1. This morning we studied passages that teach us what we need to know about "heaven and earth." 2. Perhaps this is a good time for us to examine the 3rd Beatitude in which Jesus said that the meek "shall inherit the earth."
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 struggle to get things by their own strength. b. The meek trust in God to provide their needs. 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. God's strongest leaders were known for their meekness, including: 1. Moses (Numbers 12:3) 2. Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30; 21:1-5).
II. MEEKNESS IS A REQUIREMENT OF GOD'S PEOPLE
A. We must develop meekness (Galatians 5:22-23; 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).
Conclusion:
1. In closing we need to point out that the meek will "inherit" great blessings. 2. To properly understand what is involved in "inheriting the earth," we must realize that there are basically two ways of receiving blessings: a. taking them by force [as evil people do] b. trusting God to provide them [as meek followers of the Lord do]. 3. The earth that so many evil people take by force will eventually be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10). 4. The meek look forward to dwelling in a better place forever (2 Peter 3:13).
