The Control of Strength - Meekness and Discipline [Sermon]

Timonium, Maryland

March 2022

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

1. Our Position

In every religion, you belong because you behave. In the Christian faith, you behave because you belong

2. What is Meekness?

Meekness is strength under control

3. How is Meekness Produced?

James 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.

a. The _________ of Discipline

Hebrews 12:10-11

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

b. The __________ of Discipline

Hebrews 12:7-8

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Three Levels of Discipline

Level 1: __________

2 Samuel 11

Level 2: ___________

Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”

Level 3: __________

Matthew 26:53

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Matthew 27:12-14

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

Those iron bolts of Rome in the pierced hand of the crucified Christ could well have become thunderbolts of wrath. He could have hurled his anathemas across a guilty world, summoned from the ramparts of heaven twelve shining legions with drawn and flaming swords and marched to Armageddon then and there. Instead that lovely man cried ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ - John Philips, Exploring Romans

Questions for Discussion

How can we approach life knowing that discipline is a necessity?

What lessons has God been trying to teach you in the past?

What level of discipline are you predominantly at?

Do you want God to use you?

#agony

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash