WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.560 Thank you. That's very kind. It is good to be back. It is not good to be back in the heat. 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:12.820 So I might do this. I got glasses over sabbatical, I think. Maybe I had them right before. 00:00:13.259 --> 00:00:19.140 So I'm working on the sabbatical sweat things, or the glasses sweat things. So we'll see how this 00:00:19.140 --> 00:00:25.100 goes. If you feel yourself overwhelmed with heat, you can go downstairs. There's a live stream, 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:29.519 and it's air-conditioned. I'd love for you to stay here, because I like to see your faces. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.899 But I'd rather you hear God's word than faint in the pews. So if you find yourself overwhelmed, 00:00:36.020 --> 00:00:41.120 please take advantage of that. I did want to make a note, because maybe my hearing is bad, 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:46.200 but I think Pastor Nick misspoke and said that the healthcare professionals was in October. 00:00:46.760 --> 00:00:52.960 It's in August. So August 17th. And maybe he said it right, and I misheard it. I just want to make 00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:59.200 sure. August 17th, there's a healthcare professional event coming up. Okay. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:06.060 With that, it's really good to be back. I missed you all. I didn't miss this humidity. The mountain 00:01:06.060 --> 00:01:13.780 air for the last month was dry and beautiful, and I missed that. But I'm more glad to be back. 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:20.340 So thank you for your welcome. For those of you who don't know me, who are brand new, I'm Matt. I'm 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:25.819 the other pastor of the church besides Pastor Nick, who you've seen, and I've been on sabbatical 00:01:25.819 --> 00:01:35.099 till today. So it's good to be back. My family has been watching The Chosen, and we just watched 00:01:35.099 --> 00:01:41.419 The Chosen season four. And it is Jesus' life and ministry heading up to, and it ends right at the 00:01:41.419 --> 00:01:48.039 beginning of the triumphal procession. And I want to make a caveat, The Chosen is not gospel truth. 00:01:48.139 --> 00:01:53.239 It is not the teaching of the church on who Jesus was, but it's a beautiful picture. Think of it as like 00:01:53.239 --> 00:01:56.979 going to a Bible study where you're studying the Gospels together. And people are talking about, 00:01:57.060 --> 00:02:00.899 I wonder what this looked like, and I wonder how this worked played itself out. That's what they're 00:02:00.899 --> 00:02:06.299 doing. So enjoy it. I feel like you should feel the freedom to enjoy it if you can in good conscience. 00:02:06.739 --> 00:02:12.039 And I think it helps in some ways to pick up some truths that I think are really good. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:19.199 In the last episode, there was this confrontation. Jesus was sitting with his disciples, and he had an 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:24.280 interaction with some people from the Sanhedrin, and there was this conflict. And if you remember the 00:02:24.280 --> 00:02:31.019 story, anyway, Mary comes and anoints Jesus, and Judas gets all bent out of shape, and he says, 00:02:31.099 --> 00:02:37.739 what is this about? What kind of kingdom are you bringing? I thought you were going to come and unite 00:02:37.739 --> 00:02:44.519 Israel to rise up against the oppression of Rome and reestablish the glory of Israel. 00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:53.080 Now look, we don't know if Judas ever said that in the Bible, but we do know that that was a common 00:02:53.080 --> 00:03:01.900 perspective in the first century, that the Jews in Israel were looking for a Messiah, for someone who 00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:11.860 would come and with political power rise up and overthrow the oppression of Rome and reestablish the 00:03:11.860 --> 00:03:20.940 kingdom of Israel so that it might be a glorious place to display God's power in the world. 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:31.780 They expected someone to take control and reestablish Israel. And when Jesus came, many pinned these hopes 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:40.620 on him. And Jesus is aware of these things. And this brings us to our passage today. 00:03:40.620 --> 00:03:46.780 If you want to look there, we're looking at the Gospel of Matthew. We're looking at the Beatitudes. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:54.480 And that's page 759, Matthew chapter 5, is what we'll be looking at. And as you're turning there, 00:03:54.520 --> 00:03:59.719 I just want to give, again, a brief introduction of where we're at, because the Gospel of Matthew 00:03:59.719 --> 00:04:06.040 portrays the life of Jesus. And in chapter 4, verse 23, it says that Jesus was going about 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:13.400 proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom. Right? And so when we get to chapter 5, which is the beginning 00:04:13.400 --> 00:04:20.319 of the first big teaching section in Matthew, what Matthew is doing is saying, hey, here's the content 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:29.560 of Jesus' teaching about what kind of kingdom he would be bringing. Right? Pastor Nick has talked about 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:35.879 the Beatitudes as following in a pattern of Greek wisdom teaching, which virtue teaching, which I think 00:04:35.879 --> 00:04:42.660 is true. And I want to layer over on top of that and add to that this kingdom lens. That what Jesus is 00:04:42.660 --> 00:04:50.360 doing in the Sermon on the Mount is saying, this is the kind of kingdom that I'm going to bring. 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:58.420 This is what God's kingdom really looks like. And then the Beatitudes, it's the blessed things are the 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:08.800 character, the nature, the dynamics of when God is ruling rightly in our hearts, in our society, 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:16.199 and in the world. This is what the kingdom looks like. And Jesus' picture is very different from what 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:22.560 Judas was looking for, and the opinions that he expressed in the chosen. 00:05:25.360 --> 00:05:32.839 The world seems to think, like Judas, that might makes right, and power is necessary for change. 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:38.699 Where personal agency and assertion, we've got to do it ourselves to get ahead in the world. 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:41.319 You've got to go and take it for yourself. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:51.139 Where the forgiving, grace-filled, and merciful in our world are seen as weak and easily manipulated, 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:56.439 and where self-promotion is the only way to be seen and valued. 00:05:58.000 --> 00:06:01.199 And Jesus says, my kingdom is not like that. 00:06:02.539 --> 00:06:06.159 And even before we move on and read the passage and look at it, 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:09.460 I just wonder, how relevant is that to our world today? 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:19.880 How much in our societal conversation, in our political conversation, in our interpersonal 00:06:19.880 --> 00:06:28.820 relationships, do we value power to control so that we can get what we want? Or do we seem to take 00:06:28.820 --> 00:06:35.180 hold of this self-assertion in order to make sure that we get what is ours in the world? 00:06:36.160 --> 00:06:41.300 What does Jesus have to say to us about that? 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:46.300 So with that, Matthew chapter 5. 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:54.140 We're going to look at chapter, verse 5 of Matthew, as we're going through the Beatitudes, 00:06:54.260 --> 00:06:55.260 one at a time. 00:06:55.580 --> 00:06:57.480 But I'm going to read the whole thing just so. 00:06:57.860 --> 00:07:01.400 And you know, this summer, if you want to memorize something, this would be a great thing to memorize. 00:07:01.399 --> 00:07:05.799 The Beatitudes, we're going slowly enough. 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:06.819 You could actually do it. 00:07:06.979 --> 00:07:07.719 So here we go. 00:07:08.299 --> 00:07:12.419 So Matthew chapter 5, I'm going to read from 1 to 12, I think. 00:07:12.959 --> 00:07:16.339 So, seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain. 00:07:16.819 --> 00:07:19.379 And when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:22.359 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:26.960 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:27.900 --> 00:07:31.199 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.480 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 00:07:36.180 --> 00:07:41.060 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:45.139 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:49.460 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:54.359 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 00:07:55.039 --> 00:08:01.379 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:02.419 --> 00:08:10.699 Blessed are you, when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 00:08:11.359 --> 00:08:14.240 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. 00:08:15.099 --> 00:08:18.659 For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:22.120 Let's pray and ask for God's help as we look at his word today. 00:08:23.299 --> 00:08:25.939 Lord, we thank you for your word. 00:08:27.180 --> 00:08:36.019 Lord, what an incredible gift it is that you have, Lord, recorded these words for us. 00:08:36.759 --> 00:08:39.679 And, Lord, given us your word so that we might know you. 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:43.539 And, Lord, I pray that these words would be life to us today. 00:08:43.539 --> 00:08:49.259 Lord, help us to see the beauty in your kingdom. 00:08:51.259 --> 00:08:56.139 Lord, I pray for your help that I might speak clearly as you would have me to do. 00:08:56.599 --> 00:08:59.559 And that we together would sit under your word today. 00:09:00.099 --> 00:09:01.599 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:02.379 Amen. 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:02.500 Amen. 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:02.940 Amen. 00:09:07.399 --> 00:09:08.279 All right. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:16.279 So, blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:18.039 We're going to look at this in three parts. 00:09:18.139 --> 00:09:18.840 We're going to break it down. 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:22.419 There's not a lot here in terms of complexity. 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:25.240 We're going to talk about what is the meaning of meekness. 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:27.299 We're going to look at the blessing of meekness. 00:09:27.299 --> 00:09:30.299 And then we're going to look at the model and source of meekness. 