Blessed are the Meek - Sunday July 27 2025
Notes
Transcript
Introduction (5 Minutes)
Introduction to the Beatitudes
Introduction to the Beatitudes
Spoken by Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1-7:29
By this time:
Jesus had been baptised by John the Baptist
He had been through the temptation by the devil
He had begun to preach, and to say, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Matthew 4:17
He had called his disciples, saying “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Matthew 4:19
He had gone “about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan”.
Because of the crowds of people, Jesus went up to the mountain where people could see and hear him.
Once they were set, He began to teach them how members of the kingdom of heaven should live.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Pastor Theresa began this series two weeks ago with
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Being poor in spirit means recognizing one's spiritual inadequacy and dependence on God, rather than relying on personal righteousness or wealth.
This attitude is contrasted with pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. But it is also more than humility.
The poor in spirit are described as those who look to God for justice, mercy, and deliverance, acknowledging their need for His divine help.
Being poor in spirit involves emptying oneself of personal self-will and preconceived opinions in a wholehearted search for God (which we will say more about next week), likely requiring a change in thought patterns, views, and lifestyle.
Jesus emphasized this concept by stating that one must become like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven, suggesting a state of complete dependence on God.
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The reward for those who are poor in spirit is a deep spiritual connection with God.
End of Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are they that mourn
Last week, Pastor Theresa covered
Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that Mourn
For they shall be comforted
For they shall be comforted
Jesus asserts that the way to true happiness comes through a radical shift in thought, a change of mind that first reveals to us as we really are. We are living in a fallen world under the power of sin and death. Only after recognizing this sorrow, that we are lost and without hope. After this mourning, we can recognize the Messiah, Jesus Christ, has come and has paid the price for our sin. We can now be reconciled to God. Once we are born again into the Kingdom of Heaven, we are comforted.
End of Blessed are they that mourn
End of the Introduction
Todays Message Blessed are the Meek
In this third week we are covering
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are the Meek
For They Shall Inherit the Earth
For They Shall Inherit the Earth
But before we talk about what it means to be “Meek”, lets look at the associated blessing.
The meek will “inherit the earth”.
Do you know that you have an inheritance from God?
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Our problem right now is that the devil is the god of this world.
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
But the will, the testament signed by God, is that we can have a place with Him forever, an inheritance that is “the earth”.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
We don’t need to look too hard to see that the whole of creation is now groaning.
We as those who are born again into the Kingdom of God, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit need to receive this instruction from Jesus about how we should live.
Meekness Defined 5 Minutes
In this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was teaching how members of the kingdom of heaven should live, so it must be important for us to know what it means to be “Meek”
What Does it Mean to be Meek?
What Does it Mean to be Meek?
Meekness is a moral quality characterized by humility, gentleness, and patience, particularly in the face of adversity or wrongdoing.
1. It is not weakness or timidity, but rather a strong and noble trait that involves controlling one's natural impulses to anger or retaliation out of love and obedience to God
2. Meekness is highly valued in both the Old and New Testaments, with Jesus Christ being the supreme example.
3. It is considered a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a Christian grace.
4. The meek are promised blessings, including inheriting the earth and receiving divine guidance. While meekness involves accepting personal wrongs without resentment, it does not preclude righteous indignation against injustice or evil.
5. In relationships, meekness is expressed through forbearance, humility, and gentleness, even when correcting others.
is there a song that describes meekness??
End of Meekness Defined
Examples of the Meek
Examples of the Meek
Examples of the Meek
The Bible refers to individuals and groups as meek, generally describing those who are humble, gentle, and submissive to God’s will.
Jesus Christ
Moses
Followers of Jesus
The Poor and Oppressed
Jesus Christ the first example
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ
is the most prominent example, describing himself in Matthew 11:29
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
But just before this, Jesus said “Come unto me” - this may require that make space in your day by laying aside some of your activities. Turn off your smart phone or television.
Then He said “Take my yoke upon you” - connect yourself with Him, turn your attention to Him and what His priorities are for your life.
Now, He says “Learn of Me” -
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
His commandments were easy to remember: Matthew 22:37-40
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind
love thy neighbour as thyself
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
How did He walk?
He went around doing good. He went around sharing the Message that the Kingdom of God was at hand. And in Matthew 11:28–30 He said
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
Jesus could have come as the conquering King, in the way of the world.
This is certainly the way Roman leaders came with horses and chariots and flags leading the way, followed by armed soldiers with their shields and swords and spears.
