1. Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

2. What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

3. Outline (Matthew 5:5) “Blessed are the gentle” Applications in gentleness “For they shall inherit the earth” The cursed life

4. Blessed are the gentle (Matt. 5:5) Gentle, meek (Greek praus) Combines softness and strength the perfect paper towel! Not weakness, timidity, or cowardice In ancient Greek literature, described a well-trained horse “The meek are those who have enough strength of character to be soft in spirit, to retain their poise in the face of provocation….strong people who decline to domineer” (Kenneth Chumbley) So how can we be meek and gentle? Let’s consider some applications…

5. Applications in gentleness Gentle words that reduce anger (Prov. 15:1) Gentleness reflected in our outward appearance (1 Pet. 3:3-4) Not provocative, controversial, threatening, or aggressive Gentleness in teaching the Gospel (1 Thess. 2:7-8) Gentleness in dealing with erring saints (Gal. 6:1) Gentleness in dealing with false teachers (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Turning the other cheek when provoked (Matt. 5:39) Keep your temper in check (Jms. 1:19-20) Giving a blessing in return for insults (Rom. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:9) “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men” (Phil. 4:5) Use love & courtesy, not power, to persuade (2 Cor. 1:24) In all things, imitate the gentleness of Jesus (2 Cor. 10:1)

6. For they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) An inheritance is not a reward that one earns, but a gift one waits to receive at the due time (Col. 3:24) The “earth” does not refer to this physical world (which will be destroyed, 2 Pet. 3:10) It refers to the “new heavens and earth” of the spiritual realm (Rev. 21:1) The inheritance is reserved in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4) In O.T. prophecies, to “inherit the land” meant to enter the Messiah’s kingdom (Is. 60:19-21; compare Rev. 21:23-24) The denominational “gospel of prosperity” wrongly seeks earthly treasures in this life…many are deceived by it and live, not a blessed life, but a cursed one…

7. The cursed life The opposite of gentle: cruel, domineering, ill-tempered They seek their own desires, even if it hurts others They “throw their weight around” and exercise their power to get what they want They are not like a well-trained horse, but an unbroken one They do not submit their wills to the bridle of God’s Word They speak harsh words that provoke others and cause pain They destroy relationships and threaten the meek Cursed are the cruel and short-tempered, for their world will be destroyed.

8. Summary To be blessed, we must deal gently with others and keep our tempers in check, as Jesus did The gentle/meek will find God’s blessings and receive the heavenly inheritance The one who hurts others will suffer God’s wrath! Both God and Satan promise the world…Satan’s world will be destroyed and God’s world will prevail. Whose world would you rather live in? “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” (Matt. 11:29) Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth!

9. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

10. Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly