Blessed Are The Meek | Kingdom Culture

I'm excited to continue our kingdom I'm excited to continue our kingdom culture series. We're going through the culture series. We're going through the culture series. We're going through the Beatitudes this summer. Those kingdom Beatitudes this summer. Those kingdom Beatitudes this summer. Those kingdom statements where Jesus just lays out the statements where Jesus just lays out the statements where Jesus just lays out the culture of all those who follow him. And culture of all those who follow him. And culture of all those who follow him. And today, like John said, we're going to be today, like John said, we're going to be today, like John said, we're going to be in Matthew 5:5 talking about the meek. in Matthew 5:5 talking about the meek. in Matthew 5:5 talking about the meek. But leading up to that, I would like to But leading up to that, I would like to But leading up to that, I would like to read for you Matthew 5:1-5 read for you Matthew 5:1-5 read for you Matthew 5:1-5 to get started. If you're ready for the to get started. If you're ready for the to get started. If you're ready for the word, say amen. word, say amen. word, say amen. Now, when Jesus saw the crowds, Now, when Jesus saw the crowds, Now, when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat he went up on a mountainside and sat he went up on a mountainside and sat down. down. down. His disciples came to him and he began His disciples came to him and he began His disciples came to him and he began to teach them. He said, "Blessed are the to teach them. He said, "Blessed are the to teach them. He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, poor in spirit, poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they Blessed are those who mourn, for they Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. will be comforted. will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, Blessed are the meek, Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Amen." for they will inherit the earth. Amen." for they will inherit the earth. Amen." I want to title the message this I want to title the message this I want to title the message this morning, "Happy Are the Meek." morning, "Happy Are the Meek." morning, "Happy Are the Meek." Happy Happy Happy are the meek. are the meek. are the meek. When it comes to happiness, I think When it comes to happiness, I think When it comes to happiness, I think there's something we can learn, an there's something we can learn, an there's something we can learn, an important lesson, from King Solomon in important lesson, from King Solomon in important lesson, from King Solomon in the Old Testament.

the Old Testament. the Old Testament. Because when you read about King Because when you read about King Because when you read about King Solomon, you read about the life of a Solomon, you read about the life of a Solomon, you read about the life of a man who seemed like he had everything. man who seemed like he had everything. man who seemed like he had everything. Solomon had a kingdom that was rich. He Solomon had a kingdom that was rich. He Solomon had a kingdom that was rich. He had great intelligence and wisdom, and had great intelligence and wisdom, and had great intelligence and wisdom, and he was famous. He was so famous people he was famous. He was so famous people he was famous. He was so famous people traveled thousands of miles just to hear traveled thousands of miles just to hear traveled thousands of miles just to hear him talk. Solomon had it going on. him talk. Solomon had it going on. him talk. Solomon had it going on. But if there was one thing Solomon did But if there was one thing Solomon did But if there was one thing Solomon did not have, which you would not expect not have, which you would not expect not have, which you would not expect from a man like this, church, he didn't from a man like this, church, he didn't from a man like this, church, he didn't have happiness. have happiness. have happiness. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon lays out a personal happiness Solomon lays out a personal happiness Solomon lays out a personal happiness experiment he did in his life where he experiment he did in his life where he experiment he did in his life where he tried to see if he could just find all tried to see if he could just find all tried to see if he could just find all of the things to manufacture happiness of the things to manufacture happiness of the things to manufacture happiness and joy in his heart. And to do this, he and joy in his heart. And to do this, he and joy in his heart. And to do this, he said he denied his eyes nothing that he said he denied his eyes nothing that he said he denied his eyes nothing that he could see. could see. could see. He went after everything that this world He went after everything that this world He went after everything that this world has to offer for happiness. And you know has to offer for happiness. And you know has to offer for happiness. And you know what he called that? what he called that? what he called that? He called it chasing after the wind. He called it chasing after the wind. He called it chasing after the wind. Running after something that you can Running after something that you can Running after something that you can never just quite get a hold of. And I never just quite get a hold of. And I never just quite get a hold of. And I don't think what Solomon did in don't think what Solomon did in don't think what Solomon did in Ecclesiastes is unique.

Ecclesiastes is unique. Ecclesiastes is unique. I think it is common even today for us I think it is common even today for us I think it is common even today for us to conduct happiness experiments, just to conduct happiness experiments, just to conduct happiness experiments, just trying to figure out what's the perfect trying to figure out what's the perfect trying to figure out what's the perfect mix of factors, the right job, the right mix of factors, the right job, the right mix of factors, the right job, the right car, the right vacation spot. But if it car, the right vacation spot. But if it car, the right vacation spot. But if it was true for Solomon, it will also be was true for Solomon, it will also be was true for Solomon, it will also be true for us. That is just chasing after true for us. That is just chasing after true for us. That is just chasing after the wind. the wind. the wind. But then Jesus sat down on a mountain But then Jesus sat down on a mountain But then Jesus sat down on a mountain and started delivering the Beatitudes, and started delivering the Beatitudes, and started delivering the Beatitudes, and he offers us something real. The and he offers us something real. The and he offers us something real. The Beatitudes are Jesus offering us all Beatitudes are Jesus offering us all Beatitudes are Jesus offering us all true happiness. true happiness. true happiness. Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed, Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed, Nine times Jesus uses the word blessed, and that word means happy, fortunate, and that word means happy, fortunate, and that word means happy, fortunate, favored by God, someone with true and favored by God, someone with true and favored by God, someone with true and lasting joy. Jesus is saying, "This is lasting joy. Jesus is saying, "This is lasting joy. Jesus is saying, "This is what a happy life looks like." what a happy life looks like." what a happy life looks like." What was so incredible about what he What was so incredible about what he What was so incredible about what he does in these verses? Jesus calls people does in these verses? Jesus calls people does in these verses? Jesus calls people happy happy happy that we would not think are happy. that we would not think are happy. that we would not think are happy. Jesus says, "Happy are those who mourn.

Jesus says, "Happy are those who mourn. Jesus says, "Happy are those who 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." But what Jesus teaches us along the way But what Jesus teaches us along the way in the Beatitudes is that kingdom in the Beatitudes is that kingdom in the Beatitudes is that kingdom happiness, godly happiness, is often happiness, godly happiness, is often happiness, godly happiness, is often found in places that our human hearts found in places that our human hearts found in places that our human hearts just can't comprehend. just can't comprehend. just can't comprehend. And that is especially true for the And that is especially true for the And that is especially true for the Beatitude we are looking at this Beatitude we are looking at this Beatitude we are looking at this morning, happy are the meek. morning, happy are the meek. morning, happy are the meek. Can we be honest with each other? Can we be honest with each other? Can we be honest with each other? Nobody wants to be meek. Nobody wants to be meek. Nobody wants to be meek. Nobody wakes up in the morning praying Nobody wakes up in the morning praying Nobody wakes up in the morning praying for meekness. for meekness. for meekness. Nobody hopes that people are just Nobody hopes that people are just Nobody hopes that people are just noticing how meek they are. It's not noticing how meek they are. It's not noticing how meek they are. It's not something we really want to hear about something we really want to hear about something we really want to hear about ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. But I think that's because if we look it But I think that's because if we look it But I think that's because if we look it up in the dictionary, the English word up in the dictionary, the English word up in the dictionary, the English word just just just paints a misleading picture. If you read paints a misleading picture. If you read paints a misleading picture. If you read the dictionary definition, it paints the the dictionary definition, it paints the the dictionary definition, it paints the picture of a weak person. picture of a weak person. picture of a weak person. One of the definitions on One of the definitions on One of the definitions on Merriam-Webster's is Merriam-Webster's is Merriam-Webster's is a person who is deficient in spirit and a person who is deficient in spirit and a person who is deficient in spirit and courage. courage. courage. Some of the synonyms are timid, shy, Some of the synonyms are timid, shy, Some of the synonyms are timid, 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. I don't want to be a mousy sounds. I don't want to be a mousy sounds. I don't want to be a mousy person. And so, if this is the picture person. And so, if this is the picture person. And so, if this is the picture 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'll just ignore it because ways. One, we'll just ignore it because ways. One, we'll just ignore it because we don't want to be that person, or two, we don't want to be that person, or two, we don't want to be that person, or two, we will think that Jesus is teaching we will think that Jesus is teaching we will think that Jesus is teaching that if you want to be saved, you got to that if you want to be saved, you got to that if you want to be saved, you got to be soft. be soft. be soft. You got to be a doormat and just let You got to be a doormat and just let You got to be a doormat and just let anybody out there tell you something and anybody out there tell you something and anybody out there tell you something and you have to go along with it, but that you have to go along with it, but that you have to go along with it, but that is not what he means. is not what he means. is not what he means. So, first things first, what does Jesus So, first things first, what does Jesus So, first things first, what does Jesus mean by meek? mean by meek? mean by meek? Well, scholars say the Greek word that Well, scholars say the Greek word that Well, scholars say the Greek word that he uses is almost untranslatable into he uses is almost untranslatable into he uses is almost untranslatable into English, but the most common synonym English, but the most common synonym English, but the most common synonym used in the Bible is a word we're used in the Bible is a word we're used in the Bible is a word we're familiar with, familiar with, familiar with, and that is gentleness. and that is gentleness. and that is gentleness. The New American Standard translates The New American Standard translates The New American Standard translates Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the gentle." Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the gentle." Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the gentle." And gentleness describes a person who And gentleness describes a person who And gentleness describes a person who treats other people with compassion, treats other people with compassion, treats other people with compassion, kindness, kindness, kindness, and consideration. and consideration. and consideration. It's someone who's patient with people.