Instead, Jesus came in meekness riding on a donkey.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Jesus came to give Himself as the payment for our sin. To free us from the sin and death in the world.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
While we are in this world, there is a battle with our enemy, the devil and our sin nature.
End of Jesus Christ the first example
Moses the second example
Moses
Moses
When we think of Moses, we often think of the crossing of the Red Sea and destruction of the Egyptian army.
The Song of Moses
The Song of Moses
is found in Exodus 15
1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 2 The Lord is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; My father’s God, and I will exalt him.
This celebrates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their miraculous escape across the Red Sea.
Today though, I want to to look at other events as God was delivering the Children of Israel from the oppression in Egypt.
Moses is explicitly called “very meek” in Numbers 12:3 (KJV).
3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
This description comes after Moses received the Law on Mt Sinai. God had performed miracles before the people including the Golden Calf Incident in Exodus 32 where the earth opened up and swallowed it and the people involved.
There were several times that the children of Israel complained, for example, they wanted flesh to eat instead of the manna that God provided in Number 11:4.
This caused Moses to cry out to God in Numbers 11:11
11 And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
Moses said to God in Numbers 11:14-15
14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
Moses always sought the best for the people, and never wanted to fail them, or see them fail of the goodness of God.
God answered in Numbers 11:16-17
16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. 17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
This was a new order to things, God was speaking through others. It took some adjustment and in Numbers 11:28 Joshua spoke to Moses to bring these people into line.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
Moses might have responded with a rigid and controlling attitude, but we hear his heart as he responds in Numbers 11:29
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!
Nearly immediately after this, in Numbers 12:1-2
1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.
These were two of the closest people to Moses, his brother Aaron and sister Miriam. They raise an objection with Moses saying it was about his wife because of her ethnicity, that she was not a native Israelite. What they were really doing is challenging Moses as their leader saying that God also speaks to us!
The Lord heard them.
This account goes on to say that Miriam became leprous, her skin as white as snow.
Then Moses intercedes with the Lord for her in Numbers 12:13
13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
This is the context of this statement in Numbers 12:3
3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Moses might have sought retribution, instead, he always sought reconciliation.
End of Moses the second example
The Poor and Oppressed the third example
The poor and oppressed
The poor and oppressed
are frequently described as meek throughout the Psalms and prophetic books. They’re portrayed as those who depend on God rather than their own power.
The most prominent place we might think of is the description of Jesus in Isaiah 53:7
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.
We also find more about this inheritance God has for us in Psalm 37:11
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
We will not only inherit the earth, but with it, will come peace, an abundance of peace
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: And the meek will he teach his way.
Verse 1 of Psalm 29 says
“Unto Thee, Oh Lord, do I lift up my soul.
Oh my God, I trust in thee:
let me not be ashamed let not my enemies triumph over me”.
Play the song, Unto Thee, Oh Lord, do I lift up my soul
What can you learn from God If you already have all the answers? Jesus said this in Mark 2:17
17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
If you are willing to look beyond your own capability and seek God, He is willing to lead, to teach you His way.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
God’s desire is that all would be saved, God is longsuffering, presenting opportunity for people to repent.
This means that part of trusting in God
is trusting in His justice
is trusting that He will eventually punish unrepentant evildoers.
4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.
What is the result of salvation? How are we transformed?
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; Because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, To give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
He gives us comfort, beauty, joy, praise
End of The Poor and Oppressed the third example
Jesus’ Followers the fourth example
Jesus’ disciples and followers
Jesus’ disciples and followers
Since His disciples and followers were there for the sermon on the mount, Jesus includes them in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
This suggests that meekness is an expected characteristic of those who follow Christ.
Did Jesus disciples always exhibit this characteristic? Well, no. In Matthew 20:20-21
20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
The mother of these two wanted to secure a position for her sons. Jesus said no.
The other disciples reacted in Matthew 20:24-28
24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Jesus wanted them to follow His example and the example of Moses as servants to others, they were to be intercessors between people and God.
Jesus’ Followers the fourth example
The remnant of Israel the fifth example
The remnant of Israel
The remnant of Israel
The Bible also describes “the remnant of Israel” as meek. As in Zephaniah 3:12-13
12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor (meek and humble) people, And they shall trust in the name of the Lord. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; Neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: For they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
This remnant is described as those who "will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths". This emphasizes their righteous character.
