Be Attitude #3 Meekness does not mean Weakness

Scripture:

Matthew 5:5 (ESV) "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 (TM) "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

Observation:

Blessed are the gentle—the meek—for they shall inherit the earth. And it is the meek person who does enjoy or receive the deepest satisfaction from God's created order.

Meekness is not weakness; rather it is the gentle spirit, the disciplined or controlled spirit. It is power under control.

In Greek the word for meek, praus, is an ethical word. Aristotle spoke of meekness as "the mean between anger and indifference." It is a word that denotes self-control, but also means genuine humility.

There is progress from the reference to the "poor in spirit" to the reference in the second beatitude on caring deeply, to this third beatitude on the "meek." The pride of the rabbis was in learning; of the Greeks, in intellect; and of the Romans, in power.

Application:

In our verse today, Jesus is saying something shocking and revolutionary to His listener with these words, “Happy are the meek.”

Billy Graham said the following about this verse:

Jesus was saying something quite the opposite of our modern concept of the way to happiness. We say, “Happy are the clever, for they shall inherit the admiration of their friends”; “Happy are the aggressive, for they shall inherit a career”; “Happy are the rich, for they shall inherit a world of friends and a house full of modern gadgets.” Jesus did not say, “Be meek and you shall inherit the earth.” He, more than anyone else, knew that meekness was a gift of God, a result of rebirth. Jesus was not issuing a command in this Beatitude nor saying, “You ought to be meek, that is the way to live.” No! He was saying that if we want to find the secret of happiness, that if we want to enjoy living, then “meekness” is a basic key.

The meaning of Meek

• A person with humble and gentle heart

• It describes a person who is kind and considerate to others, even to those who oppose him, who is easily approachable, not prideful or resentful, not temperamental or harsh.

• It is an outward expression of inward humility, strength and spiritual poise. While others may act aggressively, the Meek walks in godly peace, others may claim their rights, the Meek focuses on his duties, while others may seek revenge, the Meek gives way for judgment of God.

It does not imply weak, sad, subdued person or false modesty. But it portrays a man who willfully and joyfully considers his own life worth nothing, when compared to the greatness of God, he has experienced. The words of Paul have similar expression in Phil 3:7-11.

Meekness in Bible

• Meekness is often commended in the bible. You will be surprised to see such an emphasis on this quality. (The word ‘Meek’ is used about 22 times in the bible.)

• It is one of the fruit of Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 – ‘gentleness’)

• It is the character, Jesus himself associated with. Matthew 11:29 – “For I am gentle and humble in heart…”

• It is the mark of a disciple of Jesus. (Eph 4:2)

• Christian leaders are to be meek. (2 Timothy 2:25)

Prayer:

"Lord, as we continue to study the Beatitudes, I am understanding that You gave each one to us so that we can strive to be better light and salt to our world. We can impact our family, work place, school, community when we allow you to change our attitudes. Today, I want to walk in meekness. In Jesus' name, amen!"