It's someone who's patient with people. It's someone who's patient with people. They're not angry, they're not They're not angry, they're not They're not angry, they're not irritable, they're not harsh with their irritable, they're not harsh with their irritable, they're not harsh with their words, they're approachable. The other words, they're approachable. The other words, they're approachable. The other thing is the meek don't assert thing is the meek don't assert thing is the meek don't assert themselves by force. They don't use themselves by force. They don't use themselves by force. They don't use their authority to trample over other their authority to trample over other their authority to trample over other people, but this is very important. people, but this is very important. people, but this is very important. A gentle person is not a reactive A gentle person is not a reactive A gentle person is not a reactive person. person. person. They are not easily offended. They are not easily offended. They are not easily offended. They don't take revenge into their own They don't take revenge into their own They don't take revenge into their own hands, they don't lash out in anger. So, hands, they don't lash out in anger. So, hands, they don't lash out in anger. So, gentle people don't have road rage. No, gentle people don't have road rage. No, gentle people don't have road rage. No, I'm just kidding. We don't I'm just kidding. We don't I'm just kidding. We don't We don't talk about that. But a gentle We don't talk about that. But a gentle We don't talk about that. But a gentle person is quick person is quick person is quick to forgive a transgression against to forgive a transgression against to forgive a transgression against themselves and move on. Church, a gentle themselves and move on. Church, a gentle themselves and move on. Church, a gentle person is someone who has a calmness in person is someone who has a calmness in person is someone who has a calmness in their spirit and that shapes how they their spirit and that shapes how they their spirit and that shapes how they deal with other people. One of the uses deal with other people. One of the uses deal with other people. One of the uses in classical Greek for this word was a in classical Greek for this word was a in classical Greek for this word was a gentle and soothing wind that gave gentle and soothing wind that gave gentle and soothing wind that gave relief from the heat of the sun. And I relief from the heat of the sun. And I relief from the heat of the sun. And I think we all know people like that. Like think we all know people like that. Like think we all know people like that. Like they just walk into the room and they're they just walk into the room and they're they just walk into the room and they're a breath of fresh air. a breath of fresh air. a breath of fresh air. They just bring relief because they're They just bring relief because they're They just bring relief because they're so kind and compassionate. But we also so kind and compassionate. But we also so kind and compassionate. But we also know people know people know people who are not a soothing wind. They're who are not a soothing wind. They're who are not a soothing wind. They're like a destructive tornado.

like a destructive tornado. like a destructive tornado. And and they don't care for anybody in And and they don't care for anybody in And and they don't care for anybody in their path, but they just steamroll them their path, but they just steamroll them their path, but they just steamroll them with their words, with their emotions, with their words, with their emotions, with their words, with their emotions, or with their brute strength. And what or with their brute strength. And what or with their brute strength. And what Jesus is saying in this Beatitude is Jesus is saying in this Beatitude is Jesus is saying in this Beatitude is blessed are those who commit to being blessed are those who commit to being blessed are those who commit to being the gentle wind. the gentle wind. the gentle wind. I'm reminded of Paul in 1 Thessalonians I'm reminded of Paul in 1 Thessalonians I'm reminded of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2 when he said to the church in 2 when he said to the church in 2 when he said to the church in Thessalonica, "We were apostles. We Thessalonica, "We were apostles. We Thessalonica, "We were apostles. We could have just come in and demanded all could have just come in and demanded all could have just come in and demanded all kinds of things of you. We could have We kinds of things of you. We could have We kinds of things of you. We could have We could have taken things and used our could have taken things and used our could have taken things and used our authority." But he says, "Instead, we authority." But he says, "Instead, we authority." But he says, "Instead, we were gentle among you." were gentle among you." were gentle among you." Like a mother caring for her newborn Like a mother caring for her newborn Like a mother caring for her newborn infant. That is meekness, church. It is infant. That is meekness, church. It is infant. That is meekness, church. It is choosing to be gentle, not because choosing to be gentle, not because choosing to be gentle, not because you're timid, not because you're shy, you're timid, not because you're shy, you're timid, not because you're shy, not because you're mousy, not because you're mousy, not because you're 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. Christ's kingdom. Christ's kingdom. And do you know why it's the character And do you know why it's the character And do you know why it's the character of Christ's kingdom? Because it was the of Christ's kingdom? Because it was the of Christ's kingdom? Because it was the character of Christ himself. character of Christ himself. character of Christ himself. Jesus made a lot of statements about the Jesus made a lot of statements about the Jesus made a lot of statements about the kingdom of God and about his future kingdom of God and about his future kingdom of God and about his future kingdom and all the things he was going kingdom and all the things he was going kingdom and all the things he was going to do, but he only made one clear to do, but he only made one clear to do, but he only made one clear statement about his own character. And statement about his own character. And statement about his own character. And in Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my in Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my in Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, yoke upon you and learn from me, yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

and you will find rest for your souls." and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus in this verse is making an Jesus in this verse is making an Jesus in this verse is making an invitation. He's saying, "Come and learn invitation. He's saying, "Come and learn invitation. He's saying, "Come and learn from me." And there's all kinds of words from me." And there's all kinds of words from me." And there's all kinds of words he could have used. He said, "Come and he could have used. He said, "Come and he could have used. He said, "Come and He could have said, 'Come and learn from He could have said, 'Come and learn from He could have said, 'Come and learn from me because I'm God in the flesh. Come me because I'm God in the flesh. Come me because I'm God in the flesh. Come and learn from me because I'm perfect. and learn from me because I'm perfect. and learn from me because I'm perfect. Come and learn from me because I'm all Come and learn from me because I'm all Come and learn from me because I'm all powerful.'" But he says, "Come and learn powerful.'" But he says, "Come and learn powerful.'" But he says, "Come and learn from me because I'm gentle." And so this verse shows us that And so this verse shows us that gentleness is essential to the Christian gentleness is essential to the Christian gentleness is essential to the Christian life. life. life. I can't fulfill God's plan for my life I can't fulfill God's plan for my life I can't fulfill God's plan for my life without it because I don't know what God without it because I don't know what God without it because I don't know what God has in store for us all individually, has in store for us all individually, has in store for us all individually, but I do know what he wants for each and but I do know what he wants for each and but I do know what he wants for each and every person in this room is to conform every person in this room is to conform every person in this room is to conform us into the image of Jesus. And so a simple theme that I would like And so a simple theme that I would like to to to interpret this passage in light of this interpret this passage in light of this interpret this passage in light of this morning is that Christians should be morning is that Christians should be morning is that Christians should be motivated to be meek because Christians motivated to be meek because Christians motivated to be meek because Christians are motivated to be like Christ. are motivated to be like Christ. are motivated to be like Christ. And if we're motivated to be like Jesus, And if we're motivated to be like Jesus, And if we're motivated to be like Jesus, the question is how can we be meek? I the question is how can we be meek? I the question is how can we be meek? I want to outline four characteristics of want to outline four characteristics of want to outline four characteristics of meekness with you this morning. First meekness with you this morning. First meekness with you this morning. First one, one, one, I want to talk about the foundation of I want to talk about the foundation of I want to talk about the foundation of meekness.

