Blessed are the meek
Be these attitudes • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Title: Be these attitudes pt3
Text: Matthew 5:5; Matthew 11:28-30 James 1:19-21
D.T. Meekness is power under control
Introduction: Matthew 5:5 says
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
When Jesus makes this statement, it would have been familiar for the Jewish audience listening. With good reason, because Jesus seems to reference something in the Old Testament. This reference can be found in Psalm 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
So while the previous 2 beatitudes would have come across in a shocking manner to the audience, this beatitude is not nearly as surprising because this idea has been spoken about in the Old Testament before. However, even though the idea of “the meek inheriting the earth” may not have been a surprise to Jesus' audience, there has been a question, and oftentimes misunderstanding of what the word meek implies. However we must understand this meek does not mean weak, they are 2 different things.
The word weak is defined by the Mariam-Webster dictionary as this: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking physical strength and energy.
The Greek word for weak is Asthenes which means to be without vigor, or lacking power and resources.
The Greek word for meek is Praus which means gentle, courteous, or considerate. The greek dictionary implies it’s usage speaks of being “God like strength, or having something under control”
The Mariam-Webster defines meek as quiet, gentle, being non-violent or submissive. Others have suggested that being meek means one is teachable, and displays strength through acts of kindness and goodness.
So we have an idea of what meekness is, now we need to ask ourselves an important question. Why is meekness so important? Is the idea of showing restraint so virtuous? Is showing acts of strength through acts of kindness this important. The answer to this question is basically yes, however before we can do that we need to gain a new perspective on how we view the idea of Meekness. We’ve already mentioned that meek does not mean weak. This is trite and true. However you can take it a step further. Perhaps the best way to describe meekness is this. Meekness is power under control.
Would you agree that having power under control is important? I think the answer would be a unanimous yes. Why? Because we understand the dangers of power without control.
We live in a place which can testify to the importance of having power under control. The splitting of the atom is one of the most important discoveries on earth. It has unlocked all types of immense and potentially dangerous power. Nuclear power is one of the most immense powers ever discovered. A nuclear reactor while properly controlled can be very useful and beneficial. In other words a nuclear reactor kept in a state of meekness is useful. However if that reactor is not controlled, and its thermal energy is not contained, the results would be catastrophic. Keeping the power of a nuclear reactor meek is of the utmost importance for our health and well-being.
Natural power that isn’t controlled isn’t the only type of power that’s dangerous. The power and influence of a person left uncontrolled can be destructive in its own right.
Meekness is important because keeping power under control is important. This is why Jesus showed himself to be a meek person. This is why it’s so important for us to be meek as Christ is meek.
So where or when does Jesus demonstrate himself as being meek. I’d say it’s safe to say that Jesus has multiple instances where he displays meekness. The instance I want to draw your attention to is Matthew 11:28-30, and the reason I wanted to focus on this instance is because Jesus refers to himself as meek. Matthew 11:28-30
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 gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus says of himself, I am gentle and humble in heart. Jesus prompts those who are weak and heaven burdened to learn from him because of gentleness and humble heart, that is to say, learn from me because of my meekness. As Matthew 5:5 reminds us, we will be blessed if we learn to be meek as Christ is meek.
A quick review, the Greek word for “blessed” is Makarios which means “fortunate, happy, or lucky” so those who learn how to display meekness in their lives will be blessed. Why? Because those who are meek will inherit the earth? Christians will inherit all things, because we are co-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:17 reminds us
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(AKA) We adopt an attitude of meekness as Christ has an attitude of meekness.
So how do we display meekness? We display meekness in our actions and words. The book of James gives us the best blueprints on how to achieve this.
Showing meekness in our words. James 3:4-12
Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Fully taming the tongue can be hard, nearly impossible. So James basically tells us our best course of action is to have a self-awareness of this fact. We must recognize how easily our words can get us into trouble. We must be intentional about keeping our words in check.
Showing meekness is action. This is what is said in James 1:19-21
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
We should conduct ourselves as if we were writing with a fountain pen instead of typing. (Illustration: Let the ink draw in)
Showing meekness in wisdom. This is what is said in James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
We must put these words and actions into practice, we must allow them to make us meek. Any Christian who refuses to be meek is like a nuclear reactor on the verge of melt-down. The damage will be catastrophic and leave behind fallout which could last for years. The Christian who allows himself to be meek is like a well controlled reaction. A useful and productive conduit for power. Specifically, the power of the gospel. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.
