Blessed Are The Meek

Sermon for 3/8/2009

Matthew 5:5- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Introduction:

A pet store delivery truck driver was traveling down the road. Every time he came to a stoplight, he would get out of the truck and grab a 2 X 4. Then he’d run to the back and start beating on the truck’s back doors. This went on for several miles, and nobody could figure out what he was doing. Finally the guy who had been behind him pulled alongside and just had to ask, “What are you doing?” “This is only a two ton truck,” the driver said, “and I’m carrying four tons of canaries. I’ve got to keep two tons of them up in the air all the time.”

That’s how some of us try to live our lives. We take desperate measures; trying to keep our hurts, hang ups and habits up in the air so they don’t come crashing around us. We try hard to keep up a good front.

WBTU:

Celebrate Recovery

Cycle of despair.

A. It starts by feeling guilty about our sinful behavior.

B. Then it goes to getting angry with ourselves and others.

C. Over time, our anger turns to the fear that things are never going to change.

D. We realize that our problems are controlling us, and our fear eventually turns to depression.

E. Finally, we give up and say, “I can’t change. I quit.” Then the cycle of despair begins all over again with guilt.

How do we break out of the cycle of despair? Last time we talked about those who mourn. The only solution for our sin problem is to seek God’s comfort, his salvation.

(Mat 11:28 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:29 NIV) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mat 11:30 NIV) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

What an amazing deal! Why would anybody turn Him down?

Thesis: Many people are reluctant to make Jesus Christ their Master and Savior. Why?

For instances:

I. What is holding them back?

1. Pride

A. Happy are the meek. Many say that meekness is weakness. In reality, meekness and weakness are at opposite ends. In fact, the Greek word for meekness actually means “strength under control.” This word is used to describe a wild stallion that is tamed and taught to be ridden. The stallion still has all its strength, but now its strength is under control, ready for its master’s use. God doesn’t ask us to be weak, but He does ask us to lay down our pride and be meek.

B. Meekness is surrender; it is submitting; it is agreeing to do what God wants in our lives.

C. (Prov 18:12 NIV) Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

2. Guilt

A. (Psa 40:12 NIV) For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

B. We are ashamed to ask God because we are so sinful.

C. There is no sin that God cannot or will not forgive. He wants to forgive all our guilt. That’s why Christ went to the cross!

D. (Psa 103:2 NIV) Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--(Psa 103:3 NIV) who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

3. Fear

Fear takes many forms:

1. Sometimes we’re afraid to trust God.

2. There is the story about a guy who falls off a cliff. Halfway down he grabs on to a branch, and he’s hanging on for dear life. He cries out, “Somebody help!” Suddenly, he hears the voice of God, “This is the Lord, trust Me, let go, and I’ll catch you.” The guy looks back down and back up again. Then he calls out, “Is there anybody else up there?”

3. Many people turn to God as the last resort. Afraid to trust Him.

4. Sometimes we’re afraid of losing control. The truth of the matter we’re all controlled by someone or something at all time.

5. Lasting freedom is choosing who controls us. Jesus Christ wants to set us free.

6. (Isa 44:22 NIV) I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

7. Sometimes we’re afraid of becoming religious nuts. We are really the crazy ones. (Mark 5:15) When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.