I think it's important to understand I think it's important to understand that this Beatitude is not talking about that this Beatitude is not talking about that this Beatitude is not talking about our natural personality. our natural personality. our natural personality. You know, there are some people who are You know, there are some people who are You know, there are some people who are just naturally gentle. They're just not just naturally gentle. They're just not just naturally gentle. They're just not wired to be assertive or aggressive. wired to be assertive or aggressive. wired to be assertive or aggressive. That's just who they are. That's just who they are. That's just who they are. But when the Bible talks about But when the Bible talks about But when the Bible talks about gentleness, it's not talking about a gentleness, it's not talking about a gentleness, it's not talking about a personality trait. The Bible calls personality trait. The Bible calls personality trait. The Bible calls gentleness the fruit of the Holy Spirit. gentleness the fruit of the Holy Spirit. gentleness the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the evidences that God's This is one of the evidences that God's This is one of the evidences that God's power is working in someone's life. And power is working in someone's life. And power is working in someone's life. And that's why I believe Jesus places it that's why I believe Jesus places it that's why I believe Jesus places it third in the list because he lays out third in the list because he lays out third in the list because he lays out these Beatitudes in a way where each one these Beatitudes in a way where each one these Beatitudes in a way where each one builds on the ones that come before it. builds on the ones that come before it. builds on the ones that come before it. And so Matthew 5:3 addresses our view of And so Matthew 5:3 addresses our view of And so Matthew 5:3 addresses our view of God. God. God. Matthew 5:4 addresses our view of Matthew 5:4 addresses our view of Matthew 5:4 addresses our view of ourselves, and then Matthew 5:5 is the ourselves, and then Matthew 5:5 is the ourselves, and then Matthew 5:5 is the first Beatitude that addresses our view first Beatitude that addresses our view first Beatitude that addresses our view of others. So what is Jesus saying in of others. So what is Jesus saying in of others. So what is Jesus saying in the flow of the sermon? the flow of the sermon? the flow of the sermon? Before we can treat people correctly, Before we can treat people correctly, Before we can treat people correctly, there are some foundational things we there are some foundational things we there are some foundational things we have to establish between us and God.

have to establish between us and God. have to establish between us and God. And he lays them out. First, we have to And he lays them out. First, we have to And he lays them out. First, we have to be poor in spirit. be poor in spirit. be poor in spirit. And that means when I see God for who he And that means when I see God for who he And that means when I see God for who he is, I just understand that I am is, I just understand that I am is, I just understand that I am spiritually bankrupt. spiritually bankrupt. spiritually bankrupt. Because of my sin, Because of my sin, Because of my sin, I have nothing of spiritual value apart I have nothing of spiritual value apart I have nothing of spiritual value apart from God. I need him for everything. from God. I need him for everything. from God. I need him for everything. And then he says, "Blessed are those who And then he says, "Blessed are those who And then he says, "Blessed are those who mourn." And that means I'm mourning over mourn." And that means I'm mourning over mourn." And that means I'm mourning over my poverty of spirit. I love the picture my poverty of spirit. I love the picture my poverty of spirit. I love the picture that Isaiah gives of this in Isaiah 6. that Isaiah gives of this in Isaiah 6. that Isaiah gives of this in Isaiah 6. He has a vision of God high and lifted He has a vision of God high and lifted He has a vision of God high and lifted up, and he sees him, and all he can say up, and he sees him, and all he can say up, and he sees him, and all he can say when he sees the presence of God is, when he sees the presence of God is, when he sees the presence of God is, "Woe is me, "Woe is me, "Woe is me, because I'm a man of unclean lips, and because I'm a man of unclean lips, and because I'm a man of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king." my eyes have seen the king." my eyes have seen the king." It's just a sorrow understanding all the It's just a sorrow understanding all the It's just a sorrow understanding all the things that we have done wrong in our things that we have done wrong in our things that we have done wrong in our lives. lives. lives. 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 Beatitudes as a laid, not just for the Beatitudes as a laid, not just for the Beatitudes as a whole, but especially for meekness. And whole, but especially for meekness. And whole, but especially for meekness. And that foundation, church, is humility.

Once I'm poor in spirit, my Once I'm poor in spirit, my my eyes are opened, and all of my pride, my eyes are opened, and all of my pride, my eyes are opened, and all of my pride, all of my self-righteousness, all of the all of my self-righteousness, all of the all of my self-righteousness, all of the ideas that I can figure it out on my ideas that I can figure it out on my ideas that I can figure it out on my own, they all go out the window because own, they all go out the window because own, they all go out the window because now I not only know who God is, I know now I not only know who God is, I know now I not only know who God is, I know who I am. And I know that God has all of who I am. And I know that God has all of who I am. And I know that God has all of these wonderful attributes that I fall these wonderful attributes that I fall these wonderful attributes that I fall short of. Like God is holy and righteous short of. Like God is holy and righteous short 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 it's humbling because now I know And it's humbling because now I know And it's humbling because now I know because of my sin, I am in constant need because of my sin, I am in constant need because of my sin, I am in constant need of God's grace and favor in my life. of God's grace and favor in my life. of God's grace and favor 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 wife, my family, my career, none of that wife, my family, my career, none of that wife, my family, my career, none of that is because I earned it or deserved it. is because I earned it or deserved it. is 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 after I get to that point, only And only after I get to that point, only And only after I get to that point, only once I understand that am I prepared to once I understand that am I prepared to once I understand that am I prepared to embrace meekness. A very simple way to embrace meekness. A very simple way to embrace meekness. A very simple way to look at it, church. Meekness is simply look at it, church. Meekness is simply look at it, church. Meekness is simply humility towards others that flows out humility towards others that flows out humility towards others that flows out of my humility towards God.

of my humility towards God. of my humility towards God. Only humble people can be meek. Only humble people can be meek. Only humble people can be meek. Because humble people don't have egos. Because humble people don't have egos. Because humble people don't have egos. Humble people don't think about what Humble people don't think about what Humble people don't think about what other people owe them and try to snatch other people owe them and try to snatch other people owe them and try to snatch it from them. Humble people understand it from them. Humble people understand it from them. Humble people understand Romans 12:3 Romans 12:3 Romans 12:3 where Paul says, where Paul says, where Paul says, "For by the grace given to me, I say to "For by the grace given to me, I say to "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you everyone among you everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than not to think of himself more highly than not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." he ought to think." he ought to think." If we are being honest, I believe every If we are being honest, I believe every If we are being honest, I believe every time we fail to be gentle, time we fail to be gentle, time we fail to be gentle, whether it is to our spouses, our whether it is to our spouses, our whether it is to our spouses, our co-workers, our friends, or our kids, it co-workers, our friends, or our kids, it co-workers, our friends, or our kids, it comes from getting that verse wrong. comes from getting that verse wrong. comes from getting that verse wrong. It comes from thinking way too highly of It comes from thinking way too highly of It comes from thinking way too highly of ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Not too long ago, Not too long ago, Not too long ago, I climbed Pinnacle Mountain for like the I climbed Pinnacle Mountain for like the I climbed Pinnacle Mountain for like the fifth time, and I don't know why I keep fifth time, and I don't know why I keep fifth time, and I don't know why I keep letting people talk me into it because I letting people talk me into it because I letting people talk me into it because I don't like heights. don't like heights. don't like heights. I don't. Like we get up there and I don't. Like we get up there and I don't. Like we get up there and everybody wants to take pictures. I'm everybody wants to take pictures. I'm everybody wants to take pictures. I'm like, "Let's go down." like, "Let's go down." like, "Let's go down." But something that I that I do notice But something that I that I do notice But something that I that I do notice when I'm up on a mountain is just how when I'm up on a mountain is just how when I'm up on a mountain is just how from your vantage point, everything from your vantage point, everything from your vantage point, everything below you is just so small. It's so below you is just so small. It's so below you is just so small. It's so little. It's so low. It just looks tiny little. It's so low. It just looks tiny little. It's so low. It just looks tiny compared to you. And I believe there's compared to you. And I believe there's compared to you. And I believe there's an illustration in there of what pride an illustration in there of what pride an illustration in there of what pride does in our hearts. Church, the the does in our hearts. Church, the the does in our hearts. Church, the the higher your opinion of yourself climbs, higher your opinion of yourself climbs, higher your opinion of yourself climbs, the lower your opinion of everybody else the lower your opinion of everybody else the lower your opinion of everybody else gets. And you're And from your vantage gets. And you're And from your vantage gets. And you're And from your vantage point, you're looking down at them and point, you're looking down at them and point, you're looking down at them and comparing yourself to them, and you're comparing yourself to them, and you're comparing yourself to them, and you're like, "Man, they make mistakes that I like, "Man, they make mistakes that I like, "Man, they make mistakes that I would never make."

