Cotton Mather

Cotton MatherCotton Mather B. FranklinB. Franklin

• ““You are young, and have the world before You are young, and have the world before you; stoop as you go through it, and you will you; stoop as you go through it, and you will miss many hard thumps.”miss many hard thumps.”

• Franklin wrote, “I often think of [Mather’s Franklin wrote, “I often think of [Mather’s words] when I see pride mortified, and words] when I see pride mortified, and misfortunes brought upon people by their misfortunes brought upon people by their carrying their heads too high.carrying their heads too high.

We, too, need to stoop We, too, need to stoop as we go through life.as we go through life.

• ““By the grace given to me I say to everyone By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Rom 12:3, ESV).faith that God has assigned” (Rom 12:3, ESV).

• ““Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Pt proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Pt 5:5, ESV).5:5, ESV).

Christians & the world Christians & the world view meekness quite view meekness quite differentlydifferently

• The world views meekness as weakness, as The world views meekness as weakness, as allowing the people “to walk all over you.”allowing the people “to walk all over you.”

• Yet, true meekness is found in strength, not Yet, true meekness is found in strength, not weakness.weakness.

• The world views meekness as weakness, as The world views meekness as weakness, as allowing the people “to walk all over you.”allowing the people “to walk all over you.”

• Yet, true meekness is found in strength, not Yet, true meekness is found in strength, not weakness.weakness.

• John Milton spoke of the “invisible might of John Milton spoke of the “invisible might of meekness.”meekness.”

• ““Gentleness” is part of the fruit of the Spirit Gentleness” is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).(Gal 5:23).

• ““Gentleness” is part of the fruit of the Spirit Gentleness” is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).(Gal 5:23).▫Paul wrote those words as he was inspired of Paul wrote those words as he was inspired of

the Spirit.the Spirit.

the Spirit.the Spirit.▫But, when Paul withstood Peter to his face (Gal But, when Paul withstood Peter to his face (Gal

2:11-14), would Peter say that you could walk 2:11-14), would Peter say that you could walk all over Paul?all over Paul?

the Spirit.the Spirit.▫But, when Paul withstood Peter to his face (Gal But, when Paul withstood Peter to his face (Gal

2:11-14), would Peter say that you could walk 2:11-14), would Peter say that you could walk all over Paul?all over Paul?

▫When Paul offered to come to the Corinthians When Paul offered to come to the Corinthians with a rod (1 Cor 4:21), would the Corinthians with a rod (1 Cor 4:21), would the Corinthians say that you could walk all over Paul?say that you could walk all over Paul?

• ““The man Moses was very meek, more than The man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” all people who were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3, ESV).(Num 12:3, ESV).

• ““The man Moses was very meek, more than The man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” all people who were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3, ESV).(Num 12:3, ESV).▫Moses was the most meek man on earth, but Moses was the most meek man on earth, but

you didn’t walk all over Moses!you didn’t walk all over Moses!

• ““The man Moses was very meek, more than The man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” all people who were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3, ESV).(Num 12:3, ESV).▫Moses was the most meek man on earth, but Moses was the most meek man on earth, but

you didn’t walk all over Moses!you didn’t walk all over Moses!▫The morning Pharaoh awoke to find his The morning Pharaoh awoke to find his

firstborn son dead, would he have said that you firstborn son dead, would he have said that you could walk all over Moses?could walk all over Moses?

• The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you didn’t walk all over Jesus!didn’t walk all over Jesus!

• The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you didn’t walk all over Jesus!didn’t walk all over Jesus!▫When Jesus cleansed the temple, would the When Jesus cleansed the temple, would the

money changers have said that you could walk money changers have said that you could walk all over the Lord?all over the Lord?

• The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you The Lord Jesus spoke these words, but you didn’t walk all over Jesus!didn’t walk all over Jesus!▫When Jesus cleansed the temple, would the When Jesus cleansed the temple, would the

money changers have said that you could walk money changers have said that you could walk all over the Lord?all over the Lord?

▫When Jesus referred to the scribes & Pharisees When Jesus referred to the scribes & Pharisees as hypocrites, would they have said that you as hypocrites, would they have said that you could walk all over Jesus?could walk all over Jesus?

• This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with humility.humility.

• This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with humility.humility.▫““Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the

earth” (Mt 5:5, ESV).earth” (Mt 5:5, ESV).

• This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with This third Beatitude, like the first, deals with humility.humility.▫““Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the

earth” (Mt 5:5, ESV).earth” (Mt 5:5, ESV).▫This morning, we want to hear these words in This morning, we want to hear these words in

detail & hear Jesus as he calls upon us to be a detail & hear Jesus as he calls upon us to be a meek people.meek people.

THE MEEK ARE BLESSEDTHE MEEK ARE BLESSED

THE MEEK ARE BLESSEDTHE MEEK ARE BLESSEDBut, just who are the meek?

• Being meek means having a strong, but gentle Being meek means having a strong, but gentle & humble life.& humble life.

• Being meek means having a strong, but gentle Being meek means having a strong, but gentle & humble life.& humble life.▫The word translated “meek” means to be The word translated “meek” means to be

“gentle, humble, considerate.”“gentle, humble, considerate.”

