Kingdom Character: “The Manner of Meekness” Matthew 5:1-5

“Well, We’re Movin’ On Up!” Movin on up, To the east side. We finally got a piece of the pie. Fish don't fry in the kitchen; Beans don't burn on the grill. Took a whole lotta tryin', Just to get up that hill. Now we're up in the big leagues, Gettin' our turn at bat. As long as we live, it's you and me baby, There ain't nothin wrong with that. Well we're movin on up, to the east side, to a deluxe apartment in the sky.

Jesus Announced Another Way of “Movin’ Up” – Kingdom Living! Finding your place in this world “dog eat dog” “survival of the fittest,” where ‘meek’ get stepped over or stepped on” Jesus: revolutionary pointing to another Kingdom “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29) So meekness naturally follows mourning b/c both “mourning” + “meekness” rely on God’s grace Hope for all: the Kingdom not captive to wealth and power in the world!

Study of the Word “Meek” Greek = “praos” or “gentle, mild, kind” Rather than weak or lame, it means “restrained strength” – “great strength under great control”… displaying the right blend of force and reserve (gentleness). Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:23 Moses – “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3)

The Visual of “Meekness” Disciplined, tempered, controlled and put to good use Horsepower

Practical Apps in Christian Living the necessary balance of exercising power and avoiding harshness Meekness is essential to: * receive Word of God – James 1:21 * witness – 1 Peter 3:15 * nature of our hearts – 1 Peter 3:4 * Trusting God’s sovereign provision for elements beyond our control

Meekness Toward People Jesus on trial before ALL! * No answer (at points) to Pilate, Herod, rulers (Matt. 27:12, 14 + Luke 23:9) “WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross (1 Peter 2:22-24)

Meekness Toward Trials Joseph in Jail (1 Peter 2:22-24) * no hostility toward Potiphar OR Pharaoh * no bitterness toward his brothers (Genesis 50:20) * no complaint to God (Romans 8:28) “God grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Finding the Balance of Meek + Assertive Make Take 100% Zero Control Response No Trust God Faith Jesus Jesus on clears the Trial or Temple On the Cross! Trusting Sovereign Jesus!

“Blessed…for they shall inherit the earth!” “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15) “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth” (Rev. 5:10). Fulfilled in Revelation 20:4 – “and (they) reigned with Christ for a thousand years”