would never make." would never make." They do things I would never do. I'm They do things I would never do. I'm They do things I would never do. I'm always right. They're always wrong. And always right. They're always wrong. And always right. They're always wrong. And you know what they really need in life? you know what they really need in life? you know what they really need in life? They need to become more like me. They need to become more like me. They need to become more like me. And And And And these feelings towards people, they And these feelings towards people, they And these feelings towards people, they express themselves in harsh and prideful express themselves in harsh and prideful express themselves in harsh and prideful behavior towards them. behavior towards them. behavior towards them. What's the only way to fix this? What's the only way to fix this? What's the only way to fix this? A shift in viewpoint. A shift in viewpoint. A shift in viewpoint. We need to stop looking down at others We need to stop looking down at others We need to stop looking down at others and start looking up at God. and start looking up at God. and start looking up at God. And start remembering all the things And start remembering all the things And start remembering all the things about ourselves that he could point out. about ourselves that he could point out. about ourselves that he could point out. And to think about how much trouble we'd And to think about how much trouble we'd And to think about how much trouble we'd be in if he decided to treat us harshly be in if he decided to treat us harshly be in if he decided to treat us harshly instead of with love. instead of with love. instead of with love. And this reflection on my own And this reflection on my own And this reflection on my own shortcomings, church, it has to make me shortcomings, church, it has to make me shortcomings, church, it has to make me lower myself. That's what humility is. lower myself. That's what humility is. lower myself. That's what humility is. It is a lowering of yourself off of a It is a lowering of yourself off of a It is a lowering of yourself off of a pedestal. pedestal. pedestal. And now that's going to bring me to a And now that's going to bring me to a And now that's going to bring me to a place where instead of judging people, place where instead of judging people, place where instead of judging people, I'm treating them with love, compassion, I'm treating them with love, compassion, I'm treating them with love, compassion, and I'm serving them because I want to and I'm serving them because I want to and I'm serving them because I want to treat people with the same gentleness treat people with the same gentleness treat people with the same gentleness that I need from God. that I need from God. that I need from God. And you know what's to motivate us to And you know what's to motivate us to And you know what's to motivate us to lower ourselves to meekness? That's what lower ourselves to meekness? That's what lower ourselves to meekness? That's what Christ did for us.

Christ did for us. Christ did for us. Philippians 2, Paul says that Jesus Philippians 2, Paul says that Jesus Philippians 2, Paul says that Jesus existed in the form of God, and he had existed in the form of God, and he had existed in the form of God, and he had equality with God, but he did not equality with God, but he did not equality with God, but he did not consider that equality something to be consider that equality something to be consider that 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 a man like us. heavenly glory to become a man like us. heavenly glory to become a man like us. And to experience all of our pain, all And to experience all of our pain, all And to experience all of our pain, all of our sorrow, all of our temptations of our sorrow, all of our temptations of our sorrow, all of our temptations and weakness. And even though Jesus and weakness. And even though Jesus and weakness. And even though Jesus could have come to earth and looked down could have come to earth and looked down could have come to earth and looked down on us because of all of our sin and all on us because of all of our sin and all on us because of all of our sin and all of our brokenness, Isaiah says, "Though of our brokenness, Isaiah says, "Though of our brokenness, Isaiah says, "Though a bruised reed, he didn't break, and a a bruised reed, he didn't break, and a a bruised reed, he didn't break, and a smoldering wick, he didn't burn out." smoldering wick, he didn't burn out." smoldering wick, he didn't burn out." Jesus walked among broken people, but he Jesus walked among broken people, but he Jesus walked among broken people, but he didn't break them further. didn't break them further. didn't break them further. He mended them, and he fixed them, and He mended them, and he fixed them, and He mended them, and he fixed them, and he loved them because he was willing to he loved them because he was willing to he loved them because he was willing to humble himself and treat them gently. humble himself and treat them gently. humble himself and treat them gently. And church, I am just of the belief And church, I am just of the belief And church, I am just of the belief that if Jesus can step off of a throne that if Jesus can step off of a throne that if Jesus can step off of a throne in heaven, in heaven, in heaven, down into a crib in Bethlehem, down into a crib in Bethlehem, down into a crib in Bethlehem, and live a poor life, and live a poor life, and live a poor life, and then die on a cross for our sins.

and then die on a cross for our sins. and then die on a cross for our sins. What level of humility is beneath us? There is none. And that humility will be There is none. And that humility will be the foundation of our meekness. The the foundation of our meekness. The the foundation of our meekness. The second thing is this, I want to talk second thing is this, I want to talk second thing is this, I want to talk about the strength of meekness. about the strength of meekness. 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 powerful and bold personalities is that powerful and bold personalities is that powerful and bold personalities is that if I embrace meekness, I'm going to if I embrace meekness, I'm going to if I embrace meekness, I'm going to embrace weakness. embrace weakness. embrace weakness. I mean, meek just sounds weak. It rhymes I mean, meek just sounds weak. It rhymes I mean, meek just sounds weak. It rhymes with weak. with weak. with weak. But I want to take a quick look at But I want to take a quick look at But I want to take a quick look at people that the Bible calls meek and see people that the Bible calls meek and see people that the Bible calls meek and see if that holds up. if that holds up. if that holds up. Moses was called meek. Moses was called meek. Moses was called meek. And I wouldn't call a man weak that is And I wouldn't call a man weak that is And I wouldn't call a man weak that is able to stand before the king of Egypt able to stand before the king of Egypt able to stand before the king of Egypt and demand that he set people free. and demand that he set people free. and demand that he set people free. I wouldn't call a man weak who is able I wouldn't call a man weak who is able I wouldn't call a man weak who is able to lead a bunch of complaining and to lead a bunch of complaining and to lead a bunch of complaining and griping people through the wilderness griping people through the wilderness griping people through the wilderness for 40 years as the only and main for 40 years as the only and main for 40 years as the only and main leader. leader. leader. Paul was called meek. Paul was called meek. Paul was called meek. And I would not call a man weak And I would not call a man weak And I would not call a man weak who could preach the gospel, who could preach the gospel, who could preach the gospel, get stoned for it, stand up, dust get stoned for it, stand up, dust get stoned for it, stand up, dust himself off, and go back to preaching himself off, and go back to preaching himself off, and go back to preaching again. I would not call that man weak.

again. I would not call that man weak. again. I would not call that man weak. And we already covered it, but Jesus was And we already covered it, but Jesus was And we already covered it, but Jesus was meek, and I don't think we need to check meek, and I don't think we need to check meek, and I don't think we need to check his resume. Jesus was not weak at all. his resume. Jesus was not weak at all. his resume. Jesus was not weak at all. And so, what we see as we follow this And so, what we see as we follow this And so, what we see as we follow this common theme is that everybody that the common theme is that everybody that the common theme is that everybody that the Bible calls meek was actually incredibly Bible calls meek was actually incredibly Bible calls meek was actually incredibly strong. So, being meek cannot mean strong. So, being meek cannot mean strong. So, being meek cannot mean lacking strength, power, or authority, lacking strength, power, or authority, lacking strength, power, or authority, or boldness because none of those people or boldness because none of those people or boldness because none of those people did. did. did. People think meekness is the opposite of People think meekness is the opposite of People think meekness is the opposite of strength. strength. strength. But Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says, "No, But Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says, "No, But Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says, "No, meekness is compatible with great meekness is compatible with great meekness is compatible with great strength, power, and authority." strength, power, and authority." strength, power, and authority." So, the question we have to ask So, the question we have to ask So, the question we have to ask ourselves is, "How do all of these ourselves is, "How do all of these ourselves is, "How do all of these different traits mix together? How can different traits mix together? How can different traits mix together? How can you be meek but also strong and have you be meek but also strong and have you be meek but also strong and have power?" And I believe when we look at power?" And I believe when we look at power?" And I believe when we look at those men, we find one simple thing. those men, we find one simple thing. those men, we find one simple thing. They not only had good strength, They not only had good strength, They not only had good strength, they also knew when and how to use it. they also knew when and how to use it. they also knew when and how to use it. This is something I'm trying to teach my This is something I'm trying to teach my This is something I'm trying to teach my two boys right now. I'm a I'm a toddler two boys right now. I'm a I'm a toddler two boys right now. I'm a I'm a toddler dad. I've got a 4-year-old and a dad. I've got a 4-year-old and a dad. I've got a 4-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. We golf everywhere. We golf outside. We golf everywhere. We golf outside. We've got a putting green inside. They We've got a putting green inside. They We've got a putting green inside. They love swinging a golf club. But something love swinging a golf club. But something love swinging a golf club. But something I'm trying to teach them is that I'm I'm trying to teach them is that I'm I'm trying to teach them is that I'm glad you guys have power golf swings. I glad you guys have power golf swings. I glad you guys have power golf swings. I hope you go to the Masters one day. But hope you go to the Masters one day. But hope you go to the Masters one day. But but but but your outside golf swing cannot be the your outside golf swing cannot be the your outside golf swing cannot be the same as your inside golf swing. You same as your inside golf swing. You same as your inside golf swing. You know, like like that power inside is now know, like like that power inside is now know, like like that power inside is now damaging and destructive and dangerous damaging and destructive and dangerous damaging and destructive and dangerous for you and for me. So, I try to teach for you and for me. So, I try to teach for you and for me. So, I try to teach them, it's good to have power, but you them, it's good to have power, but you them, it's good to have power, but you got to learn how to control it. In got to learn how to control it. In got to learn how to control it. In church, in a much deeper way, that is church, in a much deeper way, that is church, in a much deeper way, that is what meekness is. Meekness is not what meekness is. Meekness is not what meekness is. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under weakness. Meekness is power under weakness. Meekness is power under control. control. control. In the ancient world, scholars believed In the ancient world, scholars believed In the ancient world, scholars believed that they would use this word meek to that they would use this word meek to that they would use this word meek to describe describe describe a a tamed horse from the wild that was a a tamed horse from the wild that was a a tamed horse from the wild that was trained for battle. Think about a war trained for battle. Think about a war trained for battle. Think about a war horse. horse. horse. It hasn't lost any strength or power. It It hasn't lost any strength or power. It It hasn't lost any strength or power. It is capable of great things, but the is capable of great things, but the is capable of great things, but the horse is now submissive to the one who horse is now submissive to the one who horse is now submissive to the one who holds the reins. holds the reins. holds the reins. A meek person is just someone who has A meek person is just someone who has A meek person is just someone who has submitted their life to God.

