Meekness/Gentleness

Num. 12:3 “(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)”

Mt. 11:28-30 ““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.””

The yoke the Pharisees laid upon the people - traditions of the elders and the ceremonial

laws - was something impossible for them to bear (Mt 23:2,4). Jesus is

loving humble in heart; in perfect submission to God’s will. We can learn more from a

humble person than one who is proud and boastful.

Grk., prautes - gentleness; by implication humility: - meekness - Strong

"the ability to bear reproaches and slights with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but to be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquillity and stability in the spirit." - Aristotle, On Virtues And Vices

Gentleness (or meekness), then, is that virtuous quality by which "we treat all men with perfect courtesy, that we can rebuke without rancor, that we can argue without intolerance, that we can face the truth without resentment, that we can be angry and sin not, that we can be gentle and yet not weak." - Barclay

Humility means subject to the will of another. So, in actuality, a humble person is one who has tremendous strength; one who has been able to subdue and subject himself and then voluntarily give of himself to others, getting “self” out of the way. One of the early writings of Greek uses this word

as a bridled horse. Strength under control.

so what does this tell me about gentleness?

Moses subdued himself in order to follow God and lead Gods people. He put God first. Jesus did the same. He only did what the father said to do. He subjected himself.

Moses was the humblest man on earth but that doesn’t mean he was perfect. As whole he wasn’t angry all the time he didn’t take revenge, wasn’t quick to be provoked to anger but was tranquil and stable in spirit

Mt. 5:5 ““Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.”

GENTLENESS IN THE LIFE OF THE CHRISTIAN...

We are to receive the Word of God with meekness (prautes) - James 1:21 “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” What does that mean? James 1:19 “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” Be humble enough to submit to what it says. quit trying to get around it and find a loop hole. Quit trying to make it say something it doesn't so you can justify your lifestyle.

We must approach brethren in error with a spirit of gentleness (prautes) - Gal. 6:1 “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” Man I love you but this is wrong you need to get your life back on track and we would love to help you. I don’t want you to loose out on heaven.

We must correct those in opposition with humility (prautes) - 2 Tim. 2:24-25 “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” 1 Tim. 3:3 “not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.” what does it mean for a elder to humble himself. my way or the highway. I am the elder so you better get right. I am the preacher so you I know whats right and you don’t. it better be with humility and gentleness. Who are you supposed to be pointing to. Jesus not yourself and your title.

We are to answer inquiries concerning our hope with meekness (prautes) - 1 Pet. 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

Meekness (prautes) is necessary for the Christian man who would be wise - cf. James 3:13-18 “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” If your just trying to get what you want, that is selfish ambition and don’t try to disguise your self ambition in cloke of perceived holiness.

Meekness (prautes) is necessary for the Christian woman who would be precious in the sight of God - 1 Pet. 3:1-6 “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”

-- Do we manifest that we "walk by the Spirit" in regards to GENTLENESS?