CFC Singles for Christ
THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
2nd Year Formation Track
TALK NO. 3: MEEKNESS AND AGGRESSIVENESS
Speaker’s Outline
I.Introduction
A.Meekness is a quality very much misunderstood. In modern culture, it has come to mean "weakness", being spineless or timid.
B.In fact, meekness has to do with strength. It is "strength under control".
II.The Great Reversal – God's Ideal vs. The World's Ideal of Greatness
A.Matthew 18:14
1.Modern interpretation: we are to imitate a child's simplicity, innocence, trust, etc.
But children are also stubborn, rebellious, selfish, etc.
2.We are to imitate not the qualities of a child, but the position of a child as understood in society at that time: the lowest position, the position of a servant.
B.Philippians 2:39
1.We are usually taught, "look out for Number One", "Have it your way", " Nobody tells me what to do".
2.But Jesus willingly takes the role of a servant (literally "slave").
3.We are to imitate Jesus in becoming servants, looking to the interests of others.
III.Meekness and Humility
A."Meekness" comes from Hebrew "anavah" = "Lowliness".
1.Refers to both:
a.Objective condition: belonging to the lowest social class.
b.Way of behaving: as a servant, the way the "lowly" would relate to those above him in the social order.
2."Anavah" translated by two Greek words and in turn by two English words: humility (Philippians 2:3) and meekness (Galatians 5:23).
a.Humility
To consciously consider ourselves the servant of others.
Not to think ourselves worthless, but to count others as deserving of our service.
b.Meekness
Meekness is not weakness. It is not being a pushover or a doormat. Meekness is the inner quality of relating as a servant.
Matthew 11:29. Jesus says He is "humble of heart". But Jesus is anything but a pushover.
B.Some Aspects of Being Meek
1.Respectful
a.Sirach 4:8 – "To the poor man lend an ear, and return his greeting courteously" ("in meekness"). Be respectful to all and not just to those whose positions demand it.
b.Titus 3:2 – "Show perfect courtesy toward all men." I.e., even those outside the Christian community.
c.Opposite: arrogance
Hot arrogance – challenging, insolent, abusive.
Cold arrogance – aloof, indifferent, "cool."
2.Teachable. James 1:21
a.Eager to lay hold of the truth.
b.Can consider other points of view.
c.Not opinionated or rigid in insisting on one's own understanding of things.
3.Obedient. Philippians 2:8
a.Does what the master instructs.
b.Seeks to meet the master's needs, not his own.
c.Even when in a position of authority, the meek person is a servant.
4.Nondefensive
a.Not personally hostile in the face of abuse or attack.
b.Numbers 12:18. We might tend to fight back; Moses lets God handle it.
c.2 Timothy 2:25. We do correct opponents (stand up for the truth), but we do it with gentleness (meekness).
5.Leading as a servant.
a.Not powerhungry.
b.Not out to glorify self at others' expense.
c.Matthew 11:29. Jesus is describing Himself as a master over His disciples (there is definite authority), but unlike those in the world, He will not "lord it over." He will teach, discipline, and correct as a servant.
d.Meekness is not just for subordinates: it is emphatically for those in authority as well.
C.The Source of Meekness: Brokenness
1.Meekness is not our innate response. Something needs to happen inside us to enable us to respond in meekness: we need to be "broken".
2.Two senses of brokenness:
a.A broken man – crushed, dispirited, has lost the will to fight, has given up on life.
b.A broken horse – preserving and channeling strength and vigor.
3.Two things that need to be broken:
a.Selfwill
Not insisting on our own way or preferences.
Able to surrender our will to the Lord and to others when appropriate.
Surfaces especially when we are crossed or criticized.
Important in small matters as well as in large.
b.Wildness
Not pushed around by impulse, fear, anger.
Able to ask "How would the Lord's servant respond?" and act accordingly.
IV.Meekness and Zeal
A.Matthew 21:113 – The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)
1.Jesus comes as a meek king (v. 5), yet he is bold and aggressive (v. 12).
John 2:17 – "Zeal for your house consumes me".
2.Zeal is not mere enthusiasm, but aggressive dedication to accomplishing God's purposes.
3.Having a "onetrack heart".
B.2 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Corinthians 4:21. Paul's behavior will be determined by how the Corinthians respond. Sometimes he may be aggressive, sometimes gentle. But meekness (servanthood) underlies all.
C.Three questions to help us decide on the appropriate response:
1.Whose rights/claims/preferences are at stake?
a.If ours, lean to submissiveness.
b.If God's, lean to aggressiveness.
2.Are we in authority?
a.If yes (e.g. in our own home), lean to aggressiveness.
b.If no, lean to submissiveness.
3.What will be most helpful? What will best serve the Lord and the people involved?
Requires wisdom and experience.
V.Conclusion
A.We are to be strong, aggressively dedicated Christians whose strength is channeled into serving others.
B.Whether gentle or aggressive, we are at all times servants, modeled on Jesus.