WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.900 Well, just a word about our elder nomination process before I get into the sermon. 00:00:08.179 --> 00:00:14.000 So I'll just give you an update, and then I'll pray, and we'll get back, we'll get to the sermon. 00:00:15.080 --> 00:00:23.420 So as most of you are aware, this past January, our church membership affirmed a special elder nomination process 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:26.620 for Luke Keelan and Dave Barnard. 00:00:26.620 --> 00:00:31.380 And it's scheduled to culminate with a membership meeting on March 20th. 00:00:34.140 --> 00:00:40.859 And so Rick and I have been very diligent with Dave and Lou in walking them through some material. 00:00:41.500 --> 00:00:45.640 But what we've realized, all four of us, is that we need more time. 00:00:46.820 --> 00:00:54.620 That with March 20th coming up, it's bringing an element to things 00:00:54.619 --> 00:01:00.219 that are making things more difficult than they need to be in the process of walking these guys through, 00:01:00.379 --> 00:01:03.579 whether they're qualified and ready to be elders. 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:11.879 And so all four of us have realized that we're just starting to talk about the things that we need to talk about. 00:01:11.879 --> 00:01:18.439 We're just starting to talk about the things that are essential to elders. 00:01:19.399 --> 00:01:25.859 And so what we've realized is that we need to extend the process. 00:01:26.719 --> 00:01:27.759 We can't rush this. 00:01:28.699 --> 00:01:30.179 We can't afford to rush this. 00:01:30.180 --> 00:01:33.560 And so we love this church. 00:01:34.180 --> 00:01:39.900 And we believe that the men who fill the office of elder need to be qualified 00:01:39.900 --> 00:01:42.000 and need to be thoroughly considered. 00:01:43.020 --> 00:01:50.820 And so in light of that, Rick and I are canceling the 320 membership meeting 00:01:50.820 --> 00:01:54.200 so that we can just continue in the process that we're in. 00:01:54.200 --> 00:02:01.299 And so what that means is we'll just continue with our regular elder nomination process 00:02:01.299 --> 00:02:02.939 that will culminate in June. 00:02:04.060 --> 00:02:07.920 And so this is to give us more time in talking with Dave and Lou 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:11.920 and asking the hard questions and thinking through hard issues. 00:02:13.560 --> 00:02:17.199 The desire of Rick and I is to present to you elder candidates 00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:21.659 that we have thorough confidence in for your affirmation. 00:02:21.659 --> 00:02:24.180 And so we just need more time in that. 00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:31.219 This may raise a question with you in terms of other elder nominations. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:34.680 If you're seeing other men in the church here who you want to put forward, 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:37.240 Rick and I would welcome those nominations. 00:02:37.520 --> 00:02:40.800 And so feel free to offer those names up. 00:02:41.740 --> 00:02:45.639 But we just want to let you know, out of love for this church 00:02:45.639 --> 00:02:50.639 and a desire to guard this church, we just see the need to take more time in this. 00:02:50.639 --> 00:02:55.319 And so we'll circle back to this tonight at our family gathering. 00:02:55.759 --> 00:02:59.379 But we want to let you know this morning about this decision. 00:03:00.119 --> 00:03:02.939 So all for the glory, all for the glory of God. 00:03:04.099 --> 00:03:05.419 I just want to say this too. 00:03:06.079 --> 00:03:08.239 Rick and I realize we got ahead of ourselves. 00:03:10.199 --> 00:03:12.939 When we asked for this affirmation in January, 00:03:12.939 --> 00:03:18.699 where we thought we could walk through this process in a responsible fashion, 00:03:19.180 --> 00:03:20.599 culminating in March 20th. 00:03:20.680 --> 00:03:25.819 But what we realized is, though well intended, we just need more time. 00:03:26.680 --> 00:03:28.960 And so it's been learning for us as well. 00:03:29.479 --> 00:03:32.439 And we just want to do what's wise and right at this point 00:03:32.439 --> 00:03:35.199 and not push something through just to push something through. 00:03:35.199 --> 00:03:38.280 And so thank you for your understanding on that. 00:03:38.759 --> 00:03:41.119 And let's now turn to the Lord in prayer. 00:03:48.979 --> 00:03:50.759 God, we do thank you so much for your word. 00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:53.979 We do thank you in particular for what your word says about elders. 00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:57.819 And God, we thank you for Lou and Dave. 00:03:58.359 --> 00:03:59.239 Thank you for Rick. 00:04:00.379 --> 00:04:02.879 And we thank you for this process we're in. 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:05.240 And we're thankful that, God, you are using even the process, 00:04:05.419 --> 00:04:09.060 even in its imperfect nature, to bring about your purposes. 00:04:10.479 --> 00:04:12.120 And so, God, we look to you. 00:04:12.180 --> 00:04:14.439 We're trying to be attentive to the leading of your spirit, 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:17.259 according to your word. 00:04:18.719 --> 00:04:23.939 And so, God, would you raise up men who are qualified to be elders in this church, 00:04:24.040 --> 00:04:27.540 who love your church, protect your church, 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:29.500 and nurture your church? 00:04:30.659 --> 00:04:32.139 God, we ask this. 00:04:32.879 --> 00:04:34.920 In the name of Jesus, we ask for wisdom. 00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:38.740 God, we pray for unity as a church around us. 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:42.399 God, we entrust this to you. 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:45.000 And now, God, as we turn to your word, 00:04:45.899 --> 00:04:48.759 God, would you meet us in your word? 00:04:48.839 --> 00:04:50.899 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:04:50.899 --> 00:04:51.040 Amen. 00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:51.060 Amen. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:51.100 Amen. 00:04:51.100 --> 00:04:51.139 Amen. 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:51.180 Amen. 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:51.199 Amen. 00:04:51.199 --> 00:04:53.100 Amen. 00:04:53.100 --> 00:04:55.139 Amen. 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:55.180 Amen. 00:04:55.180 --> 00:04:57.180 Amen. 00:04:57.180 --> 00:04:59.180 Amen. 00:04:59.180 --> 00:04:59.240 Amen. 00:04:59.240 --> 00:05:00.180 Amen. 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:01.180 Amen. 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:01.240 Amen. 00:05:01.240 --> 00:05:02.240 Amen. 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:02.860 Amen. 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:07.279 Amen. 00:05:07.279 --> 00:05:07.540 Amen. 00:05:07.540 --> 00:05:08.279 Amen. 00:05:08.279 --> 00:05:09.319 Amen. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:11.439 Amen. 00:05:11.439 --> 00:05:11.779 Amen. 00:05:11.779 --> 00:05:12.180 Amen. 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:12.920 Amen. 00:05:12.920 --> 00:05:13.860 Amen. 00:05:13.860 --> 00:05:14.300 Amen. 00:05:14.300 --> 00:05:14.399 Amen. 00:05:14.399 --> 00:05:15.800 Amen. 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:15.860 Amen. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:16.000 Amen. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:17.959 Amen. 00:05:17.959 --> 00:05:18.959 Amen. 00:05:18.959 --> 00:05:19.459 Amen. 00:05:19.459 --> 00:05:20.240 Amen. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:21.100 Amen. 00:05:21.100 --> 00:05:22.139 Amen. 00:05:22.139 --> 00:05:23.259 Oh, I've never seen this. 00:05:23.259 --> 00:05:24.399 That's okay. 00:05:24.399 --> 00:05:25.100 Amen. 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:25.639 Amen. 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:27.319 Amen. 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:28.159 Amen. 00:05:28.159 --> 00:05:29.379 Amen. 00:05:29.379 --> 00:05:30.399 Amen. 00:05:30.399 --> 00:05:31.500 Amen. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:32.860 It was the first. 00:05:34.899 --> 00:05:39.019 And so I have changed how I interact with him. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:43.519 It was humbling. 00:05:44.079 --> 00:05:47.720 I still have this edge on him I call the old man strength. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:49.620 I still have that edge on him. 00:05:50.959 --> 00:05:52.100 But it was humbling. 00:05:52.439 --> 00:05:53.779 Have you ever been put in your place before? 00:05:57.100 --> 00:05:59.779 Meekness, blessed are the meek. 00:05:59.779 --> 00:06:05.879 Meek, meekness is being put in your place by God's grace. 00:06:07.279 --> 00:06:11.739 Meekness is being put in your place by God's grace. 00:06:11.979 --> 00:06:16.539 The meek know God has put them in their place by his grace. 00:06:18.419 --> 00:06:24.239 You see yourself as you really are in relationship to God and to others. 00:06:26.239 --> 00:06:28.759 Okay, anybody familiar with the planet Pluto? 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:30.980 Pluto has been taken a bum rap. 00:06:31.399 --> 00:06:34.060 It's been demoted to a dwarf planet by some. 00:06:34.159 --> 00:06:34.599 Not me. 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:35.879 Not me. 00:06:35.980 --> 00:06:36.659 I'm a purist. 00:06:37.079 --> 00:06:38.039 Ninth planet always. 