Congratulations to the Meek

Introduction:

Who Are the "Meek"? (Matthew 5:5)

Forsaking all Self-interest to the Will of God for the Sake of others .

Philippians 2:3-8 - 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Why Are We Congratulating the Meek?

How Do I Cultivate Meekness? (Psalm 37:1-11)

1. You Don't Fret over the wicked or the state of the world.
2. You Wholly Depend on God to Deal with Wrongdoers .
3. You Wholly Depend on God for Vindication .
4. You Ask God to remember those opposed to you.
5. You Pray for pportunities to be Trained and Tested .

   Congratulations to the poor in spirit, you have the kingdom of heaven!

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The Heart of the Disciple - Congratulations to the Meek

Rich Sprunk

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Small Group Discussion
Read Matthew 5:5 & Psalm 37:1-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do we find unbiblical definitions of meekness either unappealing (e.g., it’s weakness) or more appealing (e.g., it’s strength under control) than the definition presented during the message?
   

3. Do you find the definition presented during the message unappealing? If yes, why? Utilizing Philippians 2:3-8, how would you define meekness?
   

4. Why is genuine meekness essential to hungering for righteousness?
   

5. What is one characteristic of meekness that you can commit to cultivating this week (Psalm 37:1-11)?

Breakout
Pray that the Lord will impress on you the imperative to be meek, and that as a congregation we will be committed to Biblical meekness.

Resolve to Rest

Introduction:

(Matthew 11:25-30):

1. Recognize who invites you.
2. Respond to the almighty.

   Jeremiah 18:11b-12 - "Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds." But they say, "That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart."

3. Return to Jesus and find rest.
   1. In Solitude .

      Mark 1:35 - "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."

      Luke 5:16 - "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

   2. In Stillness .

      Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God..."

      Psalm 37:7 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."

   3. In Silence .

      Habakkuk 2:20 - "The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."

      Isaiah 30:15 - "“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Resolve to Rest

Jeff Miller / Rich Sprunk

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Small Group Discussion
Covering Matthew 11:25-30

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What are some differences between our understanding of rest, and the rest that Jesus says He will give and that we will find?
   

3. What are some differences between a worldly yoke and the yoke Jesus offers?
   

4. Do you take time to be still each day? Why or why not?
   

5. How might not being quiet and still in God’s presence negatively affect your practices of studying scripture and prayer? Conversely, how could being quiet and still have a positive impact on your other practices?
   

6. If you regularly practice silent stillness, describe how it has deepened your friendship with Jesus.

Breakout
Encourage and pray for one another to “resolve to rest” in Christ in 2025.