#268 – THE MEEK PRAY (20/1/21)

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the third Beatitude,

Definition: Meekness is humility. It’s being weak in ourselves but strong in God.

Meekness is dependence upon God. Yesterday we saw that meekness leads the humility that listens to what God says in scripture.

However, meekness also leads to prayer. Dependence upon God is seen in our devotion to prayer. This week we as a church are having a week of prayer and fasting. This is because we know that we need God for everything. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, His model prayer is full of meekness - full of humility toward God.

Here are a few thoughts from The Lord’s Prayer that speak of meekness:

1. “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9)

The meek understand God as Father; this points to His authority and love over them. The meek worship God. ‘Hallowed be your name’ speaks of this.

2. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

The meek submit to God in everything. They want His Kingdom and will rather than their own.

3. “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

The meek are not proud of their own ‘earning potential’! They depend on God, pray and give thanks for provision.

4. ’And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’ (Matthew 6:12)

The meek are sensitive to sin. They depend on God for forgiveness and are quick to say sorry for sin. Meekness is also seen in the way that we are patient and forgiving toward others.

5. ’And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ (Matthew 6:13)

The meek are not self-confident. They depend on God for the spiritual battle.

As you can see, meekness is seen in our prayerfulness. Challenging times like these are sent to teach us the meekness that prays!

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

What are your highs and lows from last week?

Introduction - please share in your group

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the third of the Beatitudes,

Meekness is humility. It’s being weak in ourselves but strong in God.

Here are three aspects to meekness:

Firstly, as with all of the other Beatitudes, this is a description of the true Christian; to become a Christian one must become ‘meek’. Pride is the opposite of meekness. The proud do not come to Jesus for their sins to be forgiven. The proud are self-righteous.

Secondly, The meek listen to God and others. Their humility drives them to seek God's will in His word. They learn from others and feel a desire to show value to others by listening to them.

Thirdly, The meek pray. On Sunday we briefly saw how The Lord's Prayer in full of meekness; every phrase is an expression of humble dependence upon God.

Finally, meekness has great promise: 'the meek will inherit the earth'. The meek do not force their will on people. They know that they cannot force anyone to come to faith. The meek may have to endure disrespect and even persecution, but they will reign with Jesus in a 'New heavens and a new earth'.

Discussion questions

1. Please read Matthew 11:29. Jesus is described as 'meek' (gentle) and humble. How did Jesus' earthly life display true meekness?

2. Meekness leads to salvation - the proud can never be saved - why is this the case?

2. Meekness is humility. It’s being weak in ourselves but strong in God. Why does this lead to one being devoted to God's word? (Please read Isaiah 66:2)

3. Why does meekness lead to prayer?

4. Why does meekness lead to a desire to learn from others?

Investing and inviting

i) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

ii) How are you planning to 'invest and invite'?

iii) Finally, Who are you planning to invite to our Alpha Course which is beginning on the 25th January?