M E E K N E S S

“Meekness” in the scriptural sense is an inwrought (worked in) grace of the soul, an inward attitude; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly toward God. The Greek term expresses that temper or spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us as good, and, therefore, without disputing or resisting. This meekness, however, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by God for the chastening and purifying of Christians. Meekness describes a condition of mind and heart and does not suggest weakness, but rather controlled strength, patient submission, or gentleness. It is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. Meekness is generally translated humility in Psalms.

“praos” – Greek word meaning “mild or easy”.

Matt. 11:29 Why were these people urged to take Christ’s yoke (“yoke” represents the sum total of obligations. Here, it means Christ’s teaching as to how a person is saved through simple trust in Him as Savior) upon them?

Why do you think that Christ’s gentleness would be a motivation for taking His yoke (believing in Him as the Savior)?

Was it a motivation for your becoming a believer, and why?

“praus” – Greek word meaning “mild or easy”.

Matt. 21:4, 5 How was Christ the king coming to Israel?

In your opinion, would most incoming kings enter their nation’s capitol in this way? Why?

If you were a new king entering your kingdom, what would you be like (how would you act), and why?

1 Pet. 3:3, 4 What does God think is precious about a woman?

What do you think is precious about women (e.g., their looks, godly character, or what), and why?

“praotes” – Greek word meaning “mildness”.

1 Cor. 4:19-21 What question does Paul ask these Corinthian Christians (vs. 21) who were having personal problems (sinning)?

When you are unwilling to deal with sin in your life, how would you want those who are in spiritual authority over your life (i.e., your spiritual leader, etc.) to deal with you, and why?

Gal. 5:22, 23 From what Power source can gentleness (meekness) be developed in your lives?

How does a person go about tapping into (acquiring or appropriating) the Holy Spirit’s power (1 Jn. 5:14, 15; Eph. 5:18; Col. 3:12)?

Are you exhibiting gentleness in your life? Why?

Gal. 6:1 How should a Christian who’s been caught sinning and hasn’t confessed or dealt with it be restored, and why?

Have you ever helped to restore a sinning Christian?

If so, how did you go about doing so, and why?

Eph. 4:1-3 How do we Christians go about walking (living) in a manner worthy of our calling?

Have you been living in a manner worthy of your calling? How?

Col. 3:12, 13 What are we told to put on (i.e., do as an act of our will)?

Do you choose as an act of your will to have and utilize these qualities in the power of the Holy Spirit? Or, not having them, do you say, “Well, I’m just human”, or “This is just the way I am, so I can’t help it”, and why?

1 Tim. 6:10, 11 What should the man of God pursue?

What does it mean to pursue something?

Are you pursuing gentleness as well as the other qualities? How, and why?

2 Tim. 2:24-26 What should the Lord’s bond-servant do with gentleness, and why?

How do you correct those who are in opposition to the teachings of the Bible, especially deceived Christians, and why?

Titus 3:1-3 What did Paul tell Titus to remind his people of?

Why should we be gentle (vss. 3, 5)?

Are you following Paul’s reminder? Why?

“prautes” – Greek word meaning “mildness”.

1 Pet. 3:14, 15 What should we always be ready to do, and how?

Are you always ready to do this and in this way, and why?

Prov. 16:32 Who is better than a person who captures a city?

[“rule his spirit” – means “to control his temper”].

Would you qualify as being this kind of person, and how do you know?

Prov. 19:11 What does a person’s discretion make him?

Do you have this kind of discretion? If so, how did you get this way?

1 Cor. 6:1-8 What is better to do (vs. 7) than to take a Christian to court?

Is or would this be the attitude that you have or the position that you would take (being wronged or defrauded rather than take a Christian to court)? Why?

Phil. 2:14, 15 How are Christians to do all things (that are God’s will), and why?

How are you doing all things (i.e., what’s your attitude) that you know are God’s will, and why?

1 Thes. 5:15 What shouldn’t we and what should we do?

Are these your convictions also? Why?

If not, how can they be, and why should they be?

1 Pet. 2:19, 20 Who finds favor with God?

Knowing this, would you qualify as finding favor with God because of your response to similar circumstances?

If not, what will it take for you to qualify?

Matt. 27:12-14 How did Jesus exhibit His meekness in this incident?

Did Jesus always respond this way to His accusers (read Matt. 12:24-28; 23:13-33)?

How would you have responded in each of the above passages, and why?

Why do you think He responded the way He did in each of the above passages?