Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 55)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. We are presently examining instructions from God's Word that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on several principles that relate to the 3rd Beatitude in Matthew 5:5 -- "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." 4. In addition to being poor in spirit and mourning, meekness is essential for those who desire to remain unspotted from the world. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST IDENTIFY "THE MEEK"
A. "The meek" are those who possess a mild and gentle spirit. 1. A meek person is gentle, humble, considerate, and courteous. 2. Opposite characteristics include arrogance, pride, and haughtiness. a. The arrogant and the proud do as they please without regard for God's will. b. The meek place their trust in God and submit to His will. 3. A meek person does not assert himself or insist on having his own way. B. Meekness: 1. is not "weakness" 2. may be described as "strength under control." C. Strong leaders of God's people known for their meekness include: 1. Moses (Numbers 12:1-3) 2. Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30; 21:1-5). II. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THAT MEEKNESS IS A REQUIREMENT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
A. We must develop meekness (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:12-13). B. Meekness must be shown: 1. toward God (1 Peter 5:5b-6) a. God will teach the meek (Psalm 25:9). b. God will lift up the meek (Psalm 147:6). c. God will save the meek (Psalm 149:4). 2. toward God's Word (James 1:21) 3. toward men (Titus 3:1-2) 4. when answering questions (1 Peter 3:15) 5. toward those overtaken in a fault (Galatians 6:1). III. AS MOTIVATION, GREAT BLESSINGS ARE IN STORE FOR THE MEEK
A. To properly understand what is involved in "inheriting the earth," we must realize that there are basically two ways of receiving blessings: 1. taking them by force [as evil people do] 2. trusting God to provide them [as meek followers of the Lord do]. B. The earth that so many evil people take by force will eventually be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10). C. The meek look forward to dwelling in a better place forever (2 Peter 3:13).
