New Life Church | Digital Service

Welcome to New Life Church online. I'm Welcome to New Life Church online. I'm [music] so glad you're with us today. If [music] so glad you're with us today. If [music] so glad you're with us today. If you are around the state of Arkansas, we you are around the state of Arkansas, we you are around the state of Arkansas, we would love to see you at one of our would love to see you at one of our would love to see you at one of our campuses. You can actually just put in campuses. You can actually just put in campuses. You can actually just put in [music] the comments where you are at [music] the comments where you are at [music] the comments where you are at today and if you have a prayer need, put today and if you have a prayer need, put today and if you have a prayer need, put it in the comments [music] so that one it in the comments [music] so that one it in the comments [music] so that one of our pastors and leaders can be of our pastors and leaders can be of our pastors and leaders can be praying for you. We're going to go into praying for you. We're going to go into praying for you. We're going to go into worship here in a second and just worship here in a second and just worship here in a second and just [music] get into the presence of God and [music] get into the presence of God and [music] get into the presence of God and get our hearts ready to hear from the get our hearts ready to hear from the get our hearts ready to hear from the word of God because I know that God has word of God because I know that God has word of God because I know that God has a word for you today. We [music] are in a word for you today. We [music] are in a word for you today. We [music] are in a series called Kingdom Culture where we a series called Kingdom Culture where we a series called Kingdom Culture where we are walking through the biatitudes of are walking through the biatitudes of are walking through the biatitudes of Jesus and the culture from heaven that Jesus and the culture from heaven that Jesus and the culture from heaven that he wants us to live out in earth. Today he wants us to live out in earth. Today he wants us to live out in earth. Today we're going to hear a word from one of we're going to hear a word from one of we're going to hear a word from one of our pastors, Chandler Braxton, and he's our pastors, Chandler Braxton, and he's our pastors, Chandler Braxton, and he's going to talk about blessed are [music] going to talk about blessed are [music] going to talk about blessed are [music] the meek. It's going to be powerful.

It changed me forever. It changed me forever. One prayer [music] was enough. [music] [music] With fear and with trembling, With fear and with trembling, With fear and with trembling, [music] [music] [music] through tears and repenting, [music] [music] And I won't take it for granted. And I won't take it for granted. And I won't take it for granted. [singing] [singing] [singing] No, I just [music] No, I just [music] No, I just [music] can't understand it. But I'm [singing] can't understand it. But I'm [singing] can't understand it. But I'm [singing] still undone still undone still undone by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. The more [music] The more [music] The more [music] it's pulling [singing] me closer, the it's pulling [singing] me closer, the it's pulling [singing] me closer, the more I just [music and singing] can't more I just [music and singing] can't more I just [music and singing] can't get over it. I'm still undone [music] get over it. I'm still undone [music] get over it. I'm still undone [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] by the mercy of God.

You are [music and singing] through You are [music and singing] through confession. Reveal [singing and music] what is Reveal [singing and music] what is hidden. The thoughts and [music] deceptions The thoughts and [music] deceptions that I cover up. It's never to [music] hurt [singing] me. It's never to [music] hurt [singing] me. It's how you preserve me. [music] It's how you preserve me. [music] It's how you preserve me. [music] I'm welcome and worthy I'm welcome and worthy I'm welcome and worthy by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. Oh, Oh, Oh, and I [music] won't take it for granted. and I [music] won't take it for granted. and I [music] won't take it for granted. No, [singing] I just [music] No, [singing] I just [music] No, [singing] I just [music] can't understand it. But I'm still can't understand it. But I'm still can't understand it. But I'm still untouched untouched untouched by [music] the mercy of God. [singing] by [music] the mercy of God. [singing] by [music] the mercy of God. [singing] The more it's [music] The more it's [music] The more it's [music] pulling [singing] me closer, the more I pulling [singing] me closer, the more I pulling [singing] me closer, the more I just can't get over it. I'm still just can't get over it. I'm still just can't get over it. I'm still [music] [music] [music] untouched [singing] untouched [singing] untouched [singing] by the mercy [music] of God.

Every [music and singing] breakthrough, Every [music and singing] breakthrough, every blessing, every blessing, every blessing, God, it's holy [singing] God, it's holy [singing] God, it's holy [singing] by your [music] mercy. by your [music] mercy. by your [music] mercy. Every [singing] rescue and redemption, Every [singing] rescue and redemption, Every [singing] rescue and redemption, God, it's [music and singing] holy God, it's [music and singing] holy God, it's [music and singing] holy by your mercy. by your mercy. by your mercy. every [music] every [music] every [music] comfort comfort comfort and correction. and correction. and correction. God, it's holy God, it's holy God, it's holy by your mercy, [music and singing] by your mercy, [music and singing] by your mercy, [music and singing] every healing every healing every healing straight [music] from heaven. straight [music] from heaven. straight [music] from heaven. God [singing] is holy God [singing] is holy God [singing] is holy by your mercy, by your mercy, by your mercy, every breakthrough. Yeah. Come on. every breakthrough. Yeah. Come on. every breakthrough. Yeah. Come on. [music] [music] [music] and God is all that he's done. [music] and God is all that he's done. [music] and God is all that he's done. [music] Every rescue Every rescue Every rescue and redemption, [singing] and redemption, [singing] and redemption, [singing] God [music] is holy God [music] is holy God [music] is holy by your mercy, by your mercy, by your mercy, [music] every [music] every [music] every correction. correction. correction. [music] God [singing] is holy [music] God [singing] is holy [music] God [singing] is holy by your mercy. [music] by your mercy. [music] by your mercy. [music] Every healing straight from [singing] Every healing straight from [singing] Every healing straight from [singing] heaven.

heaven. heaven. God is [music] holy God is [music] holy God is [music] holy by your mercy. by your mercy. by your mercy. Every breakthrough, Every breakthrough, Every breakthrough, every [music] blessing. every [music] blessing. every [music] blessing. God [singing] is holy. God [singing] is holy. God [singing] is holy. By your mercy, By your mercy, By your mercy, every rescue every rescue every rescue and [music] redemption. and [music] redemption. and [music] redemption. God is holy God is holy God is holy by your mercy. by your mercy. by your mercy. Every [music] God is holy God is holy by [music] your mercy. by [music] your mercy. by [music] your mercy. Every Every Every straight straight straight God is God is God is [music] by your mercy. Heat. Heat. [music] Won't take [music] it for granted.

Won't take [music] it for granted. [singing] [singing] [singing] No, I just can't [music] understand it. No, I just can't [music] understand it. No, I just can't [music] understand it. But I'm still undone But I'm still undone But I'm still undone by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. by [music] the mercy of God. The more it's pulling The more it's pulling The more it's pulling [music and singing] me closer, the more [music and singing] me closer, the more [music and singing] me closer, the more I just can't get over it. I'm still I just can't get over it. I'm still I just can't get over it. I'm still undone undone undone by the mercy [music] of God. by the mercy [music] of God. by the mercy [music] of God. Oh, I'm still undone Oh, I'm still undone Oh, I'm still undone by the mercy [music] of [singing] God. Thank [music] you Thank [music] you for breaking [singing] the bread of your for breaking [singing] the bread of your for breaking [singing] the bread of your body. body. body. spilling [music] the wine of your blood. spilling [music] the wine of your blood. spilling [music] the wine of your blood. Thank you, oh my [music] heart will sing Thank you, oh my [music] heart will sing Thank you, oh my [music] heart will sing forever.

forever. forever. Thank [music] you Thank [music] you Thank [music] you for breaking [singing] the bread of your for breaking [singing] the bread of your for breaking [singing] the bread of your body body body spilling [music] the wine of your blood. spilling [music] the wine of your blood. spilling [music] the wine of your blood. We thank [music and singing] you. Oh my We thank [music and singing] you. Oh my We thank [music and singing] you. Oh my heart will sing forever. [music] heart will sing forever. [music] heart will sing forever. [music] Thank you Thank you Thank you for breaking [music] the bread your body for breaking [music] the bread your body for breaking [music] the bread your body [singing] spilling [music] the wine your blood. spilling [music] the wine your blood. Thank [music] you. Oh my heart will sing Thank [music] you. Oh my heart will sing Thank [music] you. Oh my heart will sing forever. forever. forever. Thank you Thank you Thank you for breaking [music] the world. Thank you. Oh my [music] heart Thank you. Oh my [music] heart forever. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Enough [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] was enough.

was enough. was enough. more than [music] enough more than [music] enough more than [music] enough cross cross cross where you die. where you die. where you die. The [music] power of your The [music] power of your The [music] power of your morning. morning. morning. Thank you Thank you Thank you for breaking [music] for breaking [music] for breaking [music] away. >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you. Oh, my heart will sing >> Thank you. Oh, my heart will sing >> Thank you. Oh, my heart will sing forever. >> Amen. I'm excited to be in the house of >> Amen. I'm excited to be in the house of the Lord. Church, if I haven't had the the Lord. Church, if I haven't had the the Lord. Church, if I haven't had the chance to meet you, my name is Chandler chance to meet you, my name is Chandler chance to meet you, my name is Chandler Braxton. I'm from our Greater Little Braxton. I'm from our Greater Little Braxton. I'm from our Greater Little Rock campus. I get to pastor our young