• Being meek means having a strong, but gentle Being meek means having a strong, but gentle & humble life.& humble life.▫The word translated “meek” means to be The word translated “meek” means to be

“gentle, humble, considerate.”“gentle, humble, considerate.”▫This is the person who has the ability to take & This is the person who has the ability to take &

conquer, but he practices self-control.conquer, but he practices self-control.

• The controlled, disciplined person is meek.The controlled, disciplined person is meek.

• The controlled, disciplined person is meek.The controlled, disciplined person is meek.▫Passion & urges, speech & behavior, sight & Passion & urges, speech & behavior, sight &

touch are always controlled by the meek.touch are always controlled by the meek.

touch are always controlled by the meek.touch are always controlled by the meek.▫The Scriptures exhort us to be self-controlled.The Scriptures exhort us to be self-controlled.

““Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions” (Rom 6:12, ESV).to make you obey its passions” (Rom 6:12, ESV).

“‘“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be enslaved by anything” (1 Cor 6:12, ESV).not be enslaved by anything” (1 Cor 6:12, ESV).

We are to add self-control to our lives (2 Pt 1:6).We are to add self-control to our lives (2 Pt 1:6).

touch are always controlled by the meek.touch are always controlled by the meek.▫The Scriptures exhort us to be self-controlled The Scriptures exhort us to be self-controlled

(Rom 6:12; 1 Cor 6:12; 2 Pt 1:6).(Rom 6:12; 1 Cor 6:12; 2 Pt 1:6).▫Someone has described self-control as “the Someone has described self-control as “the

capacity to break a chocolate bar into four capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just one of the pieces.”one of the pieces.”

capacity to break a chocolate bar into four capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just one of the pieces.”one of the pieces.” This person controls the chocolate instead of This person controls the chocolate instead of

having the chocolate control him.having the chocolate control him.

capacity to break a chocolate bar into four capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just pieces with your bare hands-and then eat just one of the pieces.”one of the pieces.” This person controls the chocolate instead of This person controls the chocolate instead of

having the chocolate control him.having the chocolate control him. We must We must alwaysalways stay in control of our selves! stay in control of our selves!

• The person who is humble, not prideful is The person who is humble, not prideful is meek.meek.

• The person who is humble, not prideful is The person who is humble, not prideful is meek.meek.▫This person is humble before God.This person is humble before God.

He is fully cognizant of his need for God.He is fully cognizant of his need for God.

He is fully cognizant of his need for God.He is fully cognizant of his need for God. God “has told you, O man, what is good; and what God “has told you, O man, what is good; and what

does the LORD require of you but to do justice, does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8, ESV).your God?” (Mic 6:8, ESV).

He is fully cognizant of his need for God.He is fully cognizant of his need for God. God “has told you, O man, what is good; and what God “has told you, O man, what is good; and what

does the LORD require of you but to do justice, does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8, ESV).your God?” (Mic 6:8, ESV).

As we are meek toward, God, we have an attitude As we are meek toward, God, we have an attitude of submission to his will.of submission to his will.

We We desperatelydesperately need need an attitude of an attitude of submission to God’s submission to God’s will.will.

• ““I have been crucified with Christ. It is no I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20, ESV).gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20, ESV).

• Mary had this attitude of submission.Mary had this attitude of submission.

• ““I have been crucified with Christ. It is no I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20, ESV).gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20, ESV).

• Mary had this attitude of submission: “Behold, Mary had this attitude of submission: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38, ESV).according to your word” (Lk 1:38, ESV).

• The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a wild animal.wild animal.

• The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a wild animal.wild animal.▫In this sense, the word refers to an animal that In this sense, the word refers to an animal that

comes under the control of man.comes under the control of man.

• The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a The word “meek” can refer to the taming of a wild animal.wild animal.▫In this sense, the word refers to an animal that In this sense, the word refers to an animal that

comes under the control of man.comes under the control of man.▫If we are meek toward God, the Lord tames If we are meek toward God, the Lord tames

“the animal” within us through his Word.“the animal” within us through his Word.

““Dear God, Dear God, your will: your will: nothing nothing more, more, nothing less, nothing less, nothing else. nothing else. Amen.”Amen.”

That’s what it means to That’s what it means to allow God to reign in allow God to reign in our lives!our lives!

• The one who is meek is humble before men.The one who is meek is humble before men.

• The one who is meek is humble before men.The one who is meek is humble before men.▫This person doesn’t consider himself any better This person doesn’t consider himself any better

than anyone else.than anyone else.

than anyone else.than anyone else.▫We are to be humble toward others.We are to be humble toward others.

““By the grace given to me I say to everyone By the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Rom 12:3, ESV).that God has assigned” (Rom 12:3, ESV).

Rom 12:3.Rom 12:3. ““Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in

humility count others more significant than humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4, ESV).(Phil 2:3-4, ESV).

• The one who is meek is gentle, not easily The one who is meek is gentle, not easily provoked.provoked.

