Joyful are the Gentle

Joyful are the Gentle
Matthew 5:1-5
Page # 960

I. What is gentleness?
     1. Not outbursts of anger

James 1:19-21

     2. Not bitter jealousy or selfish ambition

James 3:13-18

     3. Not passivity
     4. Strength under control

II. What cultivates gentleness?

     1. Remembering the gospel
     2. Understanding your identity in Christ
     3. Understanding the character of God

Psalm 37

Romans 12:19-21 – “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord. ‘BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

III. What is the result of gentleness?

     1. Joy
     2. Inheriting the earth

Faith Sheet

Main Themes    
~ Jesus calls us and enables us to respond to life’s situations with
   gentleness and meekness, not selfish ambition, jealousy, or outbursts of
   anger.
~ Gentleness isn’t weakness or passivity, rather it is allowing God to keep
   your strength under control and channeled in the right direction.
~ God cultivates gentleness in our lives as we understand our identity in
   Christ and the character of God.

 #1- Reviewing this Past Sunday
Joyful are the Gentle
Matthew 5:1-5

1. Read Matthew 5:1-5. How do we see Moses, Joseph, David, Abraham,
    and Jesus respond to life’s situations with gentleness? (see Numbers 12,
    Genesis 45:1-15, 1 Samuel 26:6-12, Genesis 13, and 1 Peter 2:23) How
    do we face similar situations?
2. Read Psalm 37. Explain to someone or to your community group how you
    have seen your understanding of God’s character and your identity in
    Christ change your responses to life’s situations from anger and jealousy
    to gentleness and peace. How can you grow in this area?
3. Read James 3:18. How can you sow seeds of peace into a relationship
    that has been characterized by jealousy or anger?      

  #2- Preparing for Next Sunday  
Joyful are those Who Desire God and His Ways
Matthew 5:1-6

1. Read Matthew 5:1-6.
2. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? (Look up the
    definitions of hunger, thirst, and righteousness)
3. What can we anticipate if we continually hunger and thirst for
    righteousness? (vs. 6) 
4. What increases your desire for God?
5. Read Psalm 34:10, 63:1, 73:25 and 28; John 4:7-14 and John 7:37-39.
    Then pray.