Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5
“The Resistance” Bible Study Guide Lesson 3: A Composed Temperament
See parallel verse in Psalm 37:11
This week, in the 3rd Lesson of our Bible study guide, we address our temperament and choosing not to fight for ourselves or our wants. In other words, it confronts the heart of self and is at many times contrary to our human nature. This will not be easy and requires deep spiritual commitment to achieve victory. Oh no, the self does not go quietly or without a fight…
Meek translates to: gentle, mild, patient, not arrogant, not forceful, reserved and not needing to defend one’s position. Meekness does not imply the inability to defend one’s self, but rather it conveys the choice not to exercise strength at the cost of others by harsh words or snide comments, intimidation, complaining, bitterness, shortness, isolation or violence.
While inherit paints the scenario that if you decide to fight for yourself and your wants you will never truly obtain it, instead inheriting strife and consequences. As Exodus 14:14 says, the Lord fights for us, we need only be still. If you fight for yourself, expect to inherit strife and suffering.
Choosing not to fight for yourself is one of the hardest instincts to restrain. At least it is for me when I feel I have been put into a position to have to defend myself… I believe there is a direct correlation between this truth and what Jesus stated in Luke 9 when the disciples pressed Him about who would be the greatest. To which He answered, “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
We must seek to make ourselves the least…
Application (Bible Study Guide Homework)
As leaders, this flaw becomes prominent when we seek to serve our wants instead of the needs of others. We fight to have our demands fulfilled, which results in vanity, animosity and bitter fruit. We may get what we want, but we also may pay a price we didn’t intend to have to pay. We must seek to put the needs of others before our wants. This may affect finances, time and effort.
While there is a proper season to fight and defend (Ecclesiastes 3) it can’t be our primary go-to solution for interactions with others when we don’t get our way or become offended. If we view other people and their needs as annoyances and inconveniences, we must evaluate where our perception originates from and understand the legacy we leave behind by the example we have set.
Character in Action
Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and reflect on the questions below regarding your objective.
- What do you find yourself fighting for the most in your objective area?
- What actions or opinions do you often feel the need to defend or justify?
- What has this fight cost and what has it produced?
- What is the inheritance you are leaving behind?
Prayer
Father in heaven, You are our true inheritance. Please forgive us for the times we chose to fight for our wants. Thank You for winning the fight so many years ago on the cross. We ask that You give us eyes to see the needs of others and seek to fulfill their needs before focusing on our wants. In Your Son’s holy name we pray, amen.
For more information or to purchase “The Resistance” by Joshua Staton to use as a Bible study guide, or curriculum for an addiction recovery class, please visit:
The Resistance: Becoming A Servant Leader Through the Beatitudes Book
If you are in the Hendersonville, NC area, join us for an addiction recovery class. Click for more information on attending a First Contact Ministries support group for individuals or families struggling with addiction issues.
Did you miss the other lessons? Click see the entire Resistance: Becoming a Servant Leader through the Beatitudes Biblical Leadership Series.