Rock campus. I get to pastor our young Rock campus. I get to pastor our young adults there alongside my wife Sarah. adults there alongside my wife Sarah. adults there alongside my wife Sarah. She's here with me today and I'm glad to She's here with me today and I'm glad to She's here with me today and I'm glad to be back at our West Little Rock campus. be back at our West Little Rock campus. be back at our West Little Rock campus. You guys are always so welcoming and so You guys are always so welcoming and so You guys are always so welcoming and so encouraging. So, I'm just happy to be encouraging. So, I'm just happy to be encouraging. So, I'm just happy to be here and get in the word with you guys here and get in the word with you guys here and get in the word with you guys this morning. Amen. this morning. Amen. this morning. Amen. >> Go ahead and open your Bibles to Matthew >> Go ahead and open your Bibles to Matthew >> Go ahead and open your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5. We're going to be continuing chapter 5. We're going to be continuing chapter 5. We're going to be continuing our series Kingdom Culture. Like John our series Kingdom Culture. Like John our series Kingdom Culture. Like John said, we'll be covering the meek this said, we'll be covering the meek this said, we'll be covering the meek this morning. That's Matthew 5:5. But I want morning. That's Matthew 5:5. But I want morning. That's Matthew 5:5. But I want to begin by reading from verse one in to begin by reading from verse one in to begin by reading from verse one in Matthew 5 just to get a running start. Matthew 5 just to get a running start. Matthew 5 just to get a running start. If you're with me, say, "Amen." If you're with me, say, "Amen." If you're with me, say, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Let's read Matthew 5 1-5. Now when Jesus >> Let's read Matthew 5 1-5. Now when Jesus >> Let's read Matthew 5 1-5. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountain saw the crowds, he went up on a mountain saw the crowds, he went up on a mountain side and sat down. His disciples came to side and sat down. His disciples came to side and sat down. His disciples came to him and he began to teach them. He said, him and he began to teach them. He said, him and he began to teach them. He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be are those who mourn, for they will be are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for comforted. Blessed are the meek, for comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. I want to they will inherit the earth. I want to they will inherit the earth. I want to title the message this morning, happy title the message this morning, happy title the message this morning, happy are the meek. Happy are the meek.

are the meek. Happy are the meek. are the meek. Happy are the meek. When it comes to the word happiness, I When it comes to the word happiness, I When it comes to the word happiness, I think there's a very important lesson think there's a very important lesson think there's a very important lesson that we can learn from King Solomon in that we can learn from King Solomon in that we can learn from King Solomon in the Old Testament. Because if you read the Old Testament. Because if you read the Old Testament. Because if you read his story, you will read about a man who his story, you will read about a man who his story, you will read about a man who seems like he had it all. Solomon was a seems like he had it all. Solomon was a seems like he had it all. Solomon was a king over a rich kingdom. He had great king over a rich kingdom. He had great king over a rich kingdom. He had great intelligence and wisdom. And he was so intelligence and wisdom. And he was so intelligence and wisdom. And he was so famous that people traveled thousands of famous that people traveled thousands of famous that people traveled thousands of miles just to hear him talk. King miles just to hear him talk. King miles just to hear him talk. King Solomon had it going on. Solomon had it going on. Solomon had it going on. But the one thing that he lacked was But the one thing that he lacked was But the one thing that he lacked was something you would not think a man like something you would not think a man like something you would not think a man like him would lack, and that was happiness. him would lack, and that was happiness. him would lack, and that was happiness. You go read the book of Ecclesiastes, You go read the book of Ecclesiastes, You go read the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about a personal happiness Solomon talks about a personal happiness Solomon talks about a personal happiness experiment he conducted in his life. And experiment he conducted in his life. And experiment he conducted in his life. And he says,"I didn't deny my eyes he says,"I didn't deny my eyes he says,"I didn't deny my eyes anything." He went after everything the anything." He went after everything the anything." He went after everything the world has to offer. Just seeing could he world has to offer. Just seeing could he world has to offer. Just seeing could he manufacture the feeling of joy in his manufacture the feeling of joy in his manufacture the feeling of joy in his life. You guys know what Solomon called life. You guys know what Solomon called life. You guys know what Solomon called that? Chasing after the wind. that? Chasing after the wind. that? Chasing after the wind. >> Running after something that you think >> Running after something that you think >> Running after something that you think is there, but you just can't quite get a is there, but you just can't quite get a is there, but you just can't quite get a hold of it. In church, I don't believe hold of it. In church, I don't believe hold of it. In church, I don't believe that what Solomon did was unique.

that what Solomon did was unique. that what Solomon did was unique. I believe it's normal for us even now to I believe it's normal for us even now to I believe it's normal for us even now to conduct these happiness experiments conduct these happiness experiments conduct these happiness experiments where we try to see what different where we try to see what different where we try to see what different things can I grasp at and what can I mix things can I grasp at and what can I mix things can I grasp at and what can I mix together to finally make myself happy. together to finally make myself happy. together to finally make myself happy. The right job, the right car, the next The right job, the right car, the next The right job, the right car, the next vacation. But if it was true for vacation. But if it was true for vacation. But if it was true for somebody like Solomon is also true for somebody like Solomon is also true for somebody like Solomon is also true for us, church, that is just chasing after us, church, that is just chasing after us, church, that is just chasing after the wind. the wind. the wind. But when Jesus sat down to preach the But when Jesus sat down to preach the But when Jesus sat down to preach the biatitudes, he offered us something biatitudes, he offered us something biatitudes, he offered us something real. What Jesus is doing in the real. What Jesus is doing in the real. What Jesus is doing in the biatitudes is he is offering us all true biatitudes is he is offering us all true biatitudes is he is offering us all true happiness. happiness. happiness. Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed and that means happy, fortunate, favored and that means happy, fortunate, favored and that means happy, fortunate, favored by God, someone with true and lasting by God, someone with true and lasting by God, someone with true and lasting joy. But the incredible thing about joy. But the incredible thing about joy. But the incredible thing about these verses is that Jesus is calling these verses is that Jesus is calling these verses is that Jesus is calling people happy that we would not call people happy that we would not call people happy that we would not call happy. Jesus says, "Happy are those who happy. Jesus says, "Happy are those who happy. Jesus says, "Happy are those who mourn. Happy are those who are mourn. Happy are those who are mourn. Happy are those who are persecuted. Happy are those who are persecuted. Happy are those who are persecuted. Happy are those who are insulted for my name's sake."

insulted for my name's sake." insulted for my name's sake." In these verses, Jesus is teaching us In these verses, Jesus is teaching us In these verses, Jesus is teaching us that kingdom happiness, godly happiness, that kingdom happiness, godly happiness, that kingdom happiness, godly happiness, real happiness, is often found in places real happiness, is often found in places real happiness, is often found in places that our human hearts just cannot that our human hearts just cannot that our human hearts just cannot comprehend without God. comprehend without God. comprehend without God. And that is especially true for the And that is especially true for the And that is especially true for the statement we are going to look at this statement we are going to look at this statement we are going to look at this morning. In verse 5, Jesus says, "Happy morning. In verse 5, Jesus says, "Happy morning. In verse 5, Jesus says, "Happy are the meek." are the meek." are the meek." Can we be honest with each other? Nobody Can we be honest with each other? Nobody Can we be honest with each other? Nobody wants to be meek. Nobody wakes up in the wants to be meek. Nobody wakes up in the wants to be meek. Nobody wakes up in the morning thinking, "How can I be more morning thinking, "How can I be more morning thinking, "How can I be more meek today?" Nobody prays for meekness. meek today?" Nobody prays for meekness. meek today?" Nobody prays for meekness. And nobody is elbowing people like, And nobody is elbowing people like, And nobody is elbowing people like, "Please notice how meek I am." Like, we "Please notice how meek I am." Like, we "Please notice how meek I am." Like, we don't we don't think about this word. don't we don't think about this word. don't we don't think about this word. And I believe it's because if you look And I believe it's because if you look And I believe it's because if you look the word up in the dictionary, it paints the word up in the dictionary, it paints the word up in the dictionary, it paints a misleading picture. If you read the a misleading picture. If you read the a misleading picture. If you read the the definition for the word meek, it the definition for the word meek, it the definition for the word meek, it paints the picture of a weak person. I paints the picture of a weak person. I paints the picture of a weak person. I looked up the word on Miriam Webster's looked up the word on Miriam Webster's looked up the word on Miriam Webster's website, and one of the definitions was website, and one of the definitions was website, and one of the definitions was deficient in spirit and courage. deficient in spirit and courage. deficient in spirit and courage. Some of the synonyms it gave were timid, Some of the synonyms it gave were timid, Some of the synonyms it gave were timid, shy, shy, shy, and mousy.

and mousy. and mousy. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] church. I don't even know what mousy church. I don't even know what mousy church. I don't even know what mousy means, but I don't like the way that it means, but I don't like the way that it means, but I don't like the way that it sounds. Like, I don't want to be a mousy sounds. Like, I don't want to be a mousy sounds. Like, I don't want to be a mousy person. I don't want to be a timid or person. I don't want to be a timid or person. I don't want to be a timid or shy person. And if that is the image shy person. And if that is the image shy person. And if that is the image that we have of meekness, we will that we have of meekness, we will that we have of meekness, we will respond to this beatitude in one of two respond to this beatitude in one of two respond to this beatitude in one of two ways. One, we will just ignore it and ways. One, we will just ignore it and ways. One, we will just ignore it and skip over it because that's not us. skip over it because that's not us. skip over it because that's not us. Or we will think that Jesus is saying if Or we will think that Jesus is saying if Or we will think that Jesus is saying if you want to be saved, you have to be you want to be saved, you have to be you want to be saved, you have to be soft. You just got to let people walk soft. You just got to let people walk soft. You just got to let people walk all over you and you can never stand up all over you and you can never stand up all over you and you can never stand up for anything. But that is not what he for anything. But that is not what he for anything. But that is not what he means in this verse. means in this verse. means in this verse. >> And so, first things first, what does >> And so, first things first, what does >> And so, first things first, what does Jesus mean by meek? Jesus mean by meek? Jesus mean by meek? Most scholars say that the Greek word Most scholars say that the Greek word Most scholars say that the Greek word that Jesus uses here is almost that Jesus uses here is almost that Jesus uses here is almost untransatable into English with one untransatable into English with one untransatable into English with one word. But the normal synonym that is word. But the normal synonym that is word. But the normal synonym that is used is a word that we're familiar with, used is a word that we're familiar with, used is a word that we're familiar with, and that's the word gentle. and that's the word gentle. and that's the word gentle. The New American Standard Bible The New American Standard Bible The New American Standard Bible translates Matthew 5:5 as blessed are translates Matthew 5:5 as blessed are translates Matthew 5:5 as blessed are the gentle. And someone who is gentle is the gentle. And someone who is gentle is the gentle. And someone who is gentle is just someone who treats other people just someone who treats other people just someone who treats other people with consideration, kindness, and with consideration, kindness, and with consideration, kindness, and compassion.

