Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ESV The Gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. HCSB

“Customs” is a term used in discussions about culture. A custom is a widely accepted way of doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. It develops through repetition over a long period. There are three Kingdom Customs that promote meekness.

Custom #1 – Pride is not tolerated in God’s Kingdom. 

Proverbs 29:23 ESV – One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 616-19:23 ESV – ​​There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 1. haughty eyes, 2. a lying tongue, 3. hands that shed innocent blood, 4. a heart that devises wicked plans, 5. feet that make haste to run to evil, 6. a false witness who breathes out lies, 7. one who sows discord among brothers.

1 John 2:16 ESV – For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Why is this?

• Pride is an insult to the reality of God’s supremacy in all things.
• Pride prevents personal and cooperate repentance.
• Pride blinds us to an accurate self-awareness

Custom #2 – Everyone Accepts that Jesus is Indeed Meek, Humble, and Lord. Knowing Him requires accepting at the deepest parts of your understanding of Jesus that He embodies humility. Understanding Jesus’ humility is crucial for grasping the depth of His love and the example He set for us. His life and teachings consistently reflect a profound humility, inviting us to follow in His footsteps and embrace a life of humble service and love.

In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes His humility. For instance, in Matthew 11:29, He invites us to “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” (NIV). This verse highlights Jesus’ gentle and humble nature, offering Himself as a model for us to emulate.

Philippians 2:5-8 provides another powerful depiction of Jesus’ humility: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (NIV). This passage underscores how Jesus, despite His divine nature, exercised His humility and served humanity, even to the point of death.

Custom #3 – We practice gentleness in every sphere of their lives, that’s why the meek are put incharge.

Matthew 5:5 The meek and lowly are fortunate! for the whole wide world belongs to them. Living Bible

Philippians 2:3&4 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ESV

Kingdom Meekness in Home

• Treat believers as God’s family, and unbelievers with respect. Luke 19:10; 1 Peter 31&2;  1 Corinthians 7:14
• Resist the urge to fight back. Matthew 5:39
• Resist the urge to get in the Last Word. Proverbs 19:10
• Resist the urge to Put them in their Place. Proverbs 12:18
• Resist the urge to insult or yell. Proverbs 15:1

Kingdom Meekness at Church

• Shun the arrogance of self-importance through accurate self-assessment. Galatians 6:3-5
• Remove the arrogance of criticism from your heart. Romans 14:10-12; Ephesians 4:29; James 3:10
• Serve others like Jesus does. Matthew 20:25-28; John 13

Kingdom Meekness at School

• Defeat the culture at school of rebellion against authority. 1 Peter 2:12-15
• Secure your value in Jesus’ love for you personally so you can drop the anxiety of being a cool kid or an outsider. Romans 8:31-39

Kingdom Meekness at the Workplace

• Talk about others on your team with praise and be silent about yourself. Proverbs 27:2
• Resist the temptation to desire being placed on a pedestal. Instead, be content to be an ordinary person who is capable of extraordinary results. Proverbs 22:9
• Trust meekness for long term gains and accept that pride only wins in the sort-term. 1 John 2:16&17
• Look for reasons to give credit to factors outside of yourself when things go well. 1 Thess. 5:11

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy; 

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of others;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all people, most richly blessed.

Things to think about:

1. What immediately comes to your mind when you hear, “That man or woman is meek?”
2. Following is a list of words that are also related to the word Meek. When you hear each word, what is the first impression or meaning that comes to your mind. Humble, Gentle, Mildness, Soothing, Tame, Benevolent, Gracious, Modest.
3. Explain in your own words how Pride and Meekness are rivals or contradictory character values. In what ways do these two different mindsets disagree?
4. As the most Powerful All-Knowing Creator of the universe how is it that Jesus at the same time is meek and humble?
5. In His sermon Jesus promises that in God’s Kingdom meek and gentle people will own the earth. How is that statement counterculture in today’s world? What arguments against that promise do we see being promoted in society, business, and relationships around us?
6. What situation in your life currently would be changed for the better if you or others practiced the Kingdom Custom of Meekness? How would they be affected?

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: What is the most powerful thing you have ever lost control of?

Main Point:  The world says it belongs to the rich, the dominant, and the bold.  Jesus flips that around and says the true inheritors of the earth are the meek. Meekness is a controlled strength that puts everything in the hands of God.

Main Scripture: Matthew 5:5, Philippians 2:3-11

Head Questions

• Meekness is not weakness. How did Jesus model being meek? (Matthew 11:28-29 & 21:5)
• Who do you know that model’s meekness well?

Heart Questions

• The world says, “strength is control.” Jesus says, “strength under control”. Where do you tend to grasp for control? (Romans 8:15-18)
• What situations do you need to place in God’s hands?

Hands Questions

• What areas of your life is God asking you to show meekness?
• What people do you need to respond to with grace and humility?

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero, Chapter 9 – Lead Out of Weakness and Vulnerability.