In what ways does Jesus' example of meekness provide a model for Christians to follow in their daily lives? [00:10]
3. How can the idea of "controlled strength" be applied to personal challenges or conflicts one might face? [00:10]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to demonstrate meekness. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [00:10]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to submit your will to God's purpose. What steps can you take to align your actions with His will? [00:10]
3. Consider a relationship where you find it difficult to be gentle or patient. How can you practice meekness in that relationship this week? [00:10]
4. Think of a time when you felt the need to assert your power or control. How might embracing meekness change your approach in similar situations? [00:10]
5. How can you become a vessel for God's work by allowing His strength to be perfected in your perceived weaknesses? What practical steps can you take to embody this in your daily life? [00:10]
6. What specific actions can you take to cultivate the strength to be gentle, patient, and humble in your interactions with others? [00:10]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to understand and embrace the true meaning of meekness as a strength? [00:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Meekness as Strength Under Control
Meekness is often misunderstood as a lack of strength, but it is, in fact, strength under control. It is the ability to harness one's power and submit it to God's will, demonstrating true spiritual maturity. Meekness involves a conscious choice to restrain one's power and use it in a way that aligns with God's purpose. This controlled strength is a testament to one's faith and trust in God's plan. By embracing meekness, individuals can navigate life's challenges with grace and humility, reflecting the character of Christ in their actions and decisions. [00:10]

"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 areas of your life do you need to exercise more control over your strength and power to align with God's will?


Day 2: Submission as True Strength
True strength is found in our willingness to submit to God's purpose, allowing Him to guide our actions. This submission is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our faith and trust in God's plan. By submitting our will to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom, trusting that His plans are greater than our own. This act of submission requires humility and courage, as it often involves letting go of our desires and ambitions to embrace God's purpose for our lives. Through submission, we find true strength and fulfillment in our spiritual journey. [00:10]

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to submit to God's will, and how can you begin to trust Him more in that area today?


Day 3: Jesus as the Epitome of Meekness
Jesus exemplified meekness by possessing all power yet choosing to submit to the Father's will. His life teaches us that meekness is a powerful attribute that aligns us with God's purpose. Despite having the authority to command legions of angels, Jesus chose the path of humility and obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. His example challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and strength, encouraging us to embrace meekness as a way to reflect God's love and grace in the world. By following Jesus' example, we can become more like Him in our daily lives. [00:10]

"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." (Matthew 11:29, ESV)

Reflection: How can you model Jesus' example of meekness in your interactions with others this week?


Day 4: The Power of Controlled Strength
Embracing meekness means controlling our impulses and desires, channeling them in a way that serves God's greater purpose. This controlled strength is what makes meekness a powerful attribute. It requires self-discipline and a deep understanding of one's identity in Christ. By exercising control over our emotions and actions, we can respond to situations with wisdom and grace, rather than reacting impulsively. This discipline allows us to be effective instruments of God's love and peace in the world, demonstrating the transformative power of meekness in our lives. [00:10]

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." (Proverbs 25:28, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you often react impulsively. How can you practice self-control and channel your response to align with God's purpose?


Day 5: Becoming Vessels for God's Work
By embodying meekness, we allow God's strength to be perfected in our perceived weaknesses, becoming vessels for His work and demonstrating true spiritual maturity. Meekness enables us to be open to God's guidance and direction, allowing His power to work through us in ways we may not have imagined. As we surrender our weaknesses to God, He transforms them into strengths that can be used for His glory. This process of transformation requires faith and patience, as we trust in God's ability to work through us despite our limitations. [00:10]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: What perceived weakness in your life can you surrender to God today, trusting Him to use it for His glory?

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Transcript
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