compassion. compassion. >> A gentle person is someone who is >> A gentle person is someone who is >> A gentle person is someone who is patient. They're not angry or irritable patient. They're not angry or irritable patient. They're not angry or irritable or harsh with their words, but they're or harsh with their words, but they're or harsh with their words, but they're approachable. approachable. approachable. >> They don't assert their authority. They >> They don't assert their authority. They >> They don't assert their authority. They don't assert their will on people by don't assert their will on people by don't assert their will on people by force. But this is very important. A force. But this is very important. A force. But this is very important. A gentle person is not a reactive person. gentle person is not a reactive person. gentle person is not a reactive person. They are not easily offended. They don't They are not easily offended. They don't They are not easily offended. They don't take revenge on other people and they take revenge on other people and they take revenge on other people and they don't lash out in anger. So gentle don't lash out in anger. So gentle don't lash out in anger. So gentle people don't have road rage. people don't have road rage. people don't have road rage. A gentle person, they're quick to A gentle person, they're quick to A gentle person, they're quick to forgive a transgression against forgive a transgression against forgive a transgression against themselves and just move on. To put it themselves and just move on. To put it themselves and just move on. To put it simply, when you're gentle, you just simply, when you're gentle, you just simply, when you're gentle, you just have this calmness of spirit about you have this calmness of spirit about you have this calmness of spirit about you and that shapes how you treat other and that shapes how you treat other and that shapes how you treat other people. One of the common uses of this people. One of the common uses of this people. One of the common uses of this word in classical Greek was for a gentle word in classical Greek was for a gentle word in classical Greek was for a gentle breeze that brought soothing relief from breeze that brought soothing relief from breeze that brought soothing relief from the heat of the sun. And I know we all the heat of the sun. And I know we all the heat of the sun. And I know we all know people like that. People who are know people like that. People who are know people like that. People who are just so gentle and so kind. Even when just so gentle and so kind. Even when just so gentle and so kind. Even when life isn't going well, they're just a life isn't going well, they're just a life isn't going well, they're just a breath of fresh air. They just refresh breath of fresh air. They just refresh breath of fresh air. They just refresh your soul and they bring relief. But we your soul and they bring relief. But we your soul and they bring relief. But we also know people who are not a gentle also know people who are not a gentle also know people who are not a gentle breeze. They are more like a destructive breeze. They are more like a destructive breeze. They are more like a destructive tornado and they just roll through and tornado and they just roll through and tornado and they just roll through and they crash over everyone with their they crash over everyone with their they crash over everyone with their words, their emotions or their bru words, their emotions or their bru words, their emotions or their bru brutal strength. And Jesus is just brutal strength. And Jesus is just brutal strength. And Jesus is just saying blessed are the people who commit saying blessed are the people who commit saying blessed are the people who commit to being like that gentle breeze to being like that gentle breeze to being like that gentle breeze >> and bring relief to the people around >> and bring relief to the people around >> and bring relief to the people around them. I'm reminded of Paul in First them. I'm reminded of Paul in First them. I'm reminded of Paul in First Thessalonians. He told them when we Thessalonians. He told them when we Thessalonians. He told them when we visited you, we could have been we could visited you, we could have been we could visited you, we could have been we could have been demanding because we're

have been demanding because we're have been demanding because we're apostles. We could have told you to give apostles. We could have told you to give apostles. We could have told you to give us things and you would have done it. us things and you would have done it. us things and you would have done it. But he said, "Instead, we were gentle But he said, "Instead, we were gentle But he said, "Instead, we were gentle among you, like a mother with her among you, like a mother with her among you, like a mother with her newborn infant." That is what meekness newborn infant." That is what meekness newborn infant." That is what meekness is, church. It is choosing to be gentle, is, church. It is choosing to be gentle, is, church. It is choosing to be gentle, not because you're timid, shy, or mousy, not because you're timid, shy, or mousy, not because you're timid, shy, or mousy, but just because that's the character of but just because that's the character of but just because that's the character of Christ's kingdom. And do you know why Christ's kingdom. And do you know why Christ's kingdom. And do you know why it's the character of his kingdom? it's the character of his kingdom? it's the character of his kingdom? Because it was the character of Christ Because it was the character of Christ Because it was the character of Christ himself. Jesus made a lot of statements himself. Jesus made a lot of statements himself. Jesus made a lot of statements about the kingdom of God and the word of about the kingdom of God and the word of about the kingdom of God and the word of God, but he made one clear statement God, but he made one clear statement God, but he made one clear statement about his own character. In Matthew about his own character. In Matthew about his own character. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle you and learn from me, for I am gentle you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find and lowly in heart, and you will find and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." In this verse, rest for your souls." In this verse, rest for your souls." In this verse, Jesus is inviting people to come to him. Jesus is inviting people to come to him. Jesus is inviting people to come to him. And he could have used all kinds of And he could have used all kinds of And he could have used all kinds of words to make coming to him sound words to make coming to him sound words to make coming to him sound pleasing to people. Well, he could have pleasing to people. Well, he could have pleasing to people. Well, he could have said, "Come to me because I'm all said, "Come to me because I'm all said, "Come to me because I'm all powerful. Come to me because I'm all powerful. Come to me because I'm all powerful. Come to me because I'm all knowing. Come to me because I'm knowing. Come to me because I'm knowing. Come to me because I'm perfect." But he says, "Come to me for I perfect." But he says, "Come to me for I perfect." But he says, "Come to me for I am gentle."

am gentle." am gentle." >> So, you see, this verse shows us that >> So, you see, this verse shows us that >> So, you see, this verse shows us that this beatitude, it is essential for the this beatitude, it is essential for the this beatitude, it is essential for the Christian life because I cannot fulfill Christian life because I cannot fulfill Christian life because I cannot fulfill God's plan for my life without being God's plan for my life without being God's plan for my life without being gentle. gentle. gentle. Because I don't know what God has Because I don't know what God has Because I don't know what God has planned for us individually, but I do planned for us individually, but I do planned for us individually, but I do know for each and every person in this know for each and every person in this know for each and every person in this room, he wants to conform us into the room, he wants to conform us into the room, he wants to conform us into the image of Jesus. image of Jesus. image of Jesus. >> So to give a little a little theme that >> So to give a little a little theme that >> So to give a little a little theme that I want to kind of guide us this morning, I want to kind of guide us this morning, I want to kind of guide us this morning, Christians should be motivated to be Christians should be motivated to be Christians should be motivated to be meek because Christians should be meek because Christians should be meek because Christians should be motivated to be like Christ. motivated to be like Christ. motivated to be like Christ. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And if we are motivated to become like >> And if we are motivated to become like >> And if we are motivated to become like Jesus, the question is how can we become Jesus, the question is how can we become Jesus, the question is how can we become meek? meek? meek? Well, I've got four characteristics of Well, I've got four characteristics of Well, I've got four characteristics of meekness that I would love to break down meekness that I would love to break down meekness that I would love to break down with you this morning. First, I want to with you this morning. First, I want to with you this morning. First, I want to talk about the foundation of meekness. talk about the foundation of meekness. talk about the foundation of meekness. I think it's important to understand I think it's important to understand I think it's important to understand that that that this beatitude does not have anything to this beatitude does not have anything to this beatitude does not have anything to do with our natural personality. It is do with our natural personality. It is do with our natural personality. It is true some people are just born leaning true some people are just born leaning true some people are just born leaning more gentle. They're not they're not more gentle. They're not they're not more gentle. They're not they're not wired to be aggressive or assertive.

wired to be aggressive or assertive. wired to be aggressive or assertive. That's just not who they are. But when That's just not who they are. But when That's just not who they are. But when the Bible talks about gentleness, it the Bible talks about gentleness, it the Bible talks about gentleness, it does not talk about a personality trait. does not talk about a personality trait. does not talk about a personality trait. It calls gentleness the fruit of the It calls gentleness the fruit of the It calls gentleness the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the evidences that someone has God's power evidences that someone has God's power evidences that someone has God's power working in their life. And I believe working in their life. And I believe working in their life. And I believe that's why Jesus places this beatitude that's why Jesus places this beatitude that's why Jesus places this beatitude third because he lays these statements third because he lays these statements third because he lays these statements out in a way where each one builds on out in a way where each one builds on out in a way where each one builds on the ones that come before it. And so the ones that come before it. And so the ones that come before it. And so Matthew 5:3, Jesus addresses our view of Matthew 5:3, Jesus addresses our view of Matthew 5:3, Jesus addresses our view of God. Matthew 5:4, he addresses our view God. Matthew 5:4, he addresses our view God. Matthew 5:4, he addresses our view of ourselves. And then in Matthew 5:5, of ourselves. And then in Matthew 5:5, of ourselves. And then in Matthew 5:5, it's the first biatitude that addresses it's the first biatitude that addresses it's the first biatitude that addresses our view of others. What is he trying to our view of others. What is he trying to our view of others. What is he trying to tell us? Before we can treat people tell us? Before we can treat people tell us? Before we can treat people correctly, there's some foundational correctly, there's some foundational correctly, there's some foundational things we have to get established things we have to get established things we have to get established between us and God. between us and God. between us and God. >> And he lays those out for us. First, we >> And he lays those out for us. First, we >> And he lays those out for us. First, we have to be poor in spirit. And that just have to be poor in spirit. And that just have to be poor in spirit. And that just means I see God for who he is. And I means I see God for who he is. And I means I see God for who he is. And I understand that I am spiritually understand that I am spiritually understand that I am spiritually bankrupt bankrupt bankrupt >> because of my sin. I don't have anything >> because of my sin. I don't have anything >> because of my sin. I don't have anything of spiritual value apart from God, but I of spiritual value apart from God, but I of spiritual value apart from God, but I need him for everything. Second, Jesus need him for everything. Second, Jesus need him for everything. Second, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn." And says, "Blessed are those who mourn." And says, "Blessed are those who mourn." And that just means I'm I'm mourning my that just means I'm I'm mourning my that just means I'm I'm mourning my poverty of spirit. I love the picture we poverty of spirit. I love the picture we poverty of spirit. I love the picture we get of this in Isaiah chapter 6. Isaiah get of this in Isaiah chapter 6. Isaiah get of this in Isaiah chapter 6. Isaiah gets a vision of the Lord on his throne gets a vision of the Lord on his throne gets a vision of the Lord on his throne and he sees the glory of God and all he and he sees the glory of God and all he and he sees the glory of God and all he can say is, "Woe is me. I'm a man of can say is, "Woe is me. I'm a man of can say is, "Woe is me. I'm a man of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the unclean lips and my eyes have seen the unclean lips and my eyes have seen the king. It's a sorrow over the the things

