Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support

I.  Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:22 …the fruit of the Spirit is…meekness

The opposite of meekness is power and aggression.  But Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.”

In Christ we are a “new creation.”  Our old nature values power and control over life and life’s circumstances.  It is arrogant and self-centered. We are now new creations on account of Christ’s control in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.  As we abide in Him He blesses us with the fruit of His Spirit, freeing from our harsh, abrasive, and covetous selves to love and depend on Him, as well as our neighbors.

George Buttrick, in his exposition of Matthew’s Gospel says, “Others claim their rights, but the meek are concerned about their duties.”

II. Discussion

1. The meek are wrongly associated with the notion of being weak and sad little creatures.  Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit that draws upon the strength of the Lord for hope in this life and the life to come.  How does this message align with a culture that constantly calls us to fight for our rights?
2. As you walk with Jesus into your vocational arenas, concerned more about your duties than your rights, what looks different to you?  How are you changed?  How is your vocational arena changed?
3. Discuss Buttrick’s statement that, “The reward of meekness comes as a gift and legacy; it comes because the meek would never seize it.  An heir is the true child of the real possessor!”

1. Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?
2. This week I want to thank God for
3. This week God is leading me to confess or grow in

IV. Prayer & Praise

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross “Praise and Adoration of God.” Label the base of the cross “Requests.” On the cross bar, label the left side “Confession;” and the right side “Thanks.” These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.