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The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth
Article by J. Edwin PopeLowliness of mind is presented as a defining element of meekness, drawn directly from Philippians 2:3, where meekness is described as putting self after others. This quality is distinguished from both false humility and pride, since God rejects pride in every form while requiring meekness of His people. Meekness is defined as enduring injury with patience and without resentment, and its exercise is directed first and chiefly toward God, reflecting an acceptance of His dealings without dispute or resistance. Because meekness follows closely upon humility, only a humble heart can also be a meek one, since such a heart does not fight against God. This lowliness of mind then extends outward into relationships with others, being developed and refined through the chastening that occurs in human interactions. Scriptural examples illustrate how men of God expressed this lowliness of mind once God began working in their lives. Abraham described himself as but dust and ashes, while Jacob considered himself unworthy of the least of God's mercies and truth. Moses questioned his own worthiness by asking, "Who am I?" and Job, in repentance, declared that he abhorred himself. John the Baptist demonstrated this same lowliness by affirming that Christ must increase while he himself must decrease. By contrast, Saul's loss of this quality—once he ceased to view himself as little in his own eyes—resulted in God no longer being able to use him in his position of responsibility, showing that lowliness of mind is essential for continued usefulness in God's service. Since no one is born with this trait, it must be learned through God's Spirit as He works within an individual. Personal responsibility in developing lowliness of mind involves several steps. First, one must stop seeking self-recognition and instead examine personal motives, asking whether the goal is to serve or to gain for oneself, since Christ taught that the greatest among His followers would be the servant of all. Second, one should view self as less than others, following Paul's example of considering himself less than the least of all the saints, an attitude God used to accomplish a mighty work among the Gentiles. Third, and most importantly, one must ask God for an increase of this fruit of His Spirit, trusting that He will grant it to those who ask. The development of lowliness of mind carries significant promises. Those who cultivate meekness are guided and taught by God, lifted up rather than cast down, and granted abundance of peace both in the present age and in the age to come. This lowliness of mind, joined with humility and righteousness, is also linked to a promise of safety in the day of God's anger, and ultimately to the assurance that the meek shall inherit the earth. Thus, lowliness of mind is portrayed not merely as a moral virtue but as a godly characteristic essential for drawing near to God and receiving His enduring blessings.
Before Honor Is Humility: The Story of Andrew
Article by Martin G. CollinsLowliness of mind emerges as a central theme illustrated through the apostle Andrew, whose quiet, unassuming service exemplifies genuine humility in contrast to the false humility so often condemned by observers of human nature, who noted that many parade proud submission merely to raise themselves higher. Andrew's life demonstrates that true lowliness of mind is not a performance but a settled disposition of the heart, evidenced by his willingness to labor without recognition. Though he was the first disciple called by Christ and witnessed most of Jesus' miracles, he never sought or attained a place of prominence among the apostles, unlike Peter, James, and John, who formed an inner circle, or James and John, who once asked to be seated first in the Kingdom. Andrew took no part in the disciples' disputes over greatness, choosing instead to focus on the work of Christ rather than his own reputation. This lowliness is shown concretely in the feeding of the five thousand, where Andrew, having quietly searched for a solution to the crowd's hunger, humbly presented an inadequate offering of five barley loaves and two small fish, acknowledging its insufficiency without pretension. Similarly, when Greeks sought Jesus at Passover, Andrew simply led them to Christ without hesitation or self-importance, reflecting his conviction that no one seeking truth could ever be a burden to Jesus. Such quiet, background service, performed not with eye-service as men-pleasers but from the heart, defines the lowliness of mind Andrew embodied throughout his ministry, even to his martyrdom. This humility is rooted directly in the example of Jesus Christ, who made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself even to death on the cross, as described in Philippians 2:7-8. Because Andrew followed this pattern of self-emptying service, he contributed significantly to unity among the apostles, since Ephesians 4:1-3 ties lowliness and gentleness directly to the preservation of unity in the bond of peace. Philippians 2:3-4 further connects humility with love, instructing believers to let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind to esteem others better than themselves and look out for the interests of others rather than their own. Andrew's grasp of Scripture reinforced this character, for he understood that before honor is humility, as stated in Proverbs 15:33 and 18:12, and that taking the lower seat allows God to exalt a person in due time, according to Luke 14:7-11. His life reflects Proverbs 16:18-19, that pride precedes destruction, while a humble spirit among the lowly is better than sharing spoil with the proud. Described by later commentators as a man of moderate endowment, simple-minded and sympathetic rather than dramatic or heroic, Andrew stands as an example of an ordinary believer whose lowliness of mind, empowered by God's Spirit, made his quiet service to Christ's work powerful and enduring.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLowliness of mind requires each person to esteem others better than himself rather than acting from selfish ambition or empty conceit. This attitude means counting others more significant and more important, regarding them as superior in preference and priority while giving them the first place in any endeavor instead of advancing one's own desires. It involves putting the interests, cares, and comforts of others above one's own through unreserved sacrifice and service, without developing feelings of inferiority or denying actual abilities and qualifications. Such lowliness of mind stands at the center of genuine humility, which begins inwardly and produces outward evidence of respect, submission, and obedience. It aligns with the mind that was in Christ Jesus, who, though equal with God, made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a bondservant, and humbled Himself to the point of death. Christ demonstrated this quality by washing the disciples' feet while acknowledging His role as Teacher and Lord, showing that true lowliness never loses self-respect yet willingly serves the weak. This trait connects directly to the call for self-examination before the Passover, because only those who develop lowliness of mind can properly discern the Lord's body and keep the observance in a worthy manner. It stands in opposition to pride, which exalts self-will and resists submission to God. By submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to Him, and cleansing both hands and hearts, a person cultivates the lowliness that enables God to lift him up. The same quality extends outward in honoring others, associating with the humble, and letting good works shine before the world, thereby reflecting the character God requires for salvation.
Servant Leadership: Practical Meekness
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMuch has been said and written about leadership in the church in the past several years. Godly leadership is an outworking of the virtue of meekness.
Delusions of Perfection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Day of Atonement, when God commands us to afflict our souls, is a day of self-evaluation and repentance to seek unity with Him and our brethren.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.
Dealing With a Sinning Brother
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDisfellowshiping is only used for the most extreme cases in which the safety of the congregation is threatened. Lesser offenses require more sensitivity.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHumility is not low self esteem, but instead it is a proper estimate of our relationship to God, which is a choice to act and behave as a servant or slave.