The Blessings
3 – The Meek
A. THE “BLESSINGS,” OR “BEATITUDES,” ARE WELL KNOWN.
1. There are 8 or 9 depending on how vs. 10 & 11 are viewed.
2. Blessings are pronounced on men for character traits.
B. BOTH THE BLESSINGS AND THE TRAITS ARE COMPOSITES.
C. SERMON’S THEME (5:20).
1. Traits contrast with the character of Jewish leaders.
2. Blessings they held to be theirs exclusively – paradoxes.
A. prautes, “The English word "meek" has largely lost the fine blend of spiritual poise and strength meant by the Master. He calls himself "meek and lowly in heart" (Matt 11:29) and Moses is also called "meek." It is the gentleness of strength, not mere effeminacy.” – A. T. Robertson
GENTLE GIANTS. .
B. JESUS, THE PERFECT ILLUSTRATION:
1. Non-violent (John 18:36; Matt. 26:51-52).
2. His power (Matt. 26:53; 27:39-44; Luke 23:24).
3. To whom was the gospel first preached?
C. AS IT APPLIES TO US.
1. No grudges (Matt. 5:23-26).
2. Our attitude (Matt. 5:43-48).
3. Vengeance is God’s (Rom. 12:17-21). Even when they deserve it!
4. 1 Pet. 2:21-24; 3:8-9.
5. The secret (1 Pet. 2:23; 4:19 – 2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Pet. 3:15-16).
A. A PARADOX – THE MEEK DON’T RULE, THEY SUBMIT.
B. CHRISTIANS REIGN THROUGH JESUS.
1. Raised and made to sit (Eph. 2:5-7).
2. The church is special – glorified by God.
a. Passages that tell us we are special. Eph. 5:25-27 – Phil. 2:15 – 1 Pet. 2:9.
b. James 1:17-18.
c. 2 Cor. 6:16-18.
He claims us!
d. God’s children (Rom. 8:16-17).
e. He is not ashamed of us (Heb. 2:11; 11:6)
f. There is no cause for us to be ashamed (1 Pet. 4:15-16).
C. THROUGH JESUS WE CONQUER (2 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 8:31-39).
1. We are strong in the Lord (Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13).
2. We have a job (2 Cor. 10:3-6).
D. THROUGH JESUS WE HAVE FULFILLMENT – I AM SOMEBODY (1 John 3:1).
A. ARE YOU A CHILD OF GOD? (Gal. 3:26-27).
B. HAVE YOU BEEN MEEK?
1. Submissive to the will of God.
2. Loving and gentle toward those who would persecute you?