00:06:40.379 --> 00:06:44.279 But what you need to realize is these nine planets orbit the sun. 00:06:44.959 --> 00:06:45.379 Right? 00:06:45.459 --> 00:06:52.039 And there was a time when most of humanity thought that everything else rotated around the earth. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:54.020 That the earth was the center of all things. 00:06:54.080 --> 00:07:00.500 And then this guy named Copernicus came around who is this, I think, Polish mathematician who figured out in the 16th century, 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:06.020 it was just math that the sun doesn't revolve around the earth. 00:07:06.100 --> 00:07:08.080 It's the earth that revolves around the sun. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:12.279 It was a radical shift in thinking. 00:07:14.279 --> 00:07:18.759 Becoming a Christian is a radical shift in thinking. 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:24.099 It's the recognition that God doesn't orbit me. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:26.680 But I orbit God. 00:07:27.079 --> 00:07:28.699 All things orbit God. 00:07:28.779 --> 00:07:30.060 He's the center of all things. 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:34.180 He's that which is most glorious, important in all of existence. 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:36.519 He's the center of all things. 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:38.120 And all things are dependent on him. 00:07:38.120 --> 00:07:47.180 Becoming a citizen of the kingdom of heaven is a radical change in our orientation and our understanding. 00:07:48.780 --> 00:07:51.720 We no longer value what the world values. 00:07:52.519 --> 00:07:54.079 Me at the middle of everything. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:55.100 Everything's for me. 00:07:56.019 --> 00:07:57.100 Everything revolves around me. 00:07:57.160 --> 00:07:58.280 We don't live that way anymore. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:07:59.699 Jesus has changed us. 00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:01.340 We're part of his kingdom. 00:08:01.459 --> 00:08:02.259 He's our king. 00:08:02.340 --> 00:08:04.639 And now we live for God. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:07.439 He's the center of our world. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:12.780 And so the Sermon on the Mount where we've been spending some time, 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:19.459 the Sermon on the Mount is Christ's manifesto of this radical reorientation. 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:20.680 He's the king. 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:21.800 The kingdom has come. 00:08:21.899 --> 00:08:23.000 It changes everything. 00:08:25.280 --> 00:08:27.680 How things really are. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:35.279 And so this Sermon on the Mount, this manifesto, 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:38.740 is a radical reorientation of our thinking. 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:43.279 Jesus has radically changed us. 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:45.179 And he's our king. 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:47.259 And so this morning, we're going to look at something radical. 00:08:48.199 --> 00:08:51.139 Blessed are the meek. 00:08:51.139 --> 00:08:52.139 The meek. 00:08:52.139 --> 00:08:53.139 The meek. 00:08:55.439 --> 00:08:59.240 The meek are those who know they've been put in their place by God's grace. 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.139 And so this morning, we're going to look at five things. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:04.460 The meaning of meekness, number one. 00:09:04.879 --> 00:09:07.939 Two, meekness in the Beatitudes, that's number two. 00:09:08.439 --> 00:09:10.159 The heart of meekness, number three. 00:09:10.519 --> 00:09:12.360 The way of meekness, number four. 00:09:12.860 --> 00:09:15.819 And the promise to the meek, number five. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:19.280 Blessed are the meek, for theirs is the kingdom. 00:09:19.840 --> 00:09:20.200 Excuse me. 00:09:20.280 --> 00:09:21.940 For they shall inherit the earth. 00:09:24.800 --> 00:09:26.940 So let's look at this meaning of meekness. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:31.620 Other Bibles translate meekness as gentle. 00:09:32.800 --> 00:09:35.540 It basically means mild or soft. 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:39.980 In classical Greek, it was used to talk about domesticated animals. 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:46.860 About a wild beast that has been broken and now carries stuff for work. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:48.519 It's power under control. 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:49.799 I have a beast at home. 00:09:50.679 --> 00:09:52.179 Not one of my sons. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:57.259 We've got a hundred-pound black lab named Gus. 00:09:57.360 --> 00:09:58.360 And he's a blockhead. 00:09:59.679 --> 00:10:00.799 He is a beast. 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:02.719 And he's domesticated. 00:10:02.719 --> 00:10:05.099 I tell him to do things, and usually he does them. 00:10:06.539 --> 00:10:07.339 Gus go lay down. 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:09.759 He takes some time, but he goes lay down. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:10.659 Gus come in. 00:10:10.899 --> 00:10:11.980 And eventually he comes in. 00:10:12.059 --> 00:10:12.860 Gus go up to Nate's room. 00:10:12.899 --> 00:10:13.759 He goes up to Nate's room. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:17.519 Sometimes he doesn't, but usually he does most of the time. 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:23.980 That word in classical Greek that's translated gentle was used of domesticated animals, 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:28.719 but it was also eventually used to describe the upper crust of a society. 00:10:29.459 --> 00:10:30.659 The well-mannered. 00:10:32.199 --> 00:10:33.620 The well-groomed. 00:10:33.839 --> 00:10:35.019 The well-balanced. 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:36.620 I've got a confession. 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:38.620 I love Downton Abbey. 00:10:38.719 --> 00:10:39.199 I do. 00:10:40.039 --> 00:10:40.819 I do. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.620 I love it. 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:48.419 As one brother said, he's glad to hang up his man card to watch Downton Abbey. 00:10:49.819 --> 00:10:50.639 So am I. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:11:01.860 Well, the Crowley's would be this well-mannered, well-groomed, well-balanced upper crust of a society. 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:03.980 Kind of power under control. 00:11:03.980 --> 00:11:23.500 When we talk about the human attitude in this word meekness, this word gentleness, it's speaking of a submissiveness, a quietness, a tenderheartedness. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:31.539 And so we learn some things from classic Greek, but the Bible seems to get at something else when talking about meekness. 00:11:31.539 --> 00:11:42.819 John MacArthur, in his commentary on Matthew, points out that the essential difference between poor in spirit and meekness is that poor in spirit focuses on one's sinfulness, 00:11:42.820 --> 00:12:00.160 where this meekness primarily focuses on God, the greatness of God, an awareness of who God is and the tenderizing effect of his grace towards us. 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:10.179 And when Jesus talks about here as blessed are the meek, it's one of his beatitudes, blessed are the meek. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:14.039 You know he's saying that all of his citizens are to be meek. 00:12:15.019 --> 00:12:15.839 All of us. 00:12:16.439 --> 00:12:19.319 All of us are to be meek in growing in meekness. 00:12:21.399 --> 00:12:25.039 No one, no citizen is outside this call. 00:12:25.039 --> 00:12:55.019 No one, no citizen is outside this call. 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:57.299 No one, no citizen is outside this call. 00:12:57.299 --> 00:12:59.299 No one, no citizen is outside this call. 00:13:01.719 --> 00:13:02.860 Blessed are the meek. 00:13:03.579 --> 00:13:07.719 So for this morning, I want to give you this definition of meekness. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:18.099 Meekness is a humble posture of heart that results from being put in one's place by God's grace. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:24.679 Meekness is a humble posture of heart that results from being put in one's place by God's grace. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:26.959 And the meek don't resist it. 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:28.699 The meek don't resent it. 00:13:29.039 --> 00:13:30.699 The meek rejoice in it. 00:13:30.759 --> 00:13:32.299 So that's the meaning of meekness. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:37.839 Now let's look at meekness in relationship to the beatitudes in this progression. 00:13:38.679 --> 00:13:39.719 Remember the beatitudes. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:42.339 If you look at Matthew chapter 5, they start in verse 3. 00:13:42.799 --> 00:13:45.519 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:48.860 Blessed are those who declare spiritual bankruptcy, who say, 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:53.620 I am in great debt because of my sin against God. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:14:01.259 And what we learn from the Bible is that those who declare bankruptcy due to their sin against God, 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:06.680 what they will experience is God's gracious and generous bailout plan in Jesus. 00:14:06.679 --> 00:14:10.000 They're forgiven their whole debt. 00:14:10.199 --> 00:14:16.719 And they're made citizens of the kingdom of heaven with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance thereof. 00:14:17.620 --> 00:14:20.500 We are made spiritually rich by God's grace. 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:24.639 That's where the beatitudes start. 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:28.799 And then they move to this mourning sin. 00:14:29.459 --> 00:14:30.539 Sin against God. 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:32.019 Blessed are those who mourn. 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:36.460 It's the emotional counterpart to being poor in spirit. 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:45.139 And what we see in Matthew 5, 4 is those who mourn are promised comfort. 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:52.379 And what we know is that the only comfort for those who are mourning their sin is found in Jesus. 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:55.639 He paid the penalty. 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:56.399 All of it. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:57.679 Jesus paid it all. 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.500 He broke the power of sin. 00:14:59.500 --> 00:15:07.480 And he promises that one day Christians, that the sinful nature will even be eradicated from them. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.700 Presence of sin no more. 00:15:10.820 --> 00:15:18.879 And so there's going to come a day when you are on your parcel in the new earth with your new heavenly body. 00:15:19.220 --> 00:15:22.919 And you're going to be thinking like, something's missing, but I don't really miss it. 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:25.000 You're not going to have a sinful nature. 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:35.279 What I want you to see is out of one's poverty of spirit, out of one's mourning of sin, comes meekness. 00:15:36.559 --> 00:15:37.559 Blessed are the meek. 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:48.480 Another way to come about this is you cannot experience the meekness of which Jesus is speaking without first being poor in spirit, 00:15:48.480 --> 00:15:50.840 without mourning your sin. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:57.180 Do you know what makes a Christian meek, tenderhearted? 00:15:57.480 --> 00:16:01.039 It's just not the recognition of one's spiritual debt. 00:16:01.180 --> 00:16:03.800 It's just not mourning sin. 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:09.060 It's recognizing the amazing grace of God that in the face of these things, 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:12.220 He would pour out on us when we don't deserve it. 00:16:12.220 --> 00:16:15.019 That will make you meek. 00:16:15.580 --> 00:16:16.840 That will humble you. 00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.779 That will tenderize you. 00:16:20.920 --> 00:16:25.820 Meekness is the result of being put in your place by God's grace, 00:16:25.920 --> 00:16:29.759 His amazing generous grace, His amazing comforting grace. 00:16:30.180 --> 00:16:33.899 When you experience the bailout of Jesus, 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:37.080 when you experience the comfort of Christ, 00:16:37.080 --> 00:16:40.320 it is even in the face of your sin, 00:16:40.420 --> 00:16:41.920 it tenderizes you. 00:16:43.040 --> 00:16:44.520 It makes you meek. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:48.960 The meek don't walk around with a sourpuss. 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:52.860 The meek smile. 00:16:54.160 --> 00:16:55.400 Because in their humility, 00:16:55.820 --> 00:16:58.660 there is gratitude for what God has done for them in Christ. 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:02.379 They see themselves as they truly are. 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.620 The meek are the humble. 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:05.200 Martin Lloyd-Jones, 00:17:06.359 --> 00:17:09.319 amazing preacher of a bygone era, 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:12.700 in his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:13.160 says, 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:17.440 meekness is essentially a true view of oneself. 00:17:19.079 --> 00:17:20.799 So citizens of heaven realize 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:23.480 that they are spiritual beggars 00:17:23.480 --> 00:17:25.759 made citizens by God's grace. 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:28.480 Citizens of heaven realize 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:30.920 that they've sinned against a holy God 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:31.720 and continue to, 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:32.839 and they mourn it, 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:35.019 and yet experience the comfort 00:17:35.019 --> 00:17:36.659 that only Christ provides. 00:17:37.659 --> 00:17:39.159 That will make you meek. 00:17:40.099 --> 00:17:42.720 So meekness is seeing oneself 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:45.339 in light of who God is 00:17:45.339 --> 00:17:47.879 and what God has done for us in Jesus. 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:51.959 Meekness blooms in that atmosphere. 00:17:54.419 --> 00:17:55.279 A.W. Tozer, 00:17:55.399 --> 00:17:57.059 who wrote the book Knowledge of the Holy, 00:17:58.199 --> 00:17:59.899 writes in the first chapter, 00:17:59.900 --> 00:18:00.820 first page, 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:01.820 first paragraph, 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:02.860 first sentence, 00:18:03.400 --> 00:18:04.640 what comes into your mind 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.820 when you think about God 00:18:05.820 --> 00:18:07.960 is the most important thing about you. 00:18:08.060 --> 00:18:08.980 And I would agree with him. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:10.880 And here's why. 00:18:11.759 --> 00:18:14.200 What you believe to be true about God 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:18.060 will define and determine how you live. 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:21.120 What you believe to be true about God, 00:18:21.160 --> 00:18:22.280 whether that's right or wrong, 00:18:22.360 --> 00:18:23.620 whether it's accurate or inaccurate, 00:18:24.120 --> 00:18:25.759 what you believe to be true about God 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:27.580 will define and determine how you live, 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:29.539 what you think about yourself and others. 00:18:31.919 --> 00:18:34.659 So in this progression of the Beatitudes, 00:18:35.319 --> 00:18:36.699 the meek are those 00:18:36.699 --> 00:18:39.599 who know they've been put in their place 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.619 by God's grace. 00:18:41.419 --> 00:18:43.460 They know their sinfulness 00:18:43.460 --> 00:18:45.879 and they know God's generosity, 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.399 His comfort. 00:18:49.159 --> 00:18:50.500 They know who their God is. 00:18:50.599 --> 00:18:51.359 They are themselves, 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:53.559 they see themselves as they truly are, 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:55.199 sinners saved by grace. 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:56.480 That's the meek. 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:02.799 Now let's look at the heart of meekness. 00:19:03.140 --> 00:19:04.960 We're just starting to get there. 00:19:05.720 --> 00:19:06.880 At the heart of meekness. 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:08.900 Third point, 00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:10.220 at the heart of meekness. 00:19:10.840 --> 00:19:12.360 At the heart of meekness 00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:16.120 is not a woe is me. 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:19.699 It's not I'm a loser. 00:19:20.699 --> 00:19:22.319 At the heart of meekness 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:26.059 is a heart for God's glory. 00:19:26.959 --> 00:19:28.399 It's a heart for God. 00:19:29.139 --> 00:19:32.259 It's a fullness of joy in God. 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:37.139 And so as you're reading Matthew 5, 00:19:37.219 --> 00:19:38.159 verse 5, 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.099 blessed are the meek, 00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:40.039 you may be asking, 00:19:40.159 --> 00:19:41.359 well, how do you know that? 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:44.959 How do you know that the meek, 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:45.639 there's a fullness, 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:47.259 a heart full of God 00:19:47.259 --> 00:19:49.500 just from Matthew 5, 5, salvati? 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:50.339 How do you know that? 00:19:52.199 --> 00:19:53.219 Well, here's how. 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:56.899 Jesus, in Matthew 5, 5, 00:19:57.059 --> 00:19:59.859 is actually quoting from Psalm 37. 