00:09:30.699 --> 00:09:32.659 So, that's where we're going to go today. 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:37.179 And if you're making your outline, that's where we are. 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:39.679 So, the first step, the meaning of meekness. 00:09:40.459 --> 00:09:44.879 On our trips west, I've been listening to a podcast called the Prancing Pony Podcast, 00:09:45.240 --> 00:09:48.279 which is all about the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. 00:09:48.839 --> 00:09:53.500 And they actually do close readings of the text and discuss the themes. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:54.159 It's beautiful. 00:09:54.359 --> 00:09:55.179 It's a lovely thing. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:57.139 If you don't know, I'm a Tolkien fan. 00:09:57.299 --> 00:09:58.639 It's totally... 00:09:58.639 --> 00:10:02.039 They're like 352-hour episodes. 00:10:02.299 --> 00:10:03.479 So, it's a big commitment. 00:10:03.719 --> 00:10:07.079 I'm only on episode 30, and we're still halfway through the Silmarillion. 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:08.839 So, it's a long way to go. 00:10:09.159 --> 00:10:13.159 But one of the fun things they do is this section called Word Nerdery, 00:10:13.399 --> 00:10:16.059 where they take a word and they say, 00:10:16.299 --> 00:10:18.419 why did Tolkien use this word? 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:20.679 So, I want to say today, 00:10:20.679 --> 00:10:25.659 why did Jesus use this word, meek, in this section? 00:10:25.659 --> 00:10:28.059 And we have all sorts of problems with this. 00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:32.919 First of all, meek is not used very often today. 00:10:33.439 --> 00:10:36.179 And when it's used in the English language today, 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:43.199 people usually think meek means mousy, unbearably shy, or non-confrontational. 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:46.740 If you're old enough to have seen the original Back to the Future, 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:50.220 George McFly is your picture of meekness, 00:10:50.220 --> 00:10:54.860 a doormat being walked over by others and easily manipulated. 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:59.220 Looking at one of the word books, 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:02.680 Vine's word book actually had some helpful common usages 00:11:02.680 --> 00:11:08.420 that meekness really means weakness, timidity, or lack of courage. 00:11:08.519 --> 00:11:09.960 That's the common use. 00:11:10.940 --> 00:11:13.759 But that's not what the Greek word means. 00:11:13.759 --> 00:11:15.980 And that's an overlay. 00:11:16.159 --> 00:11:18.200 That's one of the, meek is one of those words 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:20.240 that used to mean something different 00:11:20.240 --> 00:11:24.960 and now means it has shifted in its meaning to be almost negative. 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:30.299 Whereas, that's not what the word actually means. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:33.340 In some places, this word in English translations 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:36.620 is also translated as gentle or humble. 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:38.700 But what does it mean? 00:11:39.560 --> 00:11:41.879 Well, we're going to spend some time looking at Scripture 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:45.400 in other places to help us figure out what does it mean. 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:49.100 So, one of the places that we can look is in Psalm 37, 00:11:49.420 --> 00:11:51.440 which Suzanne read earlier to us. 00:11:51.720 --> 00:11:52.820 If you want to turn there, 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:54.240 we're going to look at this for a few minutes. 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:58.400 Psalm 37 is on page 435 in your Bible. 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:02.460 And the reason why we go to Psalm 37 00:12:02.460 --> 00:12:04.660 is because in verse 11 it says, 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:07.020 the meek shall inherit the land. 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:10.240 That sounds almost like this beatitude. 00:12:10.779 --> 00:12:14.379 And so, many people think Jesus was referring to this. 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:16.840 And in the context of it, it's helpful 00:12:16.840 --> 00:12:21.079 because it fills out the idea of what meekness is. 00:12:21.659 --> 00:12:23.159 This is a Psalm of David. 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:26.679 And he's speaking about evildoers and the wicked 00:12:26.679 --> 00:12:29.199 and those who would stand against him 00:12:29.199 --> 00:12:31.899 and against God and God's kingdom. 00:12:32.720 --> 00:12:33.000 Right? 00:12:33.299 --> 00:12:35.159 And so, this is the context. 00:12:35.159 --> 00:12:37.120 As you read through the Psalm, it's very clear. 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:44.539 This is a context in which David is writing this song. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:46.779 He's surrounded by enemies and opponents 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:47.919 who are threatening him. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:51.219 And as Suzanne prayed, she pointed out, 00:12:51.439 --> 00:12:55.100 there's a lot here about do not fret, do not worry. 00:12:55.240 --> 00:12:57.179 Even though you're in a bad situation, 00:12:57.659 --> 00:12:59.679 do not worry because of evil. 00:12:59.679 --> 00:13:01.659 But do what instead? 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:04.979 Trust in God and do good. 00:13:05.439 --> 00:13:09.539 Delight in the Lord and wait for him to provide for you. 00:13:09.859 --> 00:13:13.579 Wait for the Lord's timing when it seems like he's slow 00:13:13.579 --> 00:13:17.819 to rescue you or to save you or to put down the evildoers. 00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:19.599 Forsake revenge. 00:13:20.339 --> 00:13:20.659 Why? 00:13:21.099 --> 00:13:23.759 Because God is going to do it. 00:13:23.759 --> 00:13:29.539 Because you are in God's hands and God is going to take care of his people. 00:13:29.919 --> 00:13:32.960 And he will cut off the evildoers in the end. 00:13:33.039 --> 00:13:34.439 And they won't get the land. 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:40.919 And instead, you who trust, who in a God-centered way believe 00:13:40.919 --> 00:13:43.000 and patiently wait for God to work, 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:49.620 believing that God will be this vindicator of David and of the nation of Israel, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:57.060 this is the idea that it is those who wait on the Lord, 00:13:57.460 --> 00:14:00.899 this is the meek that inherit the land. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:05.139 So this is starting to give us a portrait. 00:14:05.560 --> 00:14:08.580 I will just tell you, I don't have a quick definition of meek. 00:14:08.840 --> 00:14:10.399 I'm going to paint a portrait for you. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:12.220 I'm going to give you a couple of different pictures 00:14:12.220 --> 00:14:15.519 so you can try to get a sense of what meekness is. 00:14:15.580 --> 00:14:18.560 Because the reason why the English translations still use it 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:19.779 is they don't have anything better. 00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:21.199 Humble isn't quite right. 00:14:21.319 --> 00:14:22.339 Gentle isn't quite right. 00:14:22.579 --> 00:14:24.059 Both of those are parts of it. 00:14:24.319 --> 00:14:25.299 But neither is quite right. 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:27.219 So I'm going to keep painting this picture for you. 00:14:27.659 --> 00:14:30.000 So Psalm 37 in the Old Testament is one way. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:33.839 Then there are places where this use or its cognates, 00:14:33.959 --> 00:14:36.239 different forms of it are used in the New Testament. 00:14:36.719 --> 00:14:40.239 And I'm just going to read you a few passages from the epistles 00:14:40.239 --> 00:14:41.599 that use this word. 00:14:41.599 --> 00:14:44.259 It's almost always translated gentleness, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:47.819 except for in Colossians when it's translated meekness. 00:14:48.559 --> 00:14:50.419 But I'm just going to read four passages. 00:14:50.619 --> 00:14:52.099 And I want you to think about, again, 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:54.939 the context of each of these things, 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:59.559 what is said around them that may help us shape the picture 00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:02.419 of this idea of meekness. 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:04.819 I, therefore, a prisoner of God. 00:15:04.859 --> 00:15:06.839 This is Ephesians 4, 1. 00:15:07.279 --> 00:15:09.519 I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:12.639 urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:14.019 to which you have been called, 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:16.479 with all humility and gentleness. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.120 There it is. 00:15:17.779 --> 00:15:20.379 With patience, bearing with one another, 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:22.639 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.840 and the bond of peace. 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:27.840 Or Colossians 3, verse 12. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:30.379 Put on, then, as God's chosen ones, 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:33.300 holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, 00:15:33.840 --> 00:15:36.740 kindness, humility, meekness. 00:15:36.860 --> 00:15:37.620 There it is again. 00:15:37.940 --> 00:15:40.580 And patience, bearing with one another, 00:15:40.659 --> 00:15:42.879 and if one has a complaint against another, 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:44.419 forgiving each other. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:46.000 As the Lord has forgiven you, 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:48.240 so you also must forgive. 00:15:48.840 --> 00:15:50.500 And above all these, put on love, 00:15:50.559 --> 00:15:53.000 which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:15:55.200 --> 00:15:58.379 2 Timothy, chapter 2, starting verse 22. 00:15:59.080 --> 00:16:00.460 Paul writes this to Timothy. 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:02.360 So flee youthful passions, 00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:05.659 and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:08.779 along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:12.360 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. 00:16:12.799 --> 00:16:14.639 You know that they breed quarrels. 