1. Meekness Building Character

2. Misconceptions of Meekness Correct definition is essential: Meekness is the character of Christ (Col 3:12) Matt 11:29; 12:19 (2 Cor 10:1); Eph 4:1-2 –Meekness is not weakness –Meekness is not cowardice –Meekness is not indecisiveness Part 5 (2)

3. Describes a condition of mind/heart A soothing quality, gentle attitude of spiritual poise and strength (“spirit of gentleness”, Gal 6:1) 1) Humble and kind demeanor that calms another person’s anger, Zeph 3:12 2) Meekness produces gentle conduct Part 5 (3) Meekness Defined

4. Describes a soothing quality, gentle conduct and spiritual poise and strength (“spirit of gentleness”, Gal 6:1) 3) The ability to take unkind remarks with good nature Holds temper in controversy, Num 12:1-3 4) Balanced combination of strength and gentleness (Gal 5:23) Stability of spirit Part 5 (4)

5. Meekness toward God “Disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” (Thayer) –Of great value to God, 1 Pet 3:4 Paul’s meekness, 2 Cor 12:7-9 –In OT, those who wholly rely on God, Num 12:1-3, 6-8 (cf. Rom 12:18-19) Part 5 (5)

6. Meekness toward People “Be gentle, showing all humility to all men”, Titus 3:2 –As a spouse, Col 3:18-19 (1 Pet 3:3-4) –As a parent, Col 3:21 –As an employee, Col 3:22-25 –As an employer, Col 4:1 Part 5 (6)

7. Pursue Meekness (1 Tim 6:11) Present blessing, Matt 5:5 (Psa 37:11, 34) When helping fallen, Gal 6:1 (1 Cor 4:21) When teaching the gospel, 2 Tim 2:24-26 Receiving God’s word, Jas 1:21 Answering questions, 1 Pet 3:15-16 Seeking the Lord, Zeph 2:3 (Acts 17:27) Grow in heavenly wisdom, James 3:13-18 Part 5 (7)

8. MeeknessMeekness Meekness is that virtuous quality by which… “we treat all men with perfect courtesy, that we can rebuke without rancor…that we can face the truth without resentment, that we can be angry and sin not, that we can be gentle and yet not weak.” (Wm. Barclay) Part 5 (8)

9. MeeknessMeekness Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.“ (Matt 11:28-30) Part 5 (9)