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.599 So if you want to turn your Bibles 00:20:01.599 --> 00:20:03.079 to Psalm 37, 00:20:03.719 --> 00:20:05.439 that's going to help you 00:20:05.439 --> 00:20:06.819 get the full sense, 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:09.240 get something about this word meek. 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:13.859 And as you're turning there, 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:14.680 what you need to know 00:20:14.680 --> 00:20:15.839 is that Jesus is quoting 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:17.299 from Psalm 37, 11, 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:18.539 where David writes, 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.599 blessed are the meek, 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:21.359 for they shall inherit the land. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:24.839 Psalm 37 is a psalm of David, 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.839 like I just mentioned. 00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:27.640 It's written to God's faithful 00:20:27.640 --> 00:20:30.500 who were encountering evil people, 00:20:30.680 --> 00:20:31.079 the wicked, 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:33.140 and they were fearing them, 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:34.480 they were fretting them, 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:37.339 and they were even envious of them. 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:40.559 And so in chapter, 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:43.339 well, verse 11, 00:20:43.839 --> 00:20:44.899 David eventually says, 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.939 blessed are the meek, 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:48.079 for they shall inherit the land. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:50.819 And what he says before that, 00:20:51.959 --> 00:20:54.639 what he says before that 00:20:54.639 --> 00:20:57.759 about how the meek live 00:20:57.759 --> 00:21:00.799 helps us understand 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.980 who the meek are. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:04.720 So, in verse 3, 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:06.120 do you see verse 3? 00:21:06.799 --> 00:21:08.740 I've got to get to Psalm 37 myself, 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.339 sorry about that. 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:11.860 Verse 3, 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:13.940 trust in the Lord 00:21:13.940 --> 00:21:15.259 and do good. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.259 Verse 4, 00:21:16.460 --> 00:21:17.680 delight yourself in the Lord. 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:18.440 Verse 5, 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:19.680 commit your way to the Lord. 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:20.360 Verse 7, 00:21:20.440 --> 00:21:21.559 be still before the Lord. 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:22.880 The second part of that, 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:24.860 wait patiently for Him, 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:25.640 for the Lord. 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:27.319 These are the meek. 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:27.399 The meek. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:31.559 The meek stand out 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:32.759 against the wicked, 00:21:32.939 --> 00:21:34.240 against evildoers. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:37.919 Because they trust in the Lord. 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:39.259 They delight themselves in the Lord. 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.439 They commit their way to the Lord. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.539 They're still before the Lord. 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:43.460 They wait for the Lord. 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.220 Do you notice 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.619 all those little commands, 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:47.139 they have an aim. 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.879 They have an object. 00:21:50.159 --> 00:21:51.480 They're moving in a direction. 00:21:51.899 --> 00:21:53.579 All of it is Godward 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:54.559 in their direction. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:57.579 The meek trust in the Lord. 00:21:57.960 --> 00:22:00.919 The meek delight in joy the Lord. 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:04.039 The meek commit their way to the Lord. 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:05.720 They seek Him for protection. 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:08.039 The meek are still before the Lord. 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:09.200 They want to experience His presence. 00:22:09.659 --> 00:22:13.639 The meek wait patiently for the Lord. 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.059 It's on His time. 00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:19.019 And so what I want you to see in this, 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:20.519 according to Psalm 37, 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:23.099 David thinks about the meek 00:22:23.099 --> 00:22:24.839 in fullness. 00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:29.539 They are those who live for God. 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:34.079 They humbly live for God. 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:36.839 Those who do these things, 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.439 trust, delight, commit, 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:39.319 are still before, 00:22:39.459 --> 00:22:40.500 wait patiently on it. 00:22:41.199 --> 00:22:41.899 They're the meek. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:44.339 They're not haughty evildoers. 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:46.719 They are humble God lovers. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:51.680 At the heart of meekness 00:22:51.680 --> 00:22:54.100 is a heart for God. 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:57.200 That's what we see in Psalm 37, 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:59.720 what leads up to Psalm 37, 11. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:02.160 So it helps us to understand 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:04.079 a little bit more about the meekness 00:23:04.079 --> 00:23:06.279 that Jesus is talking about. 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:09.400 Can I just say this? 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:11.340 Do you know the reason why 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:14.740 someone, a Christian, 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:16.240 would want to live for God? 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:18.180 Do you know why that is? 00:23:20.100 --> 00:23:22.480 It's because of what God's Spirit 00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:23.320 has done in them. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.960 We can't take credit 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:28.840 for our own desire to live for God. 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:31.160 That desire to live for God 00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:33.740 is a result of being born again 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.920 by the Spirit of God, 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:37.140 being regenerated by the Spirit. 00:23:37.140 --> 00:23:40.759 we've been completely changed. 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:47.720 In fact, this word that's translated 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:49.880 meek here in Matthew 5 00:23:49.880 --> 00:23:52.120 shows up in Galatians 5 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:54.160 in the list of the fruit of the Spirit. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:56.560 It shows up as gentleness there. 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.900 But what that means is this. 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:02.500 Citizens of the kingdom are meek 00:24:02.500 --> 00:24:04.400 and they're growing in meekness. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:06.640 God is looking to cultivate 00:24:06.640 --> 00:24:08.380 and grow meekness, 00:24:08.520 --> 00:24:09.740 gentleness in us. 00:24:10.080 --> 00:24:11.259 And the way He's going to do it 00:24:11.259 --> 00:24:13.340 is helping us to see our God, 00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.600 at least in part, 00:24:15.360 --> 00:24:16.640 to live in light of who He is, 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:17.560 to trust Him fully. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:20.060 All I wanted to help you see here 00:24:20.060 --> 00:24:21.500 is that at the heart of meekness 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:23.980 is a heart for God 00:24:23.980 --> 00:24:25.259 born by the Spirit. 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:28.560 Meekness is a humble posture of heart 00:24:28.560 --> 00:24:32.360 put in place by God's grace. 