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:16.759 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, 00:16:17.079 --> 00:16:18.459 but kind to everyone, 00:16:18.579 --> 00:16:21.279 able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 00:16:21.459 --> 00:16:24.740 correcting his opponents with gentleness. 00:16:24.959 --> 00:16:26.459 And there it is, with meekness. 00:16:27.220 --> 00:16:29.639 And God may perhaps grant them repentance, 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.439 leading to a knowledge of the truth. 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:36.360 And then in 1 Peter 3, verse 13. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.800 Now, who is there to harm you 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:40.840 if you are zealous for what is good? 00:16:40.920 --> 00:16:43.200 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, 00:16:43.520 --> 00:16:44.660 you will be blessed. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:47.100 Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. 00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:52.080 But in your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:55.540 always being prepared to make a defense to anyone 00:16:55.540 --> 00:16:58.460 who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you. 00:16:58.460 --> 00:17:01.940 Yet do it with gentleness. 00:17:02.720 --> 00:17:03.519 There it is again. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.680 And respect. 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:08.440 Having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, 00:17:08.840 --> 00:17:10.220 those who revile you, 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:14.400 your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:18.920 Do you see some of the common threads 00:17:18.920 --> 00:17:22.259 of where we see this word being used, right? 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:28.559 It's often in a context of division or of reproach 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:30.279 or of conflict. 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.940 Meekness rises to the surface. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:38.059 Showing patience with others. 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:40.879 Being kind and gentle to one another. 00:17:41.160 --> 00:17:44.140 Not being self-assertive to make sure you are right 00:17:44.140 --> 00:17:48.000 or being heard or being understood properly. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:52.880 But humbly, carefully interacting with one another. 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:58.680 It is a God-word attitude 00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:02.019 where we trust God and have confidence in God 00:18:02.019 --> 00:18:04.900 and believe that He will vindicate us. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:09.400 And it allows us to treat others with softness of tone, 00:18:09.480 --> 00:18:11.779 even as we have firmness of conviction. 00:18:12.380 --> 00:18:14.619 It doesn't mean that we're doormats. 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:17.440 It doesn't mean that we don't speak truth. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:19.220 It doesn't mean that we don't confront 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:21.100 or have conflict with others. 00:18:21.200 --> 00:18:22.779 But as we do that, 00:18:22.980 --> 00:18:25.640 we carry this character of meekness, 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:28.700 which includes gentleness, humility, 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:30.900 and ultimately trusting God 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:33.000 in the middle of these things. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:36.740 It is grounded in a security 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:39.980 of God's grace to us. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:43.900 Now, I do want to make sure I say this at some point. 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:46.400 Meekness does not simply mean 00:18:46.400 --> 00:18:49.820 submitting to unjust suffering or abuse 00:18:49.820 --> 00:18:51.720 and never confronting evil. 00:18:52.519 --> 00:18:54.060 Sometimes the church has said, 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:57.500 the meek means you must stay in an abusive home. 00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:59.660 You don't need to stay in an abusive home. 00:18:59.980 --> 00:19:01.100 If this is true for you, 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.200 come talk to the pastors. 00:19:02.360 --> 00:19:03.320 We want to care for you. 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:05.040 This is not what... 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:06.920 But it does mean that 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:11.759 we continue to pursue the character of Christ 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:14.119 even in the worst of circumstances 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:18.579 and for our own heart to bear a proper response 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:22.920 even as we seek to address things properly. 00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:23.839 Right? 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:28.259 A respectfulness even when reciprocated 00:19:28.259 --> 00:19:29.819 as we interact with others. 00:19:29.819 --> 00:19:31.679 This is a part of the picture then 00:19:31.679 --> 00:19:32.919 of meekness 00:19:32.919 --> 00:19:37.419 that I think the epistles point us to. 00:19:39.279 --> 00:19:40.859 I still haven't given you a definition 00:19:40.859 --> 00:19:42.000 and that's because I don't have one. 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.579 Sorry. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:44.659 I'm hoping you can get a sense 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:47.319 of this picture and of this word 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:49.759 that's really going to capture it for you. 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:52.279 Before we go on, 00:19:52.319 --> 00:19:53.599 I just want to say this though. 00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:58.099 How much is this different from our own hearts? 00:19:58.099 --> 00:20:01.399 I think we often fall into traps 00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:03.859 that our world sets for us these days. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:06.000 One of them is seeing all relationships 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:07.159 as power dynamics. 00:20:07.779 --> 00:20:09.279 It's about winning and losing. 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.519 It's about who has the power 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.699 and who doesn't have the power 00:20:11.699 --> 00:20:13.359 and how is that power held. 00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:17.459 Meekness does not see relationships 00:20:17.459 --> 00:20:19.059 as power dynamics. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:21.379 Meekness sees relationships 00:20:21.379 --> 00:20:24.799 as an opportunity to love and serve 00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:26.099 God first 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:27.539 and the other person 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:28.939 in light of loving God. 00:20:34.199 --> 00:20:36.799 We usually find ourselves 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:38.319 or often find ourselves 00:20:38.319 --> 00:20:40.480 either feeling under the thumb 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.259 of someone else 00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.559 and wanting to fight back 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:44.299 or we find ourselves 00:20:44.299 --> 00:20:45.779 in the position of power 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.759 and tempted to take advantage of others 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:48.500 and use them. 00:20:49.919 --> 00:20:52.179 Meekness would forsake both of these paths 00:20:52.179 --> 00:20:53.779 for a different role. 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:56.899 The other trap that I see 00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:57.920 in our culture today 00:20:57.920 --> 00:21:03.680 is a profound me first attitude. 00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:06.059 If you're going to be 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:08.099 who you want to be in this world, 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:09.759 you've got to go get it yourself. 00:21:10.339 --> 00:21:11.539 It is up to you. 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:12.920 You have to be seen. 00:21:13.039 --> 00:21:13.799 You have to be noticed. 00:21:13.960 --> 00:21:15.259 You have to promote yourself 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.220 all the time. 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:17.559 You have to do all these things. 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.319 And look, 00:21:18.379 --> 00:21:19.099 that doesn't mean 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:20.700 that you can't write a good resume. 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.660 It doesn't. 00:21:21.860 --> 00:21:22.680 But what it means is 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:23.640 that in your spirit 00:21:23.640 --> 00:21:24.460 you know 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:26.480 that ultimately 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:28.000 the person you most want 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.900 to be seen by 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:29.720 and noticed by 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.819 and vindicated by 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:31.580 is God. 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:33.220 And that God 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:34.720 will actually take care of you 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:36.059 and He will provide for you. 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.700 He will get you into 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:40.539 the grad school 00:21:40.539 --> 00:21:42.340 so you don't have to spend 00:21:42.340 --> 00:21:43.620 three years of your life 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:44.600 running around, 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:45.980 running over people 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.960 to be at the top 00:21:46.960 --> 00:21:47.840 so that everyone 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:48.460 will notice you 00:21:48.460 --> 00:21:48.680 and say, 00:21:48.840 --> 00:21:49.600 look how great I am. 00:21:53.920 --> 00:21:54.840 And if you're a mom 00:21:54.840 --> 00:21:55.380 on the playground, 00:21:55.600 --> 00:21:56.160 you don't have to 00:21:56.160 --> 00:21:57.000 keep talking about 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:57.880 all the wonderful things 00:21:57.880 --> 00:21:58.340 you're doing 00:21:58.340 --> 00:21:59.680 to make sure everyone knows 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:01.240 that you're the best mom around. 