• The one who is meek is gentle, not easily The one who is meek is gentle, not easily provoked.provoked.▫This person is in control when dealing with This person is in control when dealing with

people.people.

people.people.▫God expects us to be a gentle people.God expects us to be a gentle people.

““The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Tm 2:24, ESV).evil” (2 Tm 2:24, ESV).

Love is not “rude. It does not insist on its own Love is not “rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful” (1 Cor 13:5).way; it is not irritable or resentful” (1 Cor 13:5).

• The person who is forgiving, not revengeful, is The person who is forgiving, not revengeful, is meek.meek.

• The person who is forgiving, not revengeful, is The person who is forgiving, not revengeful, is meek.meek.▫Because Jesus has forgiven our sins, we should Because Jesus has forgiven our sins, we should

be characterized by forgiveness.be characterized by forgiveness.

be characterized by forgiveness.be characterized by forgiveness.▫We are to be a forgiving people.We are to be a forgiving people.

““If you forgive others their trespasses, your If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Mt 6:14, heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Mt 6:14, ESV).ESV).

““Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32, ESV).4:32, ESV).

African proverb:African proverb:“He who forgives ends the quarrel.”

Jesus is the Jesus is the PERFECTPERFECT example of one who is example of one who is meek.meek.

• Jesus left us an example that we should follow Jesus left us an example that we should follow in his steps (1 Pt 2:21).in his steps (1 Pt 2:21).

• Jesus was certainly meek.Jesus was certainly meek.

• Jesus was certainly meek.Jesus was certainly meek.▫““Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for

I am gentle [Gr=“meek”] and lowly in heart, I am gentle [Gr=“meek”] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29, ESV).ESV).

• Jesus was certainly meek.Jesus was certainly meek.▫Mt 11:29.Mt 11:29.▫““I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness

and gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor 10:1, ESV).and gentleness of Christ” (2 Cor 10:1, ESV).

• Jesus demonstrated meekness as he prayed in Jesus demonstrated meekness as he prayed in the Garden: “And going a little farther he fell the Garden: “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” (Mt 26:39, ESV).(Mt 26:39, ESV).

• Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal to retaliate.to retaliate.

• Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal to retaliate.to retaliate.▫““He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he

opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,the slaughter,and like a sheep that before its shearers is and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Is 53:7, silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Is 53:7, ESV).ESV).

• Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal Jesus demonstrated meekness by his refusal to retaliate.to retaliate.▫Is 53:7.Is 53:7.▫““When he was reviled, he did not revile in When he was reviled, he did not revile in

return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pt 2:23, ESV).judges justly” (1 Pt 2:23, ESV).

Are Are youyou following the following the example of Jesus?example of Jesus?

Are Are youyou following the following the example of Jesus?example of Jesus?Are you meek?

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTHTHE EARTH

• The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth that is coming.that is coming.

• The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth that is coming.that is coming.▫““According to his promise we are waiting for According to his promise we are waiting for

new heavens and a new earth in which new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pt 3:13).righteousness dwells” (2 Pt 3:13).

• The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth The meek shall certainly inherit the new earth that is coming.that is coming.▫2 Pt 3:13.2 Pt 3:13.▫““Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for

the first heaven and the first earth had passed the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Rv 21:1, ESV).away, and the sea was no more” (Rv 21:1, ESV).

But, the meek also But, the meek also inherit inherit thisthis present present world.world.

• Mt 5:5 is an almost exact quotation from Ps Mt 5:5 is an almost exact quotation from Ps 37:11: 37:11: ▫““But the meek shall inherit the land and delight But the meek shall inherit the land and delight

themselves in abundant peace” (ESV).themselves in abundant peace” (ESV).

• Mt 5:5 is an almost exact quotation from Ps Mt 5:5 is an almost exact quotation from Ps 37:11: 37:11: ▫““But the meek shall inherit the land and delight But the meek shall inherit the land and delight

themselves in abundant peace” (ESV).themselves in abundant peace” (ESV).▫This is a promise that God would give the meek This is a promise that God would give the meek

Jews abundant blessings in Canaan.Jews abundant blessings in Canaan.

• It is also true of Christ’s followers who are It is also true of Christ’s followers who are meek.meek.

• It is also true of Christ’s followers who are It is also true of Christ’s followers who are meek.meek.▫They shall enjoy abundant blessings from God They shall enjoy abundant blessings from God

in this present world.in this present world.

in this present world.in this present world.▫The meek receive the best God has to offer in The meek receive the best God has to offer in

this life.this life.

in this present world.in this present world.▫The meek receive the best God has to offer in The meek receive the best God has to offer in

this life.this life. ““So let no one boast in men. For all things are So let no one boast in men. For all things are

yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the futureworld or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is —all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor 3:21-23, ESV).God’s” (1 Cor 3:21-23, ESV).

If we are meek, we shall If we are meek, we shall receive abundant receive abundant blessings in this life.blessings in this life.

If we are meek, we shall If we are meek, we shall receive abundant receive abundant blessings in this life.blessings in this life.Are you receiving abundant blessings?

If we are meek, we shall If we are meek, we shall receive abundant receive abundant blessings in this life.blessings in this life.Are you receiving abundant blessings?Are you meek?

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