00:24:32.359 --> 00:24:42.979 your attitude towards God 00:24:42.979 --> 00:24:45.179 will show up 00:24:45.179 --> 00:24:47.839 in your attitude and action 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:49.539 towards others. 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:53.979 And so if you are meek towards God, 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:57.859 you will be meek towards others. 00:24:57.859 --> 00:25:00.379 If you are humble towards God, 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:02.379 it will show up 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:05.099 in being humble towards others. 00:25:05.279 --> 00:25:06.719 It all starts with our God. 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:09.299 It all starts with a heart for Him. 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:11.740 Meekness starts with God. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:17.839 The fourth point I want to make this morning 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:19.299 is the way of meekness. 00:25:20.819 --> 00:25:22.500 What does that look like 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:24.819 in Kenosha in 2016? 00:25:26.359 --> 00:25:28.160 What does meekness look like today? 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:32.039 And before we get into it, 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:33.599 I've got seven things I want to show you. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.599 Before we get there, 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:38.480 I want you to turn to Matthew 11, 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:42.059 verse 28 and 29. 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:45.200 So when we talk about 00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.220 the way of meekness, 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.559 what meekness looks like, 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:49.120 I want to first point you 00:25:49.120 --> 00:25:50.980 to this. 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:58.860 Matthew 11, verse 28 and 29. 00:25:59.000 --> 00:26:00.200 You know these words. 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:02.640 Jesus speaking, 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:04.259 come to me all who labor 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.360 and are heavy laden 00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:06.940 and I will give you rest. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.700 You know those words? 00:26:10.360 --> 00:26:11.480 And then look what He says. 00:26:11.680 --> 00:26:11.960 Jesus, 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.860 take my yoke upon me 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:14.820 and learn from me 00:26:14.820 --> 00:26:15.840 for I am, 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:16.779 say it with me, 00:26:16.860 --> 00:26:17.680 what does your version say? 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:19.080 Gentle. 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:20.120 That's the word meek. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:22.980 For I am gentle, 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:23.779 I am meek 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.779 and lowly in heart 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.680 and you will find rest 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.440 for your souls 00:26:26.440 --> 00:26:27.840 for my yoke is easy 00:26:27.840 --> 00:26:28.640 and my burden is light. 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:30.259 Do you know what this is saying? 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:33.299 Meekness 00:26:33.299 --> 00:26:36.920 is a Christ-like character trait. 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:38.799 And so, 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:40.480 the way of meekness 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.720 is the way of Jesus. 00:26:43.420 --> 00:26:44.460 To be meek 00:26:44.460 --> 00:26:45.820 is to be like Christ. 00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:48.759 And so what I want to help you now 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:51.960 is help us live meekness out. 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:54.480 Alright, 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.480 so seven things. 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.799 Because you've been put in your place 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.880 by God's grace, 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:01.660 the way of meekness 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:04.960 will mean dying to yourself 00:27:04.960 --> 00:27:06.440 every day 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:08.019 to give God 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:09.660 His rightful place. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:11.940 That's where it all starts. 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.019 You see yourself 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:17.519 rightly in light of who God is. 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:18.920 And so it means 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:20.000 you're going to die to yourself. 00:27:20.580 --> 00:27:21.360 It's that 00:27:21.360 --> 00:27:22.940 Copernican revolution. 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:23.400 It's like, 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:25.220 I'm not at the center of my world. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.200 God is. 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:26.779 Every day. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:30.440 That's where meekness, 00:27:30.599 --> 00:27:31.420 humility starts. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:33.779 And we see this played out 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:35.160 in the life of Jesus 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:37.240 in Matthew 26, 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:37.879 verse 39. 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:38.500 Do you remember 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.779 Jesus in Gethsemane? 00:27:43.139 --> 00:27:43.639 Weeping, 00:27:45.119 --> 00:27:46.139 asking His Father, 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:46.899 Lord, 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:47.480 if it's possible 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.960 for this cup to pass before me, 00:27:49.599 --> 00:27:50.319 that'd be great. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:51.220 But then He says, 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:51.700 do you remember? 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.240 Nevertheless, 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:54.500 not my will, 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:55.579 but your will be done. 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:57.039 That's what we're talking about here. 00:27:58.120 --> 00:27:58.559 Meekness, 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.380 humility, 00:27:59.900 --> 00:28:00.680 submissiveness. 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:05.720 Because you've been put in your place 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.579 by God's grace, 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:08.380 you will die to yourself daily, 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.599 just like Jesus did there. 00:28:11.660 --> 00:28:12.259 Second thing, 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:13.599 because you've been put in your place 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.740 by God's grace, 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:18.519 you will not see others 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:21.079 as more important than yourselves. 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:25.480 Because you've been put in your place 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.220 by God's grace, 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:28.200 you'll see yourself rightly 00:28:28.200 --> 00:28:30.120 in relationship to other people. 00:28:30.680 --> 00:28:32.480 Would you flip to Philippians chapter 2? 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.799 Galatians, Ephesians, 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.920 Philippians, Colossians, 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:41.120 General Electric Power Company, 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.740 God eats popcorn. 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:44.660 Helpful ways to remember. 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:49.220 Philippians chapter 2. 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:49.259 Philippians chapter 2. 00:28:53.240 --> 00:28:54.460 Starting in verse 3. 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:57.220 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, 00:28:57.299 --> 00:28:58.620 but in humility count others 00:28:58.620 --> 00:28:59.980 more significant than yourselves. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:01.720 But in meekness, 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:03.839 count others more significant than yourselves. 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:05.380 Let each of you look not only 00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:06.079 to his own interests, 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:07.400 but also the interests of others. 