00:22:03.380 --> 00:22:04.200 You can think 00:22:04.200 --> 00:22:05.140 and see others 00:22:05.140 --> 00:22:05.519 and think, 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:06.519 how can I love them? 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.640 How can I serve them? 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:09.440 How can I come alongside of them? 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.960 This is, I believe, 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:14.340 the spirit of meekness. 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:16.919 And it's contrary 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:17.839 to our spirit, 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.199 to our culture today. 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:22.139 Jesus says, 00:22:22.899 --> 00:22:23.779 blessed are the meek 00:22:23.779 --> 00:22:25.619 because my kingdom 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:27.220 is not like the kingdom 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.199 of this world. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.720 So that's what meekness is 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:33.539 as best as I can get you to. 00:22:33.899 --> 00:22:34.619 I hope that helps. 00:22:35.439 --> 00:22:36.639 The question then is, 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:37.720 what is the blessing 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.859 of meekness, right? 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.599 Jesus says, 00:22:40.099 --> 00:22:41.159 blessed are the meek 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:44.040 for they shall inherit the earth. 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:45.960 Now what in the world 00:22:45.960 --> 00:22:46.700 does that mean? 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:48.580 Does that mean 00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:49.440 that we can take over 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:50.120 the empty lot 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:50.740 down the street 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.840 and like, you know, 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:53.019 build a parking garage 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:53.560 for ourselves 00:22:53.560 --> 00:22:54.440 so that we don't have to 00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:55.540 deal with someone else's 00:22:55.540 --> 00:22:56.080 parking garage? 00:22:56.620 --> 00:22:57.060 No. 00:22:57.560 --> 00:22:58.580 It doesn't mean that at all. 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:00.779 Again, going back to Psalm 37 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:02.259 is really instructive. 00:23:02.740 --> 00:23:04.320 David is writing this psalm 00:23:04.320 --> 00:23:06.500 and David as the king, 00:23:07.060 --> 00:23:08.460 whether he's the king apparent 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.340 or the king in, 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.320 it doesn't tell us. 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:11.379 We don't know when 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:12.319 this psalm was written, 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.619 but David knew 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.779 that these evildoers, 00:23:14.899 --> 00:23:15.819 these wrongdoers 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:18.179 were seeking to destroy him 00:23:18.179 --> 00:23:20.399 and in, by extension, 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.079 the nation of Israel, 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:25.079 the land that God had promised 00:23:25.079 --> 00:23:26.919 to be the place 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:29.500 where he would display his glory 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:31.240 by creating a great nation, 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.740 a great kingdom, right? 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:34.659 So this is the, 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:35.740 in the Old Testament, 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:37.779 the promise of the Davidic kingdom 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:39.759 and the prospect of this 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.740 being the pinnacle 00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:42.299 of God's great work 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:43.680 where he would display his glory 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:45.079 is really big. 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:47.900 And so in light of this then, 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:48.960 David is saying, 00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:50.460 these things are threatened. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.160 And it would be very easy 00:23:52.160 --> 00:23:53.160 for David to say, 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:53.980 therefore, 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.359 what do I need to do? 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:57.700 I need to amass power to myself. 00:23:57.859 --> 00:23:59.279 I need to get the biggest army 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.779 so that I can defeat 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.460 all my enemies. 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:04.019 I need to assert myself as king 00:24:04.019 --> 00:24:05.799 and put all these other people 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.639 under my thumb 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:08.619 so that I can rule 00:24:08.619 --> 00:24:10.639 the way God intended me to do it. 00:24:11.240 --> 00:24:13.079 That would be such a temptation. 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.579 But as we've seen, 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:17.259 that's not David's response. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.319 David says, 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:19.839 fret not because of these, 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:21.859 but God will give you 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:23.900 the land. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.799 He will be the one 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:29.079 to cut off the evildoers 00:24:29.079 --> 00:24:31.259 who think that by their power 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.220 they're going to get it. 00:24:33.679 --> 00:24:35.059 He will cut them off 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:37.379 and instead you will receive 00:24:37.379 --> 00:24:40.699 the land that God promised 00:24:40.699 --> 00:24:42.279 and the promises of 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:44.879 his kingdom coming to earth. 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.559 Jesus says, 00:24:49.039 --> 00:24:51.059 this is true in my kingdom too. 00:24:53.559 --> 00:24:55.319 Not in the land of Palestine 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:57.759 between the Mediterranean Sea 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.299 and the River Jordan 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:00.000 or, you know, 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:02.419 the broader area 00:25:02.419 --> 00:25:03.460 that was promised 00:25:03.460 --> 00:25:04.159 in the Old Testament. 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:06.019 Because we see very clearly 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:07.139 a discontinuity 00:25:07.139 --> 00:25:07.899 between the land 00:25:07.899 --> 00:25:08.639 and the Old Testament 00:25:08.639 --> 00:25:09.879 and in the New Testament 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:11.379 where the church 00:25:11.379 --> 00:25:12.720 becomes the people of God 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:14.079 not in a national, 00:25:14.579 --> 00:25:15.740 physical place 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:18.399 but becomes a transnational place 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:19.579 where the land, 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:21.919 the promises of the land 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:23.240 are fulfilled 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.359 as the gospel goes 00:25:24.359 --> 00:25:26.259 to the ends of the earth 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:28.679 and then is fulfilled 00:25:28.679 --> 00:25:29.379 ultimately 00:25:29.379 --> 00:25:30.859 in the new heavens 00:25:30.859 --> 00:25:31.859 and the new earth 00:25:31.859 --> 00:25:33.740 where, 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:35.099 if you were here this spring, 00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:36.199 we heard lots about 00:25:36.199 --> 00:25:37.699 in the book of Revelation. 00:25:39.939 --> 00:25:41.639 So what does this 00:25:41.639 --> 00:25:43.000 inheritance look like? 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.619 I think it has 00:25:43.619 --> 00:25:44.579 two different aspects 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:45.500 that I want to point out 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.019 this morning. 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.819 The first is 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:50.619 from 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:25:51.059 --> 00:25:52.740 So 1 Peter chapter 1 00:25:52.740 --> 00:25:54.019 verses 3 through 5. 00:25:54.359 --> 00:25:55.459 says this, 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:58.139 according to His great mercy, 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:59.740 that is God's great mercy, 00:25:59.740 --> 00:26:01.099 He has caused us 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:02.240 to be born again 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.279 to a living hope 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.419 through the resurrection 00:26:04.419 --> 00:26:05.359 of Jesus Christ 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:06.139 from the dead 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:07.359 to an inheritance 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:08.839 that is imperishable, 00:26:09.019 --> 00:26:09.659 undefiled, 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:10.959 and unfading, 00:26:11.179 --> 00:26:12.579 kept in heaven for you 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:14.259 who by God's power 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.259 are being guarded 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:16.259 through faith 00:26:16.259 --> 00:26:17.219 for salvation 00:26:17.219 --> 00:26:18.559 ready to be revealed 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:20.299 in the last time. 