Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for bringing us to where we are today. I don't know why I felt led to do a second study on meekness, but here it is. Let us all receive from this lesson and your word. Let us gain if we lack any good thing. Forgive us where we have failed you. Give us strength to endure whatever life throws our way in meekness.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Aristotle’s definition of meekness was “The character of having the passion of resentment under control, and is therefore tranquil and untroubled”.
Dictionary.com says it is humbly patient under the provocation of others, compliant, gentle, and kind.
Merriam-Webster dictionary describes meekness enduring injury with patience and without resentment.
Meekness is patient during affliction, submissive, and non-confrontational. It is not self-sufficient or proud. It is gentle, mild, and humble. It is teachable.
James 1:19-25 ▼
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Meekness can be shown though the words we say.
James 3:13 ▼
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Meekness is committing your cause to God and not needing to defend yourself. When we don't defend ourselves, we let God become our defense. Meekness enables us to take adversity and criticism without lashing out. It gives place to wrath and leaves vengeance up to God.
Romans 12:9-21 ▼
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Meekness Has A Purpose
Keeping a meek attitude challenges our desire for instant gratification. It offers blessings associated with allowing God to be in control of your life. Meekness is submissiveness to the divine will.
Psalms 76:7-9 ▼
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
Meekness brings peace and a sense of calm to the soul. It is important to see our circumstances through the eyes of our faith in God. Meekness is seeking God first so everything else can be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 ▼
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Meekness is used to gently tell others the gospel. It allows you to endure persecution and hardship patiently without violence. It allows you to keep a good conscience. It brings shame on would be false accusers.
1 Peter 3:12-16 ▼
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Meekness is slow to condemn others and write them off. It shows patience, grace, and mercy. It is being humble, ready to listen and learn, and seeks to be understanding. It gives the benefit of the doubt. It avoids making quick judgements. It is reasonable and able to be reasoned with. Meekness cares about the truth and is honest.
Meekness is knowledgeable of the fallibility of sin. It may correct others out of a heart of compassion because it knows the end of sin. It also makes sure one is right with God themselves before correcting others. In meekness, when a critical word must be spoken to another person, it is said from a deep conviction of one's own fallibility and susceptibility to sin and utter dependence upon God's grace.
Galatians 6:1-5 ▼
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
What Does A Meek Person Look Like?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ was instructing his disciples to live in such a way that God the Father gets all the glory. Does the way you live cause people to value God and give him glory? The passion of Christ was glorifying his Father. This should be our passion too.
Matthew 5:14-16 ▼
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
A meek person is someone inwardly strong. They can be placed in a position of weakness and won’t become bitter about it or desire to seek revenge. They will delight themselves in an abundance of peace. They remain clear-headed.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ▼
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Meek people do not operate from fear. Meekness is rooted in a firm foundation of trust and faith in Almighty God. They are able to receive unjust or unfair treatment with grace because they are focused on Jesus. A meek person defends his peace, his relationship with God, his spiritual gifts, mercy, truth, trust, hope, and the kingdom of Heaven.
Zepheniah 2:3 ▼
Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.
Meek people trust God completely and whole-heartedly. They commit their ways entirely to the Lord. They are quiet before God and wait for him. They don't worry and fret over the wicked. They restrain their anger. The meek person doesn't produce bitterness, anger, or fretfulness when faced with setbacks, obstacles, and opposition. Meekness consists of a peaceful freedom from fretful anger and is based on waiting for and trusting God.
Psalms 37:1-15 ▼
1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Meek people have a quiet steadiness in the midst of upheaval as they trust God to control their situations.
Psalms 46 ▼
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
A meek person is slow to speak or talk back, quick to listen, and is easily teachable. They humbly read the Word of God.
James 1:19-21 ▼
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The Bible never tells us to never experience anger. It says to be slow to anger. Don't sin when you are angry. Don't hang onto your anger. We are to be slow about getting angry and quick to let it go. Even Jesus got angry when he drove the merchants out of the temple.
In a single moment of uncontrolled anger, many things can be lost or destroyed, relationships especially. Friends and relatives stop speaking, distance themselves from each other, and offend each other beyond repair. Anger, uncontrolled, separates us from what and who we love. Meekness seeks peace while rebuilding and repairing relationships.
Matthew 18:15 ▼
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Anyone can be meek (mild, gentle, calm, sweet, and without violence) when things are quiet. True meekness is shown when one is under pressure. How will you act when attacked, offended, assaulted, or insulted?
Inheriting the Earth
The inheritance of the earth is peace, joy, and contentment in our daily lives. Wherever we find ourselves, we have a hope and a future. “Blessed are the meek” has more to do with spiritual prosperity rather than physical.
Isaiah 66:2 ▼
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
The promises in the beatitudes gives us strength to endure things while remaining meek. They are words of encouragement to remain meek and faithful to God.
Matthew 5:12 ▼
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Don't boast of men. All things are ours. We don't need to brag about how my house is better than yours when our father owns the city and we are the beneficiary of the will. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Therefore, the meek inherit the earth as the children of God. God freely gives all good things to those who ask him in Christ’s name.
1 Corinthians 3:18-23 ▼
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;
23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Psalms 24:1 ▼
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Romans 8:31-35 ▼
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Many people mistake meekness for weakness. Gentleness would be a better description. Meekness is strength under control rather than strength seeking control. Many people believe the world is controlled by the strong, ambitious, rich, famous, dominant, and bold. However, Jesus says the earth belongs to the meek in the long run.
True meekness comes from having true saving knowledge and a true relationship with Jesus Christ. It isn't a requirement for becoming a Christian. We can only be humble, patient, and meek when understand how good will win in the end. Meekness takes courage as we trust in God's plan, sovereignty, and character and we give up complete control of our lives to God.
To inherit the earth is to inherit the promise, not to conquer the earth in violence or war. We seek to inherit the new Heaven and earth. Meekness seeks God's glory and the well-being of others before our own. It's strength is found in God. Meekness is an inner strength and confidence shaped by God and powered through Christ.
1 Peter 3:13-14 ▼
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Isaiah 65:17 ▼
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
For more information on meekness, see "Fruits of the Spirit - Meekness" 
. This was a previous study I did about meekness as the fruit of the Spirit.
Revelation 21:1-5
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
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