00:29:07.440 --> 00:29:08.019 There's meekness. 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:09.940 Have this mind among yourselves, 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:11.920 which is yours in Christ Jesus, 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:13.799 who though he was in the form of God, 00:29:13.859 --> 00:29:15.279 did not count equality with God 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:16.339 a thing to be grasped, 00:29:16.500 --> 00:29:17.920 but made himself nothing, 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:20.420 taking the form of a servant. 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:21.960 He became meek, 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:24.320 being born in the likeness of man. 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:28.500 We take on the same attitude 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.519 as our Savior and King 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:32.400 in relationship to others. 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:36.500 I consider others better than myself 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:39.759 because I'm taking the same attitude 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.700 of my King, 00:29:41.360 --> 00:29:43.380 who did not count equality with God 00:29:43.380 --> 00:29:44.420 something to be grasped. 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:46.460 He humbled himself, 00:29:46.600 --> 00:29:47.960 even though he's in the very nature of God. 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.440 Amazing. 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:54.840 Because you've been put in your place 00:29:54.840 --> 00:29:55.620 by God's grace, 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:57.759 you see others as more important than yourself. 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.539 It shows up in your family. 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.779 It shows up with your spouse. 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:03.039 It shows up in your small group. 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:05.279 It shows up when people come asking for help. 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:07.860 It shows up all over the place. 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:10.440 This meekness, 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:11.960 this Christ-like meekness. 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.200 The third thing, 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.539 because you've been put in your place 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.420 by God's grace, 00:30:18.420 --> 00:30:22.139 you will not retaliate when wronged. 00:30:24.539 --> 00:30:25.659 Vengeance is mine, 00:30:25.839 --> 00:30:26.519 says the Lord. 00:30:28.019 --> 00:30:30.099 This puts meekness to the test. 00:30:30.879 --> 00:30:32.339 When you're wronged 00:30:32.339 --> 00:30:35.539 and you want to retaliate, 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:37.279 God says, 00:30:37.420 --> 00:30:37.759 no, no. 00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:39.579 Vengeance is mine. 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:42.779 God is at the center of your world. 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:44.379 He'll take care of you. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:46.579 Turn to Romans chapter 12. 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:55.399 This is that great passage 00:30:55.399 --> 00:30:56.339 that begins with, 00:30:57.899 --> 00:30:58.740 I appeal to you, brothers, 00:30:58.839 --> 00:30:59.619 by the mercies of God 00:30:59.619 --> 00:31:00.419 to present your bodies 00:31:00.419 --> 00:31:01.419 a living sacrifice, 00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.279 holy and acceptable, 00:31:02.439 --> 00:31:03.460 which is your spiritual worship. 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:04.720 This is spiritual worship 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:05.579 we're talking about. 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:07.079 In verse 14, 00:31:07.179 --> 00:31:07.539 he says, 00:31:07.539 --> 00:31:09.119 bless those who persecute you. 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:10.500 Bless and do not curse them. 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.980 That is meekness. 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.500 Rejoice with those who rejoice. 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.480 Weep with those who weep. 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:17.119 Meekness. 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:19.839 Live in harmony with one another. 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:21.039 Do not be haughty, 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:23.159 but associate with the lowly. 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.119 There's meekness. 00:31:24.259 --> 00:31:25.200 Never be conceited. 00:31:26.379 --> 00:31:26.819 Meekness. 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:28.700 Repay no one evil for evil, 00:31:28.879 --> 00:31:29.759 but give thought 00:31:29.759 --> 00:31:32.019 to do what is honorable 00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.819 in the sight of all. 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:33.519 If possible, 00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:35.079 so far as depends on you, 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:36.659 live peaceably with all. 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:37.740 Meekness. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:38.599 Beloved, 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:39.960 never avenge yourselves, 00:31:40.659 --> 00:31:42.720 but leave it to the wrath of God, 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:43.419 for it is written, 00:31:43.679 --> 00:31:45.480 vengeance is mine. 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:46.839 I will repay, 00:31:47.299 --> 00:31:48.279 says the Lord. 00:31:48.519 --> 00:31:49.220 To the contrary, 00:31:49.439 --> 00:31:50.659 if your enemy is hungry, 00:31:51.139 --> 00:31:51.699 feed him. 00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:52.960 It's meekness. 00:31:55.099 --> 00:31:56.740 Being put in your place 00:31:56.740 --> 00:31:57.859 by God's grace 00:31:57.859 --> 00:32:00.579 will result in you 00:32:00.579 --> 00:32:02.159 not retaliating when wrong, 00:32:02.159 --> 00:32:04.019 but actually loving others 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:04.779 when you're wrong. 00:32:05.079 --> 00:32:06.980 Father, 00:32:07.079 --> 00:32:07.539 forgive them 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.980 for they know not what they do. 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:09.839 Luke 23. 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:12.019 The fourth thing. 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.699 Because you've been put in your place 00:32:14.699 --> 00:32:15.720 by God's grace, 00:32:16.720 --> 00:32:19.699 you will welcome correction 00:32:19.699 --> 00:32:23.039 and not be defensive. 00:32:24.500 --> 00:32:25.779 This is really hard. 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:29.639 When someone comes up to you 00:32:29.639 --> 00:32:31.299 and wants to see something 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:32.039 in your life 00:32:32.039 --> 00:32:36.720 and they want to point it out, 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:39.879 now, 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:41.819 if I'm pointing out my own sinfulness, 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.599 that's one thing. 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:45.659 But when someone else 00:32:45.659 --> 00:32:46.819 points out my sinfulness, 00:32:47.720 --> 00:32:48.619 that's another thing. 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:53.500 The meek welcome correction. 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.500 The meek, 00:32:54.500 --> 00:32:55.500 the meek, 00:32:55.500 --> 00:32:56.200 the meek, 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:57.740 don't put up walls 00:32:57.740 --> 00:32:58.519 of defensiveness. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.799 The meek are like 00:33:00.799 --> 00:33:03.240 the person in Proverbs chapter 9. 00:33:03.880 --> 00:33:04.900 If you want to turn there, 00:33:04.940 --> 00:33:05.480 go right ahead. 00:33:05.920 --> 00:33:07.140 Proverbs chapter 9. 00:33:07.140 --> 00:33:20.060 9 verse 7. 00:33:20.060 --> 00:33:21.560 Whoever comes to a scoffer 00:33:21.560 --> 00:33:22.840 gets himself abuse, 00:33:23.560 --> 00:33:25.540 and he who reproves a wicked man 00:33:25.540 --> 00:33:26.320 incurs injury, 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:28.300 do not reprove a scoffer, 00:33:28.380 --> 00:33:29.500 or he will hate you. 00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:30.740 Reprove a wise man, 00:33:30.840 --> 00:33:31.759 a meek man, 00:33:31.820 --> 00:33:33.020 and he will love you. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:36.680 Give instruction to a wise man, 00:33:36.740 --> 00:33:37.299 a meek man, 00:33:37.339 --> 00:33:38.759 and he will be wiser still. 00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:40.180 Teach a righteous man, 00:33:40.240 --> 00:33:40.839 a meek man, 00:33:40.879 --> 00:33:42.359 and he will increase in learning. 