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:21.539 Friends, 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:23.039 the greatest fulfillment 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:24.139 of these promises 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:25.700 is in the salvation 00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:27.559 that God has worked 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.759 in Jesus Christ. 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:30.379 This is the riches 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.399 of our inheritance. 00:26:32.139 --> 00:26:32.919 We have, 00:26:33.399 --> 00:26:34.759 because He has saved us 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:35.240 from sin 00:26:35.240 --> 00:26:35.919 and brought us 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:37.480 into His kingdom, 00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:39.099 we are now citizens 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.319 and heirs 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:42.099 of the kingdom of God 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.759 that Jesus has won 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:44.680 by dying 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:46.259 and rising from the dead. 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:49.640 And so we have 00:26:49.640 --> 00:26:51.460 every spiritual blessing 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:53.180 in the heavenly realms. 00:26:53.879 --> 00:26:54.240 We have, 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:56.339 we know that we will be 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:57.799 in God's kingdom forever, 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.379 not because we are great, 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:01.599 but because of what Christ has done. 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:05.319 This is the beautiful thing of it. 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:08.180 And there is 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:10.779 a present reality for that. 00:27:12.379 --> 00:27:13.259 In 1 Corinthians 4, 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:15.400 Paul is talking about 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.280 the Corinthian church 00:27:16.280 --> 00:27:16.680 and he's saying, 00:27:16.800 --> 00:27:17.740 already you are rich. 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:19.560 Already you've experienced 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:21.440 the riches of this salvation. 00:27:21.640 --> 00:27:22.320 You've been given 00:27:22.320 --> 00:27:23.740 the Holy Spirit 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:25.880 and were that you 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:27.040 actually lived 00:27:27.040 --> 00:27:27.800 in this richness 00:27:27.800 --> 00:27:28.920 rather than continuing 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:29.620 to strive 00:27:29.620 --> 00:27:30.700 for more power 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.380 and influence 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:32.280 in your community 00:27:32.280 --> 00:27:33.300 through spiritual gifts. 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.360 He says, 00:27:34.660 --> 00:27:36.280 you have everything already. 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:38.540 You don't need 00:27:38.540 --> 00:27:39.480 anything more 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.460 than these riches. 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.420 And so we live 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:44.800 in this today time 00:27:44.799 --> 00:27:47.559 with the spiritual riches 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.399 that come from 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.659 our salvation in Christ. 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:51.740 The certainty 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.720 of our salvation, 00:27:53.399 --> 00:27:54.200 the reality 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:55.879 of spiritual new life 00:27:55.879 --> 00:27:56.740 in our hearts, 00:27:57.139 --> 00:27:58.659 the giving of the Holy Spirit 00:27:58.659 --> 00:27:59.619 to empower us 00:27:59.619 --> 00:28:01.059 to know and love 00:28:01.059 --> 00:28:02.200 and serve God. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.639 The riches 00:28:03.639 --> 00:28:05.200 of the community of faith 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:07.019 where we get to live out 00:28:07.019 --> 00:28:08.279 our love for one another. 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:09.980 The power of the gospel 00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:10.859 that brings us 00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:11.559 to salvation 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.679 and that we proclaim 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:13.159 to others 00:28:13.159 --> 00:28:14.119 that they may come 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:14.940 to salvation. 00:28:15.139 --> 00:28:16.039 These are the riches 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:17.440 of the gospel 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.759 that we have. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.339 And yet there's more 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:21.899 to come 00:28:21.899 --> 00:28:23.559 because what we saw 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.220 in Revelation 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:26.259 is that one day 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:27.279 when God creates 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:27.940 a new heaven 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:28.679 and a new earth, 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:29.720 it will be all 00:28:29.720 --> 00:28:30.440 of his kingdom 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.919 completely and fully. 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:34.000 What Jesus did 00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:35.000 was come to be 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.759 the inbreaking 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.480 of his kingdom. 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:38.720 The kingdom of God 00:28:38.720 --> 00:28:39.500 is at hand. 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:42.019 But we know now 00:28:42.019 --> 00:28:43.180 that it's not fully there, 00:28:43.259 --> 00:28:43.640 don't we? 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.359 We look around 00:28:44.359 --> 00:28:45.359 in our fallen world 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:45.819 and we think 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:47.160 this can't be God's kingdom. 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.640 We even look at the church 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:49.160 and we think, 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:50.099 man, we got a long way 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:50.799 to go, don't we? 00:28:54.819 --> 00:28:55.619 But instead, 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:57.019 we have a promise. 00:28:58.759 --> 00:28:59.160 Remember 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:01.660 what we heard 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:03.440 in Revelation chapter 5 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:05.319 as the elders 00:29:05.319 --> 00:29:06.559 worship Jesus 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.579 around the throne 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:09.059 in the heavenly realms? 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:10.920 It says, 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:12.079 they sang a new song. 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:13.859 This is verse 9. 00:29:14.019 --> 00:29:15.079 And they sang a new song 00:29:15.079 --> 00:29:15.500 saying, 00:29:15.680 --> 00:29:16.880 worthy are you, 00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:17.720 that is Jesus, 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:19.140 to take the scroll 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.200 and to open its seals 00:29:20.200 --> 00:29:21.099 for you were slain 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.839 and by your blood 00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:22.779 you ransomed people 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:23.859 for God 00:29:23.859 --> 00:29:24.839 from every tribe 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.480 and language 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:26.099 and people 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:26.759 and nation 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:28.380 and you have made them 00:29:28.380 --> 00:29:28.980 a kingdom 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:29.960 and priests 00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:31.000 to our God 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:33.259 and they shall reign 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.259 on the earth. 00:29:34.920 --> 00:29:35.680 And when you get 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:36.779 to chapter 20 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:38.059 and Jesus finally 00:29:38.059 --> 00:29:39.759 defeats all of the enemies 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.420 of his kingdom 00:29:40.420 --> 00:29:41.879 when final judgment 00:29:41.879 --> 00:29:42.960 comes upon the earth 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:44.039 and there is a renewal 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:45.940 that comes with his reign 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:47.000 and a new heavens 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:47.599 and a new earth 00:29:47.599 --> 00:29:48.099 come down, 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.740 it says over and over again 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.660 and the saints, 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:51.779 God's people, 00:29:51.859 --> 00:29:53.240 will reign with him 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.279 in that world. 00:29:56.359 --> 00:29:57.759 When we are connected 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:59.379 by faith to Jesus, 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:02.000 we will inherit 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:03.020 the earth 00:30:03.020 --> 00:30:06.460 for eternity. 00:30:11.600 --> 00:30:13.200 And it's an upside down 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:15.260 promise, 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:15.840 isn't it? 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:17.260 Because our world 00:30:17.260 --> 00:30:17.920 tells us 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:19.020 the only way 00:30:19.020 --> 00:30:20.020 we'll get ahead 00:30:20.020 --> 00:30:20.840 is through power 00:30:20.840 --> 00:30:21.900 and self-assertion. 