Kingdom Influence Part 9 with Discussion Guide

BySteve

Kingdom Influence Part 9 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon explores the third Beatitude, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,’ from Matthew 5:5. Pastor Doug explains that meekness is not weakness, but rather a mixture of humility and gentleness that comes from knowing who we are in God and trusting Him completely. Using Jesus washing the disciples’ feet as the primary example, the message demonstrates that meekness is the willingness to do the next right thing for God’s glory without seeking personal recognition. The sermon draws heavily from Psalm 37, outlining four key practices for developing meekness: trusting in the Lord, delighting in the Lord, committing to the Lord, and resting in the Lord. The pastor emphasizes that meek people are safe people who change the atmosphere of any room they enter, and that true kingdom strength looks different from worldly strength – it’s steady, restrained, and courageous without being cruel.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to learn what it means to live as citizens of Your kingdom. We ask that You would quiet our minds and soften our hearts to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word today. Help us to set aside our own agendas and preconceptions, and give us ears to hear and hearts to understand. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to be honest with one another as we explore what it means to be meek in a world that often values force and self-promotion. We trust that You have something specific for each of us in this time together. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one household chore or task that you actually don’t mind doing, even though others might consider it undesirable?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:5
  • Psalm 37:3-7
  • John 13:1-17
  • Luke 22:24

Questions

  • How would you define meekness in your own words after hearing this message? How is it different from weakness?
  • In the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, what stands out to you most about Jesus’ attitude and actions?
  • The pastor mentioned that the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest even during the Last Supper. How do you see this same tendency in yourself or in our culture today?
  • Of the four practices from Psalm 37 (trust, delight, commit, rest), which one do you find most challenging and why?
  • What does it mean practically to ‘do the next right thing for God’s glory’ rather than for personal recognition?
  • The message states that ‘meek people are safe people’ who change the atmosphere of a room. Can you think of someone in your life who exemplifies this quality? What makes them feel safe to be around?
  • How might embracing meekness change the way you handle conflict or disagreement in your relationships?
  • What are some areas in your life where pride might be preventing you from being meek, and how can you surrender those areas to God?

Life Application

This week, practice the prayer mentioned in the sermon: ‘Lord, teach me strength under control.’ When you encounter situations that would normally provoke a sharp reaction or cause you to assert yourself forcefully, pause and ask God to help you respond with meekness instead. Look for opportunities to serve others without seeking recognition, and pay attention to how this changes your heart and your relationships.

Key Takeaways

  • Meekness is not weakness, but strength under control – a mixture of humility and gentleness that comes from knowing who we are in God
  • Jesus demonstrated perfect meekness by washing His disciples’ feet, showing us that true greatness comes through serving others
  • The four practices for developing meekness are: trust in the Lord, delight in the Lord, commit to the Lord, and rest in the Lord
  • Meek people are safe people who change the atmosphere around them because they’re not threatened by others’ success or easily provoked
  • Kingdom strength looks different from worldly strength – it’s steady, restrained, and courageous without being cruel

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what true meekness looks like through Your example of washing the disciples’ feet. We confess that too often we struggle with pride and the desire to assert ourselves rather than trust in You. Help us to grow in meekness this week – to trust You more deeply, delight in You more fully, commit our ways to You more completely, and rest in Your love and control over our lives. Transform our hearts so that we become safe people who bring Your peace into every situation. Give us the courage to do the next right thing for Your glory, even when no one is watching. We want to inherit the earth by living as citizens of Your kingdom. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

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