Sermon Tone Analysis

How Low Can You Go

Ma

DT: When we lower our necessity to be first and exalted, we will be blessed

The more we study the Beatitudes, the clearer becomes the fact that they are not simply a collection of unrelated sayings, but rather the unfolding of a progressive revelation.

Dr. Alexander Maclaren put it concisely when he said, “The Beatitudes are stages in the evolution of Christian character” (Maclaren’s Expositions of Holy Scripture, vol. 4 on Matthew, Eerdmans, p. 118).

Aim: We will place the need of others above our own.

Introduction:

I remember a game we used to play that required us to lower a stick and we would bend backwards to move under it.

We would continue to lower the stick until we were unable to go any lower under the stick.

So, it is with meekness, meekness is not about rising to the top or being self-exalted above others, meekness is learning to bend and subject one’s self to lowliness.

This lowliness is not the idea of hatred or indecency but the lowliness in heart, which says that we are committed to placing our own needs and desires to be first, to be exalted and to be important aside and placing the significance of others ahead of our own.

It is from this sense we wish to address this text, today.

How low can you go? Do you need to be and feel important?

Do you believe the world revolves around you?

Is it difficult for you to empathize with other people?

If your answer to these questions is yes, then might I suggest that you have not gone low enough.

Our text today, introduces us to the term meek.

By definition the word meek means, to not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, it refers to being gentle, humble, considerate.

to not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentle, humble, considerate

Jesus teaches that the method for attaining the blessings of God is not by self- absorption and egoism, but it is through selflessness and humility.

The Christian does not place himself high and above others; He subjects himself to the authority of God which teaches, whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

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We have gotten things confused lately.

Many believe that the way to greatness is through our achievements, outdoing others, being the loudest and smartest in the room but Jesus teaches us differently.

Transition: Today as we consider this verse, I want to challenge the way we think about ourselves and the positions God has both allowed and placed us by asking the question how low can you go?

Can You Go Low Enough to Change Your Attitude?

Meekness is not merely a word that describes the outward appearance.

Meekness is an inward attitude that oozes out of us regardless of the situation or circumstance.

Attitude of Patience

Patience with God

It has been said that what God has for you is for you.

This is very true, but do we really believe this?

Meekness reminds us that we are not in control but God is in control.

Patience with Others

Everyone is not necessarily at our level.

We can not impose things upon people and have an unwillingness to wait and work with and on those people to grow.

Attitude of Value

Value The Blessings of God

Do you appreciate what God has already done?

I’m afraid that many people often dwell on what they do not have and what others do have more than they consider what God has done and blessed them with.

The meek are cognizant of the blessings of God and refuse to take His blessings or granted.

An attitude of value for the blessings God has bestowed upon us is an attitude of thanksgiving.

Truth be told God has done enough already to be given our praise of appreciation.

Value what God has already done in your life.

The writer of Hebrews says it this way:

Value The Potential of Others

We are all in some way valuable to the kingdom.

If God can purpose us, than none of us have the authority to write anyone off.

Treat people the way you desire to be treated.

Attitude of Humility

Be Humble

Humility is an attitude that many of us if we are honest must work really hard to exhibit.

We live in a society that glorifies the individual who exudes high levels of self assurance and overconfidence.

Jesus teaches; however, that our confidence must be in not what we can do but what Christ does through us.

The meek realize that they are not the answer to all problems and are not always right.

They do not take issue with other people getting credit or being in the lime light.

Plain and simple the meek refuse to make everything about themselves.

They know they are not all of that . . .

Phil

Transition: Can you go low enough to change your attitude?

Illustration: I recall while working on my undergraduate degree, in one of my classes I had a high B. The instructor asked me to meet with him after class so that we could review my scores for my final grade.

I met with him and as we were closing the meeting, my professor said, “The right attitude will bring higher altitude.

The better your attitude is the higher you will go in life.

So, Mr. White, because of your attitude I’m giving an A”.

Look, I worked hard but i didn’t quite get the grade I was looking for through the work, but my attitude pulled me further!

I believe the same can be said for each of us as believers.

We may not always come in first in achievements.

We may even work hard and find difficulty in accomplishing our goals, but the right attitude can get us over the hump.

Application: Live with the correct attitude towards God and people.

If you believe God is in control of your life, stop trying to be in control.

Do not make life with others a competition.

Remember God has purposed us all not just you.

In other words stay in your lane.

Celebrate other people.

Sometimes you are not going to be on stage but you can cheer others on from the audience.

If it is someone else's turn let it be their turn and do all you can to help them.

Transition: Lowliness, meekness is a challenge when it come to our hearts but it is just as important when it comes to putting it on display.

We must consider if we can go low enough to model Christian character

Can You Go Low Enough to Model Christian Character?

Jesus wants those He teaches on this mountain that to follow Him is to live like Him.

The behavior of the Christian is distinctive and totally different from the worldly man.

Meekness is more than an idea and goes beyond attitude.

Meekness is displayed daily in the life of the believer.

Paul wraps the characterization of the Christian in one verse:

Model Gentleness

eph 4:

Demonstrate Gentleness

Meekness is not weakness, but it is gentleness.

The Christian must not be considered harsh and unapproachable.

Being gentle includes the way we address and respond to others.

If we are talking about modeling Christian character then it is very necessary to recognize that gentleness should ever be present and demonstrated in our lives.

If we are talking about modeling Christian character then it is very necessary to recognize that gentleness should ever be present and demonstrated in our lives.

If we are talking about modeling Christian character then it is very necessary to recognize that gentleness should ever be present and demonstrated in our lives.

Model Forgiveness

What does meekness have to do with forgiveness?

It has everything to do with it.

Remember we learned that meekness carries the sense and attitude of humility.

This attitude reminds us that we are not perfect and knowing this will cause us to be slow to condemn other people for their past mistakes and sins.