king. It's a sorrow over the the things king. It's a sorrow over the the things that we have done wrong in the past and that we have done wrong in the past and that we have done wrong in the past and in the present. in the present. in the present. And after we get those two things right, And after we get those two things right, And after we get those two things right, a very important foundation has now been a very important foundation has now been a very important foundation has now been laid, not just for the rest of the laid, not just for the rest of the laid, not just for the rest of the biatitudes, but especially for meekness. biatitudes, but especially for meekness. biatitudes, but especially for meekness. And that foundation is humility. And that foundation is humility. And that foundation is humility. It's a stripping away of all of my It's a stripping away of all of my It's a stripping away of all of my pride, all of my self-righteousness, pride, all of my self-righteousness, pride, all of my self-righteousness, every idea that that I have that I can every idea that that I have that I can every idea that that I have that I can do everything on my own. Because when do everything on my own. Because when do everything on my own. Because when I'm poor in spirit, I'm poor in spirit, I'm poor in spirit, my eyes have been opened and now I my eyes have been opened and now I my eyes have been opened and now I understand the truth about who God is understand the truth about who God is understand the truth about who God is and who I am. And it's humbling because and who I am. And it's humbling because and who I am. And it's humbling because now I understand God has all of these now I understand God has all of these now I understand God has all of these wonderful attributes that I fall short wonderful attributes that I fall short wonderful attributes that I fall short of. like God is holy and righteous and of. like God is holy and righteous and of. like God is holy and righteous and just and I am none of those things. And just and I am none of those things. And just and I am none of those things. And I'm humbled because now I know because I'm humbled because now I know because I'm humbled because now I know because of my sin at every moment I am in of my sin at every moment I am in of my sin at every moment I am in constant need of God's grace and favor constant need of God's grace and favor constant need of God's grace and favor in my life. in my life. in my life. >> Everything that I have, my relationship >> Everything that I have, my relationship >> Everything that I have, my relationship with him, the breath in my lungs, my with him, the breath in my lungs, my with him, the breath in my lungs, my family, my career, I don't have any of family, my career, I don't have any of family, my career, I don't have any of that because I earned it or deserved it.

that because I earned it or deserved it. that because I earned it or deserved it. It is all a gift from him. It is all a gift from him. It is all a gift from him. >> And only when we get to that point of >> And only when we get to that point of >> And only when we get to that point of understanding how humble we should be understanding how humble we should be understanding how humble we should be towards God, only then are we prepared towards God, only then are we prepared towards God, only then are we prepared to embrace meekness. A simple way I want to embrace meekness. A simple way I want to embrace meekness. A simple way I want you to think of this word. Meekness is you to think of this word. Meekness is you to think of this word. Meekness is simply humility towards others that simply humility towards others that simply humility towards others that flows from my humility towards God. Only flows from my humility towards God. Only flows from my humility towards God. Only humble people can be meek because humble humble people can be meek because humble humble people can be meek because humble people, they don't have egos. people, they don't have egos. people, they don't have egos. Humble people don't spend all day Humble people don't spend all day Humble people don't spend all day thinking about what other people owe thinking about what other people owe thinking about what other people owe them and trying to snatch it from them. them and trying to snatch it from them. them and trying to snatch it from them. Humble people understand Romans 12:3 Humble people understand Romans 12:3 Humble people understand Romans 12:3 where Paul says, "For by the grace given where Paul says, "For by the grace given where Paul says, "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to me, I say to everyone among you not to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he to think of himself more highly than he to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." Yeah. ought to think." Yeah. ought to think." Yeah. >> If we are being honest, and I I thought >> If we are being honest, and I I thought >> If we are being honest, and I I thought about this when I was studying this about this when I was studying this about this when I was studying this passage this week. passage this week. passage this week. Every time that we fail to be gentle Every time that we fail to be gentle Every time that we fail to be gentle towards someone, whether it's our towards someone, whether it's our towards someone, whether it's our spouses, our kids, our co-workers, or spouses, our kids, our co-workers, or spouses, our kids, our co-workers, or our friends, it starts with getting that our friends, it starts with getting that our friends, it starts with getting that verse wrong. It starts from thinking way verse wrong. It starts from thinking way verse wrong. It starts from thinking way too highly of ourselves.

too highly of ourselves. too highly of ourselves. Not too long ago, I hiked Pinnacle Not too long ago, I hiked Pinnacle Not too long ago, I hiked Pinnacle Mountain for like the fifth time, and I Mountain for like the fifth time, and I Mountain for like the fifth time, and I don't know why I keep letting people don't know why I keep letting people don't know why I keep letting people talk me into doing that. talk me into doing that. talk me into doing that. because I don't like heights. Like I'm because I don't like heights. Like I'm because I don't like heights. Like I'm you know some people get up there and you know some people get up there and you know some people get up there and they're like taking photos. I'm like they're like taking photos. I'm like they're like taking photos. I'm like let's go back down. Like let's get off let's go back down. Like let's get off let's go back down. Like let's get off the top of this mountain. But but the top of this mountain. But but the top of this mountain. But but something I always notice when I'm up something I always notice when I'm up something I always notice when I'm up there, you look over the edge and you there, you look over the edge and you there, you look over the edge and you just see how tiny everything is. Like just see how tiny everything is. Like just see how tiny everything is. Like when you're at that vantage point, when you're at that vantage point, when you're at that vantage point, everything else is low and small everything else is low and small everything else is low and small compared to you. And I think there's a compared to you. And I think there's a compared to you. And I think there's a picture in that of what pride does to picture in that of what pride does to picture in that of what pride does to our hearts. Church. the higher my our hearts. Church. the higher my our hearts. Church. the higher my opinion of myself climbs, the lower my opinion of myself climbs, the lower my opinion of myself climbs, the lower my opinion of everybody else gets. opinion of everybody else gets. opinion of everybody else gets. Because from my vantage point, I'm I'm Because from my vantage point, I'm I'm Because from my vantage point, I'm I'm looking down at them and I'm comparing looking down at them and I'm comparing looking down at them and I'm comparing myself to them. And now I'm thinking, myself to them. And now I'm thinking, myself to them. And now I'm thinking, man, they make mistakes that I would man, they make mistakes that I would man, they make mistakes that I would never make. Like their life would be a never make. Like their life would be a never make. Like their life would be a lot better if they would just be more lot better if they would just be more lot better if they would just be more like me. And this comparison, it leads like me. And this comparison, it leads like me. And this comparison, it leads itself to it expresses itself in in itself to it expresses itself in in itself to it expresses itself in in harsh and prideful behavior towards harsh and prideful behavior towards harsh and prideful behavior towards others. You know, the only way to fix others. You know, the only way to fix others. You know, the only way to fix this, we change our viewpoint and we this, we change our viewpoint and we this, we change our viewpoint and we stop looking down at other people and we stop looking down at other people and we stop looking down at other people and we start looking up at God. And we start start looking up at God. And we start start looking up at God. And we start thinking about all of the things that he thinking about all of the things that he thinking about all of the things that he could point out about us and how much could point out about us and how much could point out about us and how much trouble we'd be in if he judged us trouble we'd be in if he judged us trouble we'd be in if he judged us harshly instead of showing us love and harshly instead of showing us love and harshly instead of showing us love and mercy. And when I begin to reflect on mercy. And when I begin to reflect on mercy. And when I begin to reflect on myself and my own shortcomings, that myself and my own shortcomings, that myself and my own shortcomings, that that lowers me off of my pedestal.

that lowers me off of my pedestal. that lowers me off of my pedestal. That's what humility is. It's it's That's what humility is. It's it's That's what humility is. It's it's bringing yourself low. And now from this bringing yourself low. And now from this bringing yourself low. And now from this vantage point, instead of judging vantage point, instead of judging vantage point, instead of judging people, I want to love them and serve people, I want to love them and serve people, I want to love them and serve them and care for them because now I them and care for them because now I them and care for them because now I want to show people the same gentleness want to show people the same gentleness want to show people the same gentleness that God shows me. that God shows me. that God shows me. >> And you know why we should be more than >> And you know why we should be more than >> And you know why we should be more than willing to lower ourselves to meekness? willing to lower ourselves to meekness? willing to lower ourselves to meekness? Because that is what Jesus did for us. Because that is what Jesus did for us. Because that is what Jesus did for us. Philippians chapter 2, Paul talks about Philippians chapter 2, Paul talks about Philippians chapter 2, Paul talks about how Jesus existed in the form of God and how Jesus existed in the form of God and how Jesus existed in the form of God and had equality with God. But he did not had equality with God. But he did not had equality with God. But he did not consider this equality something to be consider this equality something to be consider this equality something to be grasped at or taken advantage of. It grasped at or taken advantage of. It grasped at or taken advantage of. It says he emptied himself. says he emptied himself. says he emptied himself. Jesus set aside divine privileges and Jesus set aside divine privileges and Jesus set aside divine privileges and heavenly glory to become like us and to heavenly glory to become like us and to heavenly glory to become like us and to feel our pain, our sorrow, our feel our pain, our sorrow, our feel our pain, our sorrow, our temptations. And even though when Jesus temptations. And even though when Jesus temptations. And even though when Jesus came to earth, he could have looked down came to earth, he could have looked down came to earth, he could have looked down on us and judged us for all of our on us and judged us for all of our on us and judged us for all of our sinfulness and brokenness, but Isaiah sinfulness and brokenness, but Isaiah sinfulness and brokenness, but Isaiah says, "A bruised reed he didn't break, says, "A bruised reed he didn't break, says, "A bruised reed he didn't break, and a smoldering wick he didn't burn and a smoldering wick he didn't burn and a smoldering wick he didn't burn out." Jesus looked around him and saw out." Jesus looked around him and saw out." Jesus looked around him and saw broken people, but he didn't break them broken people, but he didn't break them broken people, but he didn't break them further. He loved them and cared for further. He loved them and cared for further. He loved them and cared for them and nurtured them because he was them and nurtured them because he was them and nurtured them because he was willing to humble himself, become like willing to humble himself, become like willing to humble himself, become like them, and treat them with gentleness.