00:30:22.760 --> 00:30:23.340 And Jesus says, 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:23.660 no, 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:25.300 the meek 00:30:25.300 --> 00:30:26.300 shall inherit 00:30:26.300 --> 00:30:28.180 the earth. 00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:31.120 Friends, 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:31.400 do you know 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.300 what great promise, 00:30:32.820 --> 00:30:33.780 what great freedom 00:30:33.780 --> 00:30:34.380 there is 00:30:34.380 --> 00:30:35.600 in this picture? 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:37.740 We have the freedom 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.660 to be meek. 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:41.140 It means we don't 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:42.080 have to be afraid 00:30:42.080 --> 00:30:43.140 of being run over 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:43.820 or cut off 00:30:43.820 --> 00:30:44.460 or left out. 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.300 It means we don't 00:30:46.300 --> 00:30:47.240 have to be afraid 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:48.500 of being insignificant 00:30:48.500 --> 00:30:49.980 or our lives 00:30:49.980 --> 00:30:50.720 being meaningless. 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:51.900 It means that 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:53.100 we don't have to 00:30:53.100 --> 00:30:55.420 enter each social situation 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:56.260 posturing 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:58.700 and navigating 00:30:58.700 --> 00:30:59.680 our insecurity. 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:01.039 It means that 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:01.619 we're free 00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.519 from the rat race 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:03.059 of believing 00:31:03.059 --> 00:31:03.619 that you have 00:31:03.619 --> 00:31:04.500 to impose your will 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:05.160 and get ahead 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:06.400 and use other people 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:07.559 to get what you want. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.319 Do you see 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:12.420 how being meek 00:31:12.420 --> 00:31:13.099 frees us 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.519 from all of those things? 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.680 Because we know 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.740 that God 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.519 has loved us 00:31:17.519 --> 00:31:18.000 in Christ. 00:31:18.420 --> 00:31:19.559 God has given us 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:21.579 every spiritual blessing 00:31:21.579 --> 00:31:22.779 in the heavenly realm 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:23.519 in Christ Jesus. 00:31:23.900 --> 00:31:24.480 That God 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.240 has delivered us 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:25.819 from darkness 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.480 into the kingdom 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:27.559 of his beloved son. 00:31:27.880 --> 00:31:28.519 That God 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:29.120 has given us 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.259 all that we need. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:32.279 And when we know Christ 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:33.980 we can be meek 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:35.279 before other people 00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:36.700 because we know 00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.599 that the meek 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.440 will inherit 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:39.539 the earth. 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:41.859 And why do we 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:43.099 lean into Jesus? 00:31:43.460 --> 00:31:44.059 Because 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:45.140 as we come 00:31:45.140 --> 00:31:46.000 to our last point 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:48.160 Jesus is the model 00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:48.940 and the source 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:49.900 of meekness 00:31:49.900 --> 00:31:50.720 for our lives. 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:51.900 It's helpful 00:31:51.900 --> 00:31:52.460 that Matthew 00:31:52.460 --> 00:31:53.539 uses the word 00:31:53.539 --> 00:31:53.940 meek 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:55.920 from 5-5 00:31:55.920 --> 00:31:56.980 and two other places 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.700 to refer 00:31:57.700 --> 00:31:58.980 to Jesus. 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.180 The first 00:32:00.180 --> 00:32:01.120 is in Matthew 00:32:01.120 --> 00:32:02.100 18 00:32:02.100 --> 00:32:02.900 I'm sorry 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:03.820 Matthew 11 00:32:03.820 --> 00:32:05.460 28-30 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.960 where he says 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:08.019 Jesus says 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:08.900 come to me 00:32:08.900 --> 00:32:10.400 all who labor 00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:11.519 and are heavy laden 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:12.940 and I will give you rest. 00:32:13.580 --> 00:32:14.240 Take my yoke 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:14.920 upon you 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:16.000 and learn from me 00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:17.100 for I am gentle 00:32:17.100 --> 00:32:18.160 and lowly of heart. 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:19.320 Gentle 00:32:19.320 --> 00:32:20.920 that's the word meek. 00:32:21.340 --> 00:32:21.580 Gentle 00:32:21.580 --> 00:32:22.539 and lowly of heart 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:23.779 and you will find rest 00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:24.619 for your souls 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:26.480 for my yoke is easy 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.819 and my burden 00:32:27.819 --> 00:32:28.500 is light. 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:29.519 You know 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.139 it's remarkable 00:32:30.139 --> 00:32:31.279 Gavin Ortlin 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.879 pointed out 00:32:31.879 --> 00:32:32.319 in the book 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:32.759 Gentle 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:33.859 and Lowly 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.940 which if you haven't read it 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.759 is a great book 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:37.299 on the person of Jesus. 00:32:37.599 --> 00:32:38.500 He points out 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:40.079 that this is the only place 00:32:40.079 --> 00:32:41.879 where Jesus talks about 00:32:41.879 --> 00:32:43.539 his own heart. 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:45.019 He says this 00:32:45.019 --> 00:32:46.420 I am gentle 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:47.399 or meek 00:32:47.399 --> 00:32:48.819 and lowly 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:49.440 of heart. 00:32:50.259 --> 00:32:51.480 And this is in the context 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.279 of the burdens 00:32:52.279 --> 00:32:53.339 that his people carry 00:32:53.339 --> 00:32:54.819 the burdens of legalism 00:32:54.819 --> 00:32:56.500 that the Pharisees 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.220 in the context 00:32:57.220 --> 00:32:57.880 of the passage 00:32:57.880 --> 00:32:59.440 are putting on the people. 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:01.079 And he says 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:02.140 come to me 00:33:02.140 --> 00:33:04.720 come to me 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:06.880 and release the burdens 00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:07.819 the burdens 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:08.660 of religious 00:33:08.660 --> 00:33:09.960 work 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.519 that 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.579 that 00:33:11.579 --> 00:33:12.920 cause you to have to 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:14.559 over and over again 00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.480 try to approve 00:33:15.480 --> 00:33:16.180 to 00:33:16.180 --> 00:33:18.799 achieve 00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:19.839 or earn 00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:20.899 God's approval. 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:23.440 Jesus says 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:24.159 come to me 00:33:24.159 --> 00:33:25.000 and I will lift 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:25.539 the burden 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.659 of the sin 00:33:26.659 --> 00:33:28.240 that you bear 00:33:28.240 --> 00:33:29.539 and the life 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.399 that you lived 00:33:30.399 --> 00:33:31.599 in a fallen world. 00:33:32.399 --> 00:33:33.039 Come to me 00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:33.819 for forgiveness 00:33:33.819 --> 00:33:34.700 and rest 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.639 and for comfort. 00:33:36.819 --> 00:33:37.879 And my meekness 00:33:37.879 --> 00:33:38.460 Jesus says 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.339 my meekness 00:33:39.339 --> 00:33:39.919 and loneliness 00:33:39.919 --> 00:33:40.460 means 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:41.700 you can approach 00:33:41.700 --> 00:33:43.039 without fear 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:44.279 for I am with you. 00:33:45.200 --> 00:33:45.940 I am here 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:47.080 for your forgiveness 00:33:47.080 --> 00:33:48.080 for your good 00:33:48.080 --> 00:33:49.920 for your rest. 00:33:50.980 --> 00:33:51.680 And so we see 00:33:51.680 --> 00:33:52.900 Jesus himself 00:33:52.900 --> 00:33:53.980 lives out 00:33:53.980 --> 00:33:54.640 this picture 00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.480 of meekness. 00:33:57.100 --> 00:33:58.320 And the second place 00:33:58.320 --> 00:33:58.820 that Matthew 00:33:58.820 --> 00:33:59.940 uses this word 00:33:59.940 --> 00:34:01.059 is in 00:34:01.059 --> 00:34:02.759 chapter 21 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:04.200 verses 4 and 5. 