Different Bible translations use slightly varying terms - some say "humble and lowly" or "afflicted and poor" or “meek and humble” but this remnant will Trust God, they will depend on God rather than worldly power or pride.
The remnant of Israel the fifth example
Meekness - as a term is used of those who remain faithful to God despite persecution or exile.
Meekness isn’t weakness but rather strength under control
The Meek are people who have power but choose gentleness, or who maintain faith and humility despite difficult circumstances.
Meekness is a virtue that God honors and blesses.
End of Examples of the Meek
Becoming Meek
How do we become Meek
How do we become Meek
We’ve had a definition and some example of what it means to be meek, but how do we put on meekness in our own life and character? It says in Psalm 25:9
9 The meek will he guide in judgment: And the meek will he teach his way.
It says He will guide the meek. But how do this happen? Psalm 25:1 says
1 Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
It begins by presenting yourself to the Lord.
Then it says in Psalm 25:2
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Next, we must believe that God is who He says He is and trust His word.
Then it says in Psalm 25:4
4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
We ask Him to teach us, we seek His wisdom.
Then it says in Psalm 25:5
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation; On thee do I wait all the day.
Do you have time to hear from God? Have you made space in your life to hear from Him?
This is the path of life found in Psalm 22:26
26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: They shall praise the Lord that seek him: Your heart shall live for ever.
End of Becoming Meek
As we read through the New Testament, we find the Jesus telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the power of the Holy Spirit comes. It is the transforming power of God through His Holy Spirit that we need in this life. It says in Galatians 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Meekness in us is a fruit of the Holy Spirit
Having given ourselves to Jesus Christ, let us daily put on the new man. Having crucified our flesh with its affections and lusts, let us now live by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
Let us walk in the Spirit. we also know that we live in a fallen world so Galatians 6:1 reminds us to stand together with other.
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
End of Todays Message Blessed are the Meek
Next Weeks Message (5 minutes)
Next, Week 4 we will talk about
Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after Righteousness
Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after Righteousness
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
End of Next Weeks Message
Altar Call (5 Minutes)
Closing Message and Prayer
Closing Message and Prayer
The Road to Salvation
The Road to Salvation
1. None is Righteous
1. None is Righteous
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
2. All Have Sinned
2. All Have Sinned
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
3. But God Shows His Love for us
3. But God Shows His Love for us
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
4. Sin Came in Through One
4. Sin Came in Through One
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through
sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—
5. The Wages of Sin is Death
5. The Wages of Sin is Death
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
6. If You Confess Your Mouth that Jesus is Lord
6. If You Confess Your Mouth that Jesus is Lord
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your
heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart
one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7. Everyone who Calls on the Name of the Lord
7. Everyone who Calls on the Name of the Lord
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Have you called on the Lord? Do you know you are saved?
Salvation Prayer
Salvation Prayer
Repeat after me:
Father, I come to you in the precious name of your Son, Jesus. You said in Your Word that if I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior and I believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. I make the decision today to surrender every area of my life to the lordship of Jesus.
Jesus, come into my heart. Take out the stony heart and put in a heart of flesh. I turn my back on the world and on sin. I repent and I put my trust in You. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I would like to thank You for dying on the cross for my sin and shedding Your blood for me so that I might be forgiven of my sin. Thank You that You rose from the dead and that one day, You are coming back for me. I confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and that He is my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. I accept by faith the free gift of salvation. Amen (so be it).
End of Altar Call
Closing Prayer
Pray for the Word to be implanted
Pray for the Word to be implanted
Lets Pray
Father, we acknowledge the power of your word spoken in Isaiah 55:11
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
and we set ourselves in agreement with your plan and purpose for our lives.
Lord Jesus you said in John 14:23
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
We invite you to come.
You also said in John 14:26-27
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Holy Spirit, we ask you to seal these words in our hearts and bring them to our minds as we go out into the world around us.
In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
Pray for Jerusalem
Pray for Jerusalem
Lets read Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
2 Our feet shall stand Within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is builded As a city that is compact together:
4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, Unto the testimony of Israel, To give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
5 For there are set thrones of judgment, The thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.
Father, we pray for the protection and peace of Jerusalem In Jesus Name, Amen
The Priestly Blessing
The Priestly Blessing
Please lift your hands to the Lord.
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Father, we ask that you bless and keep these. Make your face shine upon them, and be gracious to them. Lift up your countenance upon them and give them peace. In Jesus Name, Amen
End of Closing Prayer
Dismiss