them, and treat them with gentleness. them, and treat them with gentleness. And this is what I think, church. If And this is what I think, church. If And this is what I think, church. If Jesus can step off of a throne in heaven Jesus can step off of a throne in heaven Jesus can step off of a throne in heaven down into a crib in Bethlehem and live a down into a crib in Bethlehem and live a down into a crib in Bethlehem and live a poor life and eventually sacrifice that poor life and eventually sacrifice that poor life and eventually sacrifice that life on a cross to save us from our life on a cross to save us from our life on a cross to save us from our sins, I don't think there's any level of sins, I don't think there's any level of sins, I don't think there's any level of humility that's beneath any of us. humility that's beneath any of us. humility that's beneath any of us. >> And that humility will be the foundation >> And that humility will be the foundation >> And that humility will be the foundation of our meekness. Number two, I want to of our meekness. Number two, I want to of our meekness. Number two, I want to talk about the strength of meekness. talk about the strength of meekness. talk about the strength of meekness. I think the biggest fear for people with I think the biggest fear for people with I think the biggest fear for people with like bold and fiery personalities is like bold and fiery personalities is like bold and fiery personalities is that embracing meekness means I got to that embracing meekness means I got to that embracing meekness means I got to embrace weakness. I mean, meek just embrace weakness. I mean, meek just embrace weakness. I mean, meek just sounds weak. You know, it rhymes with sounds weak. You know, it rhymes with sounds weak. You know, it rhymes with weak and nobody wants to be weak. But I weak and nobody wants to be weak. But I weak and nobody wants to be weak. But I want to take a quick look at people that want to take a quick look at people that want to take a quick look at people that the Bible calls meek and just see if the Bible calls meek and just see if the Bible calls meek and just see if that theory holds up. In Numbers chapter that theory holds up. In Numbers chapter that theory holds up. In Numbers chapter 12, Moses was called meek. 12, Moses was called meek. 12, Moses was called meek. I would not call a man weak that went I would not call a man weak that went I would not call a man weak that went and stood before the king of Egypt and and stood before the king of Egypt and and stood before the king of Egypt and told him to let my people go. I would told him to let my people go. I would told him to let my people go. I would not call a man weak who leads people for not call a man weak who leads people for not call a man weak who leads people for 40 years wandering through the 40 years wandering through the 40 years wandering through the wilderness until they could go to the wilderness until they could go to the wilderness until they could go to the promised land. Paul was called meek. And promised land. Paul was called meek. And promised land. Paul was called meek. And I would not call a man weak who was I would not call a man weak who was I would not call a man weak who was preaching the gospel, got stoned for it, preaching the gospel, got stoned for it, preaching the gospel, got stoned for it, picked himself up, dusted himself off, picked himself up, dusted himself off, picked himself up, dusted himself off, and then went right back to preaching and then went right back to preaching and then went right back to preaching again. That is not weak. Yeah, again. That is not weak. Yeah, again. That is not weak. Yeah, >> and we already covered it, but Jesus was >> and we already covered it, but Jesus was >> and we already covered it, but Jesus was called meek. And we don't need to check called meek. And we don't need to check called meek. And we don't need to check his resume. We know Jesus was not weak.

his resume. We know Jesus was not weak. his resume. We know Jesus was not weak. >> So, a common theme, every person that we >> So, a common theme, every person that we >> So, a common theme, every person that we see in the Bible that's associated with see in the Bible that's associated with see in the Bible that's associated with this word was actually very strong. So, this word was actually very strong. So, this word was actually very strong. So, being meek cannot mean lacking strength being meek cannot mean lacking strength being meek cannot mean lacking strength or convictions or boldness because none or convictions or boldness because none or convictions or boldness because none of those men did. Sometimes we think of those men did. Sometimes we think of those men did. Sometimes we think that meekness and strength are that meekness and strength are that meekness and strength are opposites. But Martin Lloyd Jones says, opposites. But Martin Lloyd Jones says, opposites. But Martin Lloyd Jones says, "No, meekness is actually compatible "No, meekness is actually compatible "No, meekness is actually compatible with great strength, power, and with great strength, power, and with great strength, power, and authority." The question is, but how do authority." The question is, but how do authority." The question is, but how do all these things mix together? Like, how all these things mix together? Like, how all these things mix together? Like, how am I a meek person and a powerful and am I a meek person and a powerful and am I a meek person and a powerful and strong person? Here's what I believe strong person? Here's what I believe strong person? Here's what I believe these men show us. Not only did they these men show us. Not only did they these men show us. Not only did they have great strength, but they knew when have great strength, but they knew when have great strength, but they knew when and how to use it. This is something I'm and how to use it. This is something I'm and how to use it. This is something I'm trying to teach my boys right now. I'm a trying to teach my boys right now. I'm a trying to teach my boys right now. I'm a toddler dad. I got a four-year-old and a toddler dad. I got a four-year-old and a toddler dad. I got a four-year-old and a 2-year-old, and they both love to golf. 2-year-old, and they both love to golf. 2-year-old, and they both love to golf. We golf everywhere. We golf outside and We golf everywhere. We golf outside and We golf everywhere. We golf outside and we golf inside. We got a putting green. we golf inside. We got a putting green. we golf inside. We got a putting green. We got everything. We golf all day long. We got everything. We golf all day long. We got everything. We golf all day long. And they both have really powerful And they both have really powerful And they both have really powerful swings. I'm hoping they go to the swings. I'm hoping they go to the swings. I'm hoping they go to the Masters one day. Come on. But they But Masters one day. Come on. But they But Masters one day. Come on. But they But one thing I'm trying to teach them is one thing I'm trying to teach them is one thing I'm trying to teach them is that your outside golf swing cannot be that your outside golf swing cannot be that your outside golf swing cannot be the same as your inside golf swing. Cuz the same as your inside golf swing. Cuz the same as your inside golf swing. Cuz cuz that power from outside can start cuz that power from outside can start cuz that power from outside can start breaking things in here. So, I'm glad breaking things in here. So, I'm glad breaking things in here. So, I'm glad you have power, but I need you to learn you have power, but I need you to learn you have power, but I need you to learn how to control it and hold it back some.

how to control it and hold it back some. how to control it and hold it back some. And church in a deeper way. That's what And church in a deeper way. That's what And church in a deeper way. That's what meekness is. Meekness is not weakness. meekness is. Meekness is not weakness. meekness is. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under control. Meekness is power under control. Meekness is power under control. >> One of the ways that this word was used >> One of the ways that this word was used >> One of the ways that this word was used in the ancient world was for a horse in the ancient world was for a horse in the ancient world was for a horse that had been tamed from the wild and that had been tamed from the wild and that had been tamed from the wild and trained for battle. Now, think about a trained for battle. Now, think about a trained for battle. Now, think about a waror. It has not lost any of its waror. It has not lost any of its waror. It has not lost any of its strength. It's still capable of great strength. It's still capable of great strength. It's still capable of great things, but it is now submissive to the things, but it is now submissive to the things, but it is now submissive to the one who holds the reigns. That is what a one who holds the reigns. That is what a one who holds the reigns. That is what a meek person is. It's just someone who meek person is. It's just someone who meek person is. It's just someone who has submitted their life to the Lord. has submitted their life to the Lord. has submitted their life to the Lord. They've given all control to him. And They've given all control to him. And They've given all control to him. And they might have great strength, power, they might have great strength, power, they might have great strength, power, and authority. But here's the shift. and authority. But here's the shift. and authority. But here's the shift. They don't use those things to satisfy They don't use those things to satisfy They don't use those things to satisfy their own desires anymore. Instead, they their own desires anymore. Instead, they their own desires anymore. Instead, they hand it all over to God. And they say hand it all over to God. And they say hand it all over to God. And they say whether it is natural, physical, or whether it is natural, physical, or whether it is natural, physical, or appointed strength, I'm only going to appointed strength, I'm only going to appointed strength, I'm only going to use it in ways that bring him glory. use it in ways that bring him glory. use it in ways that bring him glory. Jesus is the best example of this Jesus is the best example of this Jesus is the best example of this because he had the balance of being the because he had the balance of being the because he had the balance of being the meakest man to ever live. But when it meakest man to ever live. But when it meakest man to ever live. But when it came time to defend the glory of God, came time to defend the glory of God, came time to defend the glory of God, you saw his strength on full display.

you saw his strength on full display. you saw his strength on full display. Jesus walked into the temple, kicked Jesus walked into the temple, kicked Jesus walked into the temple, kicked people out, and started flipping over people out, and started flipping over people out, and started flipping over tables. Jesus healed people on the tables. Jesus healed people on the tables. Jesus healed people on the Sabbath even when he knew it would just Sabbath even when he knew it would just Sabbath even when he knew it would just cause controversy. And he never shied cause controversy. And he never shied cause controversy. And he never shied away from public and open confrontation away from public and open confrontation away from public and open confrontation with the religious leaders. So you can with the religious leaders. So you can with the religious leaders. So you can be meek and still be very strong and be meek and still be very strong and be meek and still be very strong and zealous for the things of God. The Bible zealous for the things of God. The Bible zealous for the things of God. The Bible even tells us, don't be afraid of even tells us, don't be afraid of even tells us, don't be afraid of anybody who opposes you. Stand on anybody who opposes you. Stand on anybody who opposes you. Stand on biblical truth. Don't walk away in the biblical truth. Don't walk away in the biblical truth. Don't walk away in the face of persecution. All of that is in face of persecution. All of that is in face of persecution. All of that is in bounds. bounds. bounds. But what we also learn from the life of But what we also learn from the life of But what we also learn from the life of Jesus is sometimes there are situations Jesus is sometimes there are situations Jesus is sometimes there are situations where using your strength will not where using your strength will not where using your strength will not glorify God. And a meek person is glorify God. And a meek person is glorify God. And a meek person is someone who can restrain their strength someone who can restrain their strength someone who can restrain their strength when that happens. In Matthew 26, when that happens. In Matthew 26, when that happens. In Matthew 26, this is when Judas betrays Jesus and a this is when Judas betrays Jesus and a this is when Judas betrays Jesus and a whole crowd of people, they show up. whole crowd of people, they show up. whole crowd of people, they show up. They've got clubs and swords and they're They've got clubs and swords and they're They've got clubs and swords and they're about to take Jesus to trial. And Peter, about to take Jesus to trial. And Peter, about to take Jesus to trial. And Peter, ever bold man that he was, pulls out a ever bold man that he was, pulls out a ever bold man that he was, pulls out a sword and cuts a guy's ear off. He's sword and cuts a guy's ear off. He's sword and cuts a guy's ear off. He's like, "Y'all are not taking Jesus."

