SM-I Syllabus                                                                  SM – 3    

The Sermon on the Mount - I

 Lesson 3

 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

“Now herein lies the secret of the meaning of praus. There is a gentleness in praus but behind the gentleness there is strength of steel, for the supreme characteristic of the man who is praus is that he is the man who is under perfect control. It is not a spineless gentleness, a sentimental fondness, a passive quietism. It is a strength under control.”

William Barclay

New Testament Words

 

  1. The English word “meek” is derived from the Greek word praus, meaning “strength under control.” Why would a Christian need such a quality?

 

  1. What makes this quality a blessing to possess?

   

  1. What might be the significance of inheriting “the earth”? Does this mean Christians should be overly concerned with the pursuit of earthly things? Consider Matthew 6:24-33 & 2 Corinthians 6:10.

   

  1. Who gives humanity the potential for living the best life that can be lived upon the earth? Consider Matthew 6:24-33.

   

  1. What factors made for Moses to be considered the meekest man in all the earth? Consider Numbers 12.

  1. How did Jesus personify “meekness”?

 

  1. Using a concordance or a bible search tool (www.blueletterbible.com), give me three scriptural references from New Testament epistles affirming the essentiality of meekness in the Christian way of life.

 

  1. How might “meekness” play a part in giving the Christian the ability to turn the other cheek (cf. Matt. 5:39)?

 

  1. Is this a sign of weakness?

   

  1. How can Christians cultivate a meek attitude?