submitted their life to God. submitted their life to God. They have handed over all control, and They have handed over all control, and They have handed over all control, and they may have great power, strength, or they may have great power, strength, or they may have great power, strength, or influence, but here's the shift. They no influence, but here's the shift. They no influence, but here's the shift. They no longer use those things to satisfy their longer use those things to satisfy their longer use those things to satisfy their own desires. own desires. own desires. Instead, they submit it all to God. And Instead, they submit it all to God. And Instead, they submit it all to God. And whether it is natural, physical, or whether it is natural, physical, or whether it is natural, physical, or appointed strength, appointed strength, appointed strength, they say, "I'm only going to use it in they say, "I'm only going to use it in they say, "I'm only going to use it in ways that bring him glory." ways that bring him glory." ways that bring him glory." Jesus is the ultimate example of this Jesus is the ultimate example of this Jesus is the ultimate 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 meekest man to ever live, but when it meekest man to ever live, but when it meekest 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 see Jesus' strength on full display. you see Jesus' strength on full display. you see Jesus' strength on full display. You see him going into temples, You see him going into temples, You see him going into temples, chasing people out and flipping over chasing people out and flipping over chasing people out and flipping over tables. tables. tables. You see him healing people on the You see him healing people on the You see him healing people on the Sabbath even when he knew it wouldn't be Sabbath even when he knew it wouldn't be Sabbath even when he knew it wouldn't be approved of, and Jesus never shied away approved of, and Jesus never shied away approved of, and Jesus never shied away from public and open confrontation with from public and open confrontation with from public and open confrontation with the religious leaders. the religious leaders. the religious leaders. So, you can be meek, and you can still So, you can be meek, and you can still So, you can be meek, and you can still be very zealous and strong for the be very zealous and strong for the be very zealous and strong for the things of God. The Bible even tells us, things of God. The Bible even tells us, things of God. The Bible even tells us, "Don't be afraid of people who oppose "Don't be afraid of people who oppose "Don't be afraid of people who oppose you.

you. you. Stand bold in the face of persecution. Stand bold in the face of persecution. Stand bold in the face of persecution. Stand up for truth. Be the light in a Stand up for truth. Be the light in a Stand up for truth. Be the light in a dark world." dark world." dark world." That's all in bounds. That's all in bounds. That's all in bounds. But, this is important. But, this is important. But, this is important. What we also learn from Jesus is that What we also learn from Jesus is that What we also learn from Jesus is that there are certain situations in life there are certain situations in life there are certain situations in life where using your strength will not where using your strength will not where using your strength will not glorify God. glorify God. glorify God. And a meek person And a meek person And a meek person can restrain themselves in that can restrain themselves in that can restrain themselves in that scenario. Matthew 26, scenario. Matthew 26, scenario. Matthew 26, Judas betrays Jesus. Judas betrays Jesus. Judas betrays Jesus. In a In a crowd of people with clubs and In a In a crowd of people with clubs and In a In a crowd of people with clubs and swords come to take him away. swords come to take him away. swords come to take him away. Well, Peter, Well, Peter, Well, Peter, ever bold man that he is, takes out his ever bold man that he is, takes out his ever bold man that he is, takes out his sword and starts cutting people's ears sword and starts cutting people's ears sword and starts cutting people's ears off. off. off. He says, "No, I'm going to defend Jesus He says, "No, I'm going to defend Jesus He says, "No, I'm going to defend Jesus by force. You're not taking him." And by force. You're not taking him." And by force. You're not taking him." And then listen to how Jesus responds in then listen to how Jesus responds in then listen to how Jesus responds in Matthew 26:52-54. 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. the sword. the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my father, Do you think I cannot call on my father, Do you think I cannot call on my father, and he will at once put at my disposal and he will at once put at my disposal and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels?

more than 12 legions of angels? more than 12 legions of 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 this fulfilled that say it must happen this fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" way?" way?" Church, Jesus is telling Peter, Church, Jesus is telling Peter, Church, Jesus is telling Peter, "Bro, I don't need your help. "Bro, I don't need your help. "Bro, I don't need your help. I'm not I'm not helpless here. I Nobody I'm not I'm not helpless here. I Nobody I'm not I'm not helpless here. I Nobody takes my life from me. I lay it down." takes my life from me. I lay it down." takes my life from me. I lay it down." He says, "I could at any point call my He says, "I could at any point call my He says, "I could at any point call my father, and he would send 12 legions of father, and he would send 12 legions of father, and he would send 12 legions of angels." Y'all don't know how many angels." Y'all don't know how many angels." Y'all don't know how many angels that is? angels that is? angels that is? A lot. Like it's a lot of angels and A lot. Like it's a lot of angels and A lot. Like it's a lot of angels and he's saying they're at my disposal. But he's saying they're at my disposal. But he's saying they're at my disposal. But church, this is what he says. church, this is what he says. church, this is what he says. It's God's will for me to go to the It's God's will for me to go to the It's God's will for me to go to the cross. cross. cross. This is the only way that the scriptures This is the only way that the scriptures This is the only way that the scriptures will be fulfilled. So exercising my will be fulfilled. So exercising my will be fulfilled. So exercising my power to free myself, it wouldn't be power to free myself, it wouldn't be power to free myself, it wouldn't be serving my father, it would just be serving my father, it would just be serving my father, it would just be serving me. serving me. serving me. And just like Jesus, And just like Jesus, And just like Jesus, you will find yourselves in situations you will find yourselves in situations you will find yourselves in situations where the strength that you have, where the strength that you have, where the strength that you have, because we all got some form of because we all got some form of because we all got some form of strength. It can be used to lash out at strength. It can be used to lash out at strength. It can be used to lash out at people who have offended or wounded you. people who have offended or wounded you. people who have offended or wounded you. But here's the principle Christ has But here's the principle Christ has But here's the principle Christ has taught us. taught us. taught us. Just because I have the power and Just because I have the power and Just because I have the power and ability to do something does not mean ability to do something does not mean ability to do something does not mean that I should.

that I should. 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, think about it and ask, is my back, think about it and ask, is my back, think about it and ask, is my response about to glorify my father? response about to glorify my father? response about to glorify my father? So I may have the power to get revenge So I may have the power to get revenge So I may have the power to get revenge on someone. I may have the influence to on someone. I may have the influence to on someone. I may have the influence to to damage their reputation. I may know to damage their reputation. I may know to damage their reputation. 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 deeply. them deeply. them deeply. But I can also have the self-control and But I can also have the self-control and But I can also have the self-control and resolve to say I'm not going to do it resolve to say I'm not going to do it resolve to say I'm not going to do it because it's not in God's will for me to because it's not in God's will for me to because it's not in God's will for me to act that way. act that way. act that way. And not only is that not weak, church, And not only is that not weak, church, And not only is that not weak, church, the Bible teaches that is the attitude the Bible teaches that is the attitude the Bible teaches that is the attitude of a person who is truly strong. of a person who is truly strong. of a person who is truly strong. Proverbs 16:32 says, Proverbs 16:32 says, Proverbs 16:32 says, "Whoever is slow to anger is better than "Whoever is slow to anger is better than "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, the mighty, the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who and he who rules his spirit than he who and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." takes a city." takes a city." Solomon's saying, "Yeah, conquering a Solomon's saying, "Yeah, conquering a Solomon's saying, "Yeah, conquering a city is cool. city is cool. city is cool. That takes some strength." That takes some strength." That takes some strength." But he says the one who can conquer But he says the one who can conquer But he says the one who can conquer their spirit is even stronger.

