Sunday morning: February 5th 2017 – 10:30a.m. The fourth sermon in our series on the Sermon on the Mount giving further consideration to the beatitudes
Unfortunately meekness has an image problem in that it rhymes with weakness; the two have become synonymous in people’s minds! But meekness is not weakness; rather it is controlled strength, with only two people in the whole of the Bible being described as meek:-
Jesus.
He once said of himself – “For I am MEEK and lowly of heart” (Matthew 11 v 29) and then went on to model meekness by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21 v 5); by resisting the way of violence when arrested in Gethsemane (Matthew 26 v 51); by his lack of retaliation at his trial (1 Peter 2 v 23); by his unwillingness to grasp equality with God, and instead be a servant (Philippians 2 v 6 -7); small wonder that Paul appealed to the Corinthian church – “by the MEEKNESS and gentleness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10 v 1.)
Moses.
“Now the man Moses was very MEEK, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12 v 3.) Moses meekness was based on him having three realistic views:-
A – Of Himself.
By faith Moses – “refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11 v 24.) In meekness he refused to boast about his lavish royal upbringing, acknowledging that he was no more than the son of Israelite slaves.
B – Of Others.
By faith Moses – “Chose to be ill treated along with the people of God” (Hebrews 11 v 25.) In meekness he rejected the pleasures and treasures of Egypt, identifying himself instead with the suffering of his own people, and putting them first.
C – Of God.
By faith Moses – “saw him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11 v 27.) In meekness he fixed his eyes on God and concentrated on developing an intimate relationship with the invisible God, while never boasting about it (Numbers 12 v 8 & Exodus 34 v 29.)
Challenge – Are you meek, in terms of having a realistic view of yourself, of others and of God?
How then will the meek be rewarded? Based on Psalm 37 v 11 – “they will inherit the earth.” A promise which has a double inference:-
An Earthly Aspect.
The meek have already inherited the earth because – “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3 v 21.) They are content and satisfied, and the earth belongs to them.
An Eternal Aspect.
When Christ returns to judge the living and the dead, as well as to establish the new heaven and the new earth (2 Peter 3 v 13); as “heirs of God and co heirs with Christ,” (Romans 8 v 17) the meek will inherit it all and will reign with Christ.
Service Details
Theme: “A surprising reward for surprising recipients!”
Reading: Hebrews 11 v 23 – 28
Preacher: Chris Hughes
Led by: Chris Hughes