In Matthew 5 Jesus gives us a list of personal “attitudes” that will cause us to be “blessed” or “happy”. These are directly counter the usual humanistic way of thinking.
Radical Concept #3
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." [Mat 5:5 KJV]
Definition of “meek”: mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness
Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa 41:17, Luk 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Gal 5:23).
Is "meekness" the equivalent of "weakness"?
How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3? What are the circumstances of this passage?
(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.) [Num 12:3 KJV]
How does Jesus describe himself in Matthew 11:24? What impact does this have on us as individuals?
What are realistic ways in which "meekness" (strength under control) will manifest itself in the life of the believer?
How does this contrast with advice the "world" will give?
What is the opposite of meekness?
What is God's opinion of the proud?
What will be the end result of proud people? Of the meek?
Review the following verses:
Is it possible that the meek inherit the earth because they are the only ones left standing?
To go to the next lesson click HERE.
Radical Concept #3
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." [Mat 5:5 KJV]
Definition of “meek”: mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness
Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa 41:17, Luk 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Gal 5:23).
Is "meekness" the equivalent of "weakness"?
How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3? What are the circumstances of this passage?
(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.) [Num 12:3 KJV]
How does Jesus describe himself in Matthew 11:24? What impact does this have on us as individuals?
What are realistic ways in which "meekness" (strength under control) will manifest itself in the life of the believer?
How does this contrast with advice the "world" will give?
What is the opposite of meekness?
What is God's opinion of the proud?
"These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. [Pro 6:16-19 NKJV]
What will be the end result of proud people? Of the meek?
The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. [Pro 15:25 KJV]
Review the following verses:
[Pro 8:13 KJV] The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.[Pro 11:2 KJV] [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.[Pro 13:10 KJV] Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.[Pro 14:3 KJV] In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.[Pro 16:18 KJV] Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.[Pro 29:23 KJV] A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.[Mar 7:22 KJV] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:[1Jo 2:16 KJV] For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Is it possible that the meek inherit the earth because they are the only ones left standing?
To go to the next lesson click HERE.