like, "Y'all are not taking Jesus." like, "Y'all are not taking Jesus." And listen to how he Jesus responds in And listen to how he Jesus responds in And listen to how he Jesus responds in Matthew 26:52-54. Matthew 26:52-54. Matthew 26:52-54. He says, "Put your sword back in its He says, "Put your sword back in its He says, "Put your sword back in its place. place. place. For all who draw the sword will die by For all who draw the sword will die by For all who draw the sword will die by the sword." Do you think I cannot call the sword." Do you think I cannot call the sword." Do you think I cannot call on my father and he will at once put at on my father and he will at once put at on my father and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of my disposal more than 12 legions of my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? angels? angels? But how then would the scriptures be But how then would the scriptures be But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in fulfilled that say it must happen in fulfilled that say it must happen in this way? Jesus is telling Peter, "Bro, this way? Jesus is telling Peter, "Bro, this way? Jesus is telling Peter, "Bro, I don't need your help. I'm not standing I don't need your help. I'm not standing I don't need your help. I'm not standing here powerless. Nobody takes my life here powerless. Nobody takes my life here powerless. Nobody takes my life from me. I lay it down willingly." from me. I lay it down willingly." from me. I lay it down willingly." That's what he said in John. And Jesus That's what he said in John. And Jesus That's what he said in John. And Jesus says, "I could call my father and he says, "I could call my father and he says, "I could call my father and he will send 12 legions of angels." You will send 12 legions of angels." You will send 12 legions of angels." You know how many angels that is? It's a lot know how many angels that is? It's a lot know how many angels that is? It's a lot of angels. And he's saying, "I I I don't of angels. And he's saying, "I I I don't of angels. And he's saying, "I I I don't need help, but if I were to defend need help, but if I were to defend need help, but if I were to defend myself, myself, myself, I'd be going against my father's will. I'd be going against my father's will. I'd be going against my father's will. He needs me to go to this cross to save He needs me to go to this cross to save He needs me to go to this cross to save people. He needs me to fulfill his word. people. He needs me to fulfill his word. people. He needs me to fulfill his word. So, if I exercised my power right now, So, if I exercised my power right now, So, if I exercised my power right now, I wouldn't be serving my father. I'd be I wouldn't be serving my father. I'd be I wouldn't be serving my father. I'd be serving myself."

serving myself." serving myself." And just like Jesus church, you will And just like Jesus church, you will And just like Jesus church, you will find yourselves in situations where the find yourselves in situations where the find yourselves in situations where the strength that you have, because we all strength that you have, because we all strength that you have, because we all have some level of strength. And you have some level of strength. And you have some level of strength. And you could use that strength to lash out at could use that strength to lash out at could use that strength to lash out at someone who has hurt, offended, or someone who has hurt, offended, or someone who has hurt, offended, or wounded you. But Jesus gives us a wounded you. But Jesus gives us a wounded you. But Jesus gives us a wonderful principle. Just because I have wonderful principle. Just because I have wonderful principle. Just because I have the power and ability to do something the power and ability to do something the power and ability to do something does not mean that I should. does not mean that I should. does not mean that I should. >> In the same way that meekness requires >> In the same way that meekness requires >> In the same way that meekness requires humility, it also requires self-control. humility, it also requires self-control. humility, it also requires self-control. It requires us to be able to take a step It requires us to be able to take a step It requires us to be able to take a step back and evaluate and say, "Is the way back and evaluate and say, "Is the way back and evaluate and say, "Is the way that I'm about to respond to this person that I'm about to respond to this person that I'm about to respond to this person godly? Does it glorify the Lord? Because godly? Does it glorify the Lord? Because godly? Does it glorify the Lord? Because I may have the power to get revenge on I may have the power to get revenge on I may have the power to get revenge on someone. I may have the influence to someone. I may have the influence to someone. I may have the influence to damage their reputation, and I may know damage their reputation, and I may know damage their reputation, and I may know the exact words I need to say to hurt the exact words I need to say to hurt the exact words I need to say to hurt them. them. them. But I also have the self-control and But I also have the self-control and But I also have the self-control and resolve to say,"I know that would not be resolve to say,"I know that would not be resolve to say,"I know that would not be God's will for my life, so I'm not going God's will for my life, so I'm not going God's will for my life, so I'm not going to do it. I'm going to hold myself to do it. I'm going to hold myself to do it. I'm going to hold myself back." And not only is that not weak, back." And not only is that not weak, back." And not only is that not weak, but the Bible teaches that's the but the Bible teaches that's the but the Bible teaches that's the attitude of someone who is truly strong.

attitude of someone who is truly strong. attitude of someone who is truly strong. Proverbs 16:32 says, "Whoever is slow to Proverbs 16:32 says, "Whoever is slow to Proverbs 16:32 says, "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he anger is better than the mighty and he anger is better than the mighty and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a who rules his spirit than he who takes a who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." city." city." Solomon's saying here, yes, conquering a Solomon's saying here, yes, conquering a Solomon's saying here, yes, conquering a city is really cool. That takes a lot of city is really cool. That takes a lot of city is really cool. That takes a lot of strength. strength. strength. But the person who can conquer their But the person who can conquer their But the person who can conquer their spirit is stronger. spirit is stronger. spirit is stronger. >> The person who can be slow to anger and >> The person who can be slow to anger and >> The person who can be slow to anger and discipline themselves to restrain their discipline themselves to restrain their discipline themselves to restrain their power. The person who can follow power. The person who can follow power. The person who can follow Ephesians 4:26 that says, "Be angry and Ephesians 4:26 that says, "Be angry and Ephesians 4:26 that says, "Be angry and do not sin." That means I can get angry do not sin." That means I can get angry do not sin." That means I can get angry without allowing it to carry me to a without allowing it to carry me to a without allowing it to carry me to a place that God would not want me to be place that God would not want me to be place that God would not want me to be in. Church, that's powerful. in. Church, that's powerful. in. Church, that's powerful. Because anybody can throw a tantrum. Because anybody can throw a tantrum. Because anybody can throw a tantrum. Anybody can yell at someone. Anyone can Anybody can yell at someone. Anyone can Anybody can yell at someone. Anyone can open their phone and type a paragraph on open their phone and type a paragraph on open their phone and type a paragraph on Facebook. Facebook. Facebook. But only a meek person is strong enough But only a meek person is strong enough But only a meek person is strong enough to say, "Oo, I could react right now. to say, "Oo, I could react right now. to say, "Oo, I could react right now. But my king wouldn't want me to, But my king wouldn't want me to, But my king wouldn't want me to, >> so I'm going to let it go."

>> so I'm going to let it go." >> so I'm going to let it go." >> That's the strength of meekness. I want to talk about next the faith of I want to talk about next the faith of meekness. Humility addresses how we meekness. Humility addresses how we meekness. Humility addresses how we become meek. Strength under control become meek. Strength under control become meek. Strength under control tells us what it looks like. But faith tells us what it looks like. But faith tells us what it looks like. But faith reminds us why we should be meek. reminds us why we should be meek. reminds us why we should be meek. Because it's possible, Because it's possible, Because it's possible, you need this why one day. Because it's you need this why one day. Because it's you need this why one day. Because it's possible that if you follow this path possible that if you follow this path possible that if you follow this path for a long period of time, you may you for a long period of time, you may you for a long period of time, you may you may begin to feel like the the meek path may begin to feel like the the meek path may begin to feel like the the meek path is the losing path. Like I'm never going is the losing path. Like I'm never going is the losing path. Like I'm never going to get anywhere in this world if I don't to get anywhere in this world if I don't to get anywhere in this world if I don't learn how to play by its rules. And the learn how to play by its rules. And the learn how to play by its rules. And the world tells us sometimes you just got to world tells us sometimes you just got to world tells us sometimes you just got to fight fire with fire. Sometimes fight fire with fire. Sometimes fight fire with fire. Sometimes gentleness doesn't work and you've got gentleness doesn't work and you've got gentleness doesn't work and you've got to be aggressive and assert yourself and to be aggressive and assert yourself and to be aggressive and assert yourself and take things from people if you really take things from people if you really take things from people if you really want to get anything done. want to get anything done. want to get anything done. So what can fuel us to remain meek when So what can fuel us to remain meek when So what can fuel us to remain meek when we begin to feel that pressure? I think we begin to feel that pressure? I think we begin to feel that pressure? I think it's as simple as this. it's as simple as this. it's as simple as this. I'm not just submitting my strength to I'm not just submitting my strength to I'm not just submitting my strength to God out of fear or obligation.