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.259 If you've got something 00:33:44.259 --> 00:33:45.099 you're pointing out in my life, 00:33:45.139 --> 00:33:46.259 it'll help me be more like Christ, 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:46.720 of course, 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:47.220 tell me. 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:49.519 I love God. 00:33:49.619 --> 00:33:50.619 I want to live for Him. 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.920 And I'll humble myself 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:55.700 when you're put in your place 00:33:55.700 --> 00:33:56.700 by God's grace. 00:33:58.619 --> 00:33:59.859 You'll welcome correction. 00:33:59.859 --> 00:34:02.859 I couldn't think of an example 00:34:02.859 --> 00:34:04.039 in the life of Jesus 00:34:04.039 --> 00:34:05.339 where He was defensive 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.740 and resisted. 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.639 Well, He never sinned, 00:34:07.699 --> 00:34:08.739 so He never needed to be corrected. 00:34:10.219 --> 00:34:10.880 But I couldn't think of 00:34:10.880 --> 00:34:12.440 any kind of defensiveness in Him. 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:15.500 He was open and welcoming to people. 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:17.639 Fifth thing, 00:34:18.599 --> 00:34:20.199 because you've been paid, 00:34:20.819 --> 00:34:21.739 you've been put in your place 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:22.619 by God's grace, 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:26.759 you will be a giver 00:34:26.759 --> 00:34:27.440 and not a taker. 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:30.420 You'll be generous, 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:31.179 not greedy. 00:34:34.460 --> 00:34:35.440 In Acts 20, 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:37.599 Paul is talking to the elders 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:40.260 of Ephesus, 00:34:40.760 --> 00:34:42.240 and at the end he says, 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:43.220 remember the poor, 00:34:44.760 --> 00:34:45.780 and then he quotes Jesus, 00:34:46.039 --> 00:34:50.159 a quote that's not in any of the Gospels. 00:34:50.780 --> 00:34:51.780 He quotes Jesus as saying, 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:53.220 it's better to give than to receive. 00:34:53.219 --> 00:34:56.779 And Jesus is the greatest of all givers. 00:34:56.899 --> 00:34:58.339 He gave Himself for us. 00:35:00.919 --> 00:35:02.259 Because you've been put in your place 00:35:02.259 --> 00:35:03.199 by God's grace, 00:35:03.359 --> 00:35:04.359 you will be a giver, 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:05.099 not a taker. 00:35:06.219 --> 00:35:07.799 The things that have been trusted to me 00:35:07.799 --> 00:35:08.500 are not my own. 00:35:09.899 --> 00:35:10.719 I'll be a good steward 00:35:10.719 --> 00:35:11.679 for the glory of God. 00:35:13.439 --> 00:35:13.980 Sixth thing, 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:15.339 because you've been put in your place 00:35:15.339 --> 00:35:16.419 by God's grace, 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:20.480 you'll be courageous for Christ, 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:22.639 not ashamed of Christ. 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.400 Remember, 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:25.460 meekness starts 00:35:25.460 --> 00:35:27.019 with a heart for God. 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:29.659 And so, 00:35:30.260 --> 00:35:31.639 if I've been put in my place 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:32.460 by God's grace, 00:35:32.579 --> 00:35:34.780 if He has radically changed my world, 00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:36.320 I no longer live for myself, 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:37.260 but for Him, 00:35:37.340 --> 00:35:39.320 who for His sake, 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:40.039 for my sake, 00:35:40.119 --> 00:35:41.360 died and was raised from the dead. 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.240 I live for Him. 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:42.920 I live for Him. 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:45.940 Jesus says this in Luke 9, 00:35:46.420 --> 00:35:48.019 For whoever is ashamed of me 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:48.860 and of my words, 00:35:48.960 --> 00:35:49.920 of Him the Son of Man 00:35:49.920 --> 00:35:50.599 will be ashamed 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:52.380 when He comes in His glory. 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:55.480 We are part of His kingdom. 00:35:55.840 --> 00:35:57.139 We live for our King. 00:35:57.300 --> 00:35:58.519 We're not ashamed of Him, 00:35:58.840 --> 00:36:01.619 even though we'll get ridiculed for it. 00:36:03.680 --> 00:36:05.320 But you've been put in your place 00:36:05.320 --> 00:36:06.180 by God's grace. 00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:08.639 So be courageous for Christ. 00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:09.960 Open your mouth. 00:36:09.960 --> 00:36:11.740 I believe, 00:36:11.900 --> 00:36:12.760 therefore I spoke. 00:36:13.780 --> 00:36:15.599 The last thing I want you to see is, 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:17.760 because you've been put in your place 00:36:17.760 --> 00:36:18.619 by God's grace, 00:36:20.119 --> 00:36:22.320 speak the truth in love 00:36:22.320 --> 00:36:24.639 to your brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:36:25.740 --> 00:36:28.400 Don't sweep sin under the carpet. 00:36:29.720 --> 00:36:30.380 Love them. 00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:32.699 Love them with your words. 00:36:34.820 --> 00:36:36.440 Jesus said in John 8, 00:36:36.920 --> 00:36:38.699 If you abide in my word, 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:40.319 you are truly my disciples, 00:36:40.719 --> 00:36:42.399 and you will know the truth, 00:36:42.519 --> 00:36:44.059 and the truth will set you free. 00:36:46.199 --> 00:36:48.219 The meek are willing to speak. 00:36:50.159 --> 00:36:50.939 The meek, 00:36:51.079 --> 00:36:51.939 because they love God 00:36:51.939 --> 00:36:52.960 more than anything else 00:36:52.960 --> 00:36:54.139 and are wanting to live with Him, 00:36:55.239 --> 00:36:56.939 they will love their brothers 00:36:56.939 --> 00:36:58.039 and sisters in Christ 00:36:58.039 --> 00:36:59.799 and speak what they need to hear 00:36:59.799 --> 00:37:00.659 in love 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:03.239 so that they would be set free. 00:37:03.239 --> 00:37:07.899 Because you've been put in your place 00:37:07.899 --> 00:37:08.839 by God's grace, 00:37:09.359 --> 00:37:10.719 you speak the truth in love. 00:37:11.059 --> 00:37:11.839 Seven things, 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:12.959 not exhaustive, 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:14.259 but just ways to be thinking 00:37:14.259 --> 00:37:16.439 what meekness looks like 00:37:16.439 --> 00:37:17.739 in relation to other people. 00:37:18.879 --> 00:37:20.399 If I'm meek towards God, 00:37:20.439 --> 00:37:21.719 I'm going to be meek towards others. 00:37:21.799 --> 00:37:22.779 If I'm humble towards God, 00:37:22.799 --> 00:37:24.139 I'm going to be humble towards others. 00:37:25.679 --> 00:37:26.799 The way of the meek 00:37:26.799 --> 00:37:28.839 is the Jesus way. 00:37:28.919 --> 00:37:30.179 It's not the doormat way. 00:37:30.719 --> 00:37:32.019 It's the God-centered way. 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:34.480 God at the center of all things. 00:37:38.339 --> 00:37:39.519 The way of meekness. 00:37:40.699 --> 00:37:42.879 The last point on this, 00:37:43.799 --> 00:37:44.719 in this sermon, 00:37:44.919 --> 00:37:47.359 is God's promise to the meek. 00:37:47.759 --> 00:37:49.579 If you turn back to Matthew 5.5, 00:37:53.079 --> 00:37:53.839 we read, 00:37:54.219 --> 00:37:55.440 blessed are the meek, 00:37:55.519 --> 00:37:57.119 for they shall inherit the earth. 00:37:57.339 --> 00:37:59.299 The meek are promised something. 00:38:00.179 --> 00:38:03.079 They are promised to inherit the earth. 00:38:04.339 --> 00:38:05.480 What does that mean? 00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:08.699 What does that mean? 00:38:09.359 --> 00:38:10.440 Well, let me just say this. 00:38:10.779 --> 00:38:12.419 We need to be reminded of this 00:38:12.419 --> 00:38:13.279 over and over again 00:38:13.279 --> 00:38:14.519 because we have the tendency 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:15.559 to want to give up. 00:38:19.019 --> 00:38:20.319 It's hard being meek. 00:38:21.079 --> 00:38:22.159 It's hard being humble. 00:38:23.399 --> 00:38:25.059 And what Jesus provides for us here 00:38:25.059 --> 00:38:27.059 is something that gives us hope. 00:38:29.719 --> 00:38:31.920 The best way to understand this, 00:38:32.759 --> 00:38:34.239 the fulfillment of this promise, 00:38:34.239 --> 00:38:35.860 is to think in terms of 00:38:35.860 --> 00:38:39.920 the timeline when Jesus comes back. 00:38:41.219 --> 00:38:42.699 Remember, we live in between 00:38:42.699 --> 00:38:45.239 Jesus' first coming and His second coming. 00:38:45.920 --> 00:38:47.159 As theologians talk about it, 00:38:47.179 --> 00:38:49.519 we live between the already and the not yet. 00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:51.559 We are already citizens 00:38:51.559 --> 00:38:52.759 of the kingdom of heaven, 00:38:52.960 --> 00:38:54.699 but the fullness of the kingdom 00:38:54.699 --> 00:38:56.300 has not yet arrived, 00:38:56.360 --> 00:38:56.980 but it will. 00:38:57.199 --> 00:38:58.659 So we live in between those. 00:39:00.500 --> 00:39:02.759 Right now, Jesus gives us new life. 00:39:03.539 --> 00:39:04.960 He changes us. 00:39:05.079 --> 00:39:07.300 He makes us new creations 00:39:07.300 --> 00:39:09.059 from the inside out. 00:39:09.599 --> 00:39:10.400 2 Corinthians 5. 00:39:10.400 --> 00:39:12.680 But when He comes back, 00:39:12.740 --> 00:39:14.079 I'm not sure if you're aware of this, 00:39:14.160 --> 00:39:15.460 when Jesus comes back, 00:39:15.920 --> 00:39:16.920 He's going to recreate 00:39:16.920 --> 00:39:18.119 the heavens and the earth. 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:19.840 The old things will pass away. 00:39:20.500 --> 00:39:23.139 And He will make all things new 00:39:23.139 --> 00:39:24.380 on the earth. 00:39:24.599 --> 00:39:25.420 Revelation 21. 00:39:25.940 --> 00:39:27.000 A new earth. 00:39:28.519 --> 00:39:30.680 A new earth no longer groaning 00:39:30.680 --> 00:39:32.519 under sin. 00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:37.980 He's going to make all things new 00:39:37.980 --> 00:39:40.119 on the earth for us. 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:41.559 To possess. 00:39:42.300 --> 00:39:43.260 To enjoy. 00:39:44.180 --> 00:39:44.760 Forever. 00:39:45.760 --> 00:39:46.559 With Him. 00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:48.559 It just gets better. 00:39:50.380 --> 00:39:52.340 God's people in His place 00:39:52.340 --> 00:39:53.280 with Him. 00:39:53.840 --> 00:39:54.400 Forever. 00:39:56.240 --> 00:39:56.760 Awesome. 00:39:57.380 --> 00:39:58.340 Give me some of that. 00:40:02.400 --> 00:40:03.099 You know, 00:40:03.480 --> 00:40:05.800 at His second coming, 00:40:05.880 --> 00:40:06.539 when He returns, 00:40:06.680 --> 00:40:07.680 He's going to distribute 00:40:07.679 --> 00:40:10.659 parcels of the new earth. 00:40:10.739 --> 00:40:12.159 I don't know how He's going to do it. 00:40:13.219 --> 00:40:14.059 I was just trying to imagine 00:40:14.059 --> 00:40:14.759 this past week. 00:40:14.859 --> 00:40:15.440 Is it like, 00:40:16.799 --> 00:40:17.000 you know, 00:40:17.019 --> 00:40:17.859 when He comes back, 00:40:18.519 --> 00:40:18.719 hey, 00:40:18.799 --> 00:40:19.619 anybody who wants 00:40:19.619 --> 00:40:20.599 some of the new Hawaii, 00:40:20.719 --> 00:40:21.739 kind of line up here. 00:40:23.519 --> 00:40:23.879 Ready? 00:40:24.139 --> 00:40:24.480 Go! 00:40:24.799 --> 00:40:25.279 First come, 00:40:25.339 --> 00:40:25.779 first serve. 00:40:25.879 --> 00:40:27.319 I don't think that's the Jesus way. 00:40:27.320 --> 00:40:30.640 when He comes back 00:40:30.640 --> 00:40:31.200 and hands out 00:40:31.200 --> 00:40:31.900 new parcels 00:40:31.900 --> 00:40:32.840 of the new earth, 00:40:32.940 --> 00:40:34.980 this is my best shot at it. 00:40:37.200 --> 00:40:38.240 He's going to say, 00:40:38.300 --> 00:40:38.600 Michael, 00:40:38.720 --> 00:40:40.559 I've got something for you. 00:40:41.380 --> 00:40:43.240 I made it for you. 00:40:44.400 --> 00:40:46.260 For you to enjoy forever. 00:40:47.760 --> 00:40:48.880 It's yours. 00:40:48.880 --> 00:40:53.079 This parcel of the new earth, 00:40:53.220 --> 00:40:53.780 it's for you. 00:40:54.880 --> 00:40:55.360 Enjoy. 00:40:56.099 --> 00:40:56.780 And by the way, 00:40:57.340 --> 00:40:58.160 I'm here too. 00:41:00.220 --> 00:41:00.619 So, 00:41:00.900 --> 00:41:01.180 like, 00:41:01.280 --> 00:41:04.360 will my new earth parcel 00:41:04.360 --> 00:41:07.000 be the new earth Waikiki 00:41:07.000 --> 00:41:08.059 kind of a thing? 00:41:10.140 --> 00:41:11.680 Will I be there for a million years? 00:41:11.760 --> 00:41:12.660 And then God will say, 00:41:12.800 --> 00:41:13.079 okay, 00:41:13.619 --> 00:41:14.380 we're going to move you 00:41:14.380 --> 00:41:17.039 to the new earth Rockies cabin 00:41:17.039 --> 00:41:17.920 kind of thing 00:41:17.920 --> 00:41:18.619 for another million years. 00:41:18.619 --> 00:41:19.279 I don't know. 00:41:22.599 --> 00:41:23.559 Here's what I do know. 00:41:25.139 --> 00:41:26.699 No eye has seen 00:41:26.699 --> 00:41:28.839 nor ear heard 00:41:28.839 --> 00:41:30.000 nor heart 00:41:30.000 --> 00:41:30.819 imagine 00:41:30.819 --> 00:41:32.420 what God has prepared 00:41:32.420 --> 00:41:33.699 for those who love Him. 00:41:35.019 --> 00:41:35.759 First Corinthians 2. 00:41:37.039 --> 00:41:38.139 It's better than anything 00:41:38.139 --> 00:41:38.619 you imagine. 00:41:42.279 --> 00:41:43.440 Here's what I also know. 00:41:43.440 --> 00:41:49.460 The meekness and the gentleness 00:41:49.460 --> 00:41:51.059 we demonstrate now 00:41:51.059 --> 00:41:53.780 is countercultural 00:41:53.780 --> 00:41:55.659 to the world we live in. 00:41:55.659 --> 00:41:59.819 It's countercultural 00:41:59.819 --> 00:42:00.699 to the arrogance 00:42:00.699 --> 00:42:01.779 and harshness 00:42:01.779 --> 00:42:02.659 of this world. 00:42:04.019 --> 00:42:05.379 According to the values 00:42:05.379 --> 00:42:06.019 and ethics 00:42:06.019 --> 00:42:08.059 of this present age, 00:42:08.319 --> 00:42:10.239 you are to leverage 00:42:10.239 --> 00:42:11.559 all you got 00:42:11.559 --> 00:42:12.480 to get 00:42:12.480 --> 00:42:13.980 all you can 00:42:13.980 --> 00:42:15.859 regardless of what it does 00:42:15.859 --> 00:42:16.579 to others. 00:42:16.579 --> 00:42:23.900 that's how, 00:42:24.440 --> 00:42:25.860 according to the world system, 00:42:25.980 --> 00:42:26.539 you inherit 00:42:26.539 --> 00:42:27.039 the earth. 00:42:28.799 --> 00:42:30.000 But that's not how 00:42:30.000 --> 00:42:31.299 citizens of Christ's kingdom 00:42:31.299 --> 00:42:31.659 live. 00:42:32.019 --> 00:42:32.920 Because we've been put 00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:33.500 in our place 00:42:33.500 --> 00:42:34.420 by God's grace, 00:42:34.519 --> 00:42:35.440 we are gentle 00:42:35.440 --> 00:42:36.559 and tenderhearted 00:42:36.559 --> 00:42:38.400 towards God 00:42:38.400 --> 00:42:39.340 and others. 00:42:39.519 --> 00:42:40.199 We're not 00:42:40.199 --> 00:42:40.579 banking 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:43.659 on a reward 00:42:43.659 --> 00:42:45.179 on this side 00:42:45.179 --> 00:42:45.739 of glory. 00:42:46.639 --> 00:42:47.440 We're banking 00:42:47.440 --> 00:42:50.019 on Christ's 00:42:50.019 --> 00:42:50.679 promise 00:42:50.679 --> 00:42:52.539 of a new earth 00:42:52.539 --> 00:42:53.179 parcel 00:42:53.179 --> 00:42:55.339 when He returns. 00:42:57.279 --> 00:42:58.659 It does our hearts good. 00:42:59.940 --> 00:43:00.699 So we live 00:43:00.699 --> 00:43:01.619 in this present age 00:43:01.619 --> 00:43:02.339 for a future 00:43:02.339 --> 00:43:03.500 eternal inheritance. 00:43:06.279 --> 00:43:07.699 Back in the 1800s, 00:43:07.759 --> 00:43:08.559 people would pack up 00:43:08.559 --> 00:43:09.579 their prairie schooners 00:43:09.579 --> 00:43:10.639 and go from Maine 00:43:10.639 --> 00:43:11.460 to Montana. 00:43:12.699 --> 00:43:13.279 They'd be given 00:43:13.280 --> 00:43:13.860 a deed 00:43:13.860 --> 00:43:14.420 of a parcel 00:43:14.420 --> 00:43:14.960 of land 00:43:14.960 --> 00:43:15.960 and they would 00:43:15.960 --> 00:43:17.600 suffer through it 00:43:17.600 --> 00:43:18.460 until they got there 00:43:18.460 --> 00:43:20.019 and then suffer more, 00:43:20.140 --> 00:43:20.340 of course. 00:43:22.560 --> 00:43:23.480 The Christian, 00:43:24.360 --> 00:43:25.440 this promise 00:43:25.440 --> 00:43:26.760 is our deed. 00:43:28.040 --> 00:43:29.019 You've got a parcel 00:43:29.019 --> 00:43:30.680 in the new earth 00:43:30.680 --> 00:43:32.200 waiting for you, 00:43:33.760 --> 00:43:34.380 meek one. 00:43:35.920 --> 00:43:37.120 So press on 00:43:37.120 --> 00:43:37.820 and endure. 00:43:39.860 --> 00:43:40.900 The promise 00:43:40.900 --> 00:43:41.700 of this future 00:43:41.699 --> 00:43:42.699 inheritance 00:43:42.699 --> 00:43:43.579 inheritance 00:43:43.579 --> 00:43:44.319 in the new earth. 00:43:47.099 --> 00:43:48.579 This is our blessing. 00:43:50.879 --> 00:43:52.039 It keeps us going. 00:43:54.119 --> 00:43:55.059 Jesus is there. 00:43:58.059 --> 00:43:59.000 The meek know 00:43:59.000 --> 00:43:59.679 that they've been put 00:43:59.679 --> 00:44:00.379 in their place 00:44:00.379 --> 00:44:01.379 by God's grace 00:44:01.379 --> 00:44:02.939 and it changes 00:44:02.939 --> 00:44:03.879 the way that we relate 00:44:03.879 --> 00:44:04.500 with others. 00:44:04.500 --> 00:44:08.139 and now 00:44:08.139 --> 00:44:10.260 we look, 00:44:12.639 --> 00:44:14.519 we persevere, 00:44:14.519 --> 00:44:21.820 we're eager for 00:44:21.820 --> 00:44:22.699 when Jesus returns. 00:44:25.820 --> 00:44:26.780 Blessed are the meek 00:44:26.780 --> 00:44:29.340 for they shall inherit 00:44:29.340 --> 00:44:29.719 the earth. 00:44:29.719 --> 00:44:34.839 God in heaven, 00:44:35.019 --> 00:44:35.759 thank you so much. 00:44:36.879 --> 00:44:37.739 Thank you so much 00:44:37.739 --> 00:44:38.319 that you have 00:44:38.319 --> 00:44:39.059 inscripturated 00:44:39.059 --> 00:44:39.679 these words 00:44:39.679 --> 00:44:40.619 of Jesus for us. 00:44:41.559 --> 00:44:42.099 God, would you 00:44:42.099 --> 00:44:43.219 help us 00:44:43.219 --> 00:44:44.899 make us meek. 00:44:45.639 --> 00:44:46.099 God, would you 00:44:46.099 --> 00:44:47.019 help us 00:44:47.019 --> 00:44:48.079 remember, 00:44:48.419 --> 00:44:49.419 incline our hearts 00:44:49.419 --> 00:44:51.059 to the new earth. 00:44:52.000 --> 00:44:53.179 We can bank on it. 00:44:54.239 --> 00:44:55.419 We ask these things 00:44:55.419 --> 00:44:56.219 in the name of Jesus. 00:44:56.980 --> 00:44:57.279 Amen. 00:44:57.279 --> 00:44:57.399 Amen. 00:44:59.719 --> 00:45:00.719 Amen.