1. We have been making a study of the beatitudes uttered by Christ and recorded in Matthew the fifth chapter. In this lesson we will continue our study of the beatitudes. They are so concise, but so rich and full of meaning.

2. The third beatitude reads, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

This beatitude sounds strange because the work "meek" is often misunderstood in our world.

1. Many people associate meekness with shyness.

• They picture the "meek" man in their minds as a man who is so shy that he will not speak to a lady even if she is sitting on his hat.

• This is shyness, but not Christian meekness.

2. Others in the world have associated meekness with weakness.

• They think of a "meek" person as one is so weak and spineless that he will not stand up for anything. Meekness must not, however, be thought of as weakness. The weak and spineless individual has no place in the army of God. He will not be blessed by God.

• That weakness and meekness are not the same is shown by several examples in the Bible.

• Moses was said to be the most meek man of his time. (Num. 12:3), but he was far from a weak man. The Bible reveals he was a very brave and couragious person. (Exod. 5:1; 32:15-21).

• The Christian martyrs were meek but they were not weak! They gave their lives rather than to deny Christ. They boldly said. (Acts 5:29).

• Jesus is the greatest example of a meek man. (Matt. 11:30; 21:12,13).

The Greek word "praus," which is most often translated "meek", was often used by the Greeks to refer to a gentle person.

• It here has reference to one who has been gentled by God and is submissive to Him. This beatitude in our modern language should be rendered, "Blessed are the gentle; for shall inherit the earth."

• The meek are not harsh with others, but are kind and gentle to them.

• A missionary in Jamaica once asked a boy "Who are the meek?" The boy answered, "Those who live soft answers to rough questions."

• One time an elevator operator was very gruff to an elderly lady who tried to get on his elevator. He said gruffly to her, "Take the next car." The lady, frightened in the crowd, seemed deaf to his remark and was unconscious that anything was required of her. A young lady from the middle of the elevator car worked her way out to make one passenger less. The aged woman, happy at being able to find room, did not notice anything had been done for her. Even the elevator operator did not notice. But undoubtedly the people of the elevator were impressed the kindness and gentleness of this woman. It is absolute that God noticed.

• John 8:2-11; Galatians 6:1; 1 Peter. 3:15.

• The meek person is not resentful. (Num. 12:1-16; Matt. 26:27-52).

• The word "meek," as used in the Bible, also carries with it the idea of "lowliness."

• Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5

• James said. (Jas. 1:21).

• This verse indicates that the meek are lowly enough to be taught of God. They do not seek to classify God's commandments as essential and non-essential.

• They exclaim, "Speak, Jehovah; for thy servant heareth." (1 Sam. 3:9).

1. In the closing part of this beatitude Jesus promised that the meek "shall inherit the earth." By this promise some have understood this beatitude to teach the meek will reign on the earth with Christ for a thousand years. They believe this earth will then be made a paradise. There are many facts in the Bible which refute this theory.

• First, the Bible does not give any indication that Christ will ever set foot on this literal earth again. (1 Thess. 4:17).

• A second fact that refutes this theory is the Bible teaches that after the saints are called into the air to meet Christ that this physical earth will be destroyed. (2 Pet. 3:10).

• A third fact that refutes this theory is the Bible speaks of Christians as "pilgrims and so-journers on this earth." (1 Pet. 2:11). The earth is not our permanent home. Our citizenship is in heaven. (Phi. 3:20).

• A fourth fact that refutes this theory is the other beatitudes.

• The meek man is pure in heart and thus will have a home in heaven. (Matt. 5:8).

• The meek will be persecuted and so will have a home in heaven. (Matt. 5:10-12).

• Someone might ask, "If this beatitude does not mean that the righteous will reign with Jesus on earth, what does it mean?"

• It simply means this.

• The meek inherit the earth in the sense that they enjoy many material and spiritual blessings on the earth. (Mk. 10:29,30; Eph. 1:3; Matt. 6:33; 1 Cor. 3:21-23).

• The meek have happiness and peace that is beyond our comprehension. (Phil. 4:7).

• The meek will also be blessed in the life to come.

• They will inherit "the new heaven and the new earth." This is a comprehensive expression denoting the new home or abode of man. The first heaven and earth spoken of in the Bible denotes man's present abode.

• This will pass way when Christ comes again, the righteous will dwell in heaven. (Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-5).

1. Heaven can be your eternal home if you will receive with meekness the implanted word of God which is able to save your souls. (Jas. 1:21).

2. Will you receive His word? Yield yourself to God and His Son. Come as we sing.