God out of fear or obligation. God out of fear or obligation. I'm submitting to God because I actually I'm submitting to God because I actually I'm submitting to God because I actually have faith that he knows what he's have faith that he knows what he's have faith that he knows what he's doing. In first Peter, Peter is talking doing. In first Peter, Peter is talking doing. In first Peter, Peter is talking about Jesus and he says, "When they about Jesus and he says, "When they about Jesus and he says, "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not hurled their insults at him, he did not hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he made no retaliate. When he suffered, he made no retaliate. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself threats. Instead, he entrusted himself threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." to him who judges justly." to him who judges justly." I love the word instead in that verse I love the word instead in that verse I love the word instead in that verse because it shows us it wasn't that Jesus because it shows us it wasn't that Jesus because it shows us it wasn't that Jesus had no response when he was taken. And had no response when he was taken. And had no response when he was taken. And he just had a righteous response. And he just had a righteous response. And he just had a righteous response. And that response was to completely trust that response was to completely trust that response was to completely trust his life into his father's hands. And his life into his father's hands. And his life into his father's hands. And that is what citizens of the kingdom do. that is what citizens of the kingdom do. that is what citizens of the kingdom do. They trust that whatever is happening in They trust that whatever is happening in They trust that whatever is happening in my life right now, God is still on his my life right now, God is still on his my life right now, God is still on his throne. God is still in control. So they throne. God is still in control. So they throne. God is still in control. So they don't take the future into their own don't take the future into their own don't take the future into their own hands. hands. hands. Instead, they wait on God. They don't Instead, they wait on God. They don't Instead, they wait on God. They don't run out ahead of him. They wait for him run out ahead of him. They wait for him run out ahead of him. They wait for him to act on their behalf. And so the to act on their behalf. And so the to act on their behalf. And so the question is, do we trust God enough to question is, do we trust God enough to question is, do we trust God enough to maintain our meekness when it's truly maintain our meekness when it's truly maintain our meekness when it's truly tested? And here's what I think is a tested? And here's what I think is a tested? And here's what I think is a situation where your meekness is tested.

situation where your meekness is tested. situation where your meekness is tested. I don't think it's tested when there's a I don't think it's tested when there's a I don't think it's tested when there's a conflict and you're in the wrong cuz conflict and you're in the wrong cuz conflict and you're in the wrong cuz it's easy to back up when you realize it's easy to back up when you realize it's easy to back up when you realize you're wrong. Meekness is tested when you're wrong. Meekness is tested when you're wrong. Meekness is tested when we're right and somebody else is wrong we're right and somebody else is wrong we're right and somebody else is wrong and we have evidence that they're wrong and we have evidence that they're wrong and we have evidence that they're wrong and we're convinced that we have to do and we're convinced that we have to do and we're convinced that we have to do something or they're going to get away something or they're going to get away something or they're going to get away with it. What do we do in that with it. What do we do in that with it. What do we do in that situation? situation? situation? We keep trusting that God's way is the We keep trusting that God's way is the We keep trusting that God's way is the right way. right way. right way. In the Old Testament, In the Old Testament, In the Old Testament, Saul was David's king, his Saul was David's king, his Saul was David's king, his father-in-law, and someone he trusted. father-in-law, and someone he trusted. father-in-law, and someone he trusted. But one day, Saul got jealous of David. But one day, Saul got jealous of David. But one day, Saul got jealous of David. And so, he sent the army after David to And so, he sent the army after David to And so, he sent the army after David to kill him. David was on the run for years kill him. David was on the run for years kill him. David was on the run for years from Saul. But then one day he sneaks from Saul. But then one day he sneaks from Saul. But then one day he sneaks into his camp and Saul is laying on the into his camp and Saul is laying on the into his camp and Saul is laying on the ground with a spear next to his head. ground with a spear next to his head. ground with a spear next to his head. And David's friends are like, "Dude, And David's friends are like, "Dude, And David's friends are like, "Dude, this is your chance. Take your kingdom this is your chance. Take your kingdom this is your chance. Take your kingdom by force. You can put an end to this war by force. You can put an end to this war by force. You can put an end to this war and this rebellion and you can go back and this rebellion and you can go back and this rebellion and you can go back home." home." home." But David says, "I won't do it because But David says, "I won't do it because But David says, "I won't do it because he's the Lord's anointed no matter what he's the Lord's anointed no matter what he's the Lord's anointed no matter what he's done. And so the Lord might take he's done. And so the Lord might take he's done. And so the Lord might take him out or he might die in battle. But him out or he might die in battle. But him out or he might die in battle. But David says, "He will not die by my David says, "He will not die by my David says, "He will not die by my hand."

hand." hand." Would any of us have blamed David if Would any of us have blamed David if Would any of us have blamed David if that story had ended with him killing that story had ended with him killing that story had ended with him killing Saul? No. But David didn't get his Saul? No. But David didn't get his Saul? No. But David didn't get his standard standards from us. He got his standard standards from us. He got his standard standards from us. He got his standards from God. And David said, "No, standards from God. And David said, "No, standards from God. And David said, "No, this is not what the Lord would have me this is not what the Lord would have me this is not what the Lord would have me do." And church, it might not be the do." And church, it might not be the do." And church, it might not be the same for us. In fact, I hope you're same for us. In fact, I hope you're same for us. In fact, I hope you're never in a situation like this, but it never in a situation like this, but it never in a situation like this, but it won't be exactly the same. But we will won't be exactly the same. But we will won't be exactly the same. But we will eventually find ourselves in a situation eventually find ourselves in a situation eventually find ourselves in a situation where we've been unjustly wronged by where we've been unjustly wronged by where we've been unjustly wronged by someone. someone. someone. The question is not will we be in the The question is not will we be in the The question is not will we be in the situation. The question is can we situation. The question is can we situation. The question is can we respond like David? Can we say I'm going respond like David? Can we say I'm going respond like David? Can we say I'm going to let the Lord take care of this? And I to let the Lord take care of this? And I to let the Lord take care of this? And I want to give you a verse really quickly want to give you a verse really quickly want to give you a verse really quickly that can help you in those moments. that can help you in those moments. that can help you in those moments. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for causes all things to work together for causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who good to those who love God, to those who good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." are called according to his purpose." are called according to his purpose." That verse alone should be enough to That verse alone should be enough to That verse alone should be enough to convince us to trust the path that he convince us to trust the path that he convince us to trust the path that he has laid out for us. And I want to share has laid out for us. And I want to share has laid out for us. And I want to share with you how this verse has personally with you how this verse has personally with you how this verse has personally corrected me over the years. Because corrected me over the years. Because corrected me over the years. Because when I'm in a situation where I've been when I'm in a situation where I've been when I'm in a situation where I've been wronged or there's conflict, I'm wronged or there's conflict, I'm wronged or there's conflict, I'm laidback. I don't really get anxious laidback. I don't really get anxious laidback. I don't really get anxious about it. And I just say everything will about it. And I just say everything will about it. And I just say everything will work out like everything is just going work out like everything is just going work out like everything is just going to be fine. You know why this verse to be fine. You know why this verse to be fine. You know why this verse corrects me? Because things don't work.

corrects me? Because things don't work. corrects me? Because things don't work. God does. And the promise in this verse God does. And the promise in this verse God does. And the promise in this verse is that in everything God is working for is that in everything God is working for is that in everything God is working for the good for those who love him. the good for those who love him. the good for those who love him. >> And Paul says we are supposed to know >> And Paul says we are supposed to know >> And Paul says we are supposed to know this. And the question that will this. And the question that will this. And the question that will determine our meekness is do you know determine our meekness is do you know determine our meekness is do you know this? this? this? >> Do you trust this? Do you trust that >> Do you trust this? Do you trust that >> Do you trust this? Do you trust that even though it seems like your boss is even though it seems like your boss is even though it seems like your boss is trying to ruin your career, do you trust trying to ruin your career, do you trust trying to ruin your career, do you trust that even in that God is still working that even in that God is still working that even in that God is still working for the good? Do you trust that even for the good? Do you trust that even for the good? Do you trust that even though there's people spreading rumors though there's people spreading rumors though there's people spreading rumors about you, spreading rumors about your about you, spreading rumors about your about you, spreading rumors about your family, do you trust that in that God is family, do you trust that in that God is family, do you trust that in that God is still working for the good? And when you still working for the good? And when you still working for the good? And when you feel like everything is working against feel like everything is working against feel like everything is working against you in this world, do you trust that God you in this world, do you trust that God you in this world, do you trust that God is working for the good? And if you do, is working for the good? And if you do, is working for the good? And if you do, I have your response. You get alone with I have your response. You get alone with I have your response. You get alone with God. You pick up your Bible and ask, God. You pick up your Bible and ask, God. You pick up your Bible and ask, "Lord, how do you want me to respond to "Lord, how do you want me to respond to "Lord, how do you want me to respond to this?" That is all that we do. That's this?" That is all that we do. That's this?" That is all that we do. That's the faith of meekness. the faith of meekness. the faith of meekness. >> I want to end really quickly with >> I want to end really quickly with >> I want to end really quickly with probably the best part of the verse, the probably the best part of the verse, the probably the best part of the verse, the reward of meekness. reward of meekness. reward of meekness. >> Back in our original text, Jesus says in >> Back in our original text, Jesus says in >> Back in our original text, Jesus says in Matthew 5 that the meek are blessed. And Matthew 5 that the meek are blessed. And Matthew 5 that the meek are blessed. And again, that means happy, fortunate. But again, that means happy, fortunate. But again, that means happy, fortunate. But I love the way one theologian says it.

