[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

[Tabatha]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

A Meek person is the one who by faith sees God as great, and hinself as nothing. And because of that, He submits to the righteous will of God. A meek person is the one who proclaims , "Not my will but thine be done," He submits to the will of His Heavenly Father and does not argue with the Holy Scriptures where God's will is clearly revealed. Therefore, the meek believer that is being led by God is having this Christlike quality of meekness and humility constantly being produced within him. He is a gentle person

In Psalm 37:3 it says, " Trust in the Lord and do good." Faith is trust. The meek person trusts the Lord, meaning he rests in God by entrusting his whole life to Him. His whole being is resting upon the sure foundation of the almighty God. The meek man knows that his past, present, and future rests in God. He has heard the gospel proclamation which says, " Come unto me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." The meek person who comes to Christ and trusts in Him for His salvation is always at rest in God. Jesus Christ is His rest. No matter what circumstances he is facing.He is at rest and peace, Because he submits to the Spirit of Christ, the importance of humility will show forth. The world does not understand this kind of gentleness and humility.

[woodslasher]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

I believe that a meek person like the lesson says is considered a wimp, and probably when I was in my 20s I did too , however as I get older , now in my 40s , I see differently. I see a meek person , like christ , as someone who will endure the trials , a cool head , if you will , someone who actually probably has more courage than those around him

[tom.nabors]

The ideal of the world is not just "get even" but "don't get even, get ahead" and by any means that serves that end. And if a person "gets ahead" by "doing the right things" as the world judges it in order to bring glory only to himself, this may be the most insidious way Satan has of accomplishing his purpose.
In contrast, the Christian's purpose is to bring glory to God and he or she does that by reflecting a Christlike character. One of those characteristics is gentleness or meekness which is a humbling of oneself in submissive obedience to the Lordship of Christ focusing on His worth and glory instead of one's own by reflecting and proclaiming His courageous love.

[VollieFireman]

The sort of meekness (or gentleness) is contrasted in today’s world by not wanting everything. By knowing that nothing we can obtain can help us, then we will receive everything we need. There is the old saying “He who dies with the most toys wins.” This is total against Jesus’ teachings. I think the saying should be “He who dies that gave the most wins” is more appropriate. If we give our love, and ourselves to Christ, we have given it all, just as He did.

It is import to have this humility to know that we are not important. The world does not spin around us, and never will. By knowing that we can never have it all without Christ is a very humbling experience.

[Elwood C O'Dell]

The world knows little or nothing of this type of gentleness. The attitude of the world is one which is all out for one’s self regardless of what it takes or costs. The world has a self centered, selfish attitude as opposed to a Christ like attitude which is humble, gentle, and considerate of others.

As to how important humility is to Christ-likeness, I believe Jesus said it best when he said, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” (Matt. 11;2829 CEV) If we intend to be like Christ then we must have this same humbleness of heart that only He can give when it becomes no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.

[Roxanne]

[quote name='Pastor Ralph' date='Dec 19 2007, 10:40 PM' post='32173']
Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?
A MEEK PERSON LIVES BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT..HE BELIEVES IN GOD AND IN ALL HE DOES ...BY HAVING A HUNGRY HEART FOR GOD..BEING GOD LIKE...DOING HIS WILL NOT GOING OUT TO GET THINGS ..BUT WAITING ON JESUS TO TAKE WHATEVER YOU NEED INTO YOUR LIFE ..HE WILL SATISFY ALL YOUR NEEDS ..YOU JUST HAVE TO LET HIM.

[jjj]

The expectations of the time of Jesus were for a powerful, strong leader who would fight and take charge - this has only beem amplified by time.
Today our heroes need to be all things (even supernatural), have a sidekick to reflect back the power and to have a dark side.
We allow our leaders grace in their indiscretions if they are strong.
Today we impose 'gentleness' by law - a distortion - anti abuse, no smacking of children, political correctiness etc.

The gentleness of the nature of Christ is in total constrast with the world's ideal.

Humility is really just honesty of who you are and the situation you are in. It is telling the truth. Puffing oneself up, boasting or self illumination doesn't leave much room for the Holy Spirit to come into a persons life.
It is important to Christilikeness because it makes you open to teaching.

[katef]

The world teaches to depend on no one but yourself. Look out for number one.
Jesus teaches the importance of being gentle and humble.
To truely be Christian, you have to acknowledge that your works do not serve God, and that all of our gifts are both given and used by the Holy Spirit. We are but vessels.

[charisbarak]

The world's ideal is for us to be so self-consumed we think of only our needs (or wants) and how to satisfy them--no matter who we step on to achieve this.

Humility/Gentleness is giving others an idea of their value to God and to us. It is a way of pointing to God and not to ourselves.

