THE BEATITUDES
(The Gentle Are Blessed - July 17, 2022)
Series Big Idea: "People in God's Kingdom will be known by several characteristics"
Sermon Big Idea: "Gentleness is strength under control"
Key Scripture (Matthew 5:1-12)
If you follow horse training and horse racing, then you know that a horse that responds the most to its training has a greater chance of winning a race. Southern horse breeders are often known for saying that the meekest horse wins. Basically, all the power of this large and powerful animal has been brought under focused control.
In this our third week of a sermon series on the Beatitudes from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a beautiful picture of what a follower of His looks like. He is not saying these are the things you should do to become a follower of His, but these are things that describe someone who genuinely repents of their sins and accepts the forgiveness He offers. Let’s read the first five verses of Matthew 5.
(Matthew 5:1-12)
When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying: 3 “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. 5 The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. 7 The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. 8 The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. 9 The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Although domineering and aggressive people often control things on the earth and establish kingdoms, Jesus says that it is the gentle who will inherit the earth. He was probably referencing (Psalm 37:11) “But the humble will inherit the land and will enjoy abundant prosperity”? Jesus is beginning to expand His description of kingdom people. Verses two and three focus on individual personal holiness but now in verse five, He is turning His disciple’s attention to a relationship with others. He seems to be saying that the gentle are not people who are lording themselves over others so they may advance their cause. So how does a gentle person act? What are the characteristics of a person who is meek?
1. The gentle possess Self-control
The Apostle Paul urged believers to live this way. (Romans 6:12) Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. The body is the only place where a believer is still vulnerable to sin. The brain and the way it thinks are part of the body, so their sinful desires tempt our souls. In this passage, the Greek makes it clear that the body is mortal or dying. Maybe this shows how delusional it is to give in to the wants of a body that is temporary and will eventually die. It is very strange to give in to a dying master.
2. The gentle display Humbleness
Humbleness is a sign of someone who obeys God's Word (James 1:21) Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. The term "humble" (hupotagte) means to submit to God, to His care, power, and strength; to resign to God's will, command, instructions, rules, conduct, and Word; and to commit yourself to God so that He can strengthen you so that you can carry out His instructions correctly.
3. The gentle demonstrate Gentleness
A humble person may have a prominent position, a lot of power, a lot of money, a lot of fame, and much
more, but he acts in a lowly and submissive way. He gives up himself for Christ and to help other people.
4. The gentle are always Forgiving
This person doesn’t take revenge. He knows the words of the Apostle Paul in (Romans 12:19) Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
Conclusion:
In the last half of verse five, Jesus said this person is happy because he will inherit the earth. I see two promises here. First the gentle will inherit the earth now. Why? Because they are confident in who and whose they are. They are strong yet tender and humble. They have meaning and significance in life. They are teachable with nothing to prove. They are free from stress and tension because they take control of circumstances instead of the other way around. They know that whatever pressure or tension comes in life they can take to Christ, and He will relieve it. (Matthew 11:28-30) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
There is also a more exciting promise that the earth will be theirs eternally. Because they are joint heirs with Christ, they know they have eternal life. The greatest example of meekness is Jesus himself. Listen to what the book of Philippians says, (Philippians 2:5-8) “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for his own advantage. Instead, He emptied himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men and when he had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even to death on a cross.”
Because of the gentleness of Jesus, you and I can have forgiveness and eternal life.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
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