I love the way one theologian says it. I love the way one theologian says it. says that blessed means worthy of being says that blessed means worthy of being says that blessed means worthy of being envied or celebrated envied or celebrated envied or celebrated >> because this person is truly happy. >> because this person is truly happy. >> because this person is truly happy. >> Question you might ask though towards >> Question you might ask though towards >> Question you might ask though towards the end of this a sermon like this is the end of this a sermon like this is the end of this a sermon like this is why are the meek so happy? why are the meek so happy? why are the meek so happy? >> Like I get why it's a good trade. I get >> Like I get why it's a good trade. I get >> Like I get why it's a good trade. I get why it's good to be self-controlled and why it's good to be self-controlled and why it's good to be self-controlled and humble and gentle, but what makes them humble and gentle, but what makes them humble and gentle, but what makes them so happy? so happy? so happy? And Jesus says the meek are happy And Jesus says the meek are happy And Jesus says the meek are happy because they have a great reward coming because they have a great reward coming because they have a great reward coming to them. to them. to them. Jesus says that the meek are blessed Jesus says that the meek are blessed Jesus says that the meek are blessed because the meek will inherit the earth. because the meek will inherit the earth. because the meek will inherit the earth. >> I love the word inheritance there >> I love the word inheritance there >> I love the word inheritance there because it communicates that the reward because it communicates that the reward because it communicates that the reward that he's talking about, you can't work that he's talking about, you can't work that he's talking about, you can't work for it. He doesn't say that the meek for it. He doesn't say that the meek for it. He doesn't say that the meek will fight for this or grasp it or will fight for this or grasp it or will fight for this or grasp it or struggle for it. He says the meek are struggle for it. He says the meek are struggle for it. He says the meek are going to inherit this. going to inherit this. going to inherit this. An inheritance is a gift from a father An inheritance is a gift from a father An inheritance is a gift from a father to his children. And the great truth of to his children. And the great truth of to his children. And the great truth of the gospel is that the moment that you the gospel is that the moment that you the gospel is that the moment that you put faith in Christ, we are all adopted put faith in Christ, we are all adopted put faith in Christ, we are all adopted into the family of God. That's why I say into the family of God. That's why I say into the family of God. That's why I say the gospel isn't just good news. The the gospel isn't just good news. The the gospel isn't just good news. The gospel is great news.

gospel is great news. gospel is great news. >> Because God could have just saved us, >> Because God could have just saved us, >> Because God could have just saved us, forgiven us of our sins, and said, "You forgiven us of our sins, and said, "You forgiven us of our sins, and said, "You can come into heaven, but y'all got to can come into heaven, but y'all got to can come into heaven, but y'all got to be servants." That's not what he says. be servants." That's not what he says. be servants." That's not what he says. He says, "I'm going to welcome you into He says, "I'm going to welcome you into He says, "I'm going to welcome you into my family. I'm going to call you my my family. I'm going to call you my my family. I'm going to call you my children, and I will give you all the children, and I will give you all the children, and I will give you all the rights of a firstborn child." And within rights of a firstborn child." And within rights of a firstborn child." And within those rights is an inheritance that was those rights is an inheritance that was those rights is an inheritance that was purchased by the death of his son on the purchased by the death of his son on the purchased by the death of his son on the cross. The reason we don't have to work cross. The reason we don't have to work cross. The reason we don't have to work for this inheritance is because Jesus for this inheritance is because Jesus for this inheritance is because Jesus did the work. He paid for it with his did the work. He paid for it with his did the work. He paid for it with his blood and signed the se receipt with his blood and signed the se receipt with his blood and signed the se receipt with his resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Ephesians chapter 1 says, "In him we Ephesians chapter 1 says, "In him we Ephesians chapter 1 says, "In him we also have obtained an inheritance, also have obtained an inheritance, also have obtained an inheritance, having been chosen according to the having been chosen according to the having been chosen according to the purpose of him who works all things purpose of him who works all things purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." according to the counsel of his will." according to the counsel of his will." Church, God looks at all of us and he Church, God looks at all of us and he Church, God looks at all of us and he calls us heirs of God and co-airs with calls us heirs of God and co-airs with calls us heirs of God and co-airs with Christ. And I just want to tell you a Christ. And I just want to tell you a Christ. And I just want to tell you a couple things about this inheritance to couple things about this inheritance to couple things about this inheritance to get you excited. First of all, it's get you excited. First of all, it's get you excited. First of all, it's guaranteed. guaranteed. guaranteed. >> Amen. God gives all of his children the >> Amen. God gives all of his children the >> Amen. God gives all of his children the gift of his Holy Spirit who lives in our gift of his Holy Spirit who lives in our gift of his Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts transforming us and sanctifying hearts transforming us and sanctifying hearts transforming us and sanctifying us. And it says that he is a down us. And it says that he is a down us. And it says that he is a down payment guaranteeing what is to come.

payment guaranteeing what is to come. payment guaranteeing what is to come. Also, this inheritance is eternal. Also, this inheritance is eternal. Also, this inheritance is eternal. Unlike an earthly inheritance that can Unlike an earthly inheritance that can Unlike an earthly inheritance that can be taken from you or squandered or be taken from you or squandered or be taken from you or squandered or thrown away, Peter says that it is an thrown away, Peter says that it is an thrown away, Peter says that it is an inheritance that will never perish, inheritance that will never perish, inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. It's going to last spoil, or fade. It's going to last spoil, or fade. It's going to last forever. forever. forever. Last thing about this inheritance though Last thing about this inheritance though Last thing about this inheritance though is that it's glorious. is that it's glorious. is that it's glorious. >> Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the >> Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the >> Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the earth." earth." earth." >> This is a quote from Psalm 37:11 where >> This is a quote from Psalm 37:11 where >> This is a quote from Psalm 37:11 where David says that the meek are going to David says that the meek are going to David says that the meek are going to inherit the land. But Jesus says, "I got inherit the land. But Jesus says, "I got inherit the land. But Jesus says, "I got a better promise for you." Yes, giving a better promise for you." Yes, giving a better promise for you." Yes, giving you a continent would be cool. Giving you a continent would be cool. Giving you a continent would be cool. Giving you a state, giving you a bunch of you a state, giving you a bunch of you a state, giving you a bunch of acres. But he says, "No, the meek are acres. But he says, "No, the meek are acres. But he says, "No, the meek are going to inherit the earth." And by the going to inherit the earth." And by the going to inherit the earth." And by the earth, Jesus means the new earth. If you earth, Jesus means the new earth. If you earth, Jesus means the new earth. If you read Revelation 21, John says, "I looked read Revelation 21, John says, "I looked read Revelation 21, John says, "I looked up and behold, there was a new heaven up and behold, there was a new heaven up and behold, there was a new heaven and a new earth because the old one had and a new earth because the old one had and a new earth because the old one had passed away." And he said, "In this one, passed away." And he said, "In this one, passed away." And he said, "In this one, God is going to dwell with his people God is going to dwell with his people God is going to dwell with his people and all things are going to be made new, and all things are going to be made new, and all things are going to be made new, restored back to the state before sin restored back to the state before sin restored back to the state before sin corrupted everything." And Jesus's corrupted everything." And Jesus's corrupted everything." And Jesus's promise is that for the meek, for the promise is that for the meek, for the promise is that for the meek, for the one in his kingdom, for the one that one in his kingdom, for the one that one in his kingdom, for the one that knows him, this earth is yours.

knows him, this earth is yours. knows him, this earth is yours. >> Do you know why the meek can be okay >> Do you know why the meek can be okay >> Do you know why the meek can be okay missing out right now? Why we don't have missing out right now? Why we don't have missing out right now? Why we don't have to snatch everything? Why we don't have to snatch everything? Why we don't have to snatch everything? Why we don't have to take things by force and try to build to take things by force and try to build to take things by force and try to build everything on this earth? Because one everything on this earth? Because one everything on this earth? Because one day, the father promises that he's going day, the father promises that he's going day, the father promises that he's going to give us everything. to give us everything. to give us everything. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Can you imagine a world where there's no Can you imagine a world where there's no Can you imagine a world where there's no more crying, no more pain or sorrow or more crying, no more pain or sorrow or more crying, no more pain or sorrow or funerals or doctor visits? God says, funerals or doctor visits? God says, funerals or doctor visits? God says, "I'm going to create that world and then "I'm going to create that world and then "I'm going to create that world and then give it to you." >> So, knowing that we have that, what >> So, knowing that we have that, what should we do in the meantime? should we do in the meantime? should we do in the meantime? >> We should have joy. >> We should have joy. >> We should have joy. >> We should just live a life where we're >> We should just live a life where we're >> We should just live a life where we're confident in who God calls us to be. We confident in who God calls us to be. We confident in who God calls us to be. We should not feel weak because we're meek. should not feel weak because we're meek. should not feel weak because we're meek. We should not feel ashamed because we're We should not feel ashamed because we're We should not feel ashamed because we're meek. We should feel blessed meek. We should feel blessed meek. We should feel blessed >> because that's what the Bible says that >> because that's what the Bible says that >> because that's what the Bible says that we are. we are. we are. And I want to finish right back where we And I want to finish right back where we And I want to finish right back where we started. started. started. If you don't feel this joy right now, if If you don't feel this joy right now, if If you don't feel this joy right now, if you don't feel blessed, you don't feel blessed, you don't feel blessed, the problem might not be that you're not the problem might not be that you're not the problem might not be that you're not meek enough. The problem might be that meek enough. The problem might be that meek enough. The problem might be that you are still like Solomon and you are you are still like Solomon and you are you are still like Solomon and you are chasing after the wind trying to find chasing after the wind trying to find chasing after the wind trying to find happiness in something out there where happiness in something out there where happiness in something out there where you never will because the Bible says you never will because the Bible says you never will because the Bible says that God has placed eternity in your that God has placed eternity in your that God has placed eternity in your hearts. The only thing that will make hearts. The only thing that will make hearts. The only thing that will make you happy is knowing that you will dwell you happy is knowing that you will dwell you happy is knowing that you will dwell with God forever.

with God forever. with God forever. That is his offer to you right now. Turn That is his offer to you right now. Turn That is his offer to you right now. Turn to me and be saved. Put faith in my son to me and be saved. Put faith in my son to me and be saved. Put faith in my son and I will forgive your sins. and I will forgive your sins. and I will forgive your sins. you will be blessed and one day you get you will be blessed and one day you get you will be blessed and one day you get to come and live with me forever in to come and live with me forever in to come and live with me forever in eternity. That's his offer for us. eternity. That's his offer for us. eternity. That's his offer for us. >> What a strong word today. I know that >> What a strong word today. I know that >> What a strong word today. I know that God has ministered some things to you. God has ministered some things to you. God has ministered some things to you. If you have made a decision for Christ, If you have made a decision for Christ, If you have made a decision for Christ, we want to know about it so that we can we want to know about it so that we can we want to know about it so that we can help you take your next step with Jesus help you take your next step with Jesus help you take your next step with Jesus [music] and cover your family with [music] and cover your family with [music] and cover your family with prayer. So, if you'll send us a message prayer. So, if you'll send us a message prayer. So, if you'll send us a message or leave us a comment, [music] someone or leave us a comment, [music] someone or leave us a comment, [music] someone will follow back up with you. And will follow back up with you. And will follow back up with you. And remember, we have 18 campuses around the remember, we have 18 campuses around the remember, we have 18 campuses around the state of Arkansas, and we would [music] state of Arkansas, and we would [music] state of Arkansas, and we would [music] love to see you at one of our services love to see you at one of our services love to see you at one of our services on the weekends.