their spirit is even stronger. their spirit is even stronger. The person who has the discipline to The person who has the discipline to The person who has the discipline to restrain themselves and be slow to restrain themselves and be slow to restrain themselves and be slow to anger, the person who can follow anger, the person who can follow anger, 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." do not sin." do not sin." So I can get angry about something, but So I can get angry about something, but So I can get angry about something, but I'm not going to allow it to carry me I'm not going to allow it to carry me I'm not going to allow it to carry me somewhere that I should never be. Church, anybody can throw a tantrum. Church, anybody can throw a tantrum. Anybody can go on a rant. Anybody can Anybody can go on a rant. Anybody can Anybody can go on a rant. Anybody can pick up their phone and type a paragraph pick up their phone and type a paragraph pick up their phone and type a paragraph on Facebook. on Facebook. on Facebook. But, a meek person But, a meek person But, a meek person is someone who can get upset, but be is someone who can get upset, but be is someone who can get upset, but be strong enough to restrain themselves strong enough to restrain themselves strong enough to restrain themselves because the glory of God matters more because the glory of God matters more because the glory of God matters more than their emotions. than their emotions. than their emotions. That's the strength of meekness. That's the strength of meekness. That's the strength of meekness. Next, I want us to see the faith Next, I want us to see the faith Next, I want us to see the faith of meekness. of meekness. of meekness. Humility addresses how we become meek. Humility addresses how we become meek. Humility addresses how we become meek. Power under control Power under control Power under control shows us what it looks like to be meek. shows us what it looks like to be meek. shows us what it looks like to be meek. But, faith But, faith But, faith answers the question why we should be answers the question why we should be answers the question why we should be meek. meek. meek. Because sometimes, if we do this long Because sometimes, if we do this long Because sometimes, if we do this long enough, we might begin to feel like the enough, we might begin to feel like the enough, we might begin to feel like the meek path is the losing path.

meek path is the losing path. meek path is the losing path. Like we are never going to get anywhere Like we are never going to get anywhere Like we are never going to get anywhere in life unless we learn how to play by in life unless we learn how to play by in life unless we learn how to play by the rules of the world. And the world the rules of the world. And the world the rules of the world. And the world tells us, "Sometimes, you just got to tells us, "Sometimes, you just got to tells us, "Sometimes, you just got to fight fire with fire. fight fire with fire. fight fire with fire. Sometimes, you can't be gentle with Sometimes, you can't be gentle with Sometimes, you can't be gentle with certain people, but you've got to assert certain people, but you've got to assert certain people, but you've got to assert yourself and be aggressive. That's the yourself and be aggressive. That's the yourself and be aggressive. That's the only way to get what you want." only way to get what you want." only way to get what you want." So, how do we maintain meekness when we So, how do we maintain meekness when we So, how do we maintain meekness when we begin to feel that pressure? I think begin to feel that pressure? I think 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. Church, we don't just submit our Church, we don't just submit our Church, we don't just submit our strength to God out of fear or strength to God out of fear or strength to God out of fear or obligation. obligation. obligation. We submit to God because we actually We submit to God because we actually We submit to God because we actually have the faith that he knows what he's have the faith that he knows what he's have the faith that he knows what he's doing. doing. doing. Listen to what Peter says about Jesus in Listen to what Peter says about Jesus in Listen to what Peter says about Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23. He says, 1 Peter 2:23. He says, 1 Peter 2:23. He says, "When they hurled their insults at him, "When they hurled their insults at him, "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate. he did not retaliate. he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he made no threats. When he suffered, he made no threats. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, Instead, Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges he entrusted himself to him who judges he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." justly." justly." I love the word instead there because it I love the word instead there because it I love the word instead there because it shows us it wasn't that Jesus had no shows us it wasn't that Jesus had no shows us it wasn't that Jesus had no response to the people who attacked him.

response to the people who attacked him. response to the people who attacked him. He just had a righteous response. He just had a righteous response. He just had a righteous response. He put his life completely into his He put his life completely into his He put his life completely into his father's hands and he trusted him father's hands and he trusted him father's hands and he trusted him completely and that's what citizens of completely and that's what citizens of completely and that's what citizens of the kingdom do. They trust that whatever the kingdom do. They trust that whatever the kingdom do. They trust that whatever is going on in their lives, God is still is going on in their lives, God is still is going on in their lives, God is still in control. God is still on his throne in control. God is still on his throne in control. God is still on his throne so they don't have to take their future so they don't have to take their future so they don't have to take their future into their own hands. into their own hands. into their own hands. Church, we wait on God. We don't try to Church, we wait on God. We don't try to Church, we wait on God. We don't try to run out in front of him. run out in front of him. run out in front of him. So, the question is do we trust God So, the question is do we trust God So, the question is do we trust God enough to maintain our meekness when it enough to maintain our meekness when it enough to maintain our meekness when it is truly tested? is truly tested? is truly tested? Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. Now, here's the thing. I don't believe meekness is tested when I don't believe meekness is tested when I don't believe meekness is tested when you're in a conflict and you're the one you're in a conflict and you're the one you're in a conflict and you're the one that's wrong. Okay? It's easy for you to that's wrong. Okay? It's easy for you to that's wrong. Okay? It's easy for you to retreat when that's the case. retreat when that's the case. retreat when that's the case. Meekness is tested Meekness is tested Meekness is tested when we are right when we are right when we are right and somebody else is wrong and we've got and somebody else is wrong and we've got and somebody else is wrong and we've got evidence that they're wrong and we feel evidence that they're wrong and we feel evidence that they're wrong and we feel like if we don't do something about it, like if we don't do something about it, like if we don't do something about it, they're just going to get away with it. they're just going to get away with it. they're just going to get away with it. What do we do when that happens? What do we do when that happens? What do we do when that happens? The answer is The answer is The answer is 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. I think the greatest example of this in I think the greatest example of this in I think the greatest example of this in the Old Testament the Old Testament the Old Testament with David. Saul was his king, his with David. Saul was his king, his with David. Saul was his king, his father-in-law and a man that he trusted. father-in-law and a man that he trusted. father-in-law and a man that he trusted. And one day he got jealous of him. And one day he got jealous of him. And one day he got jealous of him. And he sent the army to kill David. So, And he sent the army to kill David. So, And he sent the army to kill David. So, David goes on the run for years but then David goes on the run for years but then David goes on the run for years but then one day while he's on the run, he sneaks one day while he's on the run, he sneaks one day while he's on the run, he sneaks into Saul's camp and he finds him laying into Saul's camp and he finds him laying into Saul's camp and he finds him laying on the ground with a spear by his head on the ground with a spear by his head on the ground with a spear by his head and all of his buddies are like, David, and all of his buddies are like, David, and all of his buddies are like, David, this is your chance. this is your chance. this is your chance. Samuel promised that you'd be king. You Samuel promised that you'd be king. You Samuel promised that you'd be king. You can take it by force. can take it by force. can take it by force. And David says, I won't do it. And David says, I won't do it. And David says, I won't do it. No matter what he did, he's still the No matter what he did, he's still the No matter what he did, he's still the Lord's anointed. Lord's anointed. Lord's anointed. And the Lord might take him out or he'll And the Lord might take him out or he'll And the Lord might take him out or he'll die in battle but he's not going to die die in battle but he's not going to die die in battle but he's not going to die by my hand. by my hand. by my hand. Church, nobody would have blamed David Church, nobody would have blamed David Church, nobody would have blamed David for taking revenge on Saul in that for taking revenge on Saul in that for taking revenge on Saul in that moment but David did not use people's moment but David did not use people's moment but David did not use people's standards, he used God's standards. standards, he used God's standards. standards, he used God's standards. And that is what we must do. It might And that is what we must do. It might And that is what we must do. It might not be the same as David. I hope not. not be the same as David. I hope not. not be the same as David. I hope not. But eventually, you will find yourself But eventually, you will find yourself But eventually, you will find yourself in a situation where you have been in a situation where you have been in a situation where you have been unjustly wronged by someone.

