RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 17th October 2021 – Lesson 7.
TOPIC: BEATITUDES: THE MEEK AND THE HUNGRY
BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 5:5-6
5. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
MEMORY VERSE: Psalms 22:26.
“The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live forever.”
INTRODUCTION:
The beatitudes describe the ideal disciple and his rewards, both present and future. Having discovered that the beatitudes are a series of eight blessings spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5, we shall do some exposition on verses 5 and 6 in this study.
LESSON OUTLINE:
1: BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
2: BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth’ (Matthew 5:5).
The word ‘meek, from the original Greek language ‘praus’ refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit or humility. It was used to describe ‘reining in a stallion’. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority.
This is meekness. It is power under constraint. “Meekness” is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offences. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. In other words, it is having the right or the power to do something but refraining for the benefit of someone else (Eph. 4:1-2). It is power under control.
Meekness is not weakness. A weak person cannot do anything but a meek person can do something but chooses not to (Prov.16:32; 25:28).
Being too hasty in word and deed are possibly two of the most frequent weaknesses in people. A meek person would consider his actions before he acts hastily (James 1:1 21: 3:13). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col.3:12; 1Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt.11:29), Abraham Gen.13:8-12: 16:5-6), Moses (Num.12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10,12), and Paul (1Cor. 9:19)
Peculiar promises are made to the meek.(Matt. 5:5 Isa 66:5). The humble would receive far greater than the arrogant and prideful. Not only do the meek enjoy more of life on earth because of their ability to be content, but they will possess the earth after Jesus’ return and triumphant entry. The meek are blessed.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled’ (Matt.5:6). An ardent desire for anything is often represented in the Scriptures by hunger and thirst (Ps.42:1). As the body has its natural appetites of hunger and thirst for the food and drink suited to its nourishment, so has the soul (Ps.63:1-2). When the soul be- gins to hunger and thirst after righteousness or holiness, which is its proper food, we know that it must be purified by the Holy Spirit, and be made a partaker of that living
bread (John 7:37-32), or perish everlastingly.
A desire for the blessings of pardon and peace; a deep sense of sin, and want, and wretchedness, is also represented by thirsting (Isa.55:1-2). Those who hunger and thirst, after the full salvation of God, will be
blessed, satisfied and well-fed.
Those that are lost sinners and strongly desire to be holy shall be filled. Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy (John.4:14; John.6:35; Ps.17:15). Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed.
CONCLUSION:
If you are meek, you will be satisfied with the blessings of God on earth and filled with heavenly blessings.
QUESTIONS
1. Who are the meek?
2. Who are the hungry and thirsty?
FURTHER READINGS:
MONDAY: Numbers 12:3.
TUESDAY: Psalm 22:26.
WEDNESDAY: Psalm 149:4.
THURSDAY: Proverbs 3:34.
FRIDAY: Proverbs 16:19.
SATURDAY: Luke 6:29.
SUNDAY: Romans 12:3.
ASSIGNMENT:
Students should mention five (5) people who showed exemplary hunger and thirst for righteousness in the Bible. Give Bible references.