I have heard that humility is "power under control." Jesus had power at his disposal, but chose to draw others to himself & to the Father with love & caring.

[JanMary]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

When I thought about this, the Lord brought to mind a beautiful stallion, with powerful muscles, flaring nostrils, rearing on his magnificent hind legs...That's how the world sees strength..unbridled and wild. Conversely, that same stallion, who has been tamed, and bridled, and is now under his masters control, will allow children to ride upon his back, is I think, Biblical meekness....Strength under control. Jesus on earth was always under the control of The Holy Spirit, and gentle enough to draw babies to Himself, yet when confronted with the evil in the temple, used whips of cords and overturned the money changers tables...strength under the control of the Holy Spirit, always without sin.

Humility IS Christlikeness. The fruit of the Spirit is His nature, and I'm exhorted in Scripture to allow His nature to indwell me, and to allow His Spirit to produce His fruit in and through me. My Amplified Bible, uses meekness and humility as synonyms for Gentleness. I like that! I love that Jesus is gentle and humble, able to quiet my fears and speak tenderly to me, yet has the power to hold the Universe together!

To be Christlike, I don't have to be a wuss. I can rely on His Spirit to give me strength and courage when in my own strength I would cower in a corner or under the bed, then in humility, give Him the glory for the victory instead of claiming it for myself.

[allyntown]

* The world’s standard is to get as many things as you can. The latest gadgets, the high end cars, the finest clothes, the corporate jobs. But Christ set the perfect example because He had no possessions except that which He could carry in His heart. That is where I want to be.
* Christ was humble. Christ thought others better than Himself. He showed this to us by washing the disciple’s feet. This was a job for the lowest of the lowest slaves.


JanMary: I like the way you describe the stallion. That was a good analogy.

charisbarak: Very well put.

katef: Um...the bible says "do as if unto the Lord." Are you saying that the works we do are really God doing work through us? I guess I am a little confused on that.

jjj: I agree!

Elwood: AMEN!

VollieFireman: Good point!

[Loisb]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

1. The world looks at the meek as being weak or as a coward.

2. Humility is important because Christ showed humility when he died on the cross for our sins. He was humble whenever He lived as a mere mortal when He was sinless. It takes being humble to live like Christ.

[judeshere]

Before I became a Christian, I associated gentleness with a very quiet, unassuming person. Boy was I wrong. To be meek is often seen as weak. In God's kingdom it is a trait of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I see meekness as humility and self control.

[Stan]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

It is a complete opposite of world thinking,the world would have you over look your neighbor when he is in need but Jesus says you must loveyour neighbor and help him even when he is n't kind to you and doesn't show you the same mercy.

Being humble is an act of love that Jesus had for all people even the one who put Him on the cross,when He said Father forgive them. Humble is being loving when it hurts not just when we feel like it. It isn't a family love either it isa out pouring of fairness and giving to all without prejudice, love your enemies what kind of humble love does it take to do that.

[love.serve.know]

The world considers gentleness and humility as weaknesses. Christ was humble (and He created the whole world and everything in it). He had every right to be proud. He chose humility. He is our example and He asked us to put others above ourselves.

[YBIC]

This sort of gentleness that is enduring and patient is most often seen in a worldly sense as weakness. When someone with this quality succeeds publicly, they are credited with success, but viewed by most as an oddity.

Humility is important to Christlikeness because I believe it reflects an inner confidence and self esteem of a child of the King. There is no need to pretend to be someone else or to depend on yourself for strength.

[toney]

Q3. (Matthew 5:5) How does this sort of gentleness contrast with the world's ideal? How is humility important to Christlikeness?

The world's ideal is to be agressive, taking not giving, or step on someone else if it will boost me up the ladder. Meekness is a surrender of our own rights. It is a willingness to refuse to partake of a dog-eat-dog way of dealing with our fellowman.

Humility is an honest evaluation of ourselves. In Romans 12:3 it says a man should "not think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly." Humility is our access to grace and grace is our way to Christlikeness.

[s8nfighter]

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Being sucessful in the world is in contrast to the new heaven and new earth which we long to inhabit. The new catch thing which seems to be taught today is that nothing is required, yet Jesus teaches that 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

The wife of a very sucessful businessman passed away two years ago and in her obituary she was quoted as saying, two years prior to her passing, "I now know the purpose of my life is to serve the Lord." Eighty-nine years of chasing stuff and two years of blessed peace.

Galations 5 is either just words to make us feel good or a calling to action as to the way we treat others. It is easy to admit that idol worship will keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God and just as easy to overlook the fact that Paul also puts in jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition as equal sins which will keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God.

[lulu 1931]

I think that most people of the world want to be "king of the hill" a game we played as children. To be christlike followers we need to place Jesus as "king of the hill" and become his helpers and do this without fan fare or greed. We must trust in the Lord !