unjustly wronged by someone. unjustly wronged by someone. And the question is not whether we will And the question is not whether we will And the question is not whether we will be in his position one day. The question be in his position one day. The question be in his position one day. The question is, can we respond the same way? is, can we respond the same way? is, can we respond the same way? Can we say, "I'm going to follow God's Can we say, "I'm going to follow God's Can we say, "I'm going to follow God's standards. I'm going to let him take standards. I'm going to let him take standards. I'm going to let him take care of this." I want to give you a care of this." I want to give you a care of this." I want to give you a verse that I believe can help you in verse that I believe can help you in verse that I believe can help you in those moments. A beloved verse. Romans those moments. A beloved verse. Romans those moments. A beloved verse. Romans 8:28. 8:28. 8:28. And we know And we know And we know that God causes all things to work that God causes all things to work that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, together for good to those who love God, together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his to those who are called according to his to those who are called according to his purpose. purpose. purpose. I think that verse alone is enough for I think that verse alone is enough for I think that verse alone is enough for us to keep trusting him no matter what. us to keep trusting him no matter what. us to keep trusting him no matter what. I want to personally tell you how this I want to personally tell you how this I want to personally tell you how this verse has corrected me over the years verse has corrected me over the years verse has corrected me over the years because I'm a really laid-back guy. So, because I'm a really laid-back guy. So, because I'm a really laid-back guy. So, when I'm in conflict or somebody's mad when I'm in conflict or somebody's mad when I'm in conflict or somebody's mad at me, at me, at me, I don't fret about it. I'm just like, I don't fret about it. I'm just like, I don't fret about it. I'm just like, "Everything will work out." "Everything will work out." "Everything will work out." Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. You know why this verse corrects me, You know why this verse corrects me, You know why this verse corrects me, church? church? church? Things don't work. God does. And the Things don't work. God does. And the Things don't work. God does. And the promise is that in everything, God is promise is that in everything, God is promise is that in everything, God is always working for the good for those always working for the good for those always working for the good for those who love him. And Paul says, "We are who love him. And Paul says, "We are who love him. And Paul says, "We are supposed to know this." But the question supposed to know this." But the question supposed to know this." But the question that matters is, do you know this?

that matters is, do you know this? that matters is, do you know 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 you might have a boss or even though you might have a boss or even though you might have a boss or co-workers who seem like they're trying co-workers who seem like they're trying co-workers who seem like they're trying to ruin your career, do you trust that to ruin your career, do you trust that to ruin your career, do you trust that in that God is still working for the in that God is still working for the in that God is still working for the good? You might have someone around you good? You might have someone around you good? You might have someone around you spreading rumors about you or your spreading rumors about you or your spreading rumors about you or your family and telling lies. But the family and telling lies. But the family and telling lies. But the question is, do you still believe God is question is, do you still believe God is question is, do you still believe God is working for the good? And you might feel working for the good? And you might feel working for the good? And you might feel like everyone and everything is against like everyone and everything is against like everyone and everything is against you. But do you trust God is working for you. But do you trust God is working for you. But do you trust God is working for the good? the good? the good? And if you do, And if you do, And if you do, the only response you need to have the only response you need to have the only response you need to have is to open your Bible, is to open your Bible, is to open your Bible, get alone with the Lord and ask him, get alone with the Lord and ask him, get alone with the Lord and ask him, "How should I respond to this?" That is "How should I respond to this?" That is "How should I respond to this?" That is the faith of meekness, and I want to end the faith of meekness, and I want to end the faith of meekness, and I want to end here. here. here. The best part, The best part, The best part, the reward of meekness. the reward of meekness. the reward of meekness. Back in our original text, Jesus says Back in our original text, Jesus says Back in our original text, Jesus says that the says that the meek that the says that the meek that the says that the meek are blessed. are blessed. are blessed. And again, that word means happy, And again, that word means happy, And again, that word means happy, fortunate. I love the way one theologian fortunate. I love the way one theologian fortunate. I love the way one theologian said it. He said, "The blessed person is said it. He said, "The blessed person is said it. He said, "The blessed person is someone who is worthy of being someone who is worthy of being someone who is worthy of being celebrated or envied celebrated or envied celebrated or envied because he alone is truly happy."

because he alone is truly happy." because he alone is truly happy." But the question you might get after But the question you might get after But the question you might get after this sermon is, "Okay, this sermon is, "Okay, this sermon is, "Okay, why are meek people so happy? why are meek people so happy? why are meek people so happy? I understand that it's a good quality to I understand that it's a good quality to I understand that it's a good quality to have to be humble and gentle and have to be humble and gentle and have to be humble and gentle and self-controlled, but why are they so self-controlled, but why are they so self-controlled, but why are they so happy?" Jesus says it's because the meek have a Jesus says it's because the meek have a great reward coming to them. great reward coming to them. great reward coming to them. Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." they will inherit the earth." they will inherit the earth." And I love the word inheritance because And I love the word inheritance because And I love the word inheritance because it communicates that this reward is it communicates that this reward is it communicates that this reward is something that you can't work for. something that you can't work for. something that you can't work for. Jesus doesn't say that the meek will Jesus doesn't say that the meek will Jesus doesn't say that the meek will work for this or strive for this or work for this or strive for this or work for this or strive for this or fight for this. He says they're going to fight for this. He says they're going to fight for this. He says they're going to inherit it. inherit it. inherit it. And an inheritance is a gift from a And an inheritance is a gift from a And an inheritance is a gift from a father to his children. And the great father to his children. And the great father to his children. And the great truth of the gospel is that at the truth of the gospel is that at the truth of the gospel is that at the moment we put faith in Christ, we are moment we put faith in Christ, we are moment we put faith in Christ, we are all adopted into the family of God. And all adopted into the family of God. And all adopted into the family of God. And this is why I say the gospel isn't just this is why I say the gospel isn't just this is why I say the gospel isn't just good news, it's great news. Because God good news, it's great news. Because God good news, it's great news. Because God could have just saved us, forgiven us of could have just saved us, forgiven us of could have just saved us, forgiven us of our sins, and said, "Y'all can come into our sins, and said, "Y'all can come into our sins, and said, "Y'all can come into heaven, but you got to be the servants."

heaven, but you got to be the servants." heaven, but you got to be the servants." But that's not what he did. But that's not what he did. But that's not what he did. He welcomes us into his family. He welcomes us into his family. He welcomes us into his family. And he calls us his children, and he And he calls us his children, and he And he calls us his children, and he gives us all the rights of a gives us all the rights of a gives us all the rights of a natural-born son. And within those natural-born son. And within those natural-born son. And within those rights is an inheritance that was rights is an inheritance that was 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. cross. cross. We don't have to work for this We don't have to work for this We don't have to work for this inheritance because Jesus did the work. inheritance because Jesus did the work. inheritance because Jesus did the work. He paid the bill with his blood, and he He paid the bill with his blood, and he He paid the bill with his blood, and he stamped the receipt with his stamped the receipt with his stamped the receipt with his resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Ephesians 1 says, "In him we also have Ephesians 1 says, "In him we also have Ephesians 1 says, "In him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been obtained an inheritance, having been obtained an inheritance, having been chosen according to the purpose of him chosen according to the purpose of him chosen according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the who works all things according to the who works all things according to the counsel of his will." counsel of his will." counsel of his will." God looks at you now and calls you an God looks at you now and calls you an God looks at you now and calls you an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. And I just want to tell you a few things And I just want to tell you a few things And I just want to tell you a few things about this inheritance to get you about this inheritance to get you about this inheritance to get you excited about it. The Bible says, first excited about it. The Bible says, first excited about it. The Bible says, first of all, it's guaranteed. of all, it's guaranteed. of all, it's guaranteed. Each and every one of us has the Holy Each and every one of us has the Holy Each and every one of us has the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts and he's Spirit dwelling in our hearts and he's Spirit dwelling in our hearts and he's shaping us and transforming us and God shaping us and transforming us and God shaping us and transforming us and God calls him a down payment guaranteeing calls him a down payment guaranteeing calls him a down payment guaranteeing what is to come in the future.

what is to come in the future. what is to come in the future. This inheritance is eternal. This inheritance is eternal. This inheritance is eternal. Unlike an earthly inheritance that can Unlike an earthly inheritance that can Unlike an earthly inheritance that can be squandered or stolen or lost, be squandered or stolen or lost, be squandered or stolen or lost, Peter says, "We have an eternal Peter says, "We have an eternal Peter says, "We have an eternal inheritance that will never perish, inheritance that will never perish, inheritance that will never perish, [music] spoil, or fade. It's going to [music] spoil, or fade. It's going to [music] spoil, or fade. It's going to last forever." Finally, Finally, this inheritance is glorious. this inheritance is glorious. this inheritance is glorious. Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the Jesus says, "The meek will inherit the earth." And this is a quote from Psalm earth." And this is a quote from Psalm earth." And this is a quote from Psalm 37:11 where David says, "The meek will 37:11 where David says, "The meek will 37:11 where David says, "The meek will inherit the land." And land is cool. And land is cool. But Jesus says, "I got better for you. But Jesus says, "I got better for you. But Jesus says, "I got better for you. You're not going to inherit a continent You're not going to inherit a continent You're not going to inherit a continent or a country or a piece of land. You're or a country or a piece of land. You're or a country or a piece of land. You're going to inherit the earth." going to inherit the earth." going to inherit the earth." And Jesus is talking about the new And Jesus is talking about the new And Jesus is talking about the new earth. earth. earth. In Revelation 21, In Revelation 21, In Revelation 21, John looks and he says, "I see a I see a John looks and he says, "I see a I see a John looks and he says, "I see a I see a new heaven and a new earth new heaven and a new earth new heaven and a new earth because the old one has passed away. because the old one has passed away. because the old one has passed away. And God is going to dwell with his And God is going to dwell with his And God is going to dwell with his people and he's going to make all things people and he's going to make all things people and he's going to make all things new and the world is going to be new and the world is going to be new and the world is going to be restored to when God first created it.

restored to when God first created it. restored to when God first created it. And Jesus says, "For the meek, for the And Jesus says, "For the meek, for the And Jesus says, "For the meek, for the Christian, for the one who is in his Christian, for the one who is in his Christian, for the one who is in his kingdom, this earth is yours." Do you kingdom, this earth is yours." Do you kingdom, this earth is yours." Do you know why the meek don't have to feel know why the meek don't have to feel know why the meek don't have to feel like they have to steal everything right like they have to steal everything right like they have to steal everything right now or step on people to get what they now or step on people to get what they now or step on people to get what they want, or try to clutch and grab at want, or try to clutch and grab at want, or try to clutch and grab at everything this world has to offer everything this world has to offer everything this world has to offer because we have the promise that one day because we have the promise that one day because we have the promise that one day God will give us everything. God will give us everything. God will give us everything. Come on. Can you imagine a world where there's no Can you imagine a world where there's no more crying? more crying? more crying? No more pain, no more sorrow, no more No more pain, no more sorrow, no more No more pain, no more sorrow, no more death, no more disease, no more death, no more disease, no more death, no more disease, no more funerals, no more doctors visits. The funerals, no more doctors visits. The funerals, no more doctors visits. The Lord says, "I'm going to create that Lord says, "I'm going to create that Lord says, "I'm going to create that world and then hand it over to you." world and then hand it over to you." world and then hand it over to you." So, the question is, what do we do in So, the question is, what do we do in So, the question is, what do we do in the meantime? the meantime? the meantime? Simple. Simple. Simple. We should have joy. We should have joy. We should have joy. We should be confident being who God We should be confident being who God We should be confident being who God calls us to be. We don't need to feel calls us to be. We don't need to feel calls us to be. We don't need to feel meek because we're weak. We don't need meek because we're weak. We don't need meek because we're weak. We don't need to feel ashamed for being meek. to feel ashamed for being meek. to feel ashamed for being meek. We should feel blessed We should feel blessed We should feel blessed because that's what we are.

And I want to finish here, right back And I want to finish here, right back where we started. where we started. where we started. If you don't feel that joy, If you don't feel that joy, If you don't feel that joy, it might be because, like Solomon, it might be because, like Solomon, it might be because, like Solomon, you're chasing after the wind. you're chasing after the wind. you're chasing after the wind. You are looking for happiness in places You are looking for happiness in places You are looking for happiness in places that you will not find it. But, Jesus is that you will not find it. But, Jesus is that you will not find it. But, Jesus is extending an offer to you this morning. extending an offer to you this morning. extending an offer to you this morning. Put your faith in me. Put your faith in me. Put your faith in me. Because I looked at you and I saw real Because I looked at you and I saw real Because I looked at you and I saw real happiness for you, and I came to earth happiness for you, and I came to earth happiness for you, and I came to earth and I died to give you that happiness, and I died to give you that happiness, and I died to give you that happiness, and I rose from the dead to give you and I rose from the dead to give you and I rose from the dead to give you that happiness. And now I'm making the that happiness. And now I'm making the that happiness. And now I'm making the offer for your happiness, and all you offer for your happiness, and all you offer for your happiness, and all you have to do is put faith in him. You'll be forgiven. You'll be forgiven. You'll be saved. You'll be saved. You'll be saved. You'll be blessed. You'll be blessed. You'll be blessed. And you'll be able to look forward to And you'll be able to look forward to And you'll be able to look forward to this inheritance. Amen. this inheritance. Amen. this inheritance. Amen. Let's go ahead and stand on our feet. Go ahead and close your eyes and bow Go ahead and close your eyes and bow your heads. I just want you to think right now if I just want you to think right now if the hope the hope of a heavenly the hope the hope of a heavenly the hope the hope of a heavenly inheritance is something that we can inheritance is something that we can inheritance is something that we can hardly imagine. I just want you to ask, hardly imagine. I just want you to ask, hardly imagine. I just want you to ask, do you have that hope?

do you have that hope? do you have that hope? And if you don't, it might just be And if you don't, it might just be And if you don't, it might just be because you've you've never because you've you've never because you've you've never made the decision made the decision made the decision that you have faith in Jesus' life, that you have faith in Jesus' life, that you have faith in Jesus' life, death, death, death, and resurrection, and that you don't and resurrection, and that you don't and resurrection, and that you don't have the hope of salvation. And I just have the hope of salvation. And I just have the hope of salvation. And I just want to give you an opportunity to do want to give you an opportunity to do want to give you an opportunity to do that. You can make a decision right now. that. You can make a decision right now. that. You can make a decision right now. And it's instant. There's no working for And it's instant. There's no working for And it's instant. There's no working for it. There's no striving for it. it. There's no striving for it. it. There's no striving for it. So, just really quickly, So, just really quickly, So, just really quickly, if you were here this morning and you if you were here this morning and you if you were here this morning and you know you've never made a decision for know you've never made a decision for know you've never made a decision for Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, but you want to do that today. You want but you want to do that today. You want but you want to do that today. You want to have this great hope. Or even if you to have this great hope. Or even if you to have this great hope. Or even if you have in the past, but you know you've have in the past, but you know you've have in the past, but you know you've been gone for a while. I want you to been gone for a while. I want you to been gone for a while. I want you to just be bold and lift your hands in the just be bold and lift your hands in the just be bold and lift your hands in the air right now in response. 1 2 3, so I air right now in response. 1 2 3, so I air right now in response. 1 2 3, so I can know who I'm praying for. Be bold. can know who I'm praying for. Be bold. can know who I'm praying for. Be bold. Amen. I see you. Praise God. I see you in the back. Praise God. I see you in the back. Let's pray. Father, we love you. Let's pray. Father, we love you. Let's pray. Father, we love you. Lord, we thank you so much for your Lord, we thank you so much for your Lord, we thank you so much for your grace and your mercy. And we thank you grace and your mercy. And we thank you grace and your mercy. And we thank you for this great promise that we have from for this great promise that we have from for this great promise that we have from you. And Lord, everybody who just made a you. And Lord, everybody who just made a you. And Lord, everybody who just made a decision for you right now, let them decision for you right now, let them decision for you right now, let them know in their hearts that that decision know in their hearts that that decision know in their hearts that that decision is sealed in heaven. There is nothing is sealed in heaven. There is nothing is sealed in heaven. There is nothing else that they have to do because you else that they have to do because you else that they have to do because you completed all the work.

completed all the work. completed all the work. Lord, bring them joy in this moment. Lord, bring them joy in this moment. Lord, bring them joy in this moment. And we thank you that you work in And we thank you that you work in And we thank you that you work in people's hearts through your word, not people's hearts through your word, not people's hearts through your word, not because of anything we do, but because because of anything we do, but because because of anything we do, but because of your Holy Spirit. of your Holy Spirit. of your Holy Spirit. And Lord, we love you and we praise you And Lord, we love you and we praise you And Lord, we love you and we praise you and we honor you this morning. In Jesus' and we honor you this morning. In Jesus' and we honor you this morning. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. name I pray. Amen. name I pray. Amen. And amen. Let's get the Lord a hand.