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:06.100 Jesus is instructing 00:34:06.100 --> 00:34:07.100 his disciples 00:34:07.100 --> 00:34:08.240 to go get a donkey 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.220 to prepare him 00:34:09.220 --> 00:34:11.059 to enter Jerusalem 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:12.200 in what's called 00:34:12.200 --> 00:34:13.579 the triumphal entry 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:14.119 and Jesus 00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:15.300 entered his 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:15.940 Jerusalem 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:16.600 on the way 00:34:16.600 --> 00:34:17.260 to the cross. 00:34:18.100 --> 00:34:19.039 Matthew 21 00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:20.200 4 says this 00:34:20.200 --> 00:34:21.280 this took place 00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:21.960 to fulfill 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.900 what was spoken 00:34:22.900 --> 00:34:23.700 by the prophet 00:34:23.700 --> 00:34:24.240 saying 00:34:24.240 --> 00:34:25.420 say to the 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:26.620 daughter of Zion 00:34:26.620 --> 00:34:27.280 behold 00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:27.940 your king 00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:28.920 is coming to you 00:34:28.920 --> 00:34:29.700 humble 00:34:29.700 --> 00:34:30.300 and mounted 00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:31.060 on a donkey 00:34:31.060 --> 00:34:32.720 on a colt 00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.280 full 00:34:33.280 --> 00:34:34.900 of a beast 00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:35.160 of 00:34:35.160 --> 00:34:35.920 the foal 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:36.519 of a beast 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:37.060 of burden 00:34:37.060 --> 00:34:40.800 humble 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.920 and mounted 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.780 on donkey 00:34:42.780 --> 00:34:44.260 there's that word 00:34:44.260 --> 00:34:44.560 again 00:34:44.559 --> 00:34:45.079 meek 00:34:45.079 --> 00:34:45.900 the prophet 00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:46.539 Zechariah 00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.239 spoke those 00:34:47.239 --> 00:34:47.639 words 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:49.559 in chapter 9 00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:50.079 verse 9 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:50.980 of his prophecy 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:51.500 a prophecy 00:34:51.500 --> 00:34:52.199 regarding the 00:34:52.199 --> 00:34:52.840 Davidic king 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:53.420 that would come 00:34:53.420 --> 00:34:53.880 one day 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:55.079 but not on a 00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:55.679 white horse 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:56.779 in triumphal entry 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:57.960 having defeated 00:34:57.960 --> 00:34:58.679 his foes 00:34:58.679 --> 00:34:59.400 militarily 00:34:59.400 --> 00:35:00.480 and reestablished 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.420 the national 00:35:01.420 --> 00:35:01.840 kingdom 00:35:01.840 --> 00:35:03.759 but this new 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:04.699 king would come 00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:05.279 humble 00:35:05.279 --> 00:35:06.659 on a lesser 00:35:06.659 --> 00:35:08.159 beast of burden 00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:10.399 Jesus 00:35:10.399 --> 00:35:10.819 came 00:35:10.819 --> 00:35:11.199 not to 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:11.659 impose 00:35:11.659 --> 00:35:12.219 himself 00:35:12.219 --> 00:35:13.599 but to 00:35:13.599 --> 00:35:13.859 give 00:35:13.859 --> 00:35:14.399 himself 00:35:14.399 --> 00:35:15.739 and think 00:35:15.739 --> 00:35:16.239 of all 00:35:16.239 --> 00:35:16.779 the ways 00:35:16.779 --> 00:35:17.119 in which 00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:17.799 we see 00:35:17.799 --> 00:35:18.219 Jesus 00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:18.940 living out 00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:19.559 meekness 00:35:19.559 --> 00:35:20.920 he confronted 00:35:20.920 --> 00:35:21.500 the false 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.000 teachers 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:23.299 but he 00:35:23.299 --> 00:35:23.699 welcomed 00:35:23.699 --> 00:35:24.239 sinners 00:35:24.239 --> 00:35:25.480 he turned 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:25.960 the tables 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:26.579 in the temple 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.039 but then 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:27.679 he was 00:35:27.679 --> 00:35:28.319 silent 00:35:28.319 --> 00:35:29.000 before his 00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:29.699 accusers 00:35:29.699 --> 00:35:31.239 he resisted 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:31.879 the fame 00:35:31.879 --> 00:35:32.379 that he could 00:35:32.379 --> 00:35:32.940 have had 00:35:32.940 --> 00:35:34.099 while still 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:34.659 knowing who 00:35:34.659 --> 00:35:35.239 he was 00:35:35.239 --> 00:35:36.439 his strategy 00:35:36.439 --> 00:35:36.939 was not 00:35:36.939 --> 00:35:37.500 power 00:35:37.500 --> 00:35:38.639 but love 00:35:38.639 --> 00:35:39.359 not self 00:35:39.359 --> 00:35:39.879 importance 00:35:39.879 --> 00:35:40.439 but self 00:35:40.439 --> 00:35:40.979 sacrifice 00:35:40.979 --> 00:35:42.000 he had 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:42.419 all the 00:35:42.419 --> 00:35:42.839 authority 00:35:42.839 --> 00:35:43.199 and he 00:35:43.199 --> 00:35:43.759 used it 00:35:43.759 --> 00:35:45.119 to lay 00:35:45.119 --> 00:35:45.859 it down 00:35:45.859 --> 00:35:46.479 his own 00:35:46.479 --> 00:35:46.859 life 00:35:46.859 --> 00:35:47.759 for others 00:35:47.759 --> 00:35:48.059 he had 00:35:48.059 --> 00:35:48.759 all power 00:35:48.759 --> 00:35:49.379 and he 00:35:49.379 --> 00:35:49.779 used to 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:50.319 heal 00:35:50.319 --> 00:35:51.099 to give 00:35:51.099 --> 00:35:51.559 life 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:51.919 to give 00:35:51.919 --> 00:35:52.339 hope 00:35:52.339 --> 00:35:53.319 to others 00:35:53.319 --> 00:35:54.019 he came 00:35:54.019 --> 00:35:54.679 in humility 00:35:54.679 --> 00:35:55.479 not to 00:35:55.479 --> 00:35:56.419 be served 00:35:56.419 --> 00:35:57.379 but to 00:35:57.379 --> 00:35:57.779 serve 00:35:57.779 --> 00:35:58.219 and give 00:35:58.219 --> 00:35:58.659 himself 00:35:58.659 --> 00:35:59.759 a ransom 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:00.500 for many 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.439 and in 00:36:01.439 --> 00:36:02.219 this 00:36:02.219 --> 00:36:03.119 in the 00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:03.799 meekness 00:36:03.799 --> 00:36:04.359 of Jesus 00:36:04.360 --> 00:36:05.660 he gained 00:36:05.660 --> 00:36:06.340 a kingdom 00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:07.920 friends 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:08.480 we know 00:36:08.480 --> 00:36:08.880 this 00:36:08.880 --> 00:36:09.720 this is 00:36:09.720 --> 00:36:10.180 the message 00:36:10.180 --> 00:36:10.519 of the 00:36:10.519 --> 00:36:10.900 gospel 00:36:10.900 --> 00:36:11.440 that we 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:11.660 have 00:36:11.660 --> 00:36:12.220 believed 00:36:12.220 --> 00:36:12.840 as Christians 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:13.660 from the 00:36:13.660 --> 00:36:14.039 beginning 00:36:14.039 --> 00:36:14.720 the pattern 00:36:14.720 --> 00:36:15.220 of Jesus 00:36:15.220 --> 00:36:15.720 victory 00:36:15.720 --> 00:36:16.140 was 00:36:16.140 --> 00:36:17.079 humility 00:36:17.079 --> 00:36:17.940 humiliation 00:36:17.940 --> 00:36:19.059 suffering 00:36:19.059 --> 00:36:19.780 death 00:36:19.780 --> 00:36:21.200 then glory 00:36:21.200 --> 00:36:22.640 and this 00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:22.960 is the 00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:23.320 model 00:36:23.320 --> 00:36:24.840 of meekness 00:36:24.840 --> 00:36:25.420 for us 00:36:25.420 --> 00:36:25.860 and the 00:36:25.860 --> 00:36:26.300 source 00:36:26.300 --> 00:36:27.599 as well 00:36:27.599 --> 00:36:28.980 because 00:36:28.980 --> 00:36:29.300 Jesus 00:36:29.300 --> 00:36:29.880 didn't just 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:30.240 give us 00:36:30.240 --> 00:36:30.760 an example 00:36:30.760 --> 00:36:31.240 he gave 00:36:31.240 --> 00:36:31.960 us himself 00:36:31.960 --> 00:36:33.220 to atone 00:36:33.220 --> 00:36:33.720 for our 00:36:33.720 --> 00:36:34.059 selfish 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:34.579 pride 00:36:34.579 --> 00:36:35.539 and an 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:35.900 arrogant 00:36:35.900 --> 00:36:36.519 ambition 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:37.739 to gain 00:36:37.739 --> 00:36:38.159 for us 00:36:38.159 --> 00:36:38.860 forgiveness 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:41.699 in his 00:36:41.699 --> 00:36:42.159 act 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:43.079 of meekness 00:36:43.079 --> 00:36:45.239 he gained 00:36:45.239 --> 00:36:45.779 us 00:36:45.779 --> 00:36:47.099 and rescued 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:47.480 us 00:36:47.480 --> 00:36:48.000 and brought 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:48.279 us 00:36:48.279 --> 00:36:49.079 to be 00:36:49.079 --> 00:36:49.779 his own 00:36:49.779 --> 00:36:51.519 he loved 00:36:51.519 --> 00:36:51.880 us 00:36:51.880 --> 00:36:52.779 his enemies 00:36:52.779 --> 00:36:53.980 and made 00:36:53.980 --> 00:36:54.400 us 00:36:54.400 --> 00:36:55.480 his people 00:36:55.480 --> 00:36:56.579 and this 00:36:56.579 --> 00:36:57.019 is the good 00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.480 news of the 00:36:57.480 --> 00:36:57.820 gospel 00:36:57.820 --> 00:36:59.099 that Jesus 00:36:59.099 --> 00:36:59.779 comes in 00:36:59.779 --> 00:37:00.440 meekness 00:37:00.440 --> 00:37:01.000 to rescue 00:37:01.000 --> 00:37:01.480 people 00:37:01.480 --> 00:37:02.579 and so 00:37:02.579 --> 00:37:03.420 we not 00:37:03.420 --> 00:37:03.800 only 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:04.699 can see 00:37:04.699 --> 00:37:05.039 that as 00:37:05.039 --> 00:37:05.539 a model 00:37:05.539 --> 00:37:06.199 to follow 00:37:06.199 --> 00:37:07.079 but by 00:37:07.079 --> 00:37:07.840 the very 00:37:07.840 --> 00:37:08.460 knowledge 00:37:08.460 --> 00:37:09.000 of who 00:37:09.000 --> 00:37:09.460 he is 00:37:09.460 --> 00:37:10.219 as we 00:37:10.219 --> 00:37:10.860 come to 00:37:10.860 --> 00:37:11.340 know him 00:37:11.340 --> 00:37:11.559 more 00:37:11.559 --> 00:37:11.860 as we 00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:12.480 behold 00:37:12.480 --> 00:37:13.280 Jesus 00:37:13.280 --> 00:37:13.719 in the 00:37:13.719 --> 00:37:14.240 glory 00:37:14.240 --> 00:37:14.619 of his 00:37:14.619 --> 00:37:15.039 meekness 00:37:15.039 --> 00:37:15.760 we too 00:37:15.760 --> 00:37:16.179 will be 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:16.900 like him 00:37:16.900 --> 00:37:18.940 be transformed 00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:19.800 with him 00:37:19.800 --> 00:37:21.079 and he will 00:37:21.079 --> 00:37:21.639 teach us 00:37:21.639 --> 00:37:22.199 and enable 00:37:22.199 --> 00:37:22.559 us 00:37:22.559 --> 00:37:23.360 to lay 00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:23.619 down 00:37:23.619 --> 00:37:24.099 ourselves 00:37:24.099 --> 00:37:24.780 and embrace 00:37:24.780 --> 00:37:25.340 meekness 00:37:25.340 --> 00:37:28.200 I want 00:37:28.200 --> 00:37:28.600 to close 00:37:28.600 --> 00:37:29.240 by reading 00:37:29.240 --> 00:37:30.340 what Paul 00:37:30.340 --> 00:37:30.680 wrote 00:37:30.680 --> 00:37:32.700 to the 00:37:32.700 --> 00:37:33.079 Philippian 00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:33.460 church 00:37:33.460 --> 00:37:33.960 in chapter 00:37:33.960 --> 00:37:34.340 2 00:37:34.340 --> 00:37:34.740 starting 00:37:34.740 --> 00:37:35.200 in verse 00:37:35.200 --> 00:37:35.579 5 00:37:35.579 --> 00:37:38.380 have 00:37:38.380 --> 00:37:38.740 this 00:37:38.740 --> 00:37:39.340 mind 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:39.680 among 00:37:39.680 --> 00:37:39.980 you 00:37:39.980 --> 00:37:40.480 which 00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:40.640 is 00:37:40.640 --> 00:37:40.900 yours 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:41.100 in 00:37:41.100 --> 00:37:41.340 Christ 00:37:41.340 --> 00:37:41.780 Jesus 00:37:41.780 --> 00:37:42.960 who 00:37:42.960 --> 00:37:43.160 though 00:37:43.160 --> 00:37:43.340 he 00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:43.500 was 00:37:43.500 --> 00:37:43.620 in 00:37:43.620 --> 00:37:43.740 the 00:37:43.740 --> 00:37:43.980 form 00:37:43.980 --> 00:37:44.140 of 00:37:44.140 --> 00:37:44.420 God 00:37:44.420 --> 00:37:44.640 did 00:37:44.640 --> 00:37:44.840 not 00:37:44.840 --> 00:37:45.100 count 00:37:45.100 --> 00:37:45.620 equality 00:37:45.620 --> 00:37:46.400 with 00:37:46.400 --> 00:37:46.820 God 00:37:46.820 --> 00:37:47.120 a 00:37:47.120 --> 00:37:47.320 thing 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:47.500 to 00:37:47.500 --> 00:37:47.660 be 00:37:47.660 --> 00:37:48.160 grasped 00:37:48.160 --> 00:37:49.039 but 00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:49.440 emptied 00:37:49.440 --> 00:37:49.880 himself 00:37:49.880 --> 00:37:50.920 by 00:37:50.920 --> 00:37:51.220 taking 00:37:51.220 --> 00:37:51.440 the 00:37:51.440 --> 00:37:51.660 form 00:37:51.660 --> 00:37:51.800 of 00:37:51.800 --> 00:37:51.960 a 00:37:51.960 --> 00:37:52.340 servant 00:37:52.340 --> 00:37:53.440 being 00:37:53.440 --> 00:37:53.880 born 00:37:53.880 --> 00:37:54.120 in 00:37:54.120 --> 00:37:54.280 the 00:37:54.280 --> 00:37:54.700 likeness 00:37:54.700 --> 00:37:54.860 of 00:37:54.860 --> 00:37:55.120 men 00:37:55.120 --> 00:37:55.579 and 00:37:55.579 --> 00:37:55.780 being 00:37:55.780 --> 00:37:56.140 found 00:37:56.140 --> 00:37:56.340 in 00:37:56.340 --> 00:37:56.599 human 00:37:56.599 --> 00:37:56.900 form 00:37:56.900 --> 00:37:57.099 he 00:37:57.099 --> 00:37:57.620 humbled 00:37:57.620 --> 00:37:58.240 himself 00:37:58.240 --> 00:37:59.039 by 00:37:59.039 --> 00:37:59.420 becoming 00:37:59.420 --> 00:38:00.039 obedient 00:38:00.039 --> 00:38:01.640 to 00:38:01.640 --> 00:38:01.780 the 00:38:01.780 --> 00:38:01.980 point 00:38:01.980 --> 00:38:02.140 of 00:38:02.140 --> 00:38:02.539 death 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.340 even 00:38:03.340 --> 00:38:03.760 death 00:38:03.760 --> 00:38:04.300 on 00:38:04.300 --> 00:38:04.420 a 00:38:04.420 --> 00:38:04.800 cross 00:38:04.800 --> 00:38:06.820 therefore 00:38:06.820 --> 00:38:07.760 God 00:38:07.760 --> 00:38:07.940 has 00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:08.260 highly 00:38:08.260 --> 00:38:08.720 exalted 00:38:08.720 --> 00:38:09.059 him 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:09.539 and 00:38:09.539 --> 00:38:09.960 bestowed 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:10.180 on 00:38:10.180 --> 00:38:10.400 him 00:38:10.400 --> 00:38:10.519 a 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:10.720 name 00:38:10.720 --> 00:38:10.900 that 00:38:10.900 --> 00:38:11.039 is 00:38:11.039 --> 00:38:11.380 above 00:38:11.380 --> 00:38:11.820 every 00:38:11.820 --> 00:38:12.140 name 00:38:12.140 --> 00:38:12.340 so 00:38:12.340 --> 00:38:12.519 that 00:38:12.519 --> 00:38:12.620 at 00:38:12.620 --> 00:38:12.760 the 00:38:12.760 --> 00:38:12.940 name 00:38:12.940 --> 00:38:13.099 of 00:38:13.099 --> 00:38:13.400 Jesus 00:38:13.400 --> 00:38:14.120 every 00:38:14.120 --> 00:38:14.400 knee 00:38:14.400 --> 00:38:14.599 should 00:38:14.599 --> 00:38:14.880 bow 00:38:14.880 --> 00:38:15.059 in 00:38:15.059 --> 00:38:15.360 heaven 00:38:15.360 --> 00:38:15.579 and 00:38:15.579 --> 00:38:15.740 on 00:38:15.740 --> 00:38:16.019 earth 00:38:16.019 --> 00:38:16.180 and 00:38:16.180 --> 00:38:16.400 under 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:16.599 the 00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:16.800 earth 00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:16.940 and 00:38:16.940 --> 00:38:17.220 every 00:38:17.220 --> 00:38:17.559 tongue 00:38:17.559 --> 00:38:18.440 confess 00:38:18.440 --> 00:38:18.920 that 00:38:18.920 --> 00:38:19.400 Jesus 00:38:19.400 --> 00:38:19.940 Christ 00:38:19.940 --> 00:38:20.160 is 00:38:20.160 --> 00:38:20.559 Lord 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:21.780 to 00:38:21.780 --> 00:38:21.960 the 00:38:21.960 --> 00:38:22.460 glory 00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:22.920 of 00:38:22.920 --> 00:38:23.340 God 00:38:23.340 --> 00:38:23.840 the 00:38:23.840 --> 00:38:24.280 Father 00:38:24.280 --> 00:38:26.639 friends 00:38:26.639 --> 00:38:27.099 this 00:38:27.099 --> 00:38:27.360 is 00:38:27.360 --> 00:38:27.539 the 00:38:27.539 --> 00:38:28.000 meekness 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:29.780 of 00:38:29.780 --> 00:38:30.240 Christ 00:38:30.240 --> 00:38:32.320 this 00:38:32.320 --> 00:38:32.480 is 00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:32.659 the 00:38:32.659 --> 00:38:33.039 meekness 00:38:33.039 --> 00:38:33.200 of 00:38:33.200 --> 00:38:33.340 the 00:38:33.340 --> 00:38:33.760 gospel 00:38:33.760 --> 00:38:35.440 this 00:38:35.440 --> 00:38:35.599 is 00:38:35.599 --> 00:38:35.780 the 00:38:35.780 --> 00:38:36.300 meekness 00:38:36.300 --> 00:38:37.780 for 00:38:37.780 --> 00:38:38.079 those 00:38:38.079 --> 00:38:38.260 who 00:38:38.260 --> 00:38:38.400 will 00:38:38.400 --> 00:38:38.700 inherit 00:38:38.700 --> 00:38:38.940 the 00:38:38.940 --> 00:38:39.260 earth 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:43.760 Lord 00:38:43.760 --> 00:38:43.960 we 00:38:43.960 --> 00:38:44.579 confess 00:38:44.579 --> 00:38:46.940 how 00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:47.519 much 00:38:47.519 --> 00:38:47.760 we 00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:48.420 resist 00:38:48.420 --> 00:38:49.019 the 00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:49.420 path 00:38:49.420 --> 00:38:49.619 of 00:38:49.619 --> 00:38:50.240 meekness 00:38:50.239 --> 00:38:53.579 Lord 00:38:53.579 --> 00:38:53.759 it 00:38:53.759 --> 00:38:54.219 reveals 00:38:54.219 --> 00:38:54.479 how 00:38:54.479 --> 00:38:54.759 little 00:38:54.759 --> 00:38:54.979 we 00:38:54.979 --> 00:38:55.179 know 00:38:55.179 --> 00:38:55.379 of 00:38:55.379 --> 00:38:55.699 you 00:38:55.699 --> 00:38:56.000 and 00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:56.159 of 00:38:56.159 --> 00:38:56.299 your 00:38:56.299 --> 00:38:56.819 grace 00:38:56.819 --> 00:38:57.159 and 00:38:57.159 --> 00:38:57.319 of 00:38:57.319 --> 00:38:57.539 the 00:38:57.539 --> 00:38:58.479 power 00:38:58.479 --> 00:38:58.819 that 00:38:58.819 --> 00:38:59.179 you 00:38:59.179 --> 00:38:59.639 have 00:38:59.639 --> 00:39:00.719 shown 00:39:00.719 --> 00:39:01.059 us 00:39:01.059 --> 00:39:02.779 shows 00:39:02.779 --> 00:39:03.000 how 00:39:03.000 --> 00:39:03.279 little 00:39:03.279 --> 00:39:03.559 our 00:39:03.559 --> 00:39:03.879 faith 00:39:03.879 --> 00:39:04.259 is 00:39:04.259 --> 00:39:06.579 oh 00:39:06.579 --> 00:39:07.000 Lord 00:39:07.000 --> 00:39:07.599 fill 00:39:07.599 --> 00:39:07.839 us 00:39:07.839 --> 00:39:08.059 with 00:39:08.059 --> 00:39:08.799 confidence 00:39:08.799 --> 00:39:10.519 that 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:10.839 you 00:39:10.839 --> 00:39:10.979 are 00:39:10.979 --> 00:39:11.159 the 00:39:11.159 --> 00:39:11.779 vindicator 00:39:11.779 --> 00:39:11.959 of 00:39:11.959 --> 00:39:12.119 the 00:39:12.119 --> 00:39:12.559 lowly 00:39:12.559 --> 00:39:12.979 that 00:39:12.979 --> 00:39:13.259 you 00:39:13.259 --> 00:39:13.399 are 00:39:13.399 --> 00:39:13.599 the 00:39:13.599 --> 00:39:14.039 champion 00:39:14.039 --> 00:39:15.179 of 00:39:15.179 --> 00:39:15.439 those 00:39:15.439 --> 00:39:15.619 who 00:39:15.619 --> 00:39:15.939 humble 00:39:15.939 --> 00:39:16.439 themselves 00:39:16.439 --> 00:39:16.899 before 00:39:16.899 --> 00:39:17.339 you 00:39:17.339 --> 00:39:17.759 and 00:39:17.759 --> 00:39:18.099 serve 00:39:18.099 --> 00:39:18.559 others 00:39:18.559 --> 00:39:20.719 Lord 00:39:20.719 --> 00:39:21.079 help 00:39:21.079 --> 00:39:21.279 us 00:39:21.279 --> 00:39:21.480 to 00:39:21.480 --> 00:39:21.820 see 00:39:21.820 --> 00:39:22.119 that 00:39:22.119 --> 00:39:22.259 in 00:39:22.259 --> 00:39:22.440 the 00:39:22.440 --> 00:39:22.719 very 00:39:22.719 --> 00:39:23.340 salvation 00:39:23.340 --> 00:39:24.159 that 00:39:24.159 --> 00:39:24.340 we 00:39:24.340 --> 00:39:24.639 know 00:39:24.639 --> 00:39:27.739 Lord 00:39:27.739 --> 00:39:28.019 that 00:39:28.019 --> 00:39:28.340 we 00:39:28.340 --> 00:39:29.699 can 00:39:29.699 --> 00:39:30.880 and 00:39:30.880 --> 00:39:31.019 are 00:39:31.019 --> 00:39:31.420 called 00:39:31.420 --> 00:39:31.759 to 00:39:31.759 --> 00:39:32.519 embrace 00:39:32.519 --> 00:39:33.880 a 00:39:33.880 --> 00:39:34.139 life 00:39:34.139 --> 00:39:34.340 of 00:39:34.340 --> 00:39:34.960 meekness 00:39:34.960 --> 00:39:37.059 Lord 00:39:37.059 --> 00:39:37.259 with 00:39:37.259 --> 00:39:37.380 a 00:39:37.380 --> 00:39:37.599 great 00:39:37.599 --> 00:39:38.079 promise 00:39:38.079 --> 00:39:38.299 that 00:39:38.299 --> 00:39:38.679 as 00:39:38.679 --> 00:39:38.860 we 00:39:38.860 --> 00:39:39.079 do 00:39:39.079 --> 00:39:39.320 that 00:39:39.320 --> 00:39:39.679 Lord 00:39:39.679 --> 00:39:42.380 we 00:39:42.380 --> 00:39:42.559 will 00:39:42.559 --> 00:39:42.900 know 00:39:42.900 --> 00:39:44.099 and 00:39:44.099 --> 00:39:44.519 inherit 00:39:44.519 --> 00:39:45.299 your 00:39:45.299 --> 00:39:45.639 kingdom 00:39:45.639 --> 00:39:48.259 be 00:39:48.259 --> 00:39:48.460 with 00:39:48.460 --> 00:39:48.639 us 00:39:48.639 --> 00:39:48.859 Lord 00:39:48.859 --> 00:39:49.059 we 00:39:49.059 --> 00:39:49.359 pray 00:39:49.359 --> 00:39:50.019 in 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:50.279 Jesus 00:39:50.279 --> 00:39:50.719 name 